When you’re really craving chicken, you don’t have to wait forever to satisfy that hunger. There are lots of quick chicken dinners that you can get on the table in no time. You can grill, sauté, or bake your chicken — whatever you’re in the mood for. These meals are all about making cooking easy and fast, so you can dig in without a lot of fuss. Craving chicken? Here are 15 fast dinners you can whip up in minutes.
Chicken Egg Foo Young
Indulge in the comfort of Chinese-American cuisine with Chicken Egg Foo Young. This omelet-style dish is filled with chicken and vegetables, making it a nutritious and fulfilling meal. It’s typically served with a flavorful gravy, pouring it over the omelet adds another layer of flavor. Each bite is packed with protein and veggies, ensuring a balanced meal. It’s an excellent choice for any meal of the day, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Put a twist on your taco night with Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Rolled up with chicken and cheese, these taquitos are then cooked in the air fryer to crisp perfection. They’re great for dipping into guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. This dish is a hit at parties and makes for a fun, easy-to-eat dinner. Plus, kids love them, making mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Chicken Pakora
For those who prefer a little heat and crunch, Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are a fantastic snack. After being seasoned, they are fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This dish is commonly found in Chinese restaurants but can be easily made at home. Serve them with a sprinkle of spring onions and a side of dip to enhance the flavors. They are perfect for game day or as a savory treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Switch up your usual chicken dinners with Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken for a spicy kick. This recipe involves tossing diced chicken in a savory sauce with peanuts, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. Cooking it in the air fryer not only speeds up the process but also ensures that every piece is evenly cooked and deliciously textured. It’s a fantastic way to recreate a Chinese restaurant favorite at home. Pair it with some steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Chicken Karaage
Enjoy the crunch and juicy flavors of Chicken Karaage, a Japanese-style fried chicken that’s beloved worldwide. The chicken is marinated with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, then coated in a light batter and fried to perfection. It’s commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors. This dish is a staple at Japanese festivals and restaurants. Easy to eat and full of flavor, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
If you’re a fan of dishes that blend sweet and savory, Air Fryer Sesame Chicken should be next on your list. Tossed in a delicious honey and soy sauce and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this dish is delicious and easy to make. The air fryer gives the chicken a nice crispy texture without all the oil of frying. It’s a family-friendly meal that pairs excellently with steamed broccoli and rice. You can have a restaurant-quality meal right at home with less hassle and mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Chicken Potstickers
Bringing a bit of South Asian flair to your table, Tandoori Chicken is known for its vivid red color and smoky flavor. This dish is marinated in yogurt and a mix of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, then cooked in a tandoor or oven. It’s often served with naan and mint chutney, making for a refreshing and satisfying meal. This recipe is great for dinners or when you have guests over. Plus, it’s healthier since it’s baked, not fried.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Tandoori Chicken
Bring the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine into your kitchen with Tandoori Chicken. This classic dish is marinated in yogurt and a blend of aromatic spices, then cooked until the outside is beautifully charred while the inside remains wonderfully juicy. It’s typically cooked in a clay oven, but a regular oven works well too. Serve it with some warm naan and cool cucumber raita for a traditional meal. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a festive and exciting dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Looking for a wrap that packs both flavor and protein? Chicken Shawarma Wraps are an excellent choice. Marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices, the chicken is then cooked until juicy and flavorful. Rolled up in a soft flatbread with veggies and sauces, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. You can make it in an air fryer for a quicker and healthier version.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
When you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s also hands-off, Air Fryer Whole Chicken is a great option. This recipe makes a deliciously roasted chicken with very little prep or clean-up required. The air fryer circulates heat all around the chicken, resulting in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It’s perfect for a family dinner and leaves plenty of leftovers for the week. Serve it with a side of veggies or a salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
You can bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant home with Kung Pao Chicken. This stir-fry dish combines marinated chicken with a hearty mix of nuts and vegetables, all coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. It offers a great way to use whatever veggies you have in the fridge. Typically served with rice, it makes a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s just spicy enough to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
Enjoy a quick and tasty meal with Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken, which simplifies a much-loved Sichuan dish. This version uses the air fryer for a healthier approach, maintaining that essential combination of spicy, sweet, and savory. It’s loaded with crunchy peppers, scallions, and peanuts. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it comes together in no time. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
Mongolian Chicken
For a dish with a little bit of sweetness and a lot of savory, try Mongolian Chicken. It features tender pieces of chicken coated in a rich sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and sugar, which caramelizes when cooked. This dish is often served with green onions and white rice, which complement the flavors beautifully. It’s surprisingly quick to make for such a flavorful meal. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken
Ramen Fried Chicken
If you love the combination of Japanese flavors and crispy chicken, then Chicken Karaage is a must-try. Marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, the chicken pieces are then coated in potato starch and deep-fried to achieve that perfect crunch. It’s a popular dish in Japan, known for its tender interior and golden exterior. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra kick of flavor. This dish is ideal for gatherings or a family snack night.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken
When you’re craving something crispy and flavored just right, Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken is the way to go. This version skips the deep frying, using the air fryer to achieve great texture with significantly less oil. The chicken is seasoned with a simple but tasty combination of salt and pepper, along with some garlic and chili flakes for an extra kick. It’s a perfect snack for movie night or as a side dish with your favorite dips. Quick and easy, it’s a regular go-to in any air fryer lover’s cookbook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken