Super Easy Dinners to Get You Trick-or-Treating Quicker

And we don't mean you should just let everyone eat candy.

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Food Network Kitchen’s Freezer Bag Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen’s Freezer Bag Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Not to freak you out or anything, but Halloween is just around the corner. So while you're putting the finishing touches on those Halloween costumes (or maybe, ahem, still searching for the perfect get-up) and dreaming about which treats you'll snag from your kid's loot first, don't forget: You need to eat dinner on Halloween night! It's a hectic night, we get it, but a good dinner will help keep your littlest ghouls and goblins from turning into serious monsters, and serving them dinner before you hit the streets is totally doable. Trust us.

Spend a few minutes in the next week or so and see for yourself just how easy meal prepping can be — your future self will really thank you. Combine crisp-tender broccoli with a citrusy soy sauce marinade in a large resealable bag. Toss in some bite-size pieces of chicken, then freeze. You can thaw the bag in the fridge while you're at work on Halloween, then heat in a skillet until the chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes!

Photo by: Armando Rafael

Armando Rafael

If you don't own an Instant Pot yet, we're not sure what you're waiting for. It is THE tool for quick meals. This creamy, kid-friendly mac and cheese is ready in 30 minutes, and you'll have only one pot to clean. You can't beat that on Halloween night. And if you're feeling extra festive, serve it in the cutest little jack-o'-lanterns we've ever seen.

PULLED_PORK_SAND_089.tif

Photo by: Andrew Purcell

Andrew Purcell

Spend a few minutes in the morning prepping this recipe, then come home from work to ready-to-eat pork sandwiches. A paprika-spiced rub gives the meat tons of flavor from the very beginning, and the brown sugar-and-apple cider vinegar mixture it cooks in all day ensures every bite is juicy and delicious.

You know there's a good chance you'll make chili this weekend or next, so why freeze some for future weeknight dinner ease? Thaw frozen chili and quickly reheat while you're getting everyone's costumes laid out.

FNK SLOW COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP (comfort food) Food Network Kitchen Food Network Carrots, Celery, Onion, Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Chicken Thighs, Egg Noodles, Lemons

FNK SLOW COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP (comfort food) Food Network Kitchen Food Network Carrots, Celery, Onion, Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Chicken Thighs, Egg Noodles, Lemons

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

The classic chicken noodle soup everyone loves is even better when it's made in the slow cooker: Simply toss in the veggies and seasonings, top with chicken thighs, then cover with broth. Chicken thighs are less expensive, and they won't dry out like your typical chicken breasts.

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