In this paper we study multiple ergodic averages for "good" variable polynomials. In particular, under an additional assumption, we show that these averages converge to the expected limit, making progress related to an open problem posted by Frantzikinakis (Problem 10, "Some open problems on multiple ergodic averages. Bulletin of the Hellenic Mathematical Society. 60 (2016), 41-90"). Corresponding averages along prime numbers are studied too. These general convergence results imply various variable extensions of classical recurrence, combinatorial and number theoretical results which are presented as well.