If you’ve been dodging the kitchen, these 17 easy chicken recipes are about to change your mind about cooking. We’ve put together a list of simple meals that are perfect for anyone looking to cut down on kitchen time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a cooking newbie or just in a recipe rut, these dishes are so straightforward and great to eat that you’ll start to think you might actually like making dinner.
Creamy Dijon Chicken
So, we’re talking about a chicken dish that’s both easy and packs a punch in 30 minutes. This Creamy Dijon Chicken is something we whip up regularly. Just mix chicken with cream, Dijon mustard, spinach, and bacon in a pan. It’s quick, and trust me, it tastes amazing. Perfect for those nights when you want a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over some fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta to soak up that creamy sauce. Feel free to swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Next up, these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh way to make a chicken salad in just 30 minutes. With bacon and homemade ranch, plus pre-cooked chicken, you’ll have a fun and flavorful meal ready in no time. They’re a hit for when you’re looking for something easy and light. Definitely a regular in our dinner rotation. Great with a side of crunchy chips or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. To change things up, try adding some diced avocado or cherry tomatoes to the filling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is like a hug in a bowl. It’s a simple and comforting dish done in just an hour. Just one pot, some chicken, veggies, and you’re set. It’s a smart take on a classic, making dinner easy and really good. It’s perfect for those chilly nights or when you just need some comfort food. A dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread on the side makes it even better. Experiment by adding different veggies like corn or green beans for a new flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado is a flavor bomb ready for over an hour. Marinate it, grill it, or bake it, and you can serve it up in so many ways — on its own, shredded in tacos, you name it. It’s super versatile and always hits the spot. We make this one all the time because it’s just that good and adds a nice variety to our chicken game. Squeeze some fresh lime over it and serve with grilled vegetables for a perfect meal. Try different marinades like chipotle or citrus to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is our go-to for a no-stress meal. Mix chicken thighs, cheese, and spinach, bake for 30 minutes and boom, dinner’s ready. It’s super simple and really good. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this dish will make you feel like one. A regular favorite for an easy dinner at home. Pair it with a simple salad or some steamed broccoli to round out the meal. Mix in some red bell peppers or artichokes for a colorful and delicious variation.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken feels a bit fancy but without the hard work. Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in about 40 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for those days when you want something special but don’t have all night to cook. A regular hit in our house. It’s great served over a bed of fresh pasta or with a side of garlic bread. Consider adding olives or capers for a salty kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a lifesaver on busy nights. Chicken, garlic, butter, and in 20 minutes, you’re practically done. They cook up fast and go with anything – rice, veggies, salads. We add this to our meals a lot because it’s quick, easy, and really good. These bites are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or served over a bed of rice pilaf. Throw in some chili flakes or paprika for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
When we want to spice things up a bit, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is where it’s at. It mixes the kick of jalapeños with chicken salad for a bold taste. It’s easy and quick and adds a spicy twist to meals. We make this one a lot because it’s just that good. Serve on toasted bread or crackers for a spicy snack or light dinner. For less heat, use pickled jalapeños or add some corn for sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a staple around here. The sauce and chicken thighs come together for a rich, comforting dish. It’s easy to make and tastes great, making it a go-to for a great dinner at home. Definitely a dish we come back to time and again. Try serving this with some creamy polenta or fluffy rice to enjoy all that sauce. Incorporate a splash of white wine in the sauce for a deeper flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken brings a lot of flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and chicken thighs make for a delicious meal in 30 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and a big hit at our table. We make this one regularly because it’s just too good to pass up. This dish is fantastic with a side of angel hair pasta or a fresh Caesar salad. Try mixing in some fresh basil or spinach for a green boost and added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a hit in our house, ready in an hour. We make them all the time because they’re just that good. You take chicken, wrap it with bacon, and add homemade ranch made from mayo, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and spices. It’s super easy to put together for any meal. We love having these around because they’re always a hit, and they’ve quickly become a weekly go-to. Serve them with a side of veggies or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal. For a variation, try adding a slice of jalapeño inside each popper for a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is another favorite that finds its way into our oven pretty often. It’s just chicken mixed with peppers and cheese, baked to perfection in 30 minutes. It’s easy, quick, and always comes out great. This dish has become a regular for us because it’s so simple to make and always hits the spot. Perfect with a side of rice or wrapped in tortillas for a cozy dinner. Mix in some black beans or corn to the baking dish for extra flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Now, for those nights when we want something a bit creamy, we go for Creamy Garlic Chicken ready in 30 minutes. It’s made in one pan, which is great for clean-up. This dish mixes chicken with a creamy garlic sauce, and it’s absolutely great for a comforting meal. We’ve been making it a lot recently because it’s easy and tastes amazing. A side of pasta or bread works wonders to soak up the sauce. Try adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an extra veggie boost.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Shawarma Kebabs
Shawarma Kebabs are our go-to when we want something a bit different but still easy. They’re simple to prepare and bring a great flavor to the dinner table. We’ve started adding these to our regular rotation because they’re just that good and a great way to mix things up. They’re great served with a side of rice or a fresh salad. Experiment with different vegetables on the skewers, like bell peppers or onions, for varied flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
When we’re looking for something comforting and easy, we turn to Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan dish that combines chicken and artichokes in a flavorful sauce. It’s become a favorite because it’s straightforward to make and always turns out great. Serve this with some crusty bread to dip into the sauce for an added treat. For a change, try using sun-dried tomatoes instead of artichokes for a different flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s quick, thanks to the Instant Pot, and the flavor is just great. We marinate the chicken, throw it in the pot, and it’s ready in no time. This dish is a staple in our home because it’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a perfect meal. Adding a bit of coconut milk can give the sauce a richer, creamier texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is another dish we make a lot. It has this great mix of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s super easy to prepare. We just need chicken thighs, garlic, coconut aminos, and a few spices. It’s perfect with rice, and it’s become a favorite for switching up our usual dinner routine. Goes great with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. Try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast to the savory sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo