25 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken

This easy baked chicken breast recipe is bursting with bright, fresh lemon flavor. To make it, simply coat chicken breasts with a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper. The lemon and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with tangy flavor as it bakes. Serve the juicy baked chicken breasts alongside rice or pasta and a salad for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

2. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Satisfy crispy chicken cravings without deep frying using this quick and easy baked chicken tender recipe. Simply coat chicken tenderloins with breadcrumbs, panko or even crushed cornflakes and bake until golden brown and crunchy outside. The high heat helps the coating get ultra crispy. Bake with just a light brushing of oil for tender, juicy chicken inside. Kids love dipping these homemade chicken fingers in ketchup, ranch or bbq sauce!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

3. Chicken Fajitas

Make your own tex-mex fajitas at home with this easy chicken fajita recipe. Just season chicken breasts with fajita seasoning or taco seasoning and cook in a hot skillet with sliced bell peppers and onions. The veggies and chicken cook quickly so everything is ready at the same time. Serve in warmed tortillas or over rice along with desired fajita toppings like guacamole, salsa, cheese and sour cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning or taco seasoning

Recipe

4. Chicken Parmesan

Get a taste of Italy with this easy baked chicken parmesan recipe. Chicken cutlets are breaded then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. For crispy breaded chicken, coat the cutlets in flour, egg and breadcrumbs before baking until the crust is golden. The marinara sauce and cheese topping adds satisfying flavor. Serve over pasta for a classic chicken parm dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

5. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is comfort food at its finest. This homemade version is filled with tender pieces of chicken and vegetables like carrots, peas and celery baked under a flaky puff pastry crust. The creamy chicken filling has a rich flavor from using a mix of broth and milk thickened with flour. You can make it into one large pie or individual ramekins for a fun twist.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

6. Chicken Fried Rice

Takeout chicken fried rice is tasty but easy to make at home. Simply shred leftover chicken and stir fry it in a wok with rice, soy sauce, veggies like carrot and onion and scrambled eggs. The secret ingredient for flavor is sesame oil. If you don’t have day old rice you can use freshly cooked. Just break up any clumps as you stir fry. Dinner is ready in a flash.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded
• 3 eggs, scrambled
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Recipe

7. Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are such a fun and easy weeknight dinner. Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese and spices, then grill or toast until the cheese is melty. Let kids help assemble and pick their favorite fillings. The possibilities are endless – try black beans, peppers, corn and salsa too. Cut into wedges and serve with guacamole, sour cream and salsa on the side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

8. Chicken Caesar Salad

A classic chicken Caesar salad is so simple to make at home. Crisp romaine lettuce is topped with juicy grilled chicken breast, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons and Parmesan cheese. You can also bake or pan sear the chicken. The rich, savory dressing flavored with garlic, lemon, anchovies and Parmesan pairs perfectly with the fresh lettuce and chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Croutons
• Salt and Pepper

Recipe

9. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Buffalo chicken wraps are easy to make and full of flavor. Shredded chicken is tossed in Buffalo hot sauce then wrapped in tortillas with lettuce, tomato and cheese. The cool lettuce balances the spicy chicken. Try making them with grilled chicken or leftovers to come together in minutes. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade Buffalo sauce. Ranch dressing is great for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup Buffalo hot sauce
• 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• Ranch dressing, for dipping

Recipe

10. Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is a popular takeout dish but so easy to make yourself. Simply bake or pan fry chicken breasts, then toss with a sweet and salty homemade teriyaki sauce. The flavorful sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and other Asian flavors. Serve the saucy chicken over fluffy white rice with veggies like stir fried bok choy.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Steamed white rice
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

11. Chicken Taco Salad

All the flavors of tacos in a salad! Make the salad by topping crunchy tortilla chips with lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese and grilled chicken. The chicken can be seasoned with taco seasoning or fajita seasoning for extra flavor. Top with a creamy cilantro ranch dressing and serve immediately before the chips get soggy.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Taco seasoning
• Tortilla chips
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans, rinsed and drained
• Corn
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro ranch dressing

Recipe

12. Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing dinner. Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese and spices. We love using red and green enchilada sauces for extra flavor. Or make your own sauce from scratch. Roll up the filled tortillas and bake until hot and melty. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives and more cheese for colorful layered enchiladas.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Lettuce, tomatoes, olives for topping

