Presenting the Winners from Our Modern Weeknights Recipe Contest

Grand Prize: Mango Chicken Thighs with Basil-Coconut Sauce

This recipe brings the restaurant to my home kitchen. And it’s easy, too! The meal comes together quickly and fills my kitchen with wonderful aromas. If there are any leftovers, they’re just as good reheated the next day. —Kathi Jones-DelMonte, Rochester, New York

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1st Place: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup

This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something just a little bit different. It’s spicy, flavorful and a great excuse to open up a bar of chocolate (if you’re the type of person who needs an excuse!). —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Oktoberfest Casserole

In northeastern Ohio, we love German flavors. This delicious German casserole is a trifecta mashup of my favorite dishes. It combines the flavors of classic cheesy hash brown casserole mixed with bratwursts and sauerkraut, and pretzels and beer cheese. It takes less than 10 minutes to mix up and only takes one bowl. It’s sure to please everyone any time of the year. —Sarah Markley, Ashland, Ohio

Miso Butter Roasted Chicken

I love this miso roast chicken recipe because the prep work is done in the beginning. Look for a prepared spatchcock chicken in your grocery store. If you can’t find one, ask your butcher to spatchcock the chicken. Once it’s in the oven, there’s ample time to set the table and talk. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California

Runner-Up: Autumn Lamb Skillet

I have found that even those who do not prefer lamb will enjoy this recipe. It is especially delicious on a chilly night! —Arlene Aughey, Saddle Brook, New Jersey

Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod

I love to make this steamed cod recipe as a weeknight dinner when I’m short on time. The coconut and orange sauce adds a ton of flavor. I usually serve this dish with rice or a salad for a well-rounded meal. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp

Easy, quick and family-friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. The secret is the flavor-packed sauce and crunchy tortilla chips. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Runner-Up: Dry-Rub Grilled Pork Chops over Cannellini Greens

My family was not a huge fan of pork until I tried this pork chops and green beans recipe. Feel free to incorporate your favorite herbs into the dry rub. You can use the rub on boneless skinless chicken breast or other meats, too. —Michael Cirlincione, Stockton, New Jersey

Mushroom & Bacon Spaghetti Squash Bowl

This spaghetti squash bowl has a light cream sauce, along with fresh sage and crispy bacon. I love spaghetti squash but get tired of having it with a tomato-based red sauce. This recipe will make you and your family excited about spaghetti squash again! —Emily Montgomery, Madison, Alabama

Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially in summer. With just a few ingredients and a grill, we can enjoy a gourmet-style Greek dinner that’s a snap to put together. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky A. Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Runner-Up: Plum Pork Spicy Meatballs with Bok Choy and Zucchini

I am a huge fan of sweet, salty and spicy, and with the new year in full swing, I’m trying to make healthier choices. This recipe is so satisfying and delicious, you won’t miss any pasta or rice. If you don’t want spiralized zucchini, any thin noodles will work, too. —Susan Mason, Puyallup, Washington

Runner-Up: Peanut-Cilantro Ground Chicken and Waffles

Since sloppy joes, chicken and waffles, and Thai food are favorites at my house, I decided to combine them to create a unique and tasty dish. The slaw with peanut dressing adds crunch and flavor. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois