On rainy days, you can kick back, relax, and have some fun with cooking! We’ve collected 23 of the Best Rainy Day Dinner Ideas for the family to gather around the table and enjoy some quality time. Whether you’re cooking a delicious Saturday dinner or a lazy Sunday meal, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Easy Rainy Day Dinner Ideas
Southern Fried Chicken
This fried chicken is crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside. Those who are in the know will tell you that these fried chicken are better than anything found at restaurants like KFC and Chik-Fil-A!
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
There’s no need to bake your shepherd’s pie in a casserole dish – this one is prepared and baked in a skillet, so fewer dishes to wash! It’s delicious, flavorful, and full of beef, onions, carrots and corn. You’ll love the creamy mash potato topping.
Baked Ziti
Perfect for you, your family, and guests – this baked ziti dish is ideal to feed a crowd. You’ll love how this recipe includes tips and tricks on how to perfectly cook pasta, and make a rich and flavorful homemade sauce.
Tuna Casserole
Don’t let the name fool you, this recipe is one you don’t want to miss! It’s a quick, hearty, and simple casserole that your whole family will love. Filled with egg noodles, tuna, mushroom soup, and cheese, this dish surely won’t disappoint.
Chili Con Carne
Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, chili con carne is a must try! It’s a simple dish that goes a long way on those nights when you’re looking for something that’s healthy and comforting. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of shredded cheese.
Beef Stew
This melt in your mouth dish is perfect for a weekend family dinner. It’s easy to prepare, and comes out tender and juicy with a deliciously rich sauce. Your family will certainly ask for this one again and again!
Boneless Pork Chops
With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have an easy and healthy dinner for your family before you know it! These pan-fried boneless pork chops turn out juicy and flavorful every time! Serve them with roasted asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes for a meal that can’t be beat.
Party Lasagna
This recipe takes your traditional lasagna routine and turns it upside down – literally! Party lasagna is a mouthwatering dish that’s full of meaty flavors and is ready to serve in half the time of regular recipes.
Beef Stroganoff
Is there anything better than beef stroganoff? This recipe combines strips of beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a creamy sour cream sauce. This hearty dish is ready to eat in under an hour!
Baked Sockeye Salmon
Are you unsure about cooking fish? Don’t worry! This recipe turns out perfectly every time. You can even make it in the oven or on the grill!
Crockpot Mississippi Roast
For those that don’t slow down on the weekend, this one’s for you! Crockpot Mississippi roast is juicy, tender and only takes 10 minutes of your time to prep! From the succulent beef, to the tender veggies, and the rich gravy, this dish is perfect!
Szechuan Chicken
Here’s a delicious Chinese dish that you can easily prepare at home. The combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors are amazing! Customize this dish to suit your taste, from mild to extra hot!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This recipe perfectly combines your love for sloppy joes and philly cheesesteak. It’s messy, cheesy, and everything your family will love for dinner!
Fettuccine Alfredo
Time to skip the canned sauce and make creamy fettuccine alfredo completely from scratch. Using butter, parmesan cheese, garlic, heavy cream, and salt, this dish is sure to impress!
Vegetarian Enchiladas
If you’re looking for a meatless dinner option that’s big on flavor, this one’s for you! These vegetarian enchiladas are prepared with black beans and veggies, and then smothered in a homemade sauce. It’s easy to make, healthy, and gluten-free too!
Classic Stuffed Peppers
There’s something about stuffed peppers that make them perfect for weekend dinners! Made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings, this dish is easier than you think. Add a side of crispy garden salad and dinner is served!
Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
Are you ready for a vegan dish that’s also plant based and gluten-free? These vegetarian burrito bowls give you and your family a huge dose of veggies while skipping the wraps! Loaded with Mexican flavors, these bowls are a great way to enjoy a healthy and wholesome meal.
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
If it’s a comforting dish you’re looking for, give this recipe a try! It’s warm, savory, and delicious to the very last bite. Made with Bisquick, the dumplings are super-easy to make and can be cooked on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or in a slow cooker.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready to take your classic mac and cheese recipe to the next level! This baked macaroni and cheese is made from scratch and turns out incredibly creamy and cheesy every time! Serve it with a green veggie on the side for a complete meal your family will love.
London Broil
Here’s a recipe that will wow you and your family! It takes a cheaper piece of meat and turns it into a tender and juicy steak that’s incredibly flavorful. The secret to this dish is the simple 5-minute marinade.
Baked Lemon Tilapia
Is there any better combination than lemon and garlic? Ready in under 20 minutes, this baked lemon tilapia is big on flavor, low in carbs, gluten-free, and keto-friendly!
Homemade Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? This recipe is easy, quick, and completely versatile. You’ll even get some tips and tricks on how to make this the best pizza you’ve ever had!
Indian Butter Chicken
Ready for a little ethnic flare for your weekend dinner? This butter chicken dish is creamy, spicy, and completely comforting. The tip here is to use yogurt in the marinade to ensure tender and succulent pieces of chicken every time.
Fun Raining Day Dinner: Crispy Fried Chicken Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken chicken wings sliced chicken breasts or your favorite cut
- canola oil for frying
For the Marinade
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together milk, lemon juice, hot sauce, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Add cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade into the zip-top bag and gently shake until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. (No more than 1 hour.)
- Heat the oil: Add about 2-inches of oil to a large pot or deep fryer and heat to 350˚F.
- Make the coating: In the meantime, combine Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from the bag a few at a time. Add them to the breadcrumb mixture and coat them thoroughly. I recommend pressing the coating lightly onto the chicken with your hands. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
- Fry the chicken: Once the oil is ready, carefully add the chicken into the pot, and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Remove the fried chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all the chicken is cooked. Serve and enjoy!
Leave a Reply