18 Delicious Recipes That Require Very Little Cleanup

You’re hungry and willing to cook, but you’re already dreading the cleanup afterward—we get it! It might sound too good to be true, but you can create something amazing in the kitchen without filling the sink with dirty dishes. Typically, slow-cooker dishes, Instant Pot favorites and air fryer recipes all require little cleanup. But you aren’t limited to using those gadgets either. Skillets, sheet pans and casserole dishes can also help you get a meal on the table with minimal mess. The stovetop-to-oven cast-iron skillet technique in this recipe is our go-to for achieving crispy, juicy chicken thighs. If you’re tight on time, the chicken is delicious without the butter sauce. But to truly impart restaurant-worthy flavor, try your hand at the classic white wine and butter sauce known as beurre blanc in French.

The air fryer truly is a lifesaver when it comes to easy-cleanup recipes, including steak! Thicker cuts, like sirloin, are best in the air fryer — they’ll brown nicely on the outside without overcooking.

This dish is cooked in just one pot (no need to bring water to a boil beforehand!), so it's a super quick and easy choice for weeknights. We top it off with creamy ricotta, salty Parmesan and bitter lemon zest for a bold but balanced finish.

Your dishwasher will thank you for this easy one-sheet weeknight dinner — no prep bowls needed! Juicy roasted tomatoes and cheesy chicken breasts get a hint of brightness from fresh basil and a balsamic reduction.