Recipe

13. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Cooked chicken and rice get combined with cream of chicken soup, cheese and veggies like peas or broccoli. Pour into a baking dish, top with bread crumbs or crackers then bake until bubbly and golden on top. You can spice it up by adding hot sauce or cajun seasoning too.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup peas or broccoli
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Recipe

14. Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats homemade chicken noodle soup. Simmer chicken pieces in broth with classic aromatics like onions, carrots and celery. Once the chicken is cooked, shred or cube the meat and add it back to the pot with noodles, herbs and vegetables. The broth gets its signature flavor from simmering the chicken bones before straining them out. A simple soup perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Noodles or pasta
• Chopped parsley

Recipe

15. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ chicken sandwiches are a summer classic. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness then brush with your favorite bbq sauce. Grill, bake or pan fry the chicken until caramelized and cooked through. Add more bbq sauce on top of the chicken or serve it on the side. Pile the juicy barbecue chicken onto buns with desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
• 4 sandwich buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese

Recipe

16. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken salad is easy to make and perfect for sandwiches. Simply shred or dice cooked chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and any other desired ingredients like grapes or pecans. Season with salt, pepper and spices like thyme or tarragon. Spoon the chicken salad onto bread or croissants for a light lunch or snack any time of year.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or croissants

Recipe

17. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is a rich, creamy Indian dish. Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices like garam masala. Then cook the chicken and make the curry sauce from tomatoes, cream, garlic and ginger. The aromatic spices infuse the dish with lots of flavor. Pair it with rice or naan to sop up the delicious creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Basmati rice or naan

Recipe

18. Lemon Chicken Piccata

This lemony chicken piccata recipe comes together in minutes but tastes gourmet. First, sauté chicken cutlets in olive oil and butter until browned then finish cooking in a pan sauce of lemon juice, butter and capers. The bright, tangy lemon and briny capers provide lots of flavor. Serve the chicken over pasta, rice or roasted veggies for an easy, impressive dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

19. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is comfort food at its best. Simmer cut up chicken pieces in broth with veggies until the chicken is cooked through then drop in spoonfuls of homemade biscuit dough. Cover and steam until the dumplings are cooked, about 15 minutes. The biscuit dough gets light and fluffy. Serve the chicken stewed with the dumplings in warm bowls.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut up
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk

Recipe

20. Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu is an elegant dinner made easy. Pound chicken breasts flat and layer with ham and Swiss cheese. Roll up and secure the chicken then dredge in flour, egg and breadcrumbs. Pan fry or bake until the crust is browned and the cheese is melted inside. An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F. Serve with lemon wedges for a fancy, restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Lemon wedges

Recipe

21. Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fries come together in minutes. First, sauté sliced chicken in hot oil until starting to brown. Add your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, peppers or snap peas and continue to stir fry until crisp-tender. Toss everything with a savory stir fry sauce – we love teriyaki, hoisin or oyster sauce flavors. Serve over rice for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/4 cup stir fry sauce or teriyaki sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Steamed white rice
• Toasted sesame seeds

Recipe

22. Chicken Alfredo

Creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo is a perfect comfort food pasta. Sauté chicken in butter and olive oil until cooked. Add heavy cream, Parmesan and mozzarella to make the silky Alfredo sauce. Toss with cooked fettuccine noodles for an easy but impressive chicken dinner recipe. Serve garnished with parsley and Parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb fettuccine noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

23. Chicken Fried Steak

Get the taste of a fried steak without deep frying using this easy oven baked chicken fried steak recipe. Chicken breasts are dredged in flour, egg and breadcrumbs then pan fried or baked until golden brown and crispy outside. Drizzle the fried chicken steaks with homemade country gravy for hearty comfort food. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• COUNTRY GRAVY:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper

Recipe

24. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is loaded with flavor. Simmer chicken, tomatoes, chiles, onions, garlic and spices until flavorful. Top the hearty tomato broth with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro and lime for an extra flavor boost. The lime brightens all the flavors. You can make this soup on the stovetop or in a slow cooker – both ways are delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 avocado, diced
• Tortilla strips
• Shredded cheese
• Lime wedges
• Cilantro
• Cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper

Recipe

25. Barbecue Chicken

Barbecued chicken is perfect for warm weather meals. Place chicken pieces or bone-in breasts on a sheet pan and coat all sides with your favorite bbq sauce. Bake at a high temp until the sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze all over the chicken. It gets a nice char but stays juicy inside. Serve with extra sauce for dipping, along with classic barbecue sides.

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil

Serve with:
Corn on the cob Baked beans Coleslaw
Buns Pickles

Recipe