Top 25 Recipes of 2020!
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2020, huh? What a year. It’s been such a crazy year not only because of what’s going on in the world, but Eric and I packed up everything we own, our kid, our dogs, and we moved to Tennessee! Its kinda tough moving 500-ish miles away from everyone and everything we know in the first place, but at the front end of 2020? Welp, it’s been a ride!
Luckily Southern Hospitality is real and most of our neighbors have been so crazy welcoming and we’ve been able to make it feel like home slowly, but surely.
We live about an hour (if even) from the Smoky Mountains so when we’re getting extra antsy and need to get out of the house we go for a drive and get to see absolute most gorgeous views that remind me of how blessed we are every single time.
It’s a lot different from the very, very flat rural farmland of Illinois that we came from and the “oh crap” handle has become my absolute best friend on those winding , narrow, mountain roads. Eric only kind of wants to strangle me now after mountain drives and all the gasping at every sharp turn. Haha! It’s something I’m getting used to. If there was an award for “worst passenger ever” I’d totally be the winner.
Other than that, unfortunately, not much has happened really in 2020 except that I had the best year ever here on the skinnyish dish and I have to just take a moment and say THANK YOU SO MUCH for that.
There were a couple months this year that I was very scared for the future of our business and the stress consumed me, but it completely turned around and has easily been the best year yet. Thank you for being here, sharing recipes, rating recipes, enjoying recipes, sharing recipes to pinterest, making recipes, and not holding all my typos against me too much. Y’all are why I do this. I’m super crazy lucky to be able to call what I do a job (rarely feels that way!) and actually make a profitable living off of it. There are many days I pinch myself because it seems crazy. If you knew me 5 years ago…. well, that’s a whole different blog post. Thank you!!!
Next stop: cookbook.
Yep I’m officially putting it out there into the universe. I’m ready. I think. I’m not sure. Not really sure at all. But, if I can make it through 2020 then I can surely attempt to try to find a publisher and write a cookbook, right?? I’m not announcing anything. I’m just putting it out into the world that I want to take the steps to do it in 2021.
Anyway, you’re all here for the TOP TWENTY FIVE RECIPES ON THE SKINNYISH DISH not to hear me ramblin’ on bout a while lot of nothin’… so I’ll stop.
Really quick though, this is one of my very favorite things to post all year long. Long time readers love to see if their fave recipes made the cut and it’s also an extra easy guide for skinny-ish dish “newbies” to see what recipes they should try first! I love this post and I hope you do too!
Don’t forget to comment on this post and let me know what your thoughts are about the skinny-ish dish top 25! Did your fave make the list? Do you agree or disagree? What’s number one in your heart?
Tip: bookmark this post! It’s a great reference post especially when you’ve never been here before.
Sending love out to you and cheers to a pretty good 2021!
Xo, Star
Top 25 2020 Recipes on The Skinny-ish Dish!
TWENTY FIVE: CHICKEN TAMALE BAKE
THIS HAS QUICKLY BECOME A READER FAVE!
ITS JUST SO GOOD! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS IN MY HOUSE WHEN I HAVE NO IDEA WHATS FOR DINNER. I JUST THROW IT ALL IN A PAN AND CROSS MY FINGERS THEN EVENTUALLY IT BECOMES A FAVORITE RECIPE!
TWENTY THREE: THE BEST MEATLOAF
IF YOU DON’T LIKE MEATLOAF, THIS RECIPE IS DEFINITELY FOR YOU. PS THE GRAVY RECIPE IS A BONUS RECIPE IN THE BLOG POST.
TWENTY TWO: ONE POT BACON CHEESEBURGER PASTA
I COULD LIVE IN THIS SKILLET.
TWENTY ONE: CHEESY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
I COULD LIVE IN THIS BOWL OF CHEESY SPAGHETTI NOODLES.
TWENTY: SLOW COOKER ITALIAN BEEF
YES THE COOK TIME IS CORRECT. HAHA
IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW. MY MOM IS HAPPY THEY MADE THE LIST THIS YEAR, BUT STILL NOT VERY SATISFIED AT WHAT NUMBER THEY CAME IN AT. HAHAHA. YALL HAVE WORK TO DO ACCORDING TO HER.
EIGHTEEN: SWEET CORN PASTA SALAD
ACTUAL SUMMERTIME STAPLE. DON’T DO SUMMER WITHOUT IT.
SEVENTEEN: BISCUITS AND GRAVY BAKE
THE VERY FIRST RECIPE EVER POSTED HERE AND ITS STILL IN THE TOP TWENTY!
This is such a simple recipe that it’s barely a recipe. I thought y’all would think it was dumb that I posted it, but it’s a special recipe to me and I’m so happy you enjoy it too!
FIFTEEN: MOM’S CHICKEN AND RICE
I bet when my mom made us this family fave when I was a kid she never thought it would be shared with thousands of folks all around the country (I’ve even seen someone make it in Australia!) Full disclosure: This is a doctored up photo from the spring when I added mixed veggies and a bit of cheese after it baked. I couldn’t find a good photo of just the chicken and rice to share, but this recipe is on the list to update photos for in 2021.
FOURTEEN: SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CARNITAS
I HONESTLY CANNOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD THIS RECIPE IS.. SO GLAD YALL AGREE!
BEST AND EASIEST SIDE DISH WITH TACOS FOREVER AND EVER AMEN.
TWELVE: INSTANT POT SHREDDED CHICKEN
MY FAVE RECIPE FOR SHREDDED CHICKEN! I SIT AND EAT IT PLAIN WITH JUST A FORK SOMETIMES.
ELEVEN: LOADED CHICKEN BUBBLE UP
MMMMMM… I COULD LIVE IN THIS CASSEROLE DISH TOO.
TEN: CROCKPOT BBQ PULLED CHICKEN
THIS ONE WAS KIND OF A BIG SURPRISE! ITS A NEWER RECIPE AND I KNOW THERE ARE PLENTY OF BBQ PURISTS OUT THERE AND THIS IS A HEALTHIER NOT SO TRADITIONAL BBQ. I WAS AFRAID TO EVEN POST IT. I’M HAPPY I DID! IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE PICKY ABOUT BBQ- STILL GO TO THAT RECIPE AND GRAB THE BONUS SLAW RECIPE. IT’S MY FAVORITE THING EVER.
IT’S A GARLIC PARMESAN DROP BISCUIT ON TOP AND IT’S SO GOOD.
NO SERIOUSLY. ITS THE BEST.
IF YOU’RE NEW HERE, DON’T KNOCK TIL YOU TRY IT… SOON YOU’LL BE HOARDING PICKLE JUICE LIKE THE REST OF US.
SIX: PHILLY CHEESE STYLE STUFFED PEPPERS
THESE WERE ERIC’S IDEA AND HE’S PROBABLY GOING TO MAKE A TSHIRT THAT SAYS “PHILLY CHEESE STYLE STUFFED PEPPERS WERE MY IDEA ON THE BLOG” HE’S SO PUMPED THEY’RE NUMBER SIX AND THAT THEY WERE IN FACT HIS IDEA.
FOREVER A SKINNY-ISH DISH STAPLE.
JUST MAKE THEM.
THREE: BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE BISCUIT BAKE
DO YOU LIKE THOSE BISCUIT SANDWICHES FROM THAT PLACE WITH THE GOLDEN ARCHES? MAKE THIS THEN. THANK ME LATER.
TWO: CROCKPOT CREAMY WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
I KIND OF CHEATED HERE BECAUSE THE INSTANT POT VERSION IS ALSO ON THIS TOP 2020 LIST AS NUMBER TWELVE. BUT, HAVING TWO VERSIONS OF THE SAME THING ON THE LIST IS NOT FUN TO ME SO I DISQUALIFIED IT BECAUSE I MAKE THE RULES HERE. ANYWAY, YOU CAN FIND THE INSTANT POT VERSION HERE!!
