Chicken is a versatile and popular protein that can be cooked in many delicious ways. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive dishes for special occasions, there’s a chicken recipe for every taste and skill level. You’ll find options ranging from simple pan-fried cutlets to flavorful roasts and comforting casseroles.
These 35 chicken recipes offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a 30-minute meal or a slow-cooked feast. You’ll discover new ways to prepare this kitchen staple using different cooking methods, seasonings, and flavor combinations. Get ready to expand your chicken recipe collection and breathe new life into your meal planning.
Grilled lemon herb chicken is a tasty and easy dish you can make for dinner. You’ll need boneless chicken breasts, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Mix the lemon juice and herbs to make a marinade. Soak the chicken in it for at least 30 minutes.
Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side. The meat should reach 165°F inside.
This recipe gives you juicy chicken with a nice char. The lemon adds brightness while the herbs bring flavor. You can serve it with salad or veggies for a healthy meal.
This tasty dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make.
Start by cooking your chicken in a hot pan until it’s browned. Add some minced garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
While the chicken cooks, mix up the sauce. Blend honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Add a bit of cornstarch to help it thicken.
Toss in your favorite veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. Pour the sauce over everything and let it simmer until it coats the chicken and vegetables.
Serve your honey garlic chicken stir fry over rice for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and fast.
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need chicken breasts, fettuccine, butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. While it’s cooking, sauté seasoned chicken pieces in a large skillet until golden brown.
Remove the chicken and use the same pan to make the sauce. Melt butter, add minced garlic, and pour in heavy cream. Let it simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan until smooth.
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in the pan. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if you like.
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that’s sure to please. You start by coating chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and frying them until golden brown.
Next, you top the crispy chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds the finishing touch.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan over spaghetti or with a side salad for a complete meal. The combination of crunchy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese makes this dish a family favorite.
You can bake the chicken instead of frying for a healthier option. Either way, Chicken Parmesan is a tasty and satisfying dinner choice.
Chicken Caesar salad is a popular dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce with tender chicken. To make it, you’ll need grilled or roasted chicken breast cut into strips.
Mix the chicken with fresh romaine, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. The key to a great Caesar salad is the dressing. You can make your own with egg yolks, lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, and olive oil.
Toss all ingredients together just before serving. This ensures the lettuce stays crunchy and the flavors blend well. You can add extras like cherry tomatoes or bacon bits for more variety.
Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce, all wrapped in flaky pastry. To make it, you’ll start by cooking chicken with carrots, peas, and celery.
Next, you’ll create a savory sauce using butter, onions, and milk. Mix the cooked chicken and veggies into this sauce for the hearty filling.
Pour the filling into a pie crust in a deep dish. Top it with another crust, seal the edges, and cut a few slits on top. Bake the pot pie until the crust turns golden brown.
This classic meal is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a filling family dinner. You can easily adjust the recipe to use your favorite veggies or leftover roast chicken.
Chicken cacciatore is a tasty Italian dish that’s easy to make. You start by browning chicken pieces in a pan. Then you cook onions, celery, peppers, and mushrooms until soft.
Next, add tomatoes, herbs, and wine to make a rich sauce. Put the chicken back in and let it simmer. Some recipes call for olives too.
You can cook this on the stove or in the oven. It usually takes about an hour total. The result is tender chicken in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Lemon chicken piccata is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It features pan-fried chicken breasts coated in Parmesan cheese.
The chicken is served with a tangy lemon sauce. This sauce includes white wine, garlic, and capers for extra flavor.
You can make the sauce creamy by adding a bit of butter. The bright lemon taste balances nicely with the rich sauce.
Serve your lemon chicken piccata over pasta like linguine. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to impress.
Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken with creamy spinach sauce. You start by coating chicken cutlets in flour and cooking them until golden brown.
Next, you make a sauce with wine, broth, and cream. Add fresh spinach and let it wilt in the warm sauce.
For extra flavor, stir in some Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that looks fancy but is simple to make.
