The week of Christmas is always a blur. Between school holiday events, last-minute shopping, wrapping gifts, hosting family, and just trying to keep everyone fed, dinner can easily become an afterthought. But I also know that takeout every night isn’t always the move, especially when you still want something comforting, homemade, and actually good on the table.
That’s why I always lean on a short list of easy, high-flavor dinners the week of Christmas. These are meals that feel special enough for the season, but don’t require hours in the kitchen or a million dishes afterward. Cozy, satisfying, and realistic for real life.
If you’re searching for easy Christmas week dinner ideas, these four recipes are my go-to rotation.
Parboiled Fried Chicken
Oxtail Pelau
One pan chicken drumsticks with broccoli & cheese rice
One-Pan Orzo Chicken Bake
1. Parboiled Fried Chicken
If there’s one meal that always feels like a win during the holidays, it’s fried chicken. My parboiled fried chicken is the shortcut version that still delivers on flavor and crispiness. Parboiling the chicken first means it cooks faster, stays juicy, and fries up evenly without standing over the stove forever.
This is the kind of dinner you make when you want comfort food without the stress. Serve it with simple sides, or keep it casual and let everyone dig in. It’s nostalgic, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd or stretching into leftovers.
2. Oxtail Pelau
Oxtail pelau is one of those dishes that feels extra special but doesn’t require constant attention once it’s going. Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this one-pot meal is perfect for chilly December nights when you want something hearty and satisfying.
It’s a great option if you’re craving bold flavor without juggling multiple dishes. Everything comes together in one pot, making it ideal for the busy days leading up to Christmas when you want dinner to basically cook itself.
3. One-Pan Chicken with Cheesy Broccoli Rice
This one-pan chicken and cheesy broccoli rice is exactly what it sounds like: simple, cozy, and family-friendly. It’s a complete meal in one dish, which is always a win during the holidays.
Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice come together in a way that feels comforting without being heavy. This is the kind of dinner you make on a night when you’re exhausted but still want something homemade on the table.
4. Chicken Orzo Bake
A chicken orzo bake is one of my favorite “set it and forget it” dinners during the Christmas rush. It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for nights when you want something that feels a little elevated but is still easy to pull together.
The orzo cooks up tender and flavorful, soaking in all the goodness from the chicken and seasonings. It’s great for meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a hungry family without standing in the kitchen all night.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this week, start here. These four easy Christmas week dinner recipes are flavorful, comforting, and realistic for busy schedules. Save this post, pick one or two to try, and give yourself permission to keep dinner simple while still making it good.
Because the week of Christmas should feel joyful, not stressful, especially at dinnertime.
