Looking for quick and tasty chicken recipes? You’ve come to the right place. This article will show you 39 easy chicken dishes you can make in no time.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast meal but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. From creamy lemon parmesan chicken to crispy Asian chicken salad, you’ll find plenty of options to keep your family happy and well-fed. Get ready to discover new favorites that will make dinner time a breeze.
While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in a pan until golden brown and done inside. Set the chicken aside and slice it.
In the same pan, melt butter and cook garlic for a minute. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to make the Alfredo sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Mix the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce together. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if you like.
This refreshing salad combines juicy chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors. Start by marinating chicken in a mix of lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil for 15-30 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your salad base. Mix lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and avocado in a large bowl.
Grill or pan-cook the marinated chicken until it’s golden and cooked through. Slice it and add it to your salad bowl.
Top your salad with olives and feta cheese for extra flavor. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the salad as a light, tangy dressing.
This quick and easy meal is perfect for warm summer evenings. It’s packed with protein and fresh vegetables to keep you satisfied.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful Indian dish you can make at home. Start by marinating chicken in yogurt, ginger, and spices like garam masala and turmeric.
Cook the chicken until golden, then set aside. In the same pot, make a sauce with butter, onions, garlic, and more spices. Add tomatoes and simmer.
Blend the sauce until smooth, then add cream and the cooked chicken. Let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Teriyaki chicken bowls are a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make these in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until browned.
While the chicken cooks, steam some broccoli florets. You can do this quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Mix up a simple teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, and other seasonings. Pour this over the cooked chicken and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Serve your teriyaki chicken over rice with the steamed broccoli. You can add other veggies too, like carrots or bell peppers.
Chicken fajitas are a tasty and quick meal you can whip up in about 30 minutes. Start by marinating sliced chicken in lime juice and spices for extra flavor.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until it reaches 165°F. Set it aside to rest.
Add more oil to the pan and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they soften and take on some color.
Serve the chicken and veggies with warm tortillas. You can add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese if you like.
To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts or thighs, honey, Dijon mustard, and a few other simple ingredients. Start by cooking the chicken in a pan until golden brown.
Next, make the sauce by mixing honey, mustard, vinegar, and garlic. Pour this over the chicken and let it simmer.
You can finish the dish in the oven or on the stovetop. The result is juicy chicken coated in a rich, sweet-tangy sauce.
Serve your honey mustard chicken with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. It’s an easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Chicken burrito bowls are a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. You’ll need cooked chicken, rice, black beans, and corn as the base ingredients.
Add toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce to make it even better. The best part is you can customize it to your liking.
These bowls are ready in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep. You can even set up a build-your-own bowl bar for family dinners.
For extra flavor, try seasoning your chicken with chipotle spices. This gives it a smoky taste similar to popular restaurant versions.
Chicken piccata is a quick and tasty Italian-American dish. You pound chicken breasts thin and coat them in flour. Then you cook them in a skillet until golden brown.
The sauce is what makes this dish special. You make it with lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Some recipes add white wine for extra flavor.
To cook chicken piccata, start by heating oil in a pan. Brown the coated chicken on both sides. Remove the chicken and make the sauce in the same pan. Add the chicken back to warm it up in the sauce.
This meal comes together fast, perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with pasta or a side salad for a complete dinner.
Chicken enchiladas are a tasty Mexican dish you can make quickly. Start by shredding cooked chicken and mixing it with enchilada sauce.
Warm corn tortillas in the microwave to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll it up.
Place the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish. Pour more enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts.
You can add extras like beans, green chilies, or diced onions to the filling for more flavor. Serve your enchiladas hot with sour cream and cilantro on top.
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by coating thin chicken cutlets in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken in a mix of olive oil and butter until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pan, cook sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Add Marsala wine and chicken broth to create a flavorful sauce.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. The result is tender chicken in a rich, savory sauce.
Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a quick and delicious meal.
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty dish that’s easier to make than you might think. You start with chicken breasts and roll them up with ham and cheese inside.
Swiss cheese is a common choice, but you can use Gruyere for extra flavor. Coat the rolled-up chicken in breadcrumbs for a crispy outside.
Bake the chicken in the oven until it’s golden brown. This method is healthier than deep-frying. You can serve it with a simple Dijon cream sauce for extra taste.
This dish looks fancy but doesn’t take too long to prepare. It’s a great way to impress your family or guests with a homemade meal.
Chicken satay skewers are a tasty Thai dish you can make at home. You’ll marinate chicken pieces in coconut milk and spices. Then thread them onto skewers and grill until juicy.
Serve your satay with a creamy peanut sauce for dipping. This sauce blends peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices. It’s the perfect match for the grilled chicken.
For a complete meal, add a cucumber salad on the side. The cool crunch pairs well with the warm, savory skewers. You can have this flavorful dish ready in about 30 minutes.
Chicken pho is a tasty Vietnamese noodle soup you can make in just 20-30 minutes. It’s a quicker take on the classic beef version but just as flavorful.
To make it, you’ll need chicken broth, rice noodles, and cooked chicken. Add ginger, garlic, and spices like cinnamon and star anise to boost the flavor.
Serve your pho with bean sprouts, jalapenos, Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime. These toppings add freshness and crunch to your bowl.
This fast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm, comforting meal. You’ll get all the taste of traditional pho without spending hours in the kitchen.
Chicken Caprese is a tasty twist on the classic Italian salad. It combines juicy chicken breast with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
To make it, you’ll sear thin chicken breasts in a pan. Then top them with slices of mozzarella and tomato. Pop the pan in the oven to melt the cheese and warm the tomatoes.
Finish your dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and some fresh basil leaves. This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
You can serve Chicken Caprese with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
You can make a tasty chicken tortilla soup in under 30 minutes. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeños in oil. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like chili powder and oregano.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Add cooked, shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve your soup hot with toppings like tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro. This easy recipe gives you a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
You can make tasty chicken quesadillas in just a few simple steps. Start by cooking diced chicken with taco seasoning in a pan. Add sliced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and color.
Heat a tortilla in a separate skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese on one half, then add the cooked chicken and veggie mixture. Fold the tortilla over and cook until golden brown on both sides.
For added kick, include some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Serve your quesadillas with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side. This quick meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Chicken and waffles is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time. Start by heating frozen pre-cooked chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer for about 10-15 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, prepare your favorite waffle batter and cook the waffles according to the recipe instructions. You can use a mix or make them from scratch.
Serve the crispy chicken on top of the warm waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. For extra flavor, you can warm the syrup in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Add a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to round out the meal. This combo of savory and sweet is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Chicken fried rice is a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
You’ll need cooked rice, chicken, eggs, and veggies like peas and carrots. Stir fry the ingredients in a large pan or wok with oil and soy sauce.
The key is using cold, leftover rice. Fresh rice can get mushy. Cook the chicken first, then set it aside while you fry the other ingredients.
Add the rice last and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and extra soy sauce to taste. Your homemade chicken fried rice will rival any takeout version.
Chicken Cobb Salad is a tasty and filling meal you can make quickly. Start by grilling chicken breast and cutting it into cubes.
Layer romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Add rows of chopped bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Top with the grilled chicken pieces. For dressing, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and lime juice.
Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving. This colorful dish is packed with protein and fresh ingredients for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Chicken tacos are a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 20 minutes. Start by cooking diced chicken in a skillet with oil and taco seasoning.
While the chicken cooks, warm up your tortillas. Prepare toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheese.
Once the chicken is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Then build your tacos by adding the chicken to the tortillas and topping with your favorite ingredients.
For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over your tacos before eating. You can also add salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if you like.
Chicken Pad Thai is a quick and tasty Thai dish you can make at home. Start by cooking chicken pieces in a hot wok or skillet until done.
Set the chicken aside and make the sauce. Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cook garlic and onion briefly, then add the chicken back in. Push everything to one side and scramble an egg in the pan. Mix it all together.
Add rice noodles, bean sprouts, and tofu to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything. Cook until the noodles are soft and the flavors blend.
Serve your Chicken Pad Thai hot, topped with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Chicken shawarma is a tasty Middle Eastern dish you can make at home. Start by marinating chicken thighs in a mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Let it sit for at least an hour to soak up the flavors.
When you’re ready to cook, you have options. Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Or bake it in a 400°F oven on a lined sheet pan.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then slice it thinly. Serve your homemade shawarma in pita bread with veggies and a sauce like tzatziki.
Crispy chicken fingers are a tasty and quick meal option. You can make them at home in about 30 minutes. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
To make them, coat chicken strips in seasoned breadcrumbs. You can fry, bake, or air fry them for different results. Frying gives the crispiest texture, while baking is healthier.
For extra crunch, try toasting the breadcrumbs before coating. This trick helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior even when baking.
Serve your homemade chicken fingers with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Add some fries or a salad for a complete meal.
Chicken Bruschetta is a tasty twist on the classic Italian appetizer. You’ll love this quick and easy meal that combines juicy chicken with fresh tomatoes and cheese.
Season chicken breasts with Italian herbs and grill or pan-fry until cooked through. Top each piece with mozzarella cheese and let it melt.
Mix diced tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and basil for the bruschetta topping. Spoon this mixture over the cheesy chicken just before serving.
This dish is perfect for a summer dinner. It’s light, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Chicken mole is a flavorful Mexican dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sauce. The sauce blends chocolate, chiles, nuts, and spices for a complex taste.
