If you're like me and love savory recipes with a bit of heat, here's a beautiful collection of Spicy Dinner Recipes, you can pin or bookmark to come back to whenever you need them.
Each of these spicy dinner recipes is delicious and flavorful, with the perfect amount of heat(not overwhelmingly hot). And to make things even easier, I've also discussed how to adjust the spice level for each dish.
I've also included American classics with spicy twists, as well as some with a global influence. Additionally, I ensured that the ingredients are readily available, so you don't have to hunt for anything special(like these Spicy Soup Recipes).
These recipes are easy to make, and you can choose your favorite depending on the season, the weather, or your mood (you can pair them with Spicy Salad Recipes, too). From lazy-day dinners to decadent weekend dinners, I've got everything covered.
Why We All Love These Recipes
⭐️Every single recipe is tested, tried, and truly delicious.
⭐️Simple to make; even traditional ones have been fine-tuned for effortless cooking.
⭐️All the recipes are customizable.
Spicy Dinner Recipes
Chicken Recipes
1
Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers: juicy, zesty, and oven-baked or grilled for smoky, charred flavor. Quick marinade and simple prep for dinner.
18 minutes
2
Avocado Pasta With Chicken: a quick 30-minute dinner with creamy basil avocado sauce, spiced chicken, and pasta; tastes fresh and flavorful.
30 minutes
3
Juicy baked thin chicken breasts with a crispy edge are flavorful, easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or quick dinners.
25 minutes
4
Easy, flavorful Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap with tender chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce. Beginner-friendly and with simple ingredients!
5
Crispy air-fried Soy Garlic Chicken Wings tossed in a tangy, garlicky sauce. Ready in 30 minutes with a crunchy texture-no deep frying needed!
30 minutes
6
BBQ Chicken Flatbread is a quick, 20-minute meal with smoky and cilantro flavors. Perfect for game nights, appetizers, or a leisurely dinner!
20 minutes
7
Cilantro Chicken Soup is a one-pot, 30-minute meal with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a fragrant broth. Freezer-friendly & easy to make.
40 minutes
8
This flavorful chicken curry pasta is a delicious fusion recipe. It's easy to make with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
9
Enjoy the best Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy this easy, comfort food - sure to satisfy your spicy cravings
10
Paprika chicken soup, a delicious blend of chicken, and vegetables with rich paprika flavors for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tasty & Quick
1 hour
11
Enjoy this spicy chicken soup, perfectly balanced in warmth and flavor, ready in under 30 minutes. Simple to make with basic ingredients.
12
These Cajun chicken breasts are loaded with savory and spicy flavors. It is delicious, the family's favorite chicken recipe.
35 minutes
13
Try this Instant Pot chicken curry[packed with delicious flavors if you want a tasty and quick meal! Perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
14
Try our hot and spicy Chinese chicken recipe for a delicious, fiery meal. Tender chicken, bold spices, and sauce make for a perfect dinner.
15
This Chinese Jalapeno chicken is a simple and flavorful dinner ready in a flash! The jalapeno and the sauce coats the chicken perfectly makes it as best Asian food.
16
This spicy chicken pasta style. This juicy moist chicken-that's mildly hot in a creamy yogurt sauce is ready under 30 minutes effortlessly.
Seafood Recipes
17
Easy salmon lettuce wraps with rich, well-seasoned salmon, crunchy veggies, and a creamy sauce. A quick, satisfying meal ready in 25 minutes!
25 minutes
18
These stuffed salmon peppers are very easy and versatile. Made with zucchini, salmon, and brown rice, the combo with peppers tastes fabulous!
19
Indian salmon curry recipe is delicious and easy to make. Perfect for a busy weekday dinner. Made with warm spices with tomatoes and onion.
35 minutes
20
Enjoy this Cajun Shrimp Tacos: a spicy with bold tastes and a mix of crunchy and tender textures. Easy & quick recipe, perfect for weeknights!
30 minutes
21
Savor the flavors: Cajun Shrimp Salad recipe, a perfect blend of spicy shrimp and fresh greens, with a tangy, spicy dressing. Quick & Tasty!
21 minutes
22
Have you ever had a spicy shrimp rolls at a restaurant or food court and wanted to recreate that at home? It's the time to make at home.
