40 Easy Dinner Recipes for Father’s Day That Don’t Involve the Grill for Once

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Not every Father’s Day dinner needs to involve smoke, charcoal, or someone standing over a grill for hours. These easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day skip the usual setup and still get everyone to the table fast. They’re built for real weeknight energy—simple steps, bold flavors, and just enough cleanup to keep it honest. Some feed a crowd, others lean into comfort, and all of them work without you breaking a sweat. If you’re cooking for someone who appreciates a good meal without the show, this list will cover you.

Cream Cheese Chicken

Plate of chicken breast with creamy sauce, green beans, and pine nuts on a white plate. Red checkered cloth in the background.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Rich without trying too hard, this creamy chicken brings the flavor without you breaking a sweat. It fits the bill for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day because it feeds everyone and still leaves time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

How to Make General Tso Chicken

A bowl of stir-fried chicken garnished with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and dried red chilies, served next to a plate of white rice.
How to Make General Tso Chicken. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This version skips the takeout line but still brings the heat and crunch. Great for Father’s Day when you want dinner fast but don’t want it to feel lazy.
Get the Recipe: How to Make General Tso Chicken

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

A plate of pistachio-crusted salmon garnished with chopped herbs, served alongside lemon slices and spinach leaves.
Pistachio Crusted Salmon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crunchy, classy, and done before you know it—this salmon doesn’t need a white tablecloth to feel fancy. It’s a solid win for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day, especially if you’re skipping the grill.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Salmon

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

A bowl of stir-fried beef with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served over rice. The dish includes red bell peppers and a glossy sauce.
30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This dish pulls no punches. It’s bold, beefy, and fast enough to whip up before Dad even asks what’s for dinner. Easily one of the smartest picks for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

Wet Burrito

Two burritos filled with rice, corn, and herbs, topped with cheese, red sauce, and sour cream on a white plate. Background includes two small bowls with yellow and dark items.
Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Smothered, stuffed, and gone in minutes—this burrito skips the small talk and heads straight to hero status. Great for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that don’t require grilling or babysitting a pan.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

30 Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Pan of farfalle pasta with corn, diced vegetables, and herbs on a light marble surface.
30 Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This one’s built for the hungry but impatient. The corn adds a little sweetness, the sauce does the heavy lifting, and Dad will probably ask for seconds. Yep, it checks every box for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets

Plate with sliced breaded chicken, lemon slices, mixed greens, and mashed potatoes. Fork and napkin on the side.
Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Golden and crunchy without being fussy—these cutlets are the kind of dinner that makes people think you planned ahead. They slide right into the list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day because they don’t need a ton of prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets

Whole30 Creamy Spinach Bacon Chicken

A skillet with cooked chicken thighs, seasoned with herbs, surrounded by bacon pieces and green herbs. Fresh cilantro is on the side, along with a beige cloth.
Whole30 Creamy Spinach Bacon Chicken. Photo credit: Organically Addison.

Even if Dad’s skipping carbs, he won’t skip this. The bacon pulls it into weekend-worthy territory, which is exactly what easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day should do.
Get the Recipe: Whole30 Creamy Spinach Bacon Chicken

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A dish of honey walnut shrimp garnished with green onions on a white rectangular platter, set on a light wooden table with a striped napkin nearby.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Skip the drive-thru and still win the day with this sweet and crunchy shrimp. It’s a fun pick for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that doesn’t taste like a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Stir-fried chicken pieces with mushrooms, red bell peppers, and herbs.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

No cutting board, no stress—just fast bites full of garlic and charm. This skillet’s ideal for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day, especially when you’d rather hang out than hover over a stove.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Chicken Marsala

Skillet with cooked chicken thighs, sliced mushrooms, and rosemary garnish. A white bowl partially visible in the background.
Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska .

Fancy-ish without being a production, this one delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day when you want applause but not a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

Close-up of a creamy chicken casserole topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, garnished with herbs, served on a dark plate with a gold fork.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Toss it in, forget about it, then casually serve a plate that smells like you cooked all day. That’s the magic of this one, and why it’s a standout for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Grilled marinated ribs stacked on a wooden surface with dipping sauces in the background.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy, salty, and way less mess than you’d expect—this one’s made for the air fryer crowd. Great choice if you’re leaning into easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day but still want something with crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grilled skewers with chicken, pineapple, and green peppers on a round plate. Bowl of grilled pineapple and green leaves on the side.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Simple & Fraiche.

These kabobs know how to keep things interesting without making you babysit the grill. Sweet, smoky, and fast, they belong on your list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

A bowl of pasta spirals mixed with ground meat, topped with chopped green onions, on a striped cloth.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated, and this one proves it. It’s a low-effort win for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that doubles as a leftovers jackpot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Grilled meat skewers with sauce and chopped green onions on a black tray.
Hoisin Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Sticky, rich, and done in under an hour—this pork wins points without making a mess. Definitely one to add to your list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that hit the mark.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

A plate with sliced meatloaf topped with gravy and parsley, served alongside mashed potatoes.
Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Meatloaf usually gets a bad rap, but this one’s hiding a gooey surprise in the middle. It’s a cheeky upgrade that works great for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf Recipe

Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds

A piece of almond-crusted fish garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge on a blue patterned plate.
Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Light but not boring, this walleye dish adds just enough crunch to keep things interesting. It checks out as one of the better easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that isn’t all about red meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemon and Almonds

Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

A plate of creamy pasta with sliced mushrooms and fresh parsley, accompanied by a fork.
Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

This pasta pulls together in no time but still feels like something from a restaurant. That’s exactly why it lands on the list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day with zero hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tagliatelle and Mushrooms

Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and pieces of cooked meat on a light-colored plate. A napkin is partially visible beside the bowl.
Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

You’ll barely break a sweat with this one, but the combo of tuna and pesto delivers every time. Great option when you want easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that don’t include red meat or grilling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Grilled chicken pieces on a white plate with herbs, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a bowl of red dip in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Skip the takeout and let the pressure cooker do the work. This is one of those easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that makes it look like you tried way harder than you did.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Enchilada Meatballs

Meatballs topped with melted cheese and garnished with cilantro in a cast-iron skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska .

Spicy and cheesy in all the right places, these meatballs are built to impress without requiring an hour of prep. They’re a fun add-on to your list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day, especially if Dad likes a little heat.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe

A spoonful of creamy pasta with visible ground meat, cheese, and small bits of tomatoes.
Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Leftovers never looked so good. This cheesy pasta saves you time and still brings the kind of flavor that earns you a break from cleanup—perfect for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

Plate of pork chops in creamy mushroom sauce, garnished with parsley and onion slices. A striped napkin is beside the plate on a textured surface.
Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Dump it, go do something else, then come back to dinner ready and waiting. That’s the dream, and that’s why it belongs with your go-to easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

Simple Southwest Tortilla Pie

A slice of layered enchilada casserole with visible layers of cheese, black beans, corn, chicken, and tortillas on a white plate.
Simple Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest And Truly.

Layers of flavor without a single casserole dish in sight. If you’re going for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that don’t require babysitting the oven, this one’s got your back.
Get the Recipe: Simple Southwest Tortilla Pie

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

A slice of pot pie on a green plate, filled with vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and pieces of chicken, next to a baking dish with the remaining pie.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Turkey might not be top of mind for Father’s Day, but this pie proves otherwise. It’s rich, quick, and surprisingly easy—just what you want from easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Close-up of a spoonful of creamy mac and cheese topped with golden breadcrumbs and herbs above a dish filled with more mac and cheese.
Chicken on the Ritz Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Buttery, crispy, and unapologetically retro—this casserole skips the drama and gets right to the point. Definitely a solid choice for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day if you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

