17 Chicken Recipes So Easy, You Could Cook Them in Your Sleep (But Please Don’t)

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17 Chicken Recipes So Easy, You Could Cook Them in Your Sleep (But Please Don’t)

These chicken recipes are so easy, you could cook them in your sleep — but please don’t actually do that. If your cooking motto is “less effort, more eating,” then you’ve hit the jackpot. We’re talking about dishes that are so straightforward, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time wondering what to do with all your newfound free time. Perfect for when the only thing you want to do after work is flop on the couch and binge-watch your favorite show with a plate of good food that practically made itself.

Close-up of a dish featuring crispy tater tots topped with cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Ready in about an hour, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers combine chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices for a mouthwatering meal. A homemade ranch dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and spices makes these poppers pop. This recipe allows you to whip up a crowd-pleasing dish that’s also freezer-friendly, perfect for those times when you need a quick meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Whip up this Spinach Chicken Bake in just 30 minutes. The recipe involves marinating chicken thighs in avocado oil, garlic, and spices, then layering them with cream cheese and spinach. Top with mozzarella and bake until perfectly cooked. It’s the perfect solution for those seeking a hearty and protein-rich meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish will make your evening meal feel like a special occasion without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a tangy and refreshing choice, ready in only 20 minutes and simple to make – chop, combine and chill before serving. It blends the bold flavors of jalapeños with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy mayonnaise base. This dish is great for anyone who needs a quick meal but wants to keep things lively. It’s much more interesting than your typical salad and is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

In only 30 minutes, Creamy Dijon Chicken combines succulent chicken thighs, healthy spinach, and savory bacon in a smooth Dijon mustard sauce. Thanks to the addition of fresh spinach, it’s packed with flavor. This one-pan recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights, giving you a gourmet meal without the lengthy preparation or cleanup. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, proof that quick dining can also be extraordinary and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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.

Whip up these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as easy as it is refreshing. Just mix up some canned chicken with bacon and cheddar, toss in some homemade ranch seasoning, and scoop it all into cucumber halves. You’re looking at a meal that comes together in 30 minutes flat — perfect for those days when you need something quick and light. And let’s be honest, they’re fun to eat too. It’s one of those chicken recipes that’s so straightforward, you’ll have it down pat in no time, no sleep-cooking required.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Whip up these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in just 20 minutes with a single skillet. Juicy chicken fried in avocado oil and then tossed in a hearty garlic butter sauce makes this a go-to for a quick, no-stress dinner. Forget the frozen pre-made dinner aisle — this is how you get great flavor fast. Perfect for those who need a quick meal but want to keep dinner exciting and flavorful. It’s a stress-free way to make sure everyone at the table is happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Pollo Asado

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

Just marinate chicken thighs in a straightforward combo of cilantro, onion, and a splash of orange and lime juice. Whether you toss it on the grill or pop it in the oven, this recipe is great for giving your tacos, burritos, or bowls a little extra pizzazz. It’s one of those chicken recipes that are so simple, you’ll feel like you could whip it up with your eyes closed — but please remember to keep them open while you’re cooking!
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

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.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a no-brainer for those nights when you want something hearty without all the work. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a solid choice for a meal that’s so easy, it’s almost like you could make it in your sleep — but let’s stick to cooking while awake, yeah? It’s easy on the wallet and a hit with the whole family. You can even get it all prepped ahead of time, so when you’re ready, just throw it in the oven. And if you’ve got leftovers, they’ll freeze like a dream for another round.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Enjoy the classic comfort of chicken pot pie without the crust with this Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It’s ready in an hour and combines diced chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion with a mix of seasonings like thyme, parsley, and paprika, all thickened with a bit of flour. It’s made creamy with the addition of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. Frozen corn and peas are stirred in for extra flavor and texture. This soup is a perfect choice for those who love the taste of homemade comfort food but need a simpler, quicker option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Switch up your dinner with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, ready in 30 minutes using just one pan. Crispy chicken thighs are seasoned and cooked, then paired with a sauce of creamy mushrooms and sun-dried tomato. This dish is perfect for a great weeknight dinner or a laid-back date night. It’s a comforting taste that’s both familiar and new, perfect for those evenings when you want something a little special but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Sun-dried tomato Chicken is a 30-minute one-pan skillet dish that combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or date night. Season chicken thighs, then cook to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This recipe is quick, simple, and definitely a step up from your typical dinner. It’s perfect for busy cooks looking to whip up something that tastes like it took hours to make. This dish helps you break the monotony of weeknight cooking with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Get ready for Creamy Garlic Chicken, the one-pan wonder that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes. This straightforward dish packs a punch with its rich flavors, combining chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, all simmered in a creamy sauce of heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect go-to for a quick dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Ready in just 40 minutes using only one skillet, Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines juicy chicken thighs, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach in a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have time for a lot of dishes. It’s definitely a step up from anything pre-made from the store.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan 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.

Our Instant Pot Butter Chicken brings the flavors home of chicken thighs marinated overnight, making it extra juicy and flavorful, and the savory sauce of diced tomatoes, ground cumin, garam masala, and other spices. It’s proof that homemade is always a great choice for a filling dinner without the long wait. This dish is a lifesaver for anyone wanting to serve a meal that feels gourmet without the hours of preparation usually involved.
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.

Whip up this chicken and artichoke dish in just 30 minutes using only one skillet, perfect for a busy evening. The creamy sauce brings the tender chicken and flavorful artichokes together for a rich, comforting meal. This easy-to-make dish saves you time and stress, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Impress everyone around the dinner table without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Bring the taste of fajitas home with this cheesy, juicy chicken dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s easy to cook and packed with the robust flavors of peppers and onions, making it a great choice for a quick, delicious dinner. The minimal cleanup and straightforward recipe reduce kitchen time, giving you more time to relax in the evening.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These Shawarma Kebabs are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a protein-packed dinner. The preparation is straightforward, involving cutting the chicken into cubes, marinating it with the spices, and then baking it on skewers in the oven for juicy, flavorful kebabs. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or something special for the weekend, these kebabs are a fun break from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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