OKAY, OKAY, OKAY. ARE YALL SURPRISED? BECAUSE I AM. THIS IS A REALLY GOOD RECIPE. LIKE REALLY REALLY GOOD. BUT LAST YEAR IT WAS NUMBER TWELVE ON THE COUNTDOWN AND FOR IT TO JUMP TWELVE PLACES AND BEAT OUT WHITE CHICKEN CHILI IS PRETTY IMPRESSIVE! I PAY PRETTY GOOD ATTENTION TO WHATS “TRENDING” AND I JUST NEVER SAW IT THAT MUCH, BUT HEY I LOVE TO BE SURPRISED WHEN IT COMES TO THIS SO I’M VERY HAPPY THIS RECIPE SLID INTO THE NUMBER ONE SPOT. IT’S OFFICALLY A MUST TRY!!!!
And that’s a wrap folks! I hope you enjoyed. Thanks again for being here!
Don’t forget to comment on this post and let me know what you thought! Did your fave make the list? Do you agree or disagree? What’s number one in your heart?
These sound incredible! I’m so thankful for the variety! Keep creating WW magic!
All your recipes sound wonderful and my goal for 2021 is to make all of them. I made the Philly Cheese Style Stuffed Peppers and they were out of this world! I love the cream cheese addition, cream cheese makes everything taste better. Savory or sweet. I am definitely a fan of your cooking, keep up the great work.
Thanks so much, Heather! and Wow! That’s such a fun goal! Please continue to let me know how you’re liking the recipes. Thanks for being here!
After you published this list, I made 5 of your recipes. Everything was delicious.
Sausage gnocchi soup was good, even my 4 year old liked it and it was easy enough for a weeknight.
White chicken chili in the IP may be the best thing I’ve EVER eaten and soooooo easy.
Slow cooker chicken was great to prep on the weekend
Chicken street tacos were good and pretty easy, though a bit too labor intensive for this working mama on a weeknight
Greek chicken bowls were delish. Definitely a weekend meal bc of all the prep and steps involved.
I meal prepped the biscuit gravy bake on Sunday and ate it all week. Yum!
I’m deciding what to make next!!! Thanks!!!
So happy you’re enjoying the recipes, Aubrey! I agree the Chicken Street Tacos take a bit because of the steps and filling the tacos. If you enjoyed them, here’s a delicious lil tip.. make a double batch on a day when you have extra time then wrap up tacos in foil and thaw and heat on busy weeknights!
I have a few foil wrapped packages in my freezer now!!!
I also have the chicken tamale bake frozen in individual portions too!
Another great thing about your recipes is that they feed my family twice. My husband HATES chicken and he’s eaten every recipe without complaint . My two toddlers are a harder sell, but they only like snacks
I have tried many of these and they are always delish! My all time favorite is mom’s chicken and rice! It reminds me of our smothered chicken growing up without all the grease! Thanks for all that you do
I’m surprised that you bacon roasted sweet potatoes aren’t on the list. It’s my favorite thing. Like ever. Ww or not. I like to cook the a little longer than you do though
I’ll be one of the first in line to buy your cookbook! And I have to say how surprised I am that Southwest Chicken egg rolls didn’t make this list!!! I absolutely love them. I make them monthly and just warm up the leftover filling on it’s own. Sooo good. If you haven’t tried them, get on it. And Bacon Cheeseburger pasta! Yum!!! Thanks for all of your work on these tasty recipes!
I have made many of these and they are all favorites! My resolution is to make them all in 2021! Thanks for the job you do and welcome to TN!
I made your “The Best Meatloaf” tonight. It was so delicious! Will be trying more in the next few weeks.
Burrito bowls will forever be my favorite!!! We make it all the time! The yumminess you marinate the chicken in is to die for!! Love all your recipes Ana thanks for doing the countdown. Love it!!
I love all of your recipes, but have never tried the Greek Chicken bowls. Now I will! I also can’t believe the Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot cups didn’t make it in the top 20. It’s the best!
At least 5 of my favorites have made the list, I obviously have more to try! Your website has been so helpful to the 4 our us where I work who all started Weight Watchers this summer. Now I’m getting some of my married children on board and sharing your site with them. A cookbook would be amazing BTW!!!
Oh, and I completely understand how you feel driving through those mountains. I’m from the deep south where it’s really flat too, and my husband grew up in the Rocky’s. Some of the trips we took through the mountains when visiting his family had me very white-knuckled! I found it helped both of us if I drove, guess it was that feeling of being in control. LOL
welcome to the South! I’m so glad you found it to be hospitable and friendly! My goal is to make every one of your top 25 recipes this year, as they are ALL things that I love and, well, I tend to stick to the same ole same ole, so I really want to branch out! love the top twenty and will browse around for more. Happy New Year!
PLEASE MAKE A COOKBOOK!! I love all your recipes and they have helped me with meal planning and staying on track with healthy tasteful dishes my whole family loves. I am writing my grocery list now for all the recipes I want to try on this list. My absolute favorite are the chicken street tacos, I literally eat that right out of the pot as its cooking, so delicious!! Thanks for making great health recipes my whole family can enjoy.
Cookbook!? ❤️
The Greek Chicken Bowl is a staple in our house. So delicious! We also make the salad as a side all the time. Love the pickle chicken as well, another staple. I’m surprised the montery chicken didn’t make the list – we make that one often as well. I really want to try the chicken street tacos but haven’t been able to find low point tortillas in Canada. I might have to splurge!
Congratulations on all your success and I’m Looking forward to what you have in store for 2021!
Happy New Year!
First of all, THANK YOU for all of your hardwork!!! I can’t imagine moving that far away from family, plus just 2020 in general. I truly appreciate your blog & everything you do!!! If I had to pick just one recipe, it would be the chicken pot pie soup. Last winter, it helped keep me on track & helped with my meal planning as well. It’s actually on my list of things to make once I go back to work next week. Thank you so much!!!!!
Looking forward to the cookbook,because I actually handwrite all my recipes. I live in San Francisco and have the absolute poplar opposite life. Except for these recipes. …food is a universal bridge..
Thank you from the city by the bay.
Thanks so much for doing this blog! I’ve tried tonnes of your recipes, my absolute fave though are the chicken street tacos! They’re a gem! A cookbook would be fantastic and I’d definitely buy one! Until then I’ll continue creeping and cooking from your site from way up here in Canada!
Thank you so much for all your recipes snd for putting this top 25 together. Can’t wait for your cookbook to come out!!!!
I’ve just recently found you and I am soooo glad! All of you recipes look so incredibly delicious! I think I’ll make my way through the top 25 each week while I anxiously await your cookbook in the coming years!
Cookbook is a definite must!!! Love the top 25 – am bookmarking for sure! One of the few I haven’t made us the #1 recipe. Will rectify that soon. Love your recipes and your blog posts. Always make me giggle every time.
My favorite didn’t make the list (skinny cheesy potatoes), clearly people don’t know they can be breakfast too But I LOVE this list. I’m a notoriously bad meal planner, but my goal is to work through this list and the recommendations in the comments for 2021; while I anxiously await the cookbook!! Thank you for sharing with us and making us a bit healthier!
I love ALL your recipes. I can’t pick a favorite, they all are. I have been doing WW for a little over a year now, and your recipes are my “go to” first. I can’t wait to buy your cookbook.
I love your recipes and have tried many and like so many of them. The biscuits and gravy bake is a favorite when the teenage grandsons come to visit!!! My husband and I have it in the evenings when we have extra points. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. Keep them coming!!! Please don’t ever stop “filling up” my recipe loose leaf binder! And, a big welcome to you and your family to the south.
Would love to buy a cookbook!!
Love this and your recipes. I really hope you can find a publisher for a cookbook because that is a phenomenal idea!!!! I am quite sure it would be a best seller! I must say, I have fixed 24 of your top 25 recipes and while I am shocked that your Bacon Cheeseburger Chili did not make the list, the recipe I have made the most is the Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili. It, along with a salad, are one of my favorite lunch dishes! What is funnier yet, the one recipe on this list that I haven’t made? LOL…The Greek Chicken Bowl…LOL!!!! Too many items in that dish that my hubby would refuse to eat! LOL. Happy New Year! Looking forward to more great recipes in 2021!
The slow cooker Italian beef is a favorite of ours. Makes the whole house smell amazing!