Serve your Chicken Florentine over pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. It’s great for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special on a weeknight.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. To make it, you’ll marinate chicken pieces in yogurt and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin.
Grill or broil the marinated chicken until it’s golden and slightly charred. While it cooks, prepare the masala sauce with onions, tomatoes, and more spices.
Combine the grilled chicken with the sauce and simmer until everything is hot and well-mixed. Add a touch of cream at the end for extra richness.
Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala over rice for a satisfying meal. It’s a great choice when you want something flavorful and comforting.
Thai chicken satay is a tasty grilled dish. You marinate chicken pieces in coconut milk and spices. Then you thread them onto skewers.
Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with a creamy peanut sauce for dipping.
The sauce combines peanut butter, coconut milk, and Thai flavors. It may include lime juice, soy sauce, and ginger.
This dish is great for parties or as an appetizer. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve with cucumber salad or rice for a complete meal.
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese. You’ll love this fancy yet easy-to-make meal.
To make it, flatten chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thick. Place a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll up the chicken and secure it with toothpicks.
Next, coat the chicken rolls in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, try using crushed cornflakes instead.
Bake the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
You can prepare this dish ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Chicken teriyaki is a tasty dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for the marinade. Let the chicken soak in this mixture for about an hour.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s brown on all sides. Pour in the remaining marinade and let it simmer.
The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Serve your chicken teriyaki over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.
You can make a tasty chicken and broccoli stir fry in just 30 minutes. This easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in a hot pan until it’s no longer pink. Add fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry until they turn bright green.
Mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for the sauce. Pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Cook until everything is well-coated and the sauce thickens.
Serve your stir fry over rice for a filling dinner. You can top it with sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Chicken and waffles combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles for a tasty meal. To make it, marinate chicken in buttermilk for an hour or overnight.
Mix flour with spices like salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Coat the chicken and fry until golden brown at 350°F.
Make waffles from scratch or use a mix. Cook them until crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Serve the hot chicken on top of warm waffles. Add butter and maple syrup for extra flavor. Some people like hot sauce or honey too.
This dish works great for brunch or dinner. You can customize it with different waffle flavors or chicken seasonings.
To make it, you’ll simmer chicken with tomatoes, chiles, and broth. Then add corn and beans. Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese.
This soup is great for weeknight dinners. It’s filling and comforting, especially on cold days. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or freeze extras for later.
Try making your own tortilla strips by frying corn tortillas. Or use store-bought chips to save time. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for extra zest!
Chicken shawarma is a tasty Middle Eastern dish you can make at home. It uses everyday spices to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
The marinade gives the meat an exotic flavor. When cooking, the aroma fills your kitchen with amazing smells.
You can serve chicken shawarma in many ways. Try it in wraps, salads, or power bowls. It’s great for meal prep too.
To make it, marinate chicken pieces in shawarma spices. Then grill or bake the meat until it’s juicy and tender.
Pair your shawarma with traditional fixings like pita bread, tahini sauce, and pickled veggies. This dish brings street food flavors right to your dinner table.
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that’s sure to impress. You start by pounding chicken breasts until thin. Then you stuff them with herbed butter and roll them up tightly.
Next, you coat the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy outer layer when fried.
The key is to fry the chicken until golden brown on the outside. When you cut into it, melted garlic butter should ooze out.
Serve your Chicken Kiev hot with a side of mashed potatoes or vegetables. It’s a delicious meal that combines crispy, juicy, and buttery flavors in one bite.
Chicken gumbo is a flavorful Southern dish that combines tender chicken, spicy sausage, and vegetables in a rich broth. To make it, you’ll start by cooking a roux until it’s dark brown.
Next, add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers to the roux. Stir in chicken, sausage, and Cajun spices for extra flavor. Pour in chicken broth and let the mixture simmer.
For authentic gumbo, add sliced okra near the end of cooking. Serve your gumbo over a scoop of rice in a bowl. The result is a hearty, warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Chicken kebabs are a tasty grilled dish perfect for summer cookouts. You can make them on the grill or in the oven. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. This adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions. Grill the kebabs for about 13-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
You can customize kebabs with different marinades and vegetables to suit your taste. They’re easy to make and fun to eat!
Chicken lo mein is a tasty Chinese-inspired dish you can make at home. It combines tender chicken, veggies, and noodles in a savory sauce.
To make it, start by cooking lo mein noodles according to package directions. Stir-fry chicken pieces until cooked through.
Add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers to the pan. Toss in the cooked noodles and a sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar.
Mix everything together until the noodles are well-coated and heated through. You can have this delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes.
Chicken souvlaki is a popular Greek dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll marinate chicken pieces in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and rosemary.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a slightly crispy exterior.
Serve your chicken souvlaki in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions. For a healthier option, create a bowl with the grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and rice or roasted potatoes.
Chicken scampi is a tasty twist on the classic shrimp dish. You coat chicken tenders in seasoned flour and pan-fry them until golden brown.
The sauce is key – it’s made with butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. This creates a rich, tangy flavor that coats the chicken perfectly.
Serve your chicken scampi over pasta like linguine or angel hair. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with garlic Parmesan rice for a change.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness too.
Chicken jambalaya is a tasty one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with chicken, rice, and spices.
To make it, start by cooking chicken and sausage in a large skillet. Add vegetables like onions, peppers, and celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
Stir in rice, broth, and Cajun seasoning. Let everything simmer together until the rice is tender and has absorbed the delicious flavors.
You can adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less seasoning. Serve your chicken jambalaya hot and enjoy this comforting meal with your family.
Chicken stir fry with vegetables is a quick and tasty meal you can make any night of the week. It’s perfect for using up leftover veggies in your fridge.
Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Cook the chicken first, then set it aside. Stir fry the vegetables until crisp-tender.
Add the chicken back to the pan. Pour in a simple sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s a healthy option that’s full of protein and veggies.
Essential Tips for Cooking Chicken
Mastering chicken preparation can elevate your meals. These tips will help you choose cuts, marinate effectively, and cook chicken to perfection.
Choosing the Right Cut
Pick the right cut for your recipe. Boneless, skinless breasts work well for quick meals. They cook fast but can dry out easily. Thighs have more fat and stay juicy longer. They’re great for grilling or slow cooking.
Whole chickens are budget-friendly and versatile. You can roast them or cut them into parts. Wings are perfect for appetizers and game day snacks.
Always check the color and smell of chicken before buying. Fresh chicken should have a pink hue and no strong odors.
Marinating Techniques
Marinating adds flavor and keeps chicken moist. Use a mix of oil, acid, and seasonings. Olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs make a simple marinade.
Don’t marinate for too long. Chicken breasts need only 30 minutes to 2 hours. Thighs can marinate for up to 12 hours.
Always marinate in the fridge to prevent bacteria growth. Use glass or plastic containers, not metal.
Try dry rubs for a different flavor. Mix spices and rub them onto the chicken before cooking.
Cooking Temperatures and Times
Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part.
Chicken breasts take about 6-8 minutes per side when pan-frying. Thighs need 8-10 minutes per side.
Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices in the meat.
Don’t wash raw chicken. It can spread bacteria. Just cook it thoroughly to kill any germs.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is a nutritious food that can be part of a healthy diet. It offers protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your body’s needs.
Nutritional Profile
Chicken contains many important nutrients. A 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast has about 140 calories. It provides 26 grams of protein.
Chicken also gives you:
B vitamins like niacin and B6
Minerals such as selenium and phosphorus
Small amounts of zinc and iron
The exact nutrition varies based on the cut and cooking method. Dark meat has more fat and calories than white meat. Removing the skin lowers the fat content.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken is a great way to get lean protein in your diet. Protein helps build and repair tissues in your body. It’s key for strong muscles.
A chicken breast has about 31 grams of protein per 100 grams. This makes it one of the best protein sources you can eat. Chicken has less fat than many red meats, so it’s a good choice if you want to limit fat.
The protein in chicken can help you feel full. This may aid in weight control. Eating enough protein is also vital as you age to keep your muscles strong.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