You can make a quick version of chicken mole in about 30 minutes. Start by cooking chicken pieces in a pan. In a blender, mix tomatoes, chocolate, peanut butter, and spices.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer until it thickens. Serve your chicken mole with rice, beans, or warm tortillas. This dish offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine without hours of cooking time.
Chicken jambalaya is a tasty one-pan meal that’s quick to make. You’ll need chicken, sausage, rice, vegetables, and Cajun spices.
Start by cooking the chicken in oil until it’s browned. Set it aside and cook the sausage. Then sauté onions, peppers, celery, and garlic.
Add the chicken and sausage back to the pan. Stir in rice, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
This dish takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal without much fuss.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders are a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You can make these mini sandwiches quickly for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Start by slicing slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Top with breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Add the top buns and brush with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops for extra flavor.
Bake the sliders in a preheated 350°F oven until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or casual family dinners.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Chicken offers many health benefits as part of a balanced diet. It provides essential nutrients to support your body’s needs and can be a smart choice for nutritious meals.
High Protein Content
Chicken is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of chicken breast contains about 26 grams of protein. This makes up over half the daily protein needs for most adults. Protein helps build and repair tissues in your body. It’s key for strong muscles, bones, and skin.
Eating chicken can help you feel full and satisfied after meals. This may aid in weight management by reducing overeating. The protein in chicken also supports a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Chicken provides many important vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of B vitamins, especially niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These help your body turn food into energy and support brain function.
Chicken also contains minerals like selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. Selenium acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells. Zinc boosts your immune system. Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
Dark chicken meat offers more iron than white meat. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood. Choose skinless chicken to reduce fat intake while still getting these nutritional benefits.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in many ways. Different cooking methods bring out unique flavors and textures in chicken dishes. Let’s look at some popular techniques to prepare delicious chicken meals.
Grilling
Grilling gives chicken a smoky flavor and crispy skin. To grill chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the chicken with oil and season it.
Place the chicken on the grill grates.
Cook for 6-8 minutes per side for boneless pieces.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
For juicy grilled chicken, try brining it first. Mix salt and water, soak the chicken for 30 minutes, then pat dry before grilling. You can also add wood chips to your grill for extra smokiness.
Grilled chicken goes well with many sides. Try it with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal.
Baking
Baking chicken is easy and hands-off. It’s great for cooking larger amounts at once. To bake chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken as you like.
Place it in a baking dish.
Cook for about 25 minutes for boneless pieces.
You can add veggies to the baking dish for a one-pan meal. Potatoes, carrots, and onions work well. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking to keep it moist.
For crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying cooks chicken quickly while keeping it tender. It’s perfect for weeknight meals. To stir-fry chicken:
Cut chicken into small, even pieces.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet.
Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Stir-fry veggies, then add chicken back in.
Add sauce and cook until heated through.
Use high heat and keep the food moving. This helps everything cook evenly. You can use pre-cut chicken to save time.
Try different sauces to change up the flavor. Soy sauce, teriyaki, or sweet and sour are tasty options. Serve your stir-fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
Pairing Chicken with Other Ingredients
Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with many flavors and textures. The right combinations can create delicious and balanced meals. Let’s look at some tasty pairings for chicken dishes.
Vegetables
Chicken goes great with many veggies. Green beans add a crisp texture and fresh flavor. Roasted carrots bring sweetness and color to the plate. Broccoli soaks up sauces well when paired with chicken.
Bell peppers work in stir-fries or fajitas with chicken. Zucchini and squash are light options that complement chicken nicely. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that goes well in chicken dishes.
For a healthier meal, try leafy greens like spinach or kale with your chicken. Asparagus makes an elegant side for baked or grilled chicken. Don’t forget about onions – they add flavor to many chicken recipes.
Grains
Rice is a classic pairing for chicken. White rice is fluffy and soaks up sauces. Brown rice adds more fiber and a nutty taste. Wild rice gives dishes a unique texture and look.
Pasta works well with chicken too. Try fettuccine with creamy chicken dishes. Penne goes great with chunky chicken sauces. Orzo makes a nice base for Greek-style chicken meals.
Quinoa is a protein-packed option that pairs well with chicken. Couscous cooks fast and soaks up flavors from chicken dishes. Barley adds a chewy texture that goes nicely with roasted chicken.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs bring out the best in chicken. Rosemary has a strong, pine-like flavor that works well with roasted chicken. Thyme adds a mild, earthy taste to many chicken dishes. Basil gives a fresh, sweet flavor to lighter chicken meals.
Garlic is a must-have for many chicken recipes. It adds depth and aroma. Paprika gives a smoky flavor and nice color to chicken. Cumin brings a warm, earthy taste to chicken dishes.
For heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to your chicken. Lemon pepper seasoning gives a zesty kick to grilled chicken. Don’t forget salt and black pepper – they enhance the flavor of any chicken dish.
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.
