2023’s Most Loved Dishes

Lemons + Zest’s Top 15 Recipes of 2023: A Culinary Journey Through Fan Favorites

Welcome to 2024, a new year brimming with culinary possibilities! As we embark on fresh beginnings, it’s a perfect moment to look back at the incredible flavors and fantastic dishes that defined our plates throughout 2023. It was truly a remarkable year for eating, filled with delightful discoveries and comforting classics. At Lemons + Zest, we’ve had the pleasure of sharing countless recipes designed to bring joy and simplicity to your kitchen. From quick weeknight wonders to satisfying weekend projects, our community has cooked up a storm, and now it’s time to celebrate the very best.

We’re thrilled to unveil the top 15 most popular recipes from Lemons + Zest in 2023! This curated list features a wonderful mix of new creations that quickly captured hearts and timeless favorites that continue to reign supreme. Each recipe on this list has earned its spot through enthusiastic reviews and widespread popularity, proving they are truly fan favorites for good reason. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next meal or simply curious about what other food enthusiasts loved, you’re in the right place. Dive in and discover if your personal top pick made the cut, or find new recipes to add to your repertoire!

Presented in order, starting with the absolute number one post of the year:

Crispy air fryer fish tacos served with a vibrant cilantro lime slaw and fresh lime wedges.

Rated 4.99 out of 5 stars from 150 votes

Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Claiming the top spot for a reason, these Air Fryer Fish Tacos offer an incredibly quick and flavorful dinner solution, going from prep to plate in approximately 15 minutes. The secret lies in perfectly air-fried white fish (like tilapia, mahi-mahi, or cod) paired with a zesty, easy-to-assemble Cilantro Lime Slaw. This recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying and fresh meal that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone at the table. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking methods can create culinary magic, making healthy and delicious eating effortless and enjoyable.

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Assortment of overnight oatmeal flavors including peanut butter and jelly, banana bread, and blueberry muffin, presented in clear glasses.

Rated 4.85 out of 5 stars from 79 votes

6 Simple Overnight Oats Recipes

Imagine waking up to a ready-made, delicious breakfast. Our collection of 6 Easy Overnight Oats recipes makes that a reality! With only 5 minutes of prep the night before, these nutritious and satisfying oats will be waiting to fuel your morning. Offering a variety of flavors, from fruity to nutty, they cater to diverse tastes and eliminate morning rush stress. This recipe series has become a staple for those seeking a healthy, convenient, and incredibly tasty start to their day, proving that good food doesn’t always require early mornings.

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Parmesan crusted chicken sheet pan dinner with roasted potatoes and green beans.

Rated 4.98 out of 5 stars from 179 votes

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

The ultimate answer to easy weeknight meals, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner simplifies cooking and cleanup. Featuring juicy, parmesan-crusted chicken breasts alongside crispy roasted potatoes and tender garlic green beans, it’s a complete meal prepared on a single baking sheet. The minimal effort required for maximum flavor makes this dish an undeniable winner. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dinner that brings the whole family together, leaving everyone begging for seconds and making the cook’s life wonderfully simple.

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Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops served in a skillet, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Rated 4.97 out of 5 stars from 66 votes

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

Transforming a simple can of soup into an extraordinary meal, these Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops redefine comfort food. Tender, juicy pork chops are pan-seared to perfection, then baked in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce that creates a decadent weeknight dinner. This recipe offers a nostalgic flavor profile with minimal fuss, making it a beloved choice for families seeking a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s an easy, yet impressive, dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to any dinner table, proving that classic flavors never go out of style.

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Perfectly cooked Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast served on a plate with accompanying sides.

Rated 4.98 out of 5 stars from 47 votes

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

Experience the ultimate convenience and flavor with this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast recipe. In just 20 minutes, you can achieve tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a thick, sticky, and irresistible BBQ sauce, complete with a delightful crispy exterior. This recipe is a stellar choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Its simplicity and universal appeal make it a favorite for families, promising a satisfying meal that everyone, even the pickiest eaters, will wholeheartedly enjoy. The air fryer magic delivers perfectly cooked chicken every time.

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A refreshing Tortellini Caprese Salad drizzled with balsamic glaze, served in a bowl.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 68 votes

Tortellini Caprese Salad

A delightful twist on a beloved classic, this Tortellini Caprese Salad is hailed as the pasta salad of choice for summer and every season in between. Requiring only 10 minutes to toss together, it’s a vibrant symphony of fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious balsamic glaze. This salad isn’t just a perfect side dish for potlucks and gatherings; it’s also substantial enough to stand alone as a light yet satisfying meal. Its fresh, bright flavors and ease of preparation make it a true crowd-pleaser and a staple for entertaining or quick lunches.

