You’re A Chef! 13 Cheffy Dishes Even You Can Make!

Even if you’re not a professional in the kitchen, creating dishes that could easily be mistaken for a chef’s work is totally within your reach. It’s all about taking those everyday meals and adding a twist here and there. Think of it as your usual cooking routine, but with a bit of extra love and creativity thrown in.

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever tried making a chef-approved dish at home and nailed it? Chicken Tinga is your ticket. It’s spicy, smoky, and goes great on everything from tacos to rice. I can tell you it’s simple enough for anyone to whip up, making those weeknight dinners a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for something light yet packed with flavor, Mediterranean Cod has got you covered. It’s a dish that brings the sea right to your plate with a fresh mix of tastes. From my kitchen to yours, it’s impressively easy to make and sure to wow at any table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Carnitas might sound fancy, but it’s basically just slow-cooked, tender goodness. Dutch Oven Carnitas take patience, but it’s more about waiting than actual work. If you can wait, you can cook almost like a chef. And this dish? It’s a showstopper that anyone can achieve.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing like a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup to make you feel like you’re dining in Italy. It’s hearty, rich, and, best of all, easy to put together. It’s a chef-worthy dish that anyone can make, perfect for those cooler nights when you need a bit of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a game changer. They’re crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. Trust me, using an air fryer makes this dish almost foolproof. It’s a quick way to get a delicious meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says salads are boring? This Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes is anything but. It’s full of different textures and fresh tastes. Even in a professional kitchen, it stands out as a simple, healthy option that’s easy to prepare. Definitely a cheffy dish you can make any day.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze are a crowd-pleaser. They’re smoky, a bit sweet, and absolutely mouthwatering. they’re surprisingly easy to make. It’s a dish that’ll make your backyard barbecue the talk of the town.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to spice up your pizza night? Try Ham & Asparagus Pizza. It mixes salty ham with fresh, crunchy asparagus on a perfect crust. It’s one of those chef-level creations that’s actually a breeze to make at home. Great for when you’re looking to impress without too much stress.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever left the house wondering what magic you’ll come back to in the kitchen? With Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops, you’re all set. This is the kind of cheffy dish you can nail without breaking a sweat. It’s like your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you get all the credit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Mornings need a bit of pep, and California Eggs Benedict is my go-to. It’s fresh, it’s got a bit of an edge, and best of all, it’s something even clever yet easy. Trust me, it’s brunch but with a twist you can totally handle.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve ever wanted your kitchen to smell like heaven, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is your ticket. It’s simple: throw everything on a pan and let the oven do its thing. From a chef’s perspective, it’s brilliant for its ease and flavor. And yes, you can make something chef-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs sound like you’d need a chef hat to pull off, right? Wrong. It’s all about low and slow, letting the ingredients meld into something rich and comforting. Even in a professional kitchen, we appreciate simplicity that leads to incredible results, and so can you.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever thought about smoking veggies? Smoked Cauliflower will make you wonder why you haven’t. Using a smoker adds an unexpected twist to the humble cauliflower, making it anything but ordinary. It’s a cheffy technique sure, but one that’s surprisingly easy to master at home.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

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