When you’re exhausted after a long day at work or running after children, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where quick and easy chicken dinner recipes come in handy. Chicken is a versatile protein that cooks relatively quickly and can be paired with numerous ingredients. Here are 25 recipes that are not only simple to make but also delicious and sure to please the whole family.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
This dish is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup. Just season chicken thighs with lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs, and bake them in the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Chicken Stir-Fry
This classic recipe can be customized with any vegetables you have in your fridge, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and stir-fry until golden brown.
- Add vegetables and soy sauce, and cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Skillet Chicken Fajitas
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights! Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- Tortillas for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and fajita seasoning; cook until chicken is done.
- Add bell pepper and onion; cook until soft. Serve with tortillas.
4. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These cheesy quesadillas come together in just minutes and are great for using leftover chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 flour tortillas
Instructions
- Mix chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Spread chicken mixture on half of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
- Fold and cook on a skillet until golden and cheese is melted.
5. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is simple, comforting, and perfect for a quick family meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- In a skillet, heat cream and add cheese until melted.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta; mix well.
6. Chicken Caesar Salad
A fresh salad that can be made in under 15 minutes if you have pre-cooked chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken, sliced
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- Croutons and Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, and dressing.
- Toss until evenly coated. Serve topped with croutons and cheese.
7. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
These skewers are perfect for a quick grilled meal. Marinate your chicken ahead of time for even more flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil, season, and grill until chicken is cooked through.
8. Chicken Curry with Rice
This quick chicken curry is perfect for a comforting meal. Serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken, cubed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a pot, heat a small amount of oil and add chicken.
- Cook until browned, then stir in curry powder and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 15 minutes and serve over rice.
9. Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe features a sweet and savory glaze that can be made in a flash.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown chicken on both sides.
- Add the honey mixture and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
10. Chicken Tortilla Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that can be made in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- Tortilla strips for serving
Instructions
- In a pot, combine broth, chicken, tomatoes, and corn.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Serve topped with tortilla strips.
11. Baked Parmesan Chicken
This baked chicken dish requires minimal effort and only a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip chicken in the mixture and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
12. Italian Herb Chicken
A simple, flavorful chicken dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
13. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and place in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
14. Chicken Tacos
Quick and easy tacos that are perfect for a weeknight dinner. Set up a taco bar for fun!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- Taco shells
- Preferred toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground chicken until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and follow package instructions.
- Serve in taco shells with toppings.
15. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This simple casserole is great for busy weeknights and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients and place in a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
16. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
These skewers are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
Instructions
- Mix lemon juice, oil, and herbs to create a marinade.
- Marinate chicken cubes for at least 15 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
17. Spicy Garlic Chicken
For those who love a bit of heat, this spicy garlic chicken is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook until chicken is cooked through.
18. Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry
This delicious and quick noodle dish is perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 packs ramen noodles
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, stir-fry mixed vegetables and chicken.
- Add cooked noodles and soy sauce; toss to combine.
19. Creamy Spinach Chicken
A creamy, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, cooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through.
- Add spinach, cream, and Parmesan to the skillet; simmer until thickened.
20. Chicken Pot Pie
This comfort food classic often takes a long time, but with rotisserie chicken, it can be made quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix chicken, vegetables, and soup in a bowl.
- Place mixture in pie crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
21. Chicken Shawarma Wraps
These wraps are delicious and can be made with leftover chicken for even quicker prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon shawarma seasoning
- Wraps or pita bread
- Toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Heat chicken with shawarma seasoning in a pan.
- Wrap in pita with toppings and sauces.
22. Thai Chicken Salad
A refreshing salad perfect for warm evenings that can be assembled quickly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- Thai dressing
Instructions
- Combine chicken, cabbage, and carrots in a bowl.
- Toss with dressing and serve chilled.
23. Garlic Rosemary Chicken Thighs
A flavorful, aromatic dish that works great with vegetables or over rice.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
24. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
These skewers are simple to prepare and full of flavor. Great with a side of tzatziki.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken, cubed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano for 15 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
25. Quick Chicken Stir-Fry
You can make a quick stir-fry with any veggies you have on hand. It’s perfect for a clean-out-the-fridge meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat oil and add the chicken. Cook until no longer pink.
- Add mixed vegetables and soy sauce; stir-fry until veggies are cooked through.
Conclusion
With these 25 quick and easy chicken dinner recipes, you’ll never have to worry about what to cook after a long day. These meals are not only fast but also offer flexibility, allowing you to customize them based on what you have available. From stir-fries to casseroles, these dishes will surely satisfy your family and make your busy weeknights much easier.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for these recipes?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will require longer cooking times. Be sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
2. What can I substitute for chicken if I don’t have any?
You can substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or even beans for a vegetarian option in most of these recipes.
3. How can I make these recipes healthier?
You can substitute regular cream and cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives and increase the amount of vegetables in each dish.
4. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these meals can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making weeknight dinners even easier.
5. Can I double the recipes for leftovers?
Absolutely! Most of these recipes can easily be doubled, making great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
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