This has really been the year of the kitchen. With my 20 year old son back here doing college online and my 17 year old doing her JR year online and myself working remotely now, I have never been in the kitchen more. My son loves the Italian beef so so much and the one pot spaghetti which didn’t make the list, my husband loves the poor mans dinner and could seriously eat it every week, I am abdicated to the creamy chicken chili myself, and my daughter will actually eat a small bowl of all of these. I have been a fan of yours for a long time and still miss the other name lol. Thank you for doing what you do, I love the ease in the recipes and how their is health and great taste to them all!
I love all of your recipes too Thank you for all of your hard work!
Some of our favorites are the skillet pickle chicken, marinara sauce, and the baked chicken! Every recipe is DELICIOUS!!
Happy and Healthy 2021 to you and your family!
Your recipes are the best! I’ve made several recipes but I love the bacon egg and cheese biscuits! Yum yum yum. Who am I kidding, I Love all of your recipes!
The Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuits would definitely be in my Top 5!!! I am so sad they didn’t make the list.
White chicken chili is definitely one of our faves! Actually we’ve tried so many on this list and love them all, but where is the Beef and Rice Taco Bake?? I literally make this probably every 2 weeks (or more) for my family. They love it! Your recipes are amazing and many have become staples on our menus. Thank you!
I made a pinterest board just for your recipes!!
Congrats to you Star! So thankful you’re around to make eating healthier so much more enjoyable. My husband and I love your recipes, even my 5 year old too (most days ). I think our favorite meal to make is poor mans meal, we just can’t get enough and we always have everything on hand. I wasn’t surprised at all to see white chicken chili, and the biscuits and gravy bake made the list. Both are bomb! I was super excited when I saw that the creamy sweet corn pasta salad made the list. I lived on that all summer long, just made batch after batch. Thank you thank you thank you much love from my family to yours.
Super excited that the white chicken chili made it to the top 5!! Seriously a go to favorite in my house. I’m super bummed however that the One Pot Smoked Sausage Broccoli Pasta didn’t make the list!!
PICKLE CHICKEN is my fave! So delicious! Next to try is the philly steak green peppers!
Chicken Con Broccoli is one of our FAVES! Everyone needs to add it to their list…need to get it on the Top 25 for next year!
Soo excited for you about a cookbook!
White Chicken Chili in the IP is our FAVORITE! As are the Smoky Mountains!
I’ve only been here for about a year but I’ve tried a lot of these recipes and have loved every. Single. One. My favorite is creamy chicken noodle soup, and I’ve made it about once a week since I discovered it!! We have a few dairy free peeps in our big family and I can make it dairy free easy peasy!
I don’t know how you do this but I am so glad you do. I could never put a recipe together like you do! Our fav is creamy chicken noodle soup. Oldie but a goodie. Excited for your next cookbook journey
Love this list! 2020 was when I discovered your IG page. I’ve made a handful of your recipes and they’ve been a hit everything. Your recipes are practically fool proof, and i read them 50 times because it seems too easy…but they turn out great!! I love a good count down- it gives me a bit more guidance when looking for recipes to try.
I hope 2021 is a fantastic year!
I don’t know how you do it but they’re all so great! Thank you so much and I’ll be most happy to buy your cookbook!!
So many of these are in our regular rotation! We LOVE your recipes!! If it’s skinnyish dish, then I know it’s gonna be delish!! ❤️
I have made several of these this year (my first year following you)—so many good ones and so many more to try!
Cook‐book! Cook-book! Cook-book! I’ll be 1st in line! (Well… behind mama I’m sure. Moms are always first! ) lol
Your recipes are amazing and the WW points is so helpful!!❤❤
I’ve made made most – pickle chicken is a weekly staple and marinating as we have speak!!! Your a rockstar! Thx for them all!!! Can’t wait to see what you bring us thru 2021!!!
Kara
I will definitely be purchasing if you make a cookbook. I’m a hairstylist and I tell all my clients about your site and how amazing your recipes are.
We love the Greek Chicken bowls and will often just make the marinade for the cucumbers and tomatoes in the summer time and have that as a side dish with something grilled. Your Mom’s Chicken and Rice is a go too as well as the Italian Beef. I see several new ones I must try. Happy for your success. Blessings to you and your family.
These will all be entering the meal plan for the next month!
