When it comes to weeknight meals, it’s easy to get stuck in a culinary rut. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With these 17 savory chicken recipes, you’ll be whipping up delicious dinners in no time. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, we’re sharing our favorite quick and easy chicken recipes that are sure to become new staples in your kitchen.
From garlic butter baked chicken thighs to spicy coconut chicken curry, each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver on flavor while minimizing prep time. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick dinner solution or a home cook seeking inspiration for a special occasion, these mouthwatering chicken recipes have got you covered. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the perfect blend of convenience and culinary excitement!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that yields juicy and aromatic chicken thighs. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, garlic butter baked chicken is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
4. Place chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Herb Skillet Chicken
Brighten up your dinner routine with this flavorful skillet chicken recipe, featuring the perfect balance of zesty lemon and savory herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary; sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this sweet and tangy sheet pan chicken recipe. Moist, flavorful chicken breasts are coated in a sticky honey mustard glaze and roasted to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme until smooth.
3. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
4. Place chicken breasts on the prepared sheet pan.
5. Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this simple yet satisfying pasta dish, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a hint of Tuscan spices. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with onion mixture. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and basil to the skillet. Stir until melted and well combined.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet; toss to coat with sauce.
7. Combine cooked pasta with chicken and sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry
This recipe combines the rich flavors of coconut milk with the heat of spices, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy a little kick. With its creamy and slightly spicy sauce, this curry is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 cup water or chicken broth
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and water or broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
This classic comfort food recipe is a staple for many reasons – it’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers flavorful results. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you’ll be enjoying a hearty and delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the uncooked rice and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
5. Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, cover, and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Easy Chicken Fajitas
Get ready to cook up a flavorful and quick dinner with this easy chicken fajitas recipe! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Add the garlic and fajita seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the fajitas by placing the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the tortillas and adding your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
This classic Asian-inspired dish is a staple for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and pour in teriyaki sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional chicken marinades, using Greek yogurt as the base to add moisture and tanginess. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this marinade is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken with Roasted Veggies
This flavorful recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a vibrant pesto sauce and roasted vegetables, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. With minimal prep time and quick cooking, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly made or store-bought pesto
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large red onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the pesto mixture.
4. Roast vegetables on a separate baking sheet with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of BBQ chicken and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken breast, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, followed by chopped cilantro.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Drizzle olive oil on top and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
This classic comfort food dish combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich creamy sauce, all served on a bed of fettuccine pasta. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 cup fettuccine pasta
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta in a large serving dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: A flavorful and effortless twist on traditional tacos!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6-8 taco-sized tortillas
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto a tortilla, followed by your desired toppings.
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and tangy Balsamic Glaze that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This easy recipe yields a flavorful and tender result that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with olive oil.
4. Brush the balsamic glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Sprinkle garlic and thyme over the top of each breast.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick Chicken Pad Thai
In just a few minutes, you can whip up a flavorful and nutritious stir-fry with this easy-to-make Quick Chicken Pad Thai recipe. This classic Thai dish is a staple for good reason – it’s quick, delicious, and packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed veggies (bean sprouts, carrots, green onions)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup tamarind paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook chicken, garlic, and ginger in oil until cooked through.
2. Add mixed veggies and cook until tender.
3. Stir in tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Savory chicken sausage and tender peppers come together in a flavorful one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This hearty skillet dish is easy to make and packed with delicious, comforting goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced peppers and onion; cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Add garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the pepper mixture.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Miso-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory miso glaze recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This sticky glaze is made with fermented miso paste, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, which creates a rich umami flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Season with black pepper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a flavorful weeknight dinner with these 17 savory chicken recipes! From classic comfort food to international twists, there’s something for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs, Lemon Herb Skillet Chicken, or Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a quick and delicious meal. For a spicy kick, go for Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry or One-Pot Chicken and Rice. And don’t forget about the global flavors: Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, Pesto Chicken with Roasted Veggies, and more! Whether you’re short on time or looking to mix things up, these recipes are sure to satisfy.