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Vibrant Lemon Orzo Salad with cucumber, bell pepper, and feta, presented in a serving dish.

Rated 4.98 out of 5 stars from 45 votes

Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta

Effortlessly flavorful and vibrant, this Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a dream for anyone seeking a quick and delicious side dish. Bursting with the freshness of herbs, crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and generous crumbles of feta cheese, this salad is a celebration of texture and taste. The bright zest and juice of lemon elevate every bite, creating a lively and refreshing flavor profile that is universally appealing. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal companion for any meal or a delightful stand-alone light lunch, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks perfectly cooked and arranged on a white serving dish.

Rated 4.96 out of 5 stars from 24 votes

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Nothing quite compares to the simple perfection of this Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe. It delivers classic, smoky flavor with irresistibly crispy skin and incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that’s sure to be the star of any barbecue or family dinner. Requiring only 5 minutes of prep, these drumsticks are remarkably easy to cook, making them ideal for casual outdoor grilling or a delicious indoor meal. Their universally loved taste ensures that everyone at the table, from kids to adults, will enjoy every succulent bite, confirming their status as a perennial favorite.

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A freshly baked homemade pop tart with a bite taken out, showing the flaky pie crust, on parchment paper.

Rated 4.97 out of 5 stars from 57 votes

Easy Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust

Reinvent your mornings with these delightful Easy Homemade Pop Tarts made with Pie Crust, a fresh take on everyone’s favorite breakfast pastry. This recipe makes it incredibly simple to whip up warm, freshly baked tarts that are undeniably more delicious and satisfying than any store-bought version. The flaky pie crust perfectly encases your choice of sweet filling, creating a gourmet-quality treat with minimal fuss. It’s a fun and rewarding baking project that yields comforting results, guaranteeing a happy start to the day for the entire family.

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Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats served in a jar with a spoon.

Rated 4.88 out of 5 stars from 47 votes

Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats

Combine your morning coffee and breakfast into one glorious, time-saving meal with these **Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats**. This innovative recipe offers the perfect blend of creamy oats and energizing cold brew, all infused with a hint of vanilla. It’s a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious way to kickstart your day, providing all the fuel you need without any morning prep. Wake up to a delightful, grab-and-go breakfast that satisfies both your caffeine craving and hunger, making even the busiest mornings a little more enjoyable and efficient.

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A glass jar filled with Banana Bread Overnight Oats, topped with sliced bananas and nuts.

Rated 4.90 out of 5 stars from 83 votes

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fresh banana bread without any of the baking effort with these incredible Banana Bread Overnight Oats. This recipe creates a breakfast that tastes just like a warm slice of banana bread straight from the oven, but it’s ready and waiting for you as soon as you wake up. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go solution for busy mornings, packed with wholesome ingredients that provide sustained energy. Enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness and creamy texture, making your morning routine easier and much more delicious.

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A cozy bowl of Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup with a spoon, ready to be enjoyed.

Rated 4.92 out of 5 stars from 82 votes

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Discover your new go-to cozy meal with this thick, hearty, and incredibly easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe leverages the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken to deliver rich, flavorful broth and tender chicken with minimal effort. Simply combine all ingredients and let them simmer to create a deeply comforting soup that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. It’s the perfect antidote to chilly evenings or a simple way to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal. This soup truly embodies comfort food at its easiest and most delicious, making it a beloved choice.

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Spinach Ricotta Chicken breast garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan, served with pasta.

Rated 4.94 out of 5 stars from 59 votes

Spinach Ricotta Chicken

Elevate your chicken dinner routine with this exquisite Spinach Ricotta Chicken recipe, which, despite its gourmet taste, is remarkably simple to prepare. This dish features succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a rich and creamy blend of ricotta, parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and a few other key ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a sophisticated flavor profile that breaks the monotony of everyday chicken. It’s the perfect solution for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, delivering a delicious, restaurant-quality meal effortlessly.

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Golden brown Puff Pastry Brie Bites arranged on a elegant serving platter.

Rated 4.95 out of 5 stars from 20 votes

Puff Pastry Brie Bites

For an appetizer that truly steals the show with minimal effort, look no further than these delightful Puff Pastry Brie Bites. These elegant morsels require only about 10 minutes of prep time and can even be prepared up to three days in advance, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining. Filled with creamy brie and often topped with your favorite jam or fruit, they offer a unique and irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply a sophisticated snack, these bites are guaranteed to impress every guest and become a beloved staple.

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A hearty Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, topped with fresh basil and ready to serve.

Rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 71 votes

Simple Beef Pasta Skillet

This Simple Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is the quintessential weeknight dinner that promises to be a hit with the entire family. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy, cheesy pasta dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to the harmonious blend of savory ground beef, fresh spinach, sweet tomatoes, and just the right amount of aromatic Italian seasoning. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes satisfaction, encouraging everyone to ask for second helpings. Perfect for busy evenings, this robust and comforting meal proves that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Reader’s Choice: Emerging Favorites & Hidden Gems

While the top 15 recipes were undeniable stars of 2023, several other delightful dishes began gaining significant traction and quickly became new favorites among our readers. These recipes showcase a variety of flavors and cooking styles, promising deliciousness and ease. Though they might not have reached the very top tier this year, their growing popularity indicates they are destined for greatness in the kitchens of many home cooks. Discover these rising stars and perhaps find your next go-to meal!

Hearty Crockpot Chuck Roast with tender vegetables, ready for a comforting meal.

Rated 4.87 out of 5 stars from 81 votes

Crockpot Chuck Roast with Vegetables

Nothing evokes comfort quite like a succulent pot roast, and this Crockpot Chuck Roast with Vegetables offers ultimate ease and flavor. With a mere 5 minutes of prep, this recipe allows your slow cooker to work its magic, transforming a humble chuck roast and hearty vegetables into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. The meat literally falls apart, infused with rich flavors, creating a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect fuss-free dinner for busy days, delivering a taste of home and warmth that satisfies the soul, making it a growing favorite for comforting, easy cooking.

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A comforting bowl of Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, garnished and ready to enjoy.

Rated 4.76 out of 5 stars from 33 votes

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Say hello to the easiest soup you’ll ever make: this luscious Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This recipe epitomizes convenience, requiring nothing more than adding all your ingredients to the pot and stirring in the end to achieve a gloriously creamy and cozy consistency. Packed with wholesome broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep time – just a few minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup has quickly earned its place as a cherished, fuss-free recipe for busy households.

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A glass jar filled with Protein Overnight Oats, topped with sliced banana and a drizzle of peanut butter.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 62 votes

Protein Overnight Oats

Jumpstart your day with a powerhouse breakfast designed to keep you full and energized all morning long: our Protein Overnight Oats recipe. This incredibly easy meal takes just 5 minutes to prep the night before, ensuring a hearty, nutritious breakfast is ready when you wake up. Combining wholesome oats with protein powder, chia seeds, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of maple syrup, this recipe delivers a fantastic protein boost and a delicious flavor profile. It’s the perfect, fuss-free solution for anyone seeking a healthy, convenient, and satisfying start to their day, providing sustained energy for whatever lies ahead.

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A plate of warm, buttery Air Fryer Apples seasoned with cinnamon sugar.

Rated 4.91 out of 5 stars from 20 votes

Air Fryer Apples

Indulge in a simple yet sensational treat with these cinnamon-sweet and buttery Air Fryer Apples. Tender and bursting with flavor, these apples are ready in a remarkable 10 minutes, offering a delightful alternative to traditional fried apples. With just a touch of butter and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, they achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. These versatile apples are excellent as a wholesome side dish, a decadent topping for ice cream or pancakes, or simply enjoyed on their own as a light dessert or snack. Their quick preparation and comforting taste make them an instant hit!

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Delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies with subtle crumbs, fresh from the oven and ready to be enjoyed.

Rated 4.91 out of 5 stars from 106 votes

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Brighten your day with these irresistible Lemon Sugar Cookies, known for their wonderfully soft and chewy texture and the perfect burst of citrus flavor. This recipe brings sunshine to any occasion with its vibrant, refreshing taste. Requiring only one bowl for mixing and no chilling time, these cookies are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making them an ideal last-minute treat or a delightful baking project with kids. They are guaranteed to become a new favorite for the entire family, offering a simple yet profoundly delicious dessert that captures the essence of fresh, zesty lemons in every bite.

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And there you have it – a magnificent retrospective of the most beloved and celebrated recipes from Lemons + Zest in 2023! We hope this list inspires you to revisit old favorites or discover new culinary adventures in your kitchen. From lightning-fast weeknight dinners like the Air Fryer Fish Tacos and Parmesan Crusted Chicken to ingenious breakfast solutions like our various Overnight Oats, these recipes prove that delicious, home-cooked meals can be both achievable and incredibly rewarding. We are immensely grateful for your continued support and passion for cooking. Here’s to another year of exciting flavors and shared meals. We encourage you to click through to any recipe that catches your eye, give it a try, and share your own kitchen successes! Happy cooking in 2024!