A plate with a serving of meatloaf topped with red sauce, accompanied by green beans and mashed potatoes.
Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Everyone gets their own meatloaf, which means no arguing over who got the bigger slice. That’s a win for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day and for keeping things peaceful.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Mini Meatloaf Recipe on a Sheet Pan

Alfredo Steak Pasta

A skillet with creamy pasta topped with sliced mushrooms and parsley, with a wooden spoon resting inside. A checkered cloth and sprigs of parsley are nearby.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy meets beefy in a pasta dish that doesn’t ask for much but still gets plenty of attention. One of the easiest ways to check off your list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day without a grocery run.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Ground Beef Curry

A pan filled with a mixture of peas, diced potatoes, tomatoes, and minced meat, all cooked in spices.
Ground Beef Curry. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

Warm spices, fast prep, and enough flavor to wake up even the sleepiest appetite. This curry slides into easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day without needing any fancy steps or special gear.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Curry

Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro

Sliced, seasoned chicken breast with sesame seeds, served alongside farro and a vibrant mix of diced cucumber, tomatoes, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If dad likes bold flavor and isn’t afraid of a few crumbs, this one checks both boxes. It’s hearty without being heavy, which makes it one of the smarter easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro

Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Plate of fried chicken pieces garnished with garlic, onions, and chopped green onions, on a bamboo mat, with chopsticks on the side.
Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Crispy on the outside and juicy where it counts, these bites are proof that simple wins. They’re a no-fuss pick for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day when time is short and hunger is not.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Chorizo Baked Eggs

A skillet contains a dish with eggs, tomato sauce, crumbled cheese, avocado slices, and herbs. A piece of bread, green onions, and cilantro are nearby on the table.
Chorizo Baked Eggs. Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

This dish pulls double duty—part brunch, part dinner, and completely Dad-approved. If you’re after easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that don’t feel boring, this one does the job.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Baked Eggs

Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli

A plate of uncooked ravioli squares on a marble surface, with fresh basil leaves on a wooden board nearby.
Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

It sounds fancy, but it comes together faster than you’d think. For dads who love cheese and carbs (so, all of them), this is an easy dinner win on Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli

Meaty & Cheesy Sausage Parmigiana

Oval dish with baked lasagna on red-striped cloth, accompanied by a glass of red wine, viewed from above on a white surface.
Meaty & Cheesy Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

It’s loud, meaty, and piled with cheese—basically what Dad would order if no one judged him. That’s why it holds its own on a list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Meaty & Cheesy Sausage Parmigiana

Sausage Curry

A skillet filled with cooked sausages, sliced carrots, and peas, garnished with fresh herbs and mixed in a rich sauce. A wooden spoon rests on the side.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This curry doesn’t play around—it’s rich, cozy, and way better than reheating leftovers. Bonus: it also feeds a hungry crowd, which is exactly what Father’s Day calls for.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

A plate with breaded pork chops topped with gravy, cooked broccoli, and a baked sweet potato with butter.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunchy, salty, and straight to the point, these pork chops don’t pretend to be health food. But they do belong on your list of easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day, no argument there.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

A plate with a cooked salmon fillet on a bed of grains, accompanied by asparagus spears, a lemon wedge, and a sprig of dill.
Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Light but not boring, this salmon dish works when you want something fresh but still feel like you made an effort. Great for Father’s Day when grilling isn’t an option but flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon and Asparagus

Chicken Black Bean Salsa Corn Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy nacho dish topped with melted cheese, black olives, and diced vegetables.
Chicken Black Bean Salsa Corn Casserole. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This is basically your fridge’s greatest hits, all baked into one pan. If your goal is easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that don’t require babysitting the stove, this one checks out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Black Bean Salsa Corn Casserole

Meatball Casserole

Baked chicken breasts covered in melted cheese and tomato sauce, garnished with parsley, in a white ceramic dish on a cooling rack.
Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If Dad loves comfort food, this one covers it all—meaty, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. It’s a no-fuss pick for easy dinner recipes for Father’s Day that still feels like you went all out.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

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