August has that funny in-between energy: still hot enough for easy summer dinners, but with school supplies, calendars, and earlier bedtimes starting to creep back in. This week’s plan keeps dinner low-drama with simple, family-friendly meals that still feel fresh and fun. There’s a little bit of everything: crunchy tacos, stuffed peppers, sticky chicken, quick curry, buttery shrimp, and a sweet-salty snack to tuck in the fridge for later.
Helpful Tips for the Week
- For Monday’s Baked Chicken Tacos, make the chicken filling ahead, but wait to fill the taco shells until just before baking so they stay crisp.
- Cook a small batch of rice early in the week for the Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. If you want rice with the curry too, make extra and refrigerate it in a shallow container within 2 hours. Use cooked rice within 3 to 4 days.
- Mix the marinade for Honey Soy Chicken Thighs in the morning or the night before so dinner can go straight into the oven.
- Thaw the fish and shrimp in the refrigerator the day before you need them. Friday’s Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp cooks quickly, so have any sides ready first.
- Make the Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites when you have a little downtime. They need time to chill, and they keep well in the fridge for an easy sweet-salty snack during the week.
This Week’s Recipes
1
Baked Chicken Tacos
These baked chicken tacos are the best tacos EVER! Taco shells loaded with refried beans, rotisserie chicken with salsa, cheese, and all the toppings. An easy dinner for the whole family, ready in under 30 minutes!
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2
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Colorful bell peppers are air fried until perfectly tender and then filled with a savory beef and rice filling. A melty topping of two cheeses is the perfect finish.
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3
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs, baked in a sweet and savory honey, garlic, and soy marinade, are juicy, delicious, and super simple to prepare.
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4
Thai Fish Curry
This quick and easy Thai Fish Curry features tender fish gently simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce infused with vibrant Thai spices.
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5
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Harissa spicy garlic butter shrimp are packed with amazing flavor! Juicy shrimp are quickly sauteed in a rich garlic butter sauce with North African harissa paste, then brightened with lemon juice and fresh parsley. This 15-minute recipe makes a delicious quick appetizer and can be paired with a salad or pasta to create a complete meal as well.
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6
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
Easy chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel bites are sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy!
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Shopping List
This shopping list includes everything you need to make all five dinners, plus the bonus recipe included in this week’s plan. Click the button below to print it and take it to the store.
Produce
- 3 medium yellow onions
- 1 large bulb garlic, or 2 small bulbs
- 1 small knob fresh ginger
- 6 to 7 medium bell peppers
- 1 small bag fresh green beans
- 1 small bag shredded lettuce, or 1 small head iceberg lettuce
- 1 large lime
- 1 medium lemon
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley
Meat, Poultry and Fish
- 1 rotisserie chicken, or about 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 pound lean ground beef, 90/10 if available
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, about 2 pounds
- 1 ½ pounds white fish fillets, such as cod
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, 31-44 count if available
Dairy & Refrigerated Items
- 1 8-ounce bag shredded Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or mozzarella
- 1 8-ounce bag shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 small wedge Parmesan cheese, or 1 container grated Parmesan
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 stick salted butter
Pantry & Spices
- 12 taco shells
- 1 small jar salsa
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 small can diced green chiles
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1-pound bag jasmine rice, white rice, or brown rice
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Small carton chicken broth, or use water
- Sesame oil
- Fish sauce
- Red curry paste
- Harissa paste
- Creamy peanut butter
- Pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- 1 large bag Snaps square pretzels
- 20 ounces chocolate melting wafers
- Taco seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground turmeric
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Light brown sugar or coconut sugar
Supplies
- Aluminum foil or nonstick spray
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
- Gallon-size zip-top bag
- Quarter sheet pan or 9×13-inch baking dish, if needed
- Air fryer, if needed
- 2 half-sheet pans or cookie sheets, if needed
Optional Serving Ideas
Avocado and sour cream for tacos
Fresh basil for stuffed peppers
Fresh Thai basil or fresh chilies for Thai fish curry
Pasta, salad, or crusty bread for shrimp
Sea salt or sprinkles for pretzel bites
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