Chicken recipes that hit the spot every time are like family heirlooms, and we’ve got 20 of them that your kids will be clamoring to inherit. These dishes are the ones that stick in your memory, the ones your kids will grow up with and want to recreate in their own kitchens someday. They’re easy, they’re crowd-pleasers, and they’re the kind of good that has everyone asking for seconds.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce involves cooking chicken until golden, then simmering it in a sauce made with mushrooms, cream, and herbs. It takes less than an hour and pairs well with rice or green beans. This dish is a lesson in making a rich sauce and balancing flavors, great for introducing kids to more advanced cooking techniques while keeping it simple. It’s a comforting meal that can turn a bad day around, making it a must-have in your cooking arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is made with chicken, tortellini, broth, and veggies, all cooked in one pot in 40 minutes. This is a great way to get creative with store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have. It keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for freezing too. It’s a filling, nutritious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This soup teaches kids the simplicity of making a hearty meal with minimal dishes. Also, it’s an excellent way to introduce more veggies into your family’s diet in a way that everyone will love.
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Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a one-pan dish with chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, ready in 30 minutes. It’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal cleanup, and is great when served with veggies. Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors before adding the sauce components. Perfect for introducing kids to cooking, it’s a stress-free recipe that still feels like a special dinner.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken involves cooking chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce. Check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer while it cooks. When it hits 165 degrees F, take the chicken out of the pan to keep it juicy, tender, and avoid overcooking. It’s a simple dish and can be served over pasta or with veggies. This recipe is great for showing kids how to make a meal that’s both simple and feels gourmet. A perfect solution for those nights when you want a meal that’s both easy to make and feels like a treat.
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Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is made with chicken, corn, broth, and seasonings, simmered until everything is tender. To make the cream, stir heavy cream into the soup and let it simmer for up to 2 minutes. This dish is a comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great way to teach kids about making comforting meals from scratch. Perfect for cold days when you need a cozy hug from your meal.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites feature chicken breasts cut into pieces, coated in cornstarch and salt, and fried in avocado oil. The garlic butter sauce is made with butter, garlic, and Italian spices. This meal is ready in 20 minutes and works well over rice or with a side of veggies. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s great for teaching kids about cooking with herbs and spices. Perfect for busy parents needing a quick solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken features chicken cooked with Dijon mustard, bacon, and spinach. If you’re starting with thighs that have skin and bones, go ahead and take off the skin and remove the bones first. This is a quick dish, ready in about 30 minutes, and can be served with pasta or veggies. Adding mushrooms or onions can introduce more flavors and textures. This recipe is good for showing kids how to use mustard to create a flavorful sauce. A great pick-me-up for when you need a quick and comforting meal after a long day.
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Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
This Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a one-pan meal that’s easy and impressive. It requires about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking in one pan. Serve with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli. Browning the chicken before adding artichokes and cream enhances the dish’s flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, giving you a quick way to explore new flavors without the cleanup hassle, fostering a love for cooking in your kids.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings the taste of chicken pot pie without the crust, making it less work. It’s creamy, filled with veggies, and ready in about an hour. For added freshness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest. To give the soup a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with biscuits or rolls. This recipe is great for teaching kids how to make a comforting soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the ultimate comfort food that can make any evening feel special.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, making it a filling dinner option that’s ready in 30 minutes. Bake everything in one dish for easy cleanup. Serve it with roasted veggies or pasta for a complete meal. Great for teaching kids the value of a nutritious meal that’s also easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a stress-saver on those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels homemade.
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Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a refreshing choice. The recipe features ingredients like cooked chicken, bacon bits, and homemade ranch seasoning inside cucumber halves. They’re an easy meal that’s perfect for hot days. Add a side salad or chilled soup for a fuller meal. This recipe is a fun way to show kids how to make creative, healthy meals with simple ingredients. They’re a great way to get kids interested in eating their veggies.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad mixes chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a homemade dressing for a quick and spicy meal. It’s great for teaching kids how to make great meals without too much effort. You can even share a tip for making the recipe even faster by using rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is as easy as it gets. To keep the chicken juicy and oozing with flavor, let it sit in the brine for about 10 minutes before cooking. Prepare the chicken, peppers, and cheese, bake, and you’re done. It’s the kind of simple, flavorful recipe we’re excited to pass down to our kids for those nights when they want something good but don’t want to spend all evening cooking. It also helps in reducing cleanup time, making it a great choice for teaching responsibility in the kitchen without overwhelming them.
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Thai Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Salad features marinated chicken and fresh veggies tossed with a homemade marinade. It’s a light, refreshing meal that’s quick to prepare. This salad is a good way to teach kids about using marinades to add flavor to simple ingredients. It’s a great choice for a healthy meal that feels like a breeze to make. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce a variety of vegetables in a flavorful way, encouraging healthy eating habits.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a fun, easy snack or meal, made by baking chicken and bacon bits, then dipping in ranch. Substitute ground turkey if you prefer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165 degrees. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. They’re perfect for a relaxed meal and will be a hit with everyone. A lifesaver for last-minute gatherings or when you need a quick snack to keep the kids happy and well-fed.
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Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado features chicken thighs in a marinade of cilantro, onion, orange, and lime juice, baked or grilled to perfection. Serve with cilantro lime cauliflower rice or baked jicama fries for a complete meal. This dish teaches versatility and is great for any season. Serve the chicken on its own or shred it for tacos or quesadillas.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken combines garlic, Parmesan, and chicken for a quick meal. Boost it with spinach, mushrooms, red bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add a splash of white wine for complexity. This dish is fast, surprisingly easy, and adds a great change of pace to your routine. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Great for those looking for comfort food that’s straightforward and quick, making cooking a fun task for kids.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a super quick dinner or sandwich filling, ready in 20 minutes. We enjoy mixing in finely chopped. For a crispy outside, broil the patties for the last minute of cooking. They’re great for teaching kids the basics of cooking and how to make a meal out of pantry staples, so they’re never far from a homemade meal.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, and pantry staples, baked in just over an hour. It needs about 15 minutes of prep and just over an hour in the oven. Add bacon or use green chilies for a little less heat. Mixing in some crushed tortilla chips on top adds an appetizing crunch. It’s a comforting, spicy dinner that’s great for warming up the family on chilly nights, showing kids that comfort food can be simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a quick, traditional Phillipino dish made with chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, ready in minutes in the Instant Pot. A great tip — quick-release the pressure from the Instant Pot to stop cooking, keeping the chicken tender. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or traditional rice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo