39 Chicken Recipes That Make Dinner the Best Part
Dinner feels a lot easier when chicken brings flavor, comfort, and quick prep in one place. These ideas help take pressure off busy evenings while keeping things interesting.
They work well for families, solo meals, or laid-back nights that call for something dependable. Each dish aims for steady flavor, simple steps, and reliable results.
Chicken with Plum Sauce
Grilled chicken paired with Plum Sauce and Grilled Plums offers a nutritious and straightforward meal perfect for late summer. It’s ready to serve in just 40 minutes. The secret to its succulent and moist chicken lies in the indirect grilling technique after browning the chicken. This method ensures that every bite is juicy and flavorful, complemented beautifully by the sweetness of grilled plums and the rich depth of plum sauce. It’s an ideal combination for a delightful seasonal dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Plum Sauce.
Smoked Whole Chicken
Smoking a whole chicken can result in a dish that’s not only deliciously tender but also bursting with rich, smoky flavor. The slow-cooking process ensures the chicken remains juicy, while the smoky aroma infuses every bite. This impressive dish will not only wow your guests but also provide a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, smoked chicken is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whole Chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are perfect for a quick and easy family dinner after a long day. You can cook the chicken, whether it’s fresh or frozen, making it a super convenient choice for any night of the week. With this simple recipe, you’ll whip up delicious tacos in no time, giving you more moments to relax and enjoy with your loved ones. No reason to break the bank. You can feed the whole family with only two breasts!
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tacos.
Grilled Lime Coconut Chicken
This is such an easy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe! I just love the flavors of lime and Coconut together, so when I came across this recipe, I had to give it a try! Of course, I had to make a few tweaks and make it my own!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Coconut Chicken.
Air Fried Chicken Wings
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are incredibly easy to make. This recipe turns out wonderfully crispy wings, making them a perfect choice if you’re looking to enjoy a lighter meal. These wings are quick to prepare for a fuss-free snack or to take on a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wings.
Chicken French
Chicken Artichoke French or Chicken Francese is easy and delicious! Half a ton of Asiago is what makes this recipe so good. I had no idea that this recipe is also known as Chicken Rochester. Growing up in the Rochester, NY region, I just thought everyone on the planet knew of and enjoyed this amazingly delicious recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken French.
Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Everyone’s NO. 1 go-to stir fry is probably Chicken Stir Fry. Why not? It’s super quick, super easy, and super tasty. But do you stir-fry your chicken with just soy sauce or teriyaki? Well, try my easy chicken stir fry recipe, which has a little more Chinese staple sauces in the mix and is loaded with veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.
Chicken Capri
This Chicken Capri recipe originally came from an ad in a magazine, offering a healthier twist on classic chicken parmesan. With reduced fat and calories, it combines tender chicken breast with fresh tomatoes, basil, and melted mozzarella, delivering all the delicious flavors you love without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Capri.
Chicken Spinach Pizza
Thanks to the garlic scape pesto, this pizza is garlicky perfection. With this novel twist of tender chicken, flavorful spinach, and cheese, your pizza experience will get more interesting. It’s easy to make and grilled to perfection.
Get the recipe: Chicken Spinach Pizza.
Smoked Chicken Wings
These Smoked Chicken Wings are incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few minutes of prep time and a couple of hours in the smoker, you can have deliciously smoky wings ready to enjoy. This hassle-free process makes them perfect for a relaxed weekend meal or a picnic with friends.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings.
Chicken Enchiladas
These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are just what you need to celebrate the day!! These Easy Chicken Enchiladas are made with Authentic Red Enchilada Sauce, made with dried peppers as the major ingredient! So much more flavorful than those that are mostly tomato-based!! Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas.
Maple Apple Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs, when basted with a delightful mix of apple cider and maple syrup, become an irresistible dinner option that’s both sweet and savory. This mouthwatering dish can be ready in approximately 30 minutes, offering a quick yet flavorful meal. The apple cider lends a tangy depth, while the maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced glaze that enhances the chicken thighs’ natural juiciness.
Get the Recipe: Maple-Apple Chicken Thighs.
Chicken Ramen
This chicken ramen recipe is an easy, fun dish that is so superior to the stuff in the little cups! Not much more work than that, either! Use homemade chicken stock, or store-bought, to make it even easier!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen.
Fried Chicken
Are you wondering how to make your fried chicken extra crispy? The trick is surprisingly simple, and once you try it, you’ll see just how easy it is to get that perfect crunch. Keep reading to discover our tips for achieving the crispiest fried chicken ever!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Chicken.
Chicken Quiche
Quiche is one of the easiest meals to whip up for brunch or dinner, offering a versatile and satisfying option for any occasion. Leftover Chicken Quiche is particularly tasty, featuring a delicious combination of tender chicken and the rich, creamy goodness of four different cheeses. This cheese blend makes the quiche incredibly moist and irresistibly cheesy, creating a delightful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quiche.
Chicken Lo Mein
This Chicken Lo Mein recipe is an easy Chinese takeout dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes! Packed with colorful vegetables and tender Chinese noodles, it offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and simple recipe brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout straight to your kitchen. Enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein Recipe.
Chicken Lasagna
This Chicken Lasagna Recipe with Spinach uses fresh chicken breasts, ensuring the meat stays tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, layering creamy spinach, rich cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken for a comforting dish that’s hearty and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this lasagna is both comforting and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air-fried Chicken Thighs offer unbeatable crispiness. Perfect for hectic evenings when you’re pressed for time, this recipe ensures a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes. It’s the go-to choice for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs.
Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken is a classic Chinese-American takeout favorite, known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. This version takes it up a notch by incorporating zesty orange and spicy hot peppers, giving it a delightful twist that’s reminiscent of Orange Chicken. The result is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will have you hooked from the first bite!
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is super easy to prepare, making it a great option for a quick, homemade meal. By making it yourself, you get a healthier version of the takeout classic, with fresh, high-quality ingredients and no extra grease. The balance of tangy sweetness paired with tender, crispy chicken delivers a flavor that’s even better than your favorite takeout spot, and you’ll love how simple it is to create at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Chicken Pot Pies
These easy and delicious leftover chicken pot pies will make you forget store-bought versions. If you don’t have leftovers, use a rotisserie chicken or repurpose your Thanksgiving turkey for a warm meal.
Get the recipe: Chicken Pot Pies.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Air-Fried Chicken Tenders are tasty and extra crispy, with just a fraction of the fat and calories found in traditional fried chicken tenders. The breading is gluten-free, too, making them great for folks with allergies. Air-frying is much quicker than baking and just as effective, if not more so, at achieving that crispy crust we all crave in fried foods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
Grilled Chicken Salad
This recipe transforms the usual chicken salad into something extraordinary! Our Grilled Chicken Salad is easy and tasty, and a great way to use leftover grilled chicken. It’s perfect for picnics, in sandwiches, or with lettuce and tortilla wraps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad.
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
This Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole recipe is the perfect dinner to make for the family. Creamy chicken flavored with poppy seeds and topped with a Ritz cracker with a buttery topping is amazing!
Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
Thin Crust Chicken Pizza
A crunchy, thin-crust pizza topped with juicy chicken and leafy spinach is ready to hit your plate. This straightforward yet exciting twist is sure to level up your pizza game.
Get the recipe: Thin Crust Chicken, Spinach Pizza.
Lemon Chicken Thighs
Lemon chicken thighs are a simple and tasty dish that brings together the bright flavor of lemon with tender, juicy chicken. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Thighs.
Healthy Orange Chicken
This Healthy Orange Chicken is quick and easy to make, and there’s no added sugar of any kind! Tender chicken coated with a sticky orange sauce is a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. It’s naturally sweet thanks to fresh orange juice and full of savory flavor. There’s no deep frying involved, just a simple-to-make recipe that’s even better than takeout. It’s also gluten-free, Whole30, paleo, and dairy-free as well. So the next time you’re craving takeout from Panda Express, this Healthy Orange Chicken is your easy answer!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Orange Chicken.
Smoked Chicken Legs
Welcome to our delicious world of smoked chicken legs! You’re in for a real treat if you love juicy, tender meat filled with deep, smoky flavors. Nothing is better than cold chicken at a picnic!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Drumsticks.
Green Chicken Pozole
Green chicken pozole is a delicious and comforting Mexican soup that combines tender chicken, hominy, and a flavorful green broth made from tomatillos, chilies, and herbs.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Pozole.
Easy Chili Spiced Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
These chili-spiced air fryer chicken drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, offering a delightful kick with every bite. Perfect for a quick and easy keto lunch or dinner, they combine a spicy seasoning mix with a perfectly crisped exterior and tender interior for a delicious, low-carb meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chili Spiced Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks.
Pesto Pasta Salad With Chicken
Pasta salad is a summertime staple for so many occasions. And this chicken pesto pasta salad has it all. Quick and easy to make? Yes! Lots of fresh veggies? Yep! Tons of flavor? You bet! Ready in just 30 minutes and hearty enough for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad With Chicken.
Zucchini Chicken Stir Fry In The Air Fryer
Healthy Zucchini and Chicken Recipe! If you want a simple, tasty, unique stir fry, look no further than my zucchini chicken stir fry. It’s made in the air fryer…yes, really! And it’s going to give you fast, delicious, and nutritious results that everyone is going to love!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Chicken Stir Fry In The Air Fryer.
Creamy Chicken Leek And Mushroom Pasta
This creamy chicken, leek, and mushroom pasta recipe with spinach is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great one-pot dish, perfect for autumn and winter when leeks and mushrooms are in season, and we need some good comfort food on colder days. Leeks and mushrooms go very well together, and spinach adds some nice color.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Leek And Mushroom Pasta.
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
This Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl takes fan-favorite game day flavors and transforms them into a delicious and – dare I say semi-healthy? – meal. Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and assemble it on a bed of rice along with quickly sautéed carrots and celery, and top it with blue cheese crumbles or Ranch dressing.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl.
Chicken Thighs In Honey And Mustard Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs drenched in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce are a surefire hit for dinner tonight. This easy Chicken Thighs In Honey And Mustard Sauce Recipe blends pantry staples to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in no time. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a quick weeknight dinner, you’ll love how the flavors meld together in every delicious bite!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs In Honey And Mustard Sauce.
Caprese Chicken {Five Ingredient!}
This Easy 5-ingredient Caprese Chicken is everything you want in a one-pan meal. It’s wholesome, healthy, delicious, hearty, total comfort food, and a family favorite. The best part is that this gluten-free dinner recipe has only five ingredients and is made in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Chicken {Five Ingredient!}.
Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Sundried tomato chicken pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dinner. This simple but flavorful sundried tomato pasta can be made in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta.
Chipotle Chicken Fajita Recipe
This chipotle chicken fajita recipe is quick, flavorful, and unbelievably delicious – with tender chicken breast, crunchy bell peppers, and your favorite toppings! Ready in 30 minutes for the perfect easy weeknight dinner idea the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Fajita Recipe.
Easy One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs With Veggies
These One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs combine sweet and savory ingredients for the perfect symphony of flavors. With tender chicken and high-quality results, this elegant dish is easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs With Veggies.
