If you’re looking for ways to add excitement to your meals without sacrificing time, look no further than the humble chicken. This protein powerhouse is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a wide variety of dishes that cater to any taste or dietary preference.
From classic comfort foods like pasta and tacos to healthier options like salads and sandwiches, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to easy meals featuring chicken. And the best part? Chicken is an affordable and nutritious choice that can be found at most grocery stores.
In this post, you’ll discover 37 mouth-watering, quick, and straightforward recipes that showcase the incredible versatility of chicken. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, these recipes are sure to inspire you to get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
37 Easy Meals with Chicken
Chicken Fajita Bowl
Kickstart your week with a nutritious and delectable meal by grilling chicken strips to perfection alongside sliced bell peppers and onions. Serve this savory combination atop a flavorful cilantro lime rice, and take it to the next level with generous helpings of creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
Chicken Alfredo
Indulge in the warmth of a timeless favorite by preparing a mouthwatering chicken Alfredo dish. Simply cook pasta to your liking, then sauté chicken breast with garlic and butter until it’s tender and flavorful. Next, combine the cooked pasta and chicken mixture with a rich homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce. Finally, serve the comforting casserole hot and enjoy the satisfying aroma and taste that this classic recipe has to offer.
Chicken Caesar Salad
For a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying, look no further than the classic combination of Caesar salad with grilled chicken. To prepare this crowd-pleasing dish, start by combining crisp lettuce leaves, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Next, drizzle your favorite Caesar dressing over the top, then finish it off with sliced or diced grilled chicken. The result is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Chicken Quesadillas
Transform your favorite Mexican dish into a quick and effortless meal by incorporating chicken. Simply heat up a tortilla, followed by the addition of shredded cheese, succulent chicken, and any additional desired elements such as beans, peppers, and onions. Finally, fold the tortilla over and grill until crispy, resulting in a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal.
Chicken Parmesan
Trade your go-to spaghetti recipe for a mouthwatering twist: chicken Parmesan. Begin by dipping breaded chicken in a rich egg wash, then coat it in a mixture of crispy breadcrumbs and nutty Parmesan cheese. Next, bake the chicken to perfection in the oven before serving it atop a bed of pasta, smothered in a tangy marinara sauce that will elevate your meal to new heights.
Chicken Tacos
For a speedy and satisfying weeknight meal, look no further than the humble chicken taco. With its quick cooking time of under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy households. The key to its speed lies in the simplicity of the recipe: season chicken with taco-inspired flavors and assemble the tacos with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Grilled chicken sandwiches, a staple of the perfect lunch option, strike a delicate balance between simplicity and satisfaction. By grilling juicy chicken to perfection, adding a medley of toppings such as crisp lettuce, plump tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise, and serving it all on a soft bun, this classic combination is sure to hit the spot.
Chicken Stir Fry
Stir-fry, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, brings together succulent chicken with an array of vibrant vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, and carrots, resulting in a nutritious and delectable meal. This delightful dish can be served over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
For a satisfying and reheatable meal, consider preparing a classic chicken and rice casserole that can be cooked ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. To start, cook chicken and rice together until they’re fully incorporated. Next, add in some cream of mushroom soup for an added layer of flavor and moisture, as well as your choice of vegetables. Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and let it bake in the oven until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Embark on an Italian culinary adventure by cooking up a mouth-watering chicken pesto pasta dish. Begin by boiling your favorite type of pasta until al dente, then set it aside to cook the chicken breast in a skillet with some olive oil and your choice of aromatics. Once the chicken is cooked through, combine it with the cooked pasta and a generous helping of creamy pesto sauce for a match made in heaven.
Chicken Fried Rice
One creative solution for repurposing leftover rice is to craft a delicious chicken fried rice dish. This culinary masterpiece combines the humble grains with savory elements like cooked chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, an assortment of vegetables, and a splash of soy sauce – a harmonious blend that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in a nutritious and delicious salad by combining crisp lettuce with juicy chicken, crumbly feta cheese, briny olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing, crafted fresh at home.
Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas share a culinary kinship with chicken tacos, as they too involve wrapping tender chicken and vegetables within tortillas. The addition of rich enchilada sauce and a generous sprinkling of melted cheese creates a flavorful fusion that’s simply irresistible. To bring this dish to life, the ingredients are placed in the oven until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Chicken and Dumplings
As the seasons transition from warmth to coziness, there’s no better way to warm hearts and bellies than with a comforting bowl of classic southern goodness – chicken and dumplings. This hearty dish is a staple for fall and winter evenings, when a slow-cooked meal is just what’s needed to banish the chill. To prepare it, simply simmer chicken in a pot with an array of flavorful vegetables until tender, then introduce fluffy dumplings to cook until they’re soft and pillowy.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Add some heat to your meal routine by experimenting with buffalo chicken wraps. To make this tasty treat, start by grilling your chicken until it’s cooked through. Then, give it a spicy kick by tossing it in buffalo sauce. Next, add the chicken to a wrap along with some crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a dollop of creamy ranch dressing for a delightful combination that will leave you craving more.
Chicken Curry
Transforming the flavors of India into a mouthwatering dish has never been easier! Cooking chicken curry at home requires minimal effort, yet yields impressive results. Simply sauté chicken breast with an aromatic blend of curry spices, then add in rich coconut milk and a medley of colorful vegetables to create a harmonious balance of savory and spicy notes that will leave you craving for more.
Chicken and Waffles
The harmonious union of flavors and textures in chicken and waffles is a match made in culinary heaven. Crispy fried chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the fluffy waffles offer a soft and comforting contrast. Elevate the experience by adding a drizzle of sweet syrup or a spicy kick from hot sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
For those seeking a nutritious substitute for takeout, look no further than the flavorful and wholesome combination of chicken teriyaki paired with steamed vegetables and a serving of warm rice.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Give your pizza game a flavorful boost by experimenting with a BBQ chicken pizza that’s sure to delight. Start by topping a crispy pizza crust with shredded or diced chicken, then add a tangy kick with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Balance out the sweet and savory flavors with thinly sliced red onion and a sprinkle of melted cheese. The result is a unique and tasty twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for a weekend dinner or casual gathering.
Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Transform the flavors of two timeless favorites into a mouthwatering chicken Caesar sandwich. Start by grilling chicken to perfection, then layer it with crisp lettuce leaves, rich Caesar dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese on toasted bread. This creative combination yields a satisfying lunch that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Chicken Gumbo
In the heart of Louisiana’s culinary scene lies a beloved staple – chicken gumbo. This savory delight combines succulent chicken, sizzling sausage, an array of colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice in a rich, velvety broth that explodes with flavor. The perfect blend of spicy and savory notes makes this dish a true Cajun masterpiece.
Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
To create a flavorful and nutritious meal, start by threading marinated chicken pieces, along with sliced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, onto skewers. Once assembled, grill the skewers to perfection, savoring the harmonious blend of tender chicken and colorful vegetables.
Chicken Pot Pie
Indulge in the warmth of a classic comfort food by blending tender chicken with an assortment of colorful vegetables in a rich and velvety sauce. Then, envelop this savory filling within a golden-brown, flaky pastry crust that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Savory fusion begins by cooking succulent chicken and crisp broccoli to perfection. These harmonious ingredients are then enveloped in a decadent Alfredo sauce, which provides a luxurious base for the dish’s crowning glory: a generous serving of al dente pasta.
Honey Mustard Chicken
To elevate the humble chicken dish, try marinating it in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce before baking to perfection. The resulting glazed exterior and juicy interior will pair beautifully with your go-to side dishes, whether that’s roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or crispy pasta salad.
Chicken Pesto Panini
Craft a mouthwatering panini by layering succulent grilled chicken, vibrant pesto, melted mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil leaves between two slices of rustic bread, allowing the textures and flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Chicken Tenders
Crispy breaded and baked chicken tenders are a staple in many households, and for good reason. The combination of crunchy exterior and juicy interior makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to enjoy with a variety of dipping sauces. Simply season your chicken tenders as desired, then coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices before baking until golden brown.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Transform the simplicity of stir-fry into an explosion of flavors by combining succulent teriyaki-marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, perfectly balanced to complement steaming hot rice or springy noodles.
Chicken Frittata
Craft a scrumptious chicken frittata by marrying diced chicken with beaten eggs, shredded cheese, and an assortment of sautéed vegetables. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet, dotting the top with additional cheese if desired, before baking in a preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish by cooking it in a luscious sweet and garlicky sauce, perfect for a speedy yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Chicken Shawarma
Transform the flavors of the Middle East by marinating juicy chicken in a blend of aromatic spices typically used in traditional shawarma recipes. Once grilled to perfection, slice the chicken thinly and place it within the soft folds of warm pita bread. Enhance the overall dining experience by serving alongside creamy tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, and a dollop of rich hummus.
Lemon Butter Chicken
Indulge in the tangy flavors of tender chicken cooked to perfection in a rich lemon butter sauce. Serve alongside a sprig of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a delightful culinary experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Peanut Chicken Noodles
Transform the flavors of Asia into a mouth-watering meal by combining juicy chicken with a rich peanut sauce, then pairing it with a bed of perfectly cooked noodles, crunchy chopped peanuts, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added depth and complexity.
Chicken Tenders
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade chicken tenders, achieved by coating tenderized chicken strips with a crunchy breading mixture and then cooking them to a golden, crispy perfection.
Chicken BLT Salad
Elevate the classic salad game by combining juicy grilled chicken, crunchy strips of smoked bacon, crisp lettuce leaves, plump juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of your go-to dressing for a refreshing and filling meal option.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Transform your taste buds with a decadent chicken tikka masala, crafted by slow-cooking tender chicken in a velvety tomato-based sauce, then pairing it with the aromatic warmth of basmati rice. To achieve this Indian-inspired delight, begin by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of spices and yogurt, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to absorb the richness.
Chicken Tamales
To create a mouthwatering tamale dish, combine the rich flavors of a flavorful chicken filling with the traditional masa dough. Once formed into tamales, steam them until cooked through for a tender and savory treat. Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that chicken is an ideal protein choice for effortless meals that are both quick and satisfying. With 37 versatile recipes at your disposal, you can easily inject variety and excitement into your weekly meal routine. From classic Italian pesto pasta to bold Cajun gumbo, the possibilities are truly vast when it comes to whipping up delectable chicken-based dishes. Whether preparing for a quiet night in or a gathering of friends and family, these recipes are sure to impress and delight even the most discerning palates. So why not get started today and begin cooking up a storm?