Chicken’s incredible versatility is just one of its many attractions. With a wide range of cooking methods at our disposal – from grilling to frying, baking, or slow-cooking – it’s no wonder this meat has become a staple in many households. The possibilities are endless, and it’s not hard to see why chicken remains a top choice for dinner night after night.
Whether you’re looking for tried-and-true classics or innovative twists on traditional recipes, our collection of 37 easy and delicious chicken dinner ideas has got you covered for any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these mouth-watering options are sure to inspire your next meal.
37 Easy Dinner Ideas Using Chicken
Classic Baked Chicken Breasts
To prepare a delicious baked chicken, start by preheating your oven to a moderate temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, take some time to season the chicken breasts with your preferred spices and herbs, allowing their flavors to meld together harmoniously. Once seasoned, place the chicken in the oven and bake for a period of 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring food safety. Finally, remove the chicken from the oven and serve it with your favorite accompaniments.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
To prepare the dish, gather boneless chicken thighs, an onion chopped into manageable pieces, a few cloves of garlic minced to perfection, canned tomatoes with their juices intact, curry powder for added flavor, and coconut milk to enrich the sauce. Place all these ingredients into your slow cooker, then set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once done, serve the chicken and its accompanying sauce over a bed of fluffy rice.
Chicken Fajitas
To create this flavorful dish, start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Next, heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through. Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and continue cooking until they’re tender. Season with fajita seasoning to give your dish that signature flavor. Serve hot, wrapped in warmed tortillas and topped with your favorite fixings.
Honey Mustard Chicken
Combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and olive oil in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Toss chicken pieces with the mixture until well coated. Position the chicken on a baking sheet, surrounded by sliced potatoes and carrots. Then, pop it into the oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the aromas to meld together.
Chicken Alfredo
To create this delectable dish, start by cooking the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add in heavy cream, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Once these ingredients are well combined and heated through, add in cooked chicken and cooked pasta. The creamy sauce will coat each piece of pasta beautifully. Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for a satisfying and filling meal.
Chicken Enchiladas
To prepare this mouthwatering casserole, start by cooking diced chicken breast in a skillet with chopped onion and taco seasoning until it’s fully coated. Meanwhile, combine canned enchilada sauce and tomato sauce in a separate bowl to create the rich and tangy sauce. Pour a thin layer of this sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to serve as a foundation for the casserole. Next, take the cooked chicken mixture and wrap each portion in a tortilla, placing them side by side in the prepared baking dish. Top the rolled chicken with the remaining sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Finally, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Chicken Tinga Tacos
Savory and spicy, this flavorful dish brings together the bold flavors of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tender chicken, and fresh ingredients like onion, garlic, and avocado. To make it, simply heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add diced chicken breast, along with chopped onion, minced garlic, and the fiery kick from chipotle peppers in adabo sauce. After a few minutes of cooking, stir in canned tomatoes for added moisture and depth. Once the mixture is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, serve it warm in soft tortillas, topped with crunchy shredded cabbage and creamy slices of avocado. This vibrant and satisfying dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken
To create a delectable and tangy chicken dish, combine equal parts of balsamic vinegar and honey in a bowl, then add minced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Coat four to six boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve the cooked chicken alongside a medley of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red bell peppers, which have been tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted to perfection in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
To begin, set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, unfold the pizza dough onto a baking sheet, spreading it evenly across the surface. Then, add a rich layer of BBQ sauce, followed by toppings such as cooked chicken, sliced onions, and shredded cheese. Finally, place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the crust to crisp up.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
To prepare this mouth-watering dish, start by heating up a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Allow the ingredients to cook until the chicken is fully browned and the mushrooms are tender. In a separate pan, melt butter over low heat before whisking in heavy cream. Once combined, add the cooked chicken and mushroom mixture to the pan and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, serve the dish alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Chicken Tikka Masala
To create a flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired chicken dish, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced chicken breast in combination with minced onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Then, add canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and thicken the sauce. Serve the chicken with warm naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken
To elevate the simplicity of chicken dishes, start by cooking diced chicken in a skillet with aromatic compounds like minced garlic and rich butter. As the mixture begins to sizzle, pour in a moderate amount of white wine and let it simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Finally, serve this savory delight alongside a medley of roasted vegetables and crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.
Coq Au Vin
To start, cook crispy bacon in a skillet before adding chicken legs and browning them as well. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now. Next, add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the skillet, cooking until they’re nicely browned. Then, pour in red wine, chicken broth, and thyme, stirring to combine. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes.
Chicken Quesadillas
To create this delectable dish, begin by cooking diced chicken with taco seasoning in a skillet until it’s thoroughly seasoned. Meanwhile, spread refried beans evenly across a tortilla. Add the cooked chicken on top of the beans, followed by diced tomatoes and shredded cheese. Place a second tortilla on top to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the tortillas are crispy and the flavors have melded together.
Chicken Parmesan
To start, preheat your oven to a comfortable 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful coating. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this mixture, then place them on a baking sheet. Allow the chicken to cook in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, add a generous helping of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finally, place the baking sheet under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and give the dish a golden finish.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
To prepare this mouth-watering stir-fry, start by heating some oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken and cook until it’s nicely browned. Next, add sliced onions, minced garlic, and broccoli florets to the pan, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is coated with the savory flavors. Finally, pour in some soy sauce and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the dish to simmer together in perfect harmony.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
To prepare a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish, combine equal parts lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Apply the marinade to chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Serve the cooked chicken with a side of rice to soak up the juices and enjoy a well-rounded meal.
Teriyaki Chicken
To prepare a savory and flavorful dish, begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. In a harmonious blend of East meets West, combine chicken breast with soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of water. As the mixture simmers, the flavors will meld together, resulting in a rich and velvety sauce that coats the chicken. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve it atop a bed of fluffy steamed rice, accompanied by a medley of crisp and colorful vegetables.
Chicken and Dumplings
To create this hearty dish, start by cooking diced chicken, onion, and garlic in a pot over medium heat until they reach a nice browned color. Next, add in some chicken broth and an assortment of vegetables to the pot. Allow these ingredients to simmer together until the veggies are tender. Once everything is cooked through, it’s time to add the dumpling dough on top of the mixture. Simply cover the pot with a lid and let the dish cook for 12-15 minutes more, allowing the dumplings to fully cook and absorb all the flavorful goodness.
Chicken Pot Pie
Create a heartwarming chicken pot pie by harmoniously blending sautéed chicken, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and a rich, velvety sauce. Finish it off with a flaky pastry crust and let the aroma of warm baking waft through your kitchen as you wait for the golden-brown masterpiece to emerge.
Honey Sriracha Chicken
To add a depth of flavor to your dish, combine the natural sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of Sriracha sauce to create a tantalizing glaze. Simply mix equal parts honey and Sriracha sauce to create the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Next, coat chicken pieces with the glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated before baking until cooked through and sticky. This simple yet effective technique will elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken
Savor the essence of a classic dinner by roasting a whole chicken to perfection, complemented by the bright citrus of lemon wedges, the herbaceous depth of fresh rosemary, and the pungent richness of garlic.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
In a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, an assortment of mixed vegetables, and the savory goodness of cream of chicken soup within a casserole dish. Allow this delightful combination to come together in the oven, where it will heat through and transform into a golden-brown, bubbly masterpiece.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Transforming a humble plate of pasta into a delightful dinner is just as easy as combining its finest elements. Simply cook your go-to pasta shape to al dente perfection, then toss it with a rich and herby pesto sauce, shredded or diced cooked chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes. The result is a satisfying meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Chicken and Black Bean Burritos
Savory fusion awaits as you combine cooked chicken with the vibrant trio of black beans, diced tomatoes, and the bold flavors of taco seasoning. This harmonious blend is then nestled within warm tortillas, accompanied by melted cheese and a medley of your preferred toppings.
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Indulge your taste buds by slow-cooking chicken in a rich and aromatic Thai red curry sauce, crafted from the perfect blend of coconut milk, vibrant red curry paste, and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Pair this culinary delight with a side of fluffy steamed jasmine rice for a truly authentic and satisfying dining experience.
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Transform the classic Creole dish into a vibrant culinary experience by harmoniously combining succulent chicken and savory sausage with an array of colorful bell peppers, aromatic onions, and fluffy rice in a richly flavored tomato-based sauce infused with the perfect blend of spices.
Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs
To create a mouth-watering kebab, start by threading chicken pieces, alongside sliced bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, onto skewers. Next, place the kebabs under the grill until the chicken is cooked through to perfection and the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Transform your mealtime by incorporating a bold twist into classic chicken wraps. Simply toss cooked chicken pieces in spicy buffalo sauce for an added layer of flavor. Then, wrap the saucy chicken in tortillas along with crisp shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, and a tangy dollop of blue cheese dressing.
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors by stuffing jumbo pasta shells with a harmonious blend of cooked chicken, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and rich marinara sauce. As you place them in the oven, the aromas will mingle and intensify, culminating in a dish that’s both hot and bubbly – a true culinary delight.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Indulge in the warmth of a comforting chicken and rice soup, crafted by slowly cooking tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an array of colorful vegetables in a rich chicken broth. Allow the subtle nuances of herbs and spices to elevate this cozy dish, perfect for snuggling up on a chilly day.
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience by cooking chicken to perfection alongside potatoes, corn, and crispy bacon, all swathed in a rich and creamy chowder-inspired broth. This wholesome recipe is guaranteed to fill your belly with a warm and satisfying goodness.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
In a single, cohesive step, bring together the essential ingredients by combining chicken, steamed broccoli, the rich flavor of cream of mushroom soup, and melted cheese within a casserole dish. As the mixture bakes to perfection, it will transform into a hot, bubbly masterpiece, filling your senses with its savory aroma.
Chicken Shawarma
To elevate the taste of your chicken, start by marinating it in a rich mixture of yogurt, garlic, and aromatic spices. Once the flavors have melded together to perfection, grill or roast the chicken until it’s cooked through. Then, serve it in warm pita bread alongside a refreshing cucumber sauce and a selection of crunchy vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet
Transform the humble chicken breast into a flavorful masterpiece by sautéing it with a medley of aromatics like lemon zest, fresh herbs, and pungent garlic in a skillet. Serve this delightful dish alongside a hearty serving of quinoa or couscous for a well-rounded meal. With its versatility and adaptability, chicken is an ideal protein to work into your culinary repertoire, allowing you to craft a diverse array of mouthwatering meals. This collection of 37 easy dinner ideas showcasing the star power of chicken will inspire you to put aside the usual suspects and try something new. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen as you rediscover the joy of cooking with these timeless and innovative recipes, breathing new life into your weeknight dinners.