Labor Day is here, bringing one last long summer weekend before September routines really settle in. This week’s meal plan starts with an easy grilled dinner perfect for the holiday, followed by four simple family favorites to help make the return to busy school and work schedules a little easier.
From fresh grilled chicken and a flavor-packed weeknight dinner to easy beef and broccoli, creamy chicken, and a fun twist on sloppy joes, this week’s lineup has plenty of variety while keeping weeknight cooking simple.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Monday is Labor Day, so we’re firing up the grill for Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken. Tender chicken is marinated with fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, and seasonings, then grilled and topped with a fresh avocado mixture. Pair it with corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, or my favorite Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad for an easy holiday dessert.
Tuesday brings Angry Chicken to the table, an easy chicken dinner packed with bold flavor that’s perfect for shaking up the usual weeknight routine. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a simple meal after the long holiday weekend.
Wednesday features Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli, an easy dinner made with tender beef and broccoli cooked together on one pan. Serve it over rice for a simple midweek meal with minimal cleanup.
Thursday is all about Melt in Your Mouth Chicken, a simple chicken dinner that’s tender, creamy, and packed with flavor. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
We’re ending the week with Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes on Friday. Classic sloppy joe filling is piled onto garlic bread and topped with plenty of melted cheese for a fun family dinner that’s perfect for kicking off the weekend.
Make busy nights a little easier:
Before heading to the grocery store, check your pantry and refrigerator for staples like rice, chicken broth, shredded cheese, garlic, and everyday seasonings. Several of this week’s recipes use ingredients you may already have on hand.
Prepare the marinade for Monday’s Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken ahead of time and let the chicken soak up all that flavor in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
Cook a batch of rice earlier in the week to serve with Tuesday’s Angry Chicken and Wednesday’s Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli. Having it ready to reheat makes both dinners even easier.
Wash and prep your vegetables when you get home from the grocery store so they’re ready for quick side dishes throughout the week.
If Friday is especially busy, prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time. Reheat it when you’re ready for dinner, assemble the garlic bread, add the cheese, and finish everything in the oven.
Round out this week’s dinners with simple sides like corn on the cob, fresh fruit salad, roasted vegetables, bacon wrapped green beans, garden salads, or crispy Parmesan potatoes. It’s a great week to enjoy those last summer favorites while slowly starting to welcome some of the flavors of fall.
Another week of dinners is planned and ready to go! Scroll down for all five recipes and save this meal plan for those busy September weeknights. Don’t forget to check out Weekly Meal Plan #13 for even more easy family dinner ideas!
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