21 Back-To-School Chicken Dinners For Busy Families

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21 Back-To-School Chicken Dinners For Busy Families

Back-to-school time can mean hectic evenings and hungry kids. These 21 chicken dinners are perfect for busy families trying to balance homework and dinner prep. With easy recipes and quick cooking, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

Image shows Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Rotisserie chicken makes preparing these cheesy enchiladas a breeze. With just a few steps, you can have a tasty and satisfying dinner ready in minutes. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when time is short but a hearty meal is desired.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform leftover chicken into a comforting meal with fluffy dumplings simmered in a savory broth. This dish brings warmth and satisfaction, making it ideal for nights when you need a quick yet hearty dinner. It’s an easy recipe that fills the stomach and warms the soul.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn leftover chicken into smoky, BBQ-flavored goodness with this simple Instant Pot recipe. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, salads, or as a baked potato topping. This versatile dish is quick to prepare and packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Kefir Marinated chicken on a blue plate with sides.
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A kefir marinade adds a tangy twist to this chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. This recipe is an easy and healthy option for busy weeknights, providing a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to make. Enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Orange Chicken

Image shows a Fork holding orange chicken with rice with the full bowl behind it.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken is cooked with a tangy citrus sauce that rivals your favorite takeout. This easy recipe lets you enjoy a flavorful and homemade meal, with control over ingredients and taste. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and enjoyable dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredded chicken and corn are nestled in a masa crust, blending the hearty flavors of tamales with the comforting appeal of a pot pie. This straightforward recipe delivers a filling and flavorful meal that’s ideal for busy nights. Enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This chicken is covered in a sweet honey glaze that creates a deliciously sticky finish. It’s quick to make and complements a variety of sides, making it a great option for busy nights. This recipe offers a flavorful meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey Bourbon Chicken

Overhead shot of honey bourbon chicken in a bowl on a black counter.
Honey Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Coated in a sweet and savory honey bourbon glaze, this chicken offers a rich flavor with minimal preparation. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare a satisfying meal quickly. It’s a great option for busy evenings when you want something tasty and simple.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Leftover chicken turns into a vibrant stir-fry with this speedy fried rice recipe. Ready in just minutes, it’s a flavorful and filling meal that’s both easy to make and satisfying. Ideal for busy nights, this dish is quick and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Curry

Image shows a Bite of chicken curry on a fork with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This chicken curry features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce that delivers a comforting meal with minimal effort. The rich flavors make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying dinner. Enjoy a flavorful dish that requires little preparation and is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables are combined with a tangy dressing in this refreshing salad. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, offering a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. Enjoy a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These empanadas feature flaky crusts and savory chicken, making them perfect for quick and tasty meals. They’re ideal for busy weeknights or as a delightful party snack. This easy recipe ensures a delicious and satisfying option with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

The Instant Pot simplifies making this lemon garlic chicken, infusing it with bright and aromatic flavors. This easy recipe delivers a juicy and flavorful meal with minimal prep, ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that’s both quick to make and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken and fluffy orzo are mixed in a creamy feta sauce, creating a dish that’s both elegant and simple. This recipe adds a touch of sophistication to weeknight dinners, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Image shows an overhead shot of Chicken stew with biscuits in a blue ceramic enameled pot.
Chicken Stew with Biscuits. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This comforting stew combines tender chicken and vegetables simmered in a rich broth, topped with fluffy homemade biscuits. It’s the perfect hearty meal for those cooler evenings when you need something both warming and satisfying. This easy recipe delivers a fulfilling dinner with a touch of homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This grilled chicken is infused with a zesty lime marinade that enhances its flavor and keeps it juicy. It’s a simple and quick option for a tasty meal without the need for takeout. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish delivers a burst of freshness and is easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Image shows a Bowl of baked sweet and sour chicken with pineapple.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of traditional sweet and sour chicken without the frying. Crispy chicken pieces coated in a delicious sauce make for a fun and flavorful family dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This dish features tender chicken pieces and crunchy cashews in a savory sauce, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights, offering a quick and delicious option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the classic flavors of an egg roll without the greasy wrapper in this quick stir-fry. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, offering a tasty and easy-to-make chicken dish with minimal effort. Enjoy a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Chicken Tikka Masala

Overheat shot of chicken tikka masala in a green bowl on a white table.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich tomato sauce spiced with aromatic seasonings. Served with rice or naan, this dish offers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare on any night. It’s a comforting recipe that brings a touch of Indian cuisine to your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform leftover chicken into these tasty wraps, ideal for a quick and flavorful meal. They’re easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients, making them perfect for busy nights. This simple recipe ensures a satisfying and enjoyable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

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