I have tried a few of these so far and plan to make more in 2021! Thank you for putting out better for you comfort food that tastes amazing! I truly appreciate it and I know so many others do too! And you can self publish a cookbook…my boss did that with his book and it was easier than he thought. Can’t wait to see what yummy recipes you come up with in 2021!!!
So many of our favorites!! Chicken tamale bake is one of my go-tos for meal prep lunches! Pickle chicken and greek chicken are some of our most-made dinners, too! So many amazing recipes on this list!
My top favorites: white chicken chili (duh!), chicken french dips (finally getting some recognition) Cajun Chicken Sausage and Rice (why do people not love this?) Chicken con Broccoli (hello people) Stuffed Pepper Soup (definitely my favorite soup of yours) and Tater tot chicken pot pie casserole (the best left overs)! Can’t believe so many of my favorites are not on the list…but oh well, I’ll keep making them:)
People do love Cajun Chicken and Rice (when they try it), but I think it’s in need of a photo update! Sometimes when a recipe doesn’t have the best photos it doesn’t do as well and that rice casserole is from my early days of photographing food. Everything you listed was a surprise to me too! I hope to keep sharing and each of them will have their day in the sun too. I know lots of people enjoy them so it doesn’t matter that there not top 25! haha
#1or #25, or not on the 2020 list… ALL your recipes are good (or great!). Yours is the first website (FB, Insta) that I recommend to anyone looking to get into cooking, just starting WW, or simply needing a new meal idea.
PS: I’m rooting for you and your cookbook!
First of all, I’m kinda new here. So this list is exciting because I get to try all new ones. However, that Greek Chicken Bowl! Not surprised! Even my husband requests it. Although, we did just eat your Chipotle Skillet Chicken and Pinto Beans tonight, and I can’t believe I don’t see that! Thanks for all you do!
Hi Kim!!! So happy to have ya here. Honestly I’m a bit surprised about the chipotle bowls too!!! I think its because while they are one of the best recipes (IMO) on the site. They just take more work plane and simple and aren’t made as often as others are. SO happy you are enjoying them!
I’m not surprised at all! I LOVE this recipe!
White chicken chili is a staple in our house.
If you were to ask my 5 yo grandson he would say the biscuit and gravy bake should be #1! He eats it EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! I personally love white chicken chili! Thank you for sharing your talent!
Noooo where’s the creamy chicken noodle soup?! It’s So good- a household favorite! But these are all great too 🙂 thanks for your recipes!
Did I read COOKBOOK!?!?! I will be buying one for myself and giving as gifts. Your recipes are the best!
Proud to say I’ve made 20 of these! Time to make the other 5 in 2021 (mostly the breakfast bakes). We just had your chicken con broccoli for dinner tonight and I’m kinda surprised it’s not on the list! It was sooooo good!! Love your recipes, Star! Thank you for all you do for us and Happy New Year!
PS. My mom used to make chicken and rice the same way so I have to say it’s a favorite of mine! ♥️
These no joke all look fantastic and I think I’m going to make it a goal to make all of these this year. Thanks for sharing!
All of my faves made the list! Crockpot Italian beef, moms chicken and rice, crockpot white chicken chili. But I’ve never tried the Greek chicken bowls. Definitely on my list now!!!
I can’t believe Italian Beef and French Dips are so high! They are go-to recipes for us. However, the Greek Chicken bowls, YES! I would keep it on the menu every week if the kids didn’t get bored and choose not to eat it. Such good flavor!
Love the white chicken chili!! But I’m shocked the one pot bacon cheeseburger pasta is so low on the list!!! I LOVE that recipe!! It’s heaven in a pan! I’m also so sad not to see the Tuscan sausage and bean soup…so delish! I kinda want a recount lol! Seriously though, we love ALL your recipes!
Just tried Pickle Chicken for the first time last month, and we have already made it a second time. So so good, especially the ends and edges that get that extra pickle flavor. The White Chicken Chili is my absolute fav dish ever. So much flavor. Just so good.
Chicken French dips all the way!!!! One of my very favorites
I can’t pick a favorite, but my top 3 made the cut! Mom’s chicken and rice, street tacos, abs skillet pickle chicken!