Crockpots are cool, skillets are sweet, but baking pans can’t be beaten! Yes, we are so excited about these plate dinners that we were literally just looking forward to them. And so will you when adding these recipes to your kitchen layout.
The affordable, simple, humble plate provides a light foundation for many healthy meals that you can blast into your oven. All of the dinner recipes below are low in calories (most are under 500), have a lower sodium content, and have nutritional aspects such as high protein, superfood or hunger estimation ingredients. Scope them to see which one you want to try tonight!
You can really try any combination you want for this plate dinner. Not a fan of broccoli? Try adding some asparagus skewers, Brussels sprouts or green beans. Don’t like sweet potatoes? Roast some regular potato pieces, or even some chickpeas or cauliflower flowers! And if you don’t want BBQ chicken, try roasting some steak or salmon instead.
Get our recipe for BBQ chicken with 5 ingredients.
When it comes to plant-based sausages, there are plenty of options on the market. As with any other grocery, your best bet is to look for a nutritional label with a short list of recognizable foods. Make sure the sausage contains a decent amount of protein, and if there is any fiber in it, that’s an added bonus. Stay away from ‘meat of plants’ that are predominantly carbohydrates.
Get our recipe for Vegan Sausage and Vegetables.
Looking for a light family dinner to throw together for a quick meal? Well, this chicken fajitas recipe is it! Pan dinners for plates are the real MVPs for busy weeknights. They have the convenience of a dump-and-go as a slow-cook meal, but it only takes approx. 30 minutes to cook (instead of waiting four to eight hours for a meal!)
Get our recipe for Chicken Fajitas.
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Salmon and asparagus are always good grilled together, but this baked salmon recipe is even more appropriate for keto diet followers because it adds more delicious fat to the omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in salmon. Tips of lemon in mayo-based topping are also delicious on the asparagus.
Get our recipe for butter-baked salmon and asparagus.
Use boneless chops when you can for better taste, but even if you choose boneless, make sure your chops have some fat. In terms of the vegetables, broccoli and pepper work well, but the great thing about this dish is that you can use any seasonal vegetables (asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts). Along with veggies, dried herbs, salt and olive oil provide delicious Italian flavors.
Get our recipe for Italian pork chops.
If you are a fan of basil, this pesto chicken recipe may just become one of your weekday dinner gyms.
Get our recipe for Pesto Chicken.
This simple dinner will make you leave the table and feel light and fresh. Salmon is packed with omega-3s and coated in a oh so flavorful sweet mustard glaze, giving it that extra bit of seaweed you’re looking for. No need for dessert, because this plate top kills the flavorful and sweet craving!
Get the recipe from Damn Delicious.
Move over fried chicken parmes, oven baked chicken parmes are here and it’s better than ever. By choosing to bake a bowl in the oven instead of frying it in oil, you save almost half the calories. Chicken parmesan is usually a fried dish covered in salt, but this supper reduces the intake of calories, fat and sodium while keeping the same good taste. Speaking of which, be sure to check out these 35 healthy crock pot recipes!
Get the recipe from Bobbi’s Cozy Kitchen.
These quick and easy chicken fajitas are seasoned with perfection and they are sure to satisfy. They are a Tex-Mex oldie that gets your mouth watering when in the oven. Traditionally made with a skirt steak, the chicken lights them up so you get the extra bite.
Get the recipe from Foraged dish.
If you are wondering what a kalette is, it is a hybrid vegetable that is similar to the flavors of Brussels sprouts and kale. It has a hint of a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. The chicken sausage saves you some of the calories and added fat, but still the same good flavors!
Get the recipe from Heart Beet Kitchen.
Roasting tomatoes pulls out the juicy sweetness and gives the perfect burst of bite! Along with cilantro that promotes detoxification and can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, this meal is one for the books. Intrigued? Don’t miss these 26 recipes that reduce cellulite!
Get the recipe from Taste food blog.
Chop some vegetables, throw them on the pan, sprinkle with cheese and voila! A vegetarian dinner for four is served. This beautifully colorful vegetable dish is a taste bud. Goat cheese adds the perfect texture and salty touch. This is a hearty dinner, even for non-vegetarians looking to do meatless Monday!
Get the recipe from Sonia’s food.
Does it look good or what? Not only does this bright dish look great, but it also tastes good. There is no harm in adding a little cheese as long as you do not go overboard and along with some bread crumbs leaves a big crunch! Swap out the processed mayo and add some Greek yogurt to get some healthy fat you won’t be disappointed!
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
Salmon and asparagus are a nutrient-packed duo. It is known that asparagus regulates your blood sugar, reduces inflammation and supports your digestive system. What more can you ask for in one page? Paired with salmon and potatoes – they are for the ideal dinner that is earthy, light and super low in fat!
Get the recipe from Let the baking begin.
Chicken Parm is a meal usually made with a heavy side of pasta. Here is a lighter version of chicken covered in pancake bread crumbs and baked with zucchini. A good prey when looking to lower carbohydrate intake and increase health benefits! Cover lightly in cheese and marinara to get the same amazing flavor.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
The convenience and simplicity of this meal is what makes it so amazing. The light green broccoli and meaty shrimp are sure to fill you up without the button-busting feeling. Cut down on the salt and drizzle with lemon for some extra flavor without all the inflammation.
Get the recipe from Wednesday chef.
Chimichurri is a light, fragrant sauce made from a variety of herbs and spices, the perfect accompaniment to meats like chicken and vegetables like potatoes, both of which have a mild flavor. It adds a great kick to the bowl without all the guilt of fat and sodium. Get more chicken inspiration with these 35 Best Ever Weight Loss Chicken Recipes!
Get the recipe from Cooking in Canuck.
Salmon fajita – who would have thought you would ever see the two words side by side? Well, as strange as it may sound, this dish is a great way to facilitate a restaurant meal at your home. The experienced salmon and vegetables together create an under 30 minute dish that is healthy and super flavorful.
Get the recipe from Laughing Spatula.
This perfectly cooked turkey is incredibly juicy and naturally sweet from the honey. Combined with the caramelized carrots, rich potatoes and crunchy Brussels sprouts, a Thanksgiving party provides any day of the year. Brussels sprouts are a veggie that promotes detoxification in the body and provides a healthy dose of vitamins K and C. Try this, it is a meal you will definitely be grateful for!
Get the recipe from Katie’s Cucina.
Shrimp on barbecue is a summer favorite, but when the weather gets cold and you don’t want to walk out your door to grill here, the answer is! Change the vegetables up through the year for some of your favorites in the fall, spring and winter, it will still be just as tasty. Bake in a light dressing and effortlessly. This layer plate meal makes you feel like it’s 85 and sunny all year long.
Get the recipe from Taste and tell blog.
If you are some kind of meat and potatoes, here is the meal for you! With this dish, while sticking to the old southern ways to have potatoes with every meal, you are still able to get a healthy amount of protein without being suffocated in butter and salt. The lower sugar intake is also a great way to end the day before settling down!
Get the recipe from Julie’s eating and treating.
Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a great addition to a meal when you want to include a solid texture and good flavor without having a starchy cereal. They have a mild flavor that can be turned into something amazing by adding just a few herbs and spices. Along with the crunch of the crispy leaks and the juicy chicken, this meal will fill you up and leave your stomach happy. The yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt is a perfectly tangy blend, but if you want to cut down on calories, we say just skip it!
Get the recipe from Macheesmo.
A sweet dish with just the right amount of tasty! These Italian sausages are perfect for any meal of the day. The browned vegetables give a nice bite and bring out the natural sugary taste without any fake sugar additives.
Get the recipe from Food food with the family.
Bacon and eggs are a classic for breakfast, but sometimes it’s a fun dinner too! This light bake is a protein-packed one-pot meal and a blend of sweet and savory flavors that are perfect for turning your head on. Because when it is actually 4 p.m. 20, make it extra easy with these 5-ingredient, 5-minute, healthy breakfast ideas.
Get the recipe from Diethood.
This one is sure to become a favorite in any household. With just five ingredients plus spices, it’s as simple to put together as it is a clean up. Fennel is a versatile vegetable that gets a lot of flavor. It is also said to have tons of fiber and be a good source of vitamins!
Get the recipe from Mad Schmoody.
The chicken in this recipe is coated with balsamic vinegar and honey, while the remaining balsamic sauce is poured over spicy potatoes and carrots. Yum!
Get the recipe from The Creme de la Crumb.
This dish is simple and flavorful and contains many Greek ingredients in a plate. The chicken is tossed in balsamic vinegar and paprika with feta, all drizzled with tzatziki.
Get the recipe from Half-baked harvest.
This dish is healthy and quick to make! Mix your veggies and sausage in herbs and olive oil for a quick lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe from Chelsea’s messy apron.
The marinated, spicy chicken with tzatziki sauce and the soft and warm pita give the dish a delicious taste – and is definitely one of our favorite layer plate dinners.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
The toasted pineapple in this plate dinner dinner is coated with hoisin sauce and pineapple juice adds sweetness and acid to the dish because of its roasted edges. Hoisin sauce is mostly used as a dip sauce when you have Peking Duck at a Chinese restaurant. It is a sweet brown sauce made mainly of soybeans.
Get the recipe from The creative bite.
This dish is quick and a simple weekday meal for the family. Covered with cheese, corn, pico de gallo and chicken it can feed anyone. And while it’s a huge pan of nachos, you can definitely add to your sheet plate dinner list.
Get the recipe from The Baker Mama.
The prawns in this recipe are coated with honey and cajun spices, and the baby red potatoes are coated with butter. Gives this dish a spicy and tender flavor.
Get the recipe from The Creme de la Crumb.
This honey mustard with chicken, chicken sheets, comes with baked potatoes, carrots, onions and Brussels sprouts. It is great if you are looking for a paleo, gluten, grain free and dairy free meal.
Get the recipe from Ambitious kitchen.
This dish can be made vegan by replacing the chicken with tofu or fish. Harissa is a spicy chili paste used as a marinade for meat and vegetables. Gives the dish an earthy and spicy flavor.
Get the recipe from Fortress at home.
The Sriracha sauce gives this dish a Korean style twist to it. Cauliflower and chickpeas in this recipe serve as the most important, making this one of your favorite gluten- and vegan-free plates.
Get the recipe from Eat bird food.
Instead of separating everything, just toss the chicken and vegetables in a pan for a quick and easy meal. You can use less oil and get the roasted edges on all your vegetables.
Get the recipe from Give some oven.
The cauliflower in this recipe is soaked in coconut-based curry sauce with some jalapenos to add a kick to a delicious combination of flavors.
Get the recipe from I breathe, I’m hungry.