23
This honey Sriracha shrimp is made under 15 minutes, with 5 ingredients. Plus, this hot and sweet shrimp is a crowd pleaser recipe as well.
24
Hawaiian spicy garlic shrimp made with pantry-ready ingredients under 15 minutes-crispy in texture with grand flavors of garlic and butter.
15 minutes
25
Garlic pepper shrimp: Trinidad style recipe made spicy with black and green pepper in 25 minutes. This stir-fry is best to ENJOY as the weekday dinners.
25 minutes
26
Bruschetta shrimp pasta is a simple, satisfying, weekend family dinner, made with Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and shrimp, ready under 30 mins.
35 minutes
27
Delicious dynamite shrimp tossed in a spicy Asian sauce-PF Chang's copycat made in 25 mins with pantry staples. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
20 minutes
28
Crispy Volcano Shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy Asian-style sauce-easy, bold, and ready in 30 mins! Better than the restaurant's favorite!
25 minutes
29
Try these Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos if you are looking for something quick and delicious, with smoky flavor topped with creamy taco sauce.
30
This Blackened Mahi Mahi is an easy and spicy recipe ready in under 15 minutes. An excellent dish for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Turkey & Beef Recipes
31
This deconstructed stuffed pepper is made effortlessly with minimal ingredients. Also, its a one-pot wonder and an excellent weeknight meal.
32
Meet my favorite turkey stuffed peppers. These peppers are delicious with the multiple layers of flavors - they're simply too good to resist!
33
Pineapple barbecue meatballs are sweet, smoky, and ready in 5 minutes prep. Made with frozen meatballs; easy one-pot meal or party appetizer.
30 minutes
34
This Jalapeño Cranberry Meatballs in a sweet-tangy sauce, made with frozen meatballs, ready in 20 mins, perfect for holidays or easy dinners.
20 minutes
Plant Based Recipes
35
Weeknight dinners are easier with this delicious Curry Mac and Cheese recipe, a falvorful twist on traditional mac n cheese. Easy & quick!
36
Spicy mac and cheese, effortless to make. And the perfect blend of flavors-the spices and the cheese make this dish even more irresistible.
35 minutes
37
Experience fabulous Indian flavors with our spicy, creamy tofu curry. Vegan and delectable, this dish is ready to enjoy in just half an hour.
38
Tofu stuffed peppers are loaded with spices and it's meat-free. An excellent dish to enjoy as a classic appetizer or as a vegetarian dinner.
39
Spicy tofu steak is grilled, a fabulous appetizer. It's crisp outside and soft and creamy inside. It is best to enjoy it with noodles or rice.
30 minutes
40
Easy chickpea curry without coconut milk; light, creamy, and packed with authentic Indian flavors. Vegan, dairy-free & ready in 30 minutes!
30 minutes
41
This Indian Chickpea Salad is light, hearty, vegan-friendly, and ready in minutes! With irresistible lemony dressing, and a hint of spice.
10 minutes
42
This chickpea stuffed peppers, a simple dish for spicing up your weekend dinners. Tastes savory with a hint of heat and with crunchy texture.
43
Spice up your weakened meals with this delicious vegetarian barley stuffed peppers recipe. The barley's texture holds well with sauce and spices.
44
This Halloween Pasta Salad, easy & spooky; packed with veggies, string cheese, olive oil, and Italian dressing; ready in just 15 minutes!
25 minutes
45
Red pepper pasta is smoky and creamy, made with roasted red pepper & whole milk. A light, comforting weeknight dinner that's easy to make.
30 minutes
46
Easy Instant Pot Penne Pasta in under 20 minutes! A one-pot meal for busy nights with al dente pasta, rich flavors, and a satisfying taste.
47
Creamy Chili Peanut Noodles, ready in under 20 minutes, a great weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients, with possible substitutes.
20 minutes
48
This Spicy garlic noodles recipe yields a satisfying, flavor-packed dish. Incredibly easy to make in 15 minutes with minimal ingredients!
49
Spicy ramen noodles recipe is easy and makes this delicious Chinese dish under 30 minutes. It is vegan and loaded with vegetables.
50
Spicy spaghetti: a quick, flavorful recipe made with simple ingredients like red chili flakes and crushed tomatoes. Meal prep-friendly dish.
20 minutes
51
ENJOY this jalapeno spaghetti with creamy parmesan / mild cheddar. A perfect blend of rich sauce and spice that's sure to delight at dinner.
52
Enjoy rich and tasty Paneer Tikka Masala! Tender marinated paneer and bell peppers in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect with rice or naan!
40 minutes
53
Bell pepper curry is made with onions, tomatoes, and spices like paprika and cayenne. A vegan and flavorful dish ready in just 30 minutes!
30 minutes
54
Savor the sweet and nutty flavors of butternut squash curry! Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make dish is packed with warm spices!
55
This corn curry recipe includes tips and secrets for making a delicious, creamy sauce. Customize to suit your personal preferences.
56
Experience fabulous Indian flavors with our spicy, creamy tofu curry. Vegan and delectable, this dish is ready to enjoy in just half an hour.
57
Lima Bean Curry is a vegan, flavorful, and satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes! Made with simple ingredients and freezer-friendly!
58
Mung bean curry is an Indian-style curry with ingredients that are easily available. It is a very flavourful side dish best served with rice.
1 hour 27 minutes
59
This easy & simple cauliflower curry recipe is delicious, loaded with authentic flavors and classic ingredients, and ready in 40 minutes.
60
Easy Potato Curry tastes delicious and is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners! Potatoes cooked in a spicy onion-tomato sauce.
30 minutes
61
Easy Indian cabbage curry with warm tropical ingredients. A quick, vegan side dish ready in 20 minutes: Perfect with rice or naan.
30 minutes
62
This eggplant stuffed peppers is vegan, it's effortless to make, and it tastes delicious. Also Made with rice and a delicious tangy sauce.
63
These delicious seafood stuffed peppers is a classic recipe made with the best combination of fillings and with simple ingredients.
55 minutes
64
The spicy rigatoni, an easy classic recipe with it full of big flavors. A delicious dinner with a perfect balance of tangy and spicy vodka sauce.
65
Lentil Stuffed Peppers is a flavorful and satisfying meal! Packed with lentils, rice, and veggies, also an effortless freezer-friendly recipe!
66
This Madras Lentil recipe is easy and delicious. In under 30 minutes, lentils are tossed in a creamy tomato sauce, a tasty weeknight dinner!
8 hours 30 minutes
67
Schezwan Fried Rice is an easy, quick, and flavorful budget-friendly meal made with crisp veggies and store-bought sauce, ready in 30 minutes.
30 minutes
The Basics of Spicy Dinner Recipes
- For heat, we rely on ingredients like ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauces, fresh peppers, and dried chili peppers.
- Each of these ingredients brings a different level of heat and a different flavor profile.
- By choosing them wisely and understanding the nature of each one, you can easily adjust any recipe to suit your needs.
- I've gone through each dish, compared the ingredients, and added suggestions so you can quickly and confidently customize the flavors.
Spicy Recipes For Beginners
- If you're unsure about the heat level, remember that hot sauces come in various varieties and heat levels, as do fresh and dried chili peppers.
- Always taste your hot sauce before adding it so you know exactly how spicy it is.
- When it comes to chili peppers, most of the heat is concentrated in the seeds and the inner membrane. Removing them takes away roughly 70% of the heat but keeps the flavor.
- I always suggest starting with a bit of spice and building it up slowly until it reaches your comfort level. It's much easier to add more than to fix a dish that's too hot.
- I've detailed all these ingredients in each recipe so that you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
What to serve?
- Since the main dishes are already full of bold flavor, I like to pair them with subtle, calming sides.
- A garden-fresh salad (like this Arugula Pear Salad), a creamy soup (try this quick Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes), roasted or mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice all work beautifully.
- These simple sides balance the heat, making the whole meal feel complete.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a spicy recipe milder?
Once the heat is in a dish, it's tricky part to remove it completely. However, you can mellow it down to a certain extent by adding butter, fresh cream, or a splash of lemon juice.
What is the best pepper for medium heat?
Jalapeños, serranos, and Thai chili peppers are excellent options for a medium level of heat. You can remove the seeds to keep things milder and add the peppers to your recipe. If you like a bit more heat, you can sprinkle in some of the seeds later.
