15 Easy Chicken Recipes for Quick Dinners

Are you looking for some fresh and delicious chicken recipes to spice up your weekly menu? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As a self-proclaimed chicken connoisseur, I’m always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to prepare this versatile protein.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting your culinary journey, these chicken recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavor.

Plus, they’re a great way to switch things up and keep your meals interesting. Who wants to eat the same old thing every week, am I right? 🙅‍♀️

I’ve got something for every occasion. Get ready to become the master of chicken in your own kitchen! 🐓👩‍🍳

1. Honey Garlic Chicken

This 15-minute wonder is perfect for busy weeknights. Just 5 ingredients whip up a delicious honey garlic sauce that coats juicy chicken pieces. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Sides: Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables

Drink: Light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a cold beer

2. Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

A bright and flavorful dish, lemon herb chicken with roasted vegetables is easy to prepare on a sheet pan. Chicken is seasoned with a simple lemon herb blend and roasted alongside colorful vegetables for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.
4. Arrange the chicken and sliced vegetables on a baking sheet.
5. Pour any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Sides: Quinoa or couscous, mixed greens salad

Drink: Chardonnay or a refreshing lemonade

3. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling fajitas are always a crowd-pleaser, and this one-pan version makes cleanup a breeze. Chicken strips are marinated in fajita seasoning, then cooked with bell peppers and onions. Serve on warm tortillas with your favorite fajita toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Sides: Refried beans, Mexican rice

Drink: Margarita or a cold cerveza (beer)

4. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for a cozy night in. Chicken breasts are simmered in a flavorful buffalo sauce with beans, corn, and vegetables. It’s easy to throw together in the slow cooker and comes out perfectly tender and delicious.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Blue cheese crumbles for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, buffalo wing sauce, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir back into the chili.
5. Serve topped with blue cheese crumbles.

Sides: Cornbread, celery sticks

Drink: Iced tea or a light beer

5. Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This recipe takes boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a whole new level. Dredged in a flavorful parmesan cheese mixture, the chicken bakes up crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.
4. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Sides: Caesar salad, garlic bread

Drink: Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon

6. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This comforting soup is packed with flavor and goodness. Tender chicken pieces and orzo pasta simmer in a bright lemon broth with vegetables. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly day.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the chicken and orzo pasta.
5. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Sides: Crusty bread, green salad

Drink: Chardonnay or herbal tea

7. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This dish is full of Italian flavor. Chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. Tossed with pasta, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
4. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
6. Add the baby spinach and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad

Drink: Sauvignon Blanc or iced tea

8. BBQ Chicken Salad Sandwiches

These sandwiches are a delicious twist on the classic chicken salad. Shredded chicken is tossed in a smoky BBQ sauce with mayonnaise, celery, and red onion. Pile it high on toasted buns for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sandwich rolls

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, red onion, and celery.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Serve the chicken salad on sandwich rolls.

Sides: Coleslaw, potato chips

Drink: Lemonade or a cold cola

9. Sheet Pan Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice

This recipe is a fun and flavorful take on fried rice. Chicken, vegetables, and pineapple are all cooked together on a sheet pan with fluffy rice for a complete and easy meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, peas and carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Sides: Egg rolls, steamed edamame

Drink: Pineapple juice or a tropical smoothie

10. Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Peppers

This stir-fry is a healthy and satisfying option. Chicken pieces are cooked with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add the garlic, broccoli, and bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

Sides: Steamed rice, spring rolls

Drink: Green tea or a light beer

11. Chicken and Dumplings

This classic comfort food is easier to make than you think. Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmer in a flavorful broth for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the chicken, carrots, celery, and onion, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in milk and melted butter to form a dough.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth.
6. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Sides: Mixed greens salad, crusty bread

Drink: Chardonnay or apple cider

12. Chicken Pot Pie

Another comfort food favorite, chicken pot pie is always a crowd-pleaser. Flaky puff pastry tops a creamy filling of chicken, vegetables, and gravy.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cover with the puff pastry sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Sides: Mixed greens salad, mashed potatoes

Drink: Pinot Noir or iced tea

13. Chicken Caesar Salad

This salad is a lighter option that’s still full of flavor. Grilled chicken is served on a bed of romaine lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Let the chicken rest, then slice into strips.
5. In a mixing bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and lemon juice.
6. Add the sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper before serving.

Sides: Garlic bread, soup of the day

Drink: Chardonnay or sparkling water

14. Chicken quesadillas

These quesadillas are a fun and easy meal option. Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then cook them on a griddle until golden brown and melty.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Sour cream and guacamole for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken, cumin, chili powder, and cook until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, place a tortilla and sprinkle half with cheese, cooked chicken, and salsa.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
7. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans

Drink: Margarita or iced tea

15. Chicken Nachos

Nachos are always a hit, and this version features delicious chicken. Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings. Bake in the oven until melted and bubbly for a fun and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup guacamole
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with taco seasoning.
3. Spread the tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle the seasoned chicken and cheese evenly over the chips.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top with salsa, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.
7. Serve immediately.

Sides: Refried beans, corn salad

Drink: Cold beer or a margarita

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