Takeout Schmakeout, 21 Chicken Dinners That Are Faster Than Dialing In

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Takeout Schmakeout, 21 Chicken Dinners That Are Faster Than Dialing In

Why waste time scrolling through apps and debating with yourself when you can have a great meal ready faster than you can say “takeout schmakeout? These chicken dinners are the real deal — perfect for those nights when you want something quick but aren’t willing to compromise on flavor.

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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your new best friend when you need dinner fast. Ready quicker than you can find your phone and dial for a pizza, these bites are pan-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a lip-smacking garlic butter sauce. Perfect for those days when you’re looking for a comforting meal but don’t have the time or energy to cook. Serve them with a side of rice or veggies, or snack on them straight from the pan — no judgment here! They’re simple and perfect for turning a hectic night into a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget waiting for your takeout to arrive. Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a great fix when you’re hungry and in a hurry. Just toss some chicken, sour cream, and cheese, and you have a fresh filling for your cucumber boats. This dish is a no-cook wonder perfect for cozy evenings when the stove feels like your enemy. Not to mention, it’s a clever way to slide some veggies onto your kids’ plates — sneaky but effective. Great for a relaxed meal that still feels like you’ve made an effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is all about making your dinner a stress-free zone. This dish combines tender chicken thighs, bacon, and spinach in a creamy, garlicky Dijon mustard sauce that cooks in just 30 minutes. It’s the meal that brings comfort food vibes without the long wait, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a tough day. Serve it over your favorite carbs, and you have a dish that beats takeout on speed and taste— a great pick for those evenings when you need a win in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You can whip up a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad faster than it takes to choose a restaurant, making takeout unnecessary. This quick mix of pre-cooked chicken, pasta, crisp lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing comes together in 25 minutes. It’s a straightforward, customizable dish — throw in some extra veggies. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want to feel good about eating. Fast, easy, and less messy, this salad has you covered for a no-stress dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect solution when even picking up the phone feels like a chore. It’s a stress-free combo of crispy tater tots, juicy shredded chicken, sweet corn, and gooey cheese, all baked into one dish. You pop it in the oven, and dinner’s on the table less than an hour later. It’s the kind of meal perfect for those “can’t be bothered” evenings or when you have a house full of hungry mouths. Plus, it’s way faster than waiting for that lukewarm takeout to arrive. This casserole is comfort food with a capital C, making everyone feel at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget about dialing for dinner; Spinach Chicken Bake has got you covered. This dish is a creamy, cheesy marvel with tender chicken thighs and fresh spinach. It’s all about making something delicious without spending the whole evening in the kitchen — 30 minutes and you’re golden. Perfect for those midweek rush or when you secretly want to watch more of your favorite series instead of cooking. And let’s be honest, the only thing better than a quick cleanup is a quick cook-up. This bake brings flavor without waiting, showing that homemade can beat takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Let’s talk about whipping up something quick and impressive — enter Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. This dish has some Mediterranean magic on your table in 30 minutes. With sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a creamy sauce, it’s ready faster than you can say, “Who needs takeout?” It’s the kind of dinner that makes Tuesday feel like a Friday. And let’s be honest; when you can create something this good in less time than it takes to decide on a movie, you know you’re winning at life.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is your secret recipe if you want to impress but still keep things low-key. Thanks to that hot honey glaze, it’s chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, ready in just 40 minutes. Who must wait for delivery when you can enjoy perfectly charred, sticky bites off your grill? It’s quick, easy, and lets you look like a grill master without the usual drama. This dish isn’t just fast; it’s a flavor-packed punch that outdoes any takeout option, leaving you more time to kick back and relax.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add excitement to your dinner routine without the chaos with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. This dish mixes baked chicken, fiery jalapeños, and crispy bacon tossed with a spicy mayo that really pops. It’s fast, has flair, and is way better than waiting for that soggy salad from the local joint. Ready in no time, this dish is perfect for a lively dinner or a quick lunch fix during a hectic day. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a meal that’s both quick and loaded with flavors — because who says fast food can’t be home-cooked?
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sometimes, you need a dinner that doubles as comforting from life’s chaos. Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is exactly that. Think tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and rich sun-dried tomatoes, all swimming in a creamy, dreamy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is a hug in a pan. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something heartwarming without the lengthy prep or cleanup. Skip the takeout; this is how you whip up a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal that’s also quick to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You don’t need a pie crust to capture the soul of a chicken pot pie. Chicken Pot Pie Soup is where it’s at, blending all that classic comfort into a spoonable dish. With chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, it’s a full meal that cooks up in about an hour. Think of it as your gastronomic hug on a rough day, giving all the comfort with none of the pie drama. Plus, it’s a breeze compared to wrangling with dough on a busy weeknight. So, why dial for dinner when homemade is this easy and good?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado is a low-effort, high-reward meal. It’s like calling up a friend who always brings the party — marinate with cilantro, onions, orange juice, and lime, and let the grill or oven do its thing. This dish packs a punch with its bright, fresh flavors and gets to your table quickly, making it a solid choice for those nights when even picking up the phone to order takeout feels like too much. Who knew you could do less and eat better? It’s all about making your life easier, one delicious bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is your shortcut to a dinner that feels like a getaway. Loaded with chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all swimming in a creamy sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder ready in about 40 minutes. This dish is perfect when you want to impress but can’t be bothered by complicated steps or a sink full of dishes. Bring a little Italian flair to your weeknight without the plane ticket. Seriously, no one has time for a gastronomic expedition on a Wednesday.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is what you whip up when you want to look like a hero on a zero-energy day. It features chicken breasts swimming in a lush garlic and Parmesan sauce and is table-ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when even the thought of flipping through a takeout menu feels like too much work. It’s the secret dish for anyone looking to spend more time chilling out and less time cooking. Because at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to conquer dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Say goodbye to the wait times of dialing for dinner with Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. They’re the little lifesavers of your dinner routine, ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort. Packed with hearty chicken and bacon flavors with a cheesy ranch, they’re baked, not fried, making them a less messy option that doesn’t skimp on taste. A great choice for a lively family meal or a laid-back evening — they’re so easy you might find yourself with extra time on your hands.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken brings the exciting flair of fajitas to your dinner table without needing a grill. Picture a baking dish filled with tender chicken, soft and creamy cheeses, and the crisp bite of sweet peppers, all seasoned with chili powder and paprika. It’s the perfect mix for a busy weeknight, popping it in the oven and forgetting about it until the timer rings. Ready in 30 minutes faster than your local takeout could manage on a busy night. It’s a quick, stress-free dinner that’ll let you pretend you’re a master chef without needing to be one.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken transforms your pressure cooker into a magic cauldron. This recipe takes all the rich flavors of traditional butter chicken—creamy tomato sauce infused with spices—and condenses the cooking process into less than 40 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re tempted to hit the speed dial for takeout. Why wait an hour for delivery when you can whip up something better at home? Plus, you get to control the spice level, meaning you can make it just how you like it. No surprises, just great flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts, you can enjoy a slow-cooked meal’s rich and hearty flavors without having to slow-cook anything. This dish combines tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts drenched in a creamy garlic sauce, all cooked in one pan. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to impress someone special but want to relax instead of cooking all night. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s fast, easy, and surprisingly soothing after a hectic day. Because who says you can’t have gourmet on a Wednesday?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is the bowl of comfort you need when life’s feeling a bit too much. It’s straightforward: chicken, veggies, and cheese tortellini all simmering together into a soup that tastes like you spent hours on it. Except you didn’t—it’s ready in 40 minutes flat. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or lazy nights when you’re looking for comfort without complication. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and who doesn’t need a hug after a long day? Plus, it’s a great way to sneak those veggies into your diet without a fight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is your go-to for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s a bit out of the ordinary. This dish packs a combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy, cooked in the Instant Pot for a meal in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect choice for those evenings when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have the energy to stand over a stove. Throw everything in the pot, press a button, and boom—dinner’s on the table before you know it. It’s like a little dinner miracle that keeps you out of the kitchen and into your comfy clothes faster.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs bring the Middle Eastern taste to your kitchen quicker than you could drive to your local food joint. These skewers are loaded with chicken marinated in a hearty mix of cumin, paprika, and a splash of lemon juice, all together under the broiler or on the grill. They’re great for a spontaneous dinner party or a last-minute family meal. Just skewer, cook, and serve. Plus, when running around after a long day, isn’t it great to know dinner can be this easy and still pack a punch?
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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