20 Dinners That Use Just Five Ingredients or Less

Five ingredients or less dinners are a great way to get a meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. When you're juggling a busy day and want something simple, these recipes hit the mark—easy to make and still full of flavor. Whether you're cooking for the family or just looking for a quick meal for yourself, these dishes help you cut down on prep time without sacrificing taste. You don't need a bunch of ingredients to whip up something that's both convenient and satisfying. These recipes show how a few simple ingredients can come together for a perfect dinner.

Top view of caprese pasta salad on a plate. — Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These garlic green beans use just four ingredients and make a great side dish for fall dinners. It's a simple way to add flavor to your meal without complicated steps, making it perfect for any five-ingredient or less dinner.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Three chicken tacos topped with cilantro, avocado and red onions on a wooden cutting board. — Crockpot Green Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Crockpot green chili chicken delivers juicy, tender meat with bold seasoning using just a few ingredients. This five-ingredient or less dinner is practical for meal prep, offering ease and flavor for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast comes out juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to its simple homemade teriyaki sauce. With only a few ingredients, it’s an easy five-ingredient or less dinner that's perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast

Caprese Pasta Salad

Easy Caprese pasta combines sweet tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a light, satisfying meal. This five-ingredient or less recipe works as a main dish or side, ideal for gatherings, quick dinners, or next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Ham Steak

Air fryer ham steak brings the taste of oven-baked ham without the long cooking time. With just a few ingredients, it's a great five-ingredient or less dinner option for nights when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley. — Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer breaded pork chops combine juicy pork with a crispy breading, all in just a few easy steps. This five-ingredient or less dinner makes a simple, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Close-up of quick and easy oregano pasta. — Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Homemade oregano pesto pasta comes together with just three ingredients, offering a quick, comforting meal. This five-ingredient or less dinner is packed with flavor while being easy to prepare for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple take on the classic dish, made crispy and cheesy with minimal effort. Using just a few ingredients, it's a special five-ingredient or less dinner that doesn’t require much prep time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe is a creamy Italian pasta made with just five ingredients. This five-ingredient or less dinner is a budget-friendly option that’s easy to make for a comforting fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are made with just three ingredients and ready in 15 minutes. This quick and easy five-ingredient or less dinner is a great option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Garlic and Shallots

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Garlic and Shallots. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sautéed rainbow chard comes together with only three ingredients, providing a simple and healthy side for any meal. This five-ingredient or less recipe makes adding nutritious greens to your dinner easy.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Garlic and Shallots

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon is a two-ingredient recipe that cooks in just minutes for a healthy, flavorful meal. It’s a perfect five-ingredient or less dinner option for those nights when time is tight but you still want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

Candied Maple Brussels

Glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it. — Candied Maple Brussels. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Candied Brussels sprouts are a crispy, caramelized side dish that uses only five ingredients. The maple glaze makes this an easy five-ingredient or less dinner side, bringing a touch of sweetness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Candied Maple Brussels

Pesto Salmon

Pesto salmon is a flavorful dish that’s oven-baked and ready in less than 25 minutes. With just five ingredients, it’s a healthy, quick dinner option that fits perfectly into any five-ingredient or less meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Pepper Gravy

This pepper gravy is made with just five ingredients, creating a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for biscuits or fried chicken. It’s an easy way to enhance your five-ingredient or fewer dinners without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker chicken in a black plate. — 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow cooker chicken with gravy is comfort food made simple, with moist chicken and a savory topping. This five-ingredient or less dinner is a great choice for family meals or busy nights, offering maximum flavor with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet combines bold flavors in a healthy, quick dish using just four ingredients. This five-ingredient or less dinner is perfect for meal prep or a fast weeknight meal that doesn’t take much time.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork. — Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon is a quick, flavorful side dish made with only five ingredients. It’s a perfect addition to any fall meal and fits seamlessly into a five-ingredient or less dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Pesto Rice

Pesto rice is an easy-to-make side or main dish that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. This five-ingredient or less dinner option is great for busy nights when you want something simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (With Garlic and Oil)

This classic Italian garlic and oil pasta is made in less than 15 minutes using just a few ingredients. It’s a budget-friendly five-ingredient or less dinner that offers a comforting meal without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (With Garlic and Oil)