• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Little Bit Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Roundups

    21 Main Dishes That'll Make You Forget About Microwave Meals

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Apr 5, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    If you're tired of relying on microwave meals for a quick fix, I've got just the thing for you. I'm sharing a selection of main dishes that promise to satisfy and banish those microwave meal blues for good. From savory stir-fries to easy oven bakes, get ready to upgrade your dining experience with these homemade delights that are as delicious as they are easy to make. Let's say goodbye to bland and hello to flavor-packed meals worth savoring!

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

    Loading

    Panko Chicken Breast

    A close-up of a breaded, baked chicken breast cutlet garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tender chicken breasts coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. A quick and easy option for a hearty main dish, ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy a homemade meal that beats the monotony of microwave dinners without sacrificing taste or quality.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    Chicken Nuggets

    Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.
    Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crunchy and flavorful chicken nuggets, perfect for kids and adults alike. Skip the processed versions and opt for these homemade delights that promise a delightful meal without compromising on taste or convenience.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Ground meat and vegetables served over mashed potatoes.
    Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring seasoned ground pork and vibrant vegetables. This dish provides a satisfying meal option that's both easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a standout choice over microwave meals any day.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    A bowl of chicken stir-fry with vegetables served over rice, accompanied by chopsticks.
    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tender chicken pieces tossed in a peppery sauce, offering a bold and aromatic flavor experience. Say goodbye to bland microwave meals and savor the robust taste of this Chinese-inspired dish, perfect for a fulfilling main course.
    Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Korean beef and broccoli.
    Ground Beef and Broccoli. Image Credit: Little Bit Recipes

    A delicious fusion of Korean flavors and classic broccoli beef, providing a satisfying meal option with minimal effort. Elevate your dining experience beyond microwave meals with this savory dish that's sure to please the whole family.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Succulent shrimp skewers, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. With minimal prep and quick cook time, these skewers offer a delightful alternative to microwave meals, perfect for a hassle-free yet satisfying dinner option.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Shrimp Scampi

    Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs served with slices of toasted bread.
    Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused butter sauce, served over pasta for a classic yet elegant meal. Enjoy the indulgence of restaurant-quality dining without the hassle, making this dish a standout option over ordinary microwave meals.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    Mexican Steak Pizza

    Close-up of a cheesy Mexican steak pizza on a wooden spatula.
    Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A flavorful twist on traditional pizza, featuring savory steak and vibrant Mexican-inspired toppings. Treat yourself to a homemade pizza experience that's far superior to anything from the microwave, perfect for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Fork lifting a shrimp and pasta dish, with more food in the background.
    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Succulent shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish offers a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle, providing a delicious alternative to mundane microwave dinners that's sure to impress.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Creamy Chicken Curry

    A bowl of chicken curry served over white rice, with a red and white checkered napkin in the background.
    Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy and aromatic chicken curry, packed with flavor and served over fluffy rice. Say goodbye to bland microwave meals and savor the richness of this homemade curry that's sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

    Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
    Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tender fish fillets baked to perfection in a tangy lemon butter sauce, offering a refreshing and flavorful meal option. This dish is a delightful departure from ordinary microwave meals, providing a simple yet elegant dining experience.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

    Chicken Chop Suey

    Stir-fried chicken chop suey in a skillet.
    Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A colorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a flavorful sauce. Enjoy a homemade meal that's both nutritious and satisfying, offering a welcome change from mundane microwave dinners with its vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    Grilled salmon fillet garnished with lemon slices and grated cheese on a white plate, accompanied by a red and white striped napkin.
    Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A tangy and buttery sauce, perfect for drizzling over grilled or baked salmon fillets. Elevate your seafood experience with this homemade sauce that adds a burst of flavor and freshness, making it a standout choice over ordinary microwave meals.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled chicken thigh on a white plate with green beans and a side of barbecue sauce, garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden table.
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tender boneless chicken thighs grilled to perfection and glazed with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Enjoy a mouthwatering main dish that's perfect for summertime grilling and far surpasses the convenience of microwave meals with its irresistible flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Chicken Divan

    A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
    Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. Treat yourself to a homemade meal that's both satisfying and flavorful, providing a welcome departure from mundane microwave dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

    Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Fried chicken with honey glaze garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter glaze, offering a delicious twist on a classic dish. Skip the fast-food options and opt for this homemade version that promises to satisfy your cravings with every crunchy bite.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Panko Crusted Cod

    Breaded fish fillet served with green beans and lemon slices on a white plate.
    Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Flakey cod fillets coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Enjoy a seafood dish that's both flavorful and easy to prepare, providing a satisfying alternative to mundane microwave meals with its crisp texture and delicious taste.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    Wet Burrito

    Two chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce and sour cream, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of corn and black beans.
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A hearty burrito filled with seasoned meat, beans, rice, and smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese. Indulge in a homemade Mexican favorite that's sure to satisfy your hunger and far surpass the convenience of microwave meals with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
    Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tender steak strips served over creamy Alfredo pasta, offering a decadent and satisfying meal option. Skip the takeout and opt for this homemade pasta dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor without the need for a microwave.
    Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Close-up of a golden, breaded pork chop cut into slices.
    Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy and tender pork chops coated in panko breadcrumbs, baked to perfection. With minimal prep and short cooking time, these pork chops are a delicious option for a satisfying main dish that beats microwave meals any day.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Cream Cheese Chicken

    A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate.
    Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get creamy and flavorful chicken made with rich cream cheese sauce. This dish offers a comforting meal option that's easy to prepare and far superior to microwave meals, making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    More Roundups

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Stories

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2025. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.