17 Chicken Dinners So Good That You’ll Stop Browsing Takeout Menus Online

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17 Chicken Dinners So Good That You’ll Stop Browsing Takeout Menus Online

Chicken dinners just got a serious upgrade. If you’re tired of scrolling through takeout apps only to end up disappointed, these 17 recipes are about to make your kitchen the new hotspot. They’re so good that you’ll forget those apps even exist. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the smell of a home-cooked meal wafting through your place. So, let’s ditch the delivery and get down to the real deal: great food made by you, right in the comfort of your own home.

Creamy chicken dish garnished with herbs and spices.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs With Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great pick for a meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy chicken thighs cooked with healthy spinach and crispy bacon in a smooth Dijon mustard sauce. This one-pan recipe minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, perfect for those evenings when you need a great dinner but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. It’s all about making gourmet simple and accessible, even on the busiest nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are perfect for a stress-free meal or party snack. Ready in about an hour, these poppers are made by combining chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices, then served with a homemade ranch seasoning using mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and spices. They’re not only delicious but also freezer-friendly, allowing for easy preparation ahead of time. This dish shows you don’t need complex steps to create something great; just simple ingredients and straightforward cooking.
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.

The Spinach Chicken Bake gets dinner ready in just 30 minutes. It features chicken thighs marinated in avocado oil, garlic, and spices, layered with cream cheese and spinach, and topped with mozzarella. This dish is perfect for those who want a hearty meal without spending much time in the kitchen. The straightforward preparation process makes it a great choice for both new cooks and those with a busy schedule looking for a stress-free cooking experience.
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 your solution for a quick, flavorful meal. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and involves simple steps: chop your ingredients, mix them together, and chill. This salad combines jalapeños, bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy mayonnaise base for a refreshing take on traditional salads. It’s perfect for days when you need a meal that’s both quick and will break the monotony of typical meal options.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Combine tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and cheese in a casserole dish for a delicious dinner ready in less than an hour. It’s budget-friendly and a hit with kids and adults alike. This casserole is great for those evenings when you’re too tired to stress over dinner. Prep everything in advance and just pop it in the oven. It’s straightforward and a real time-saver during those hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are the perfect quick, nutritious meal, ready in just 30 minutes. Start with canned chicken, mix in bacon and cheddar, add homemade ranch seasoning, and scoop everything into cucumber halves. This recipe is great for those looking for a meal that’s straightforward and fun, serving a refreshing alternative to heavy dinners. It’s so easy that you’ll master it quickly, which shows that great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado is perfect for an easy chicken dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Marinate chicken thighs in cilantro, onion, and a mix of orange and lime juices. You can grill or bake this dish, and it pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or bowls. The marination process infuses deep flavors, making it a hit for any meal. This recipe is so simple, with a prep time that allows you to relax while the flavors meld. Perfect for busy cooks who need a straightforward meal without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

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.

Try our Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts when you need a meal that’s impressive yet easy. In just 30 minutes, this one-skillet wonder combines tender chicken thighs seasoned with Italian spices and seared to perfection with a luscious creamy artichoke sauce. It’s designed for speed and simplicity, great for anyone who wants to enjoy a great meal without spending all night in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so straightforward that you can make it on autopilot after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can be made in just 20 minutes and only require one skillet. Start with juicy chicken, fry it in avocado oil, and toss it in a rich garlic butter sauce for a simple yet flavorful dish. This recipe is designed for those nights when you need something quick but still want your dinner to pack a punch. With minimal ingredients and effort, these chicken bites are a perfect example of how effortless great cooking can be.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comfort of a traditional pot pie without the crust. This dish features chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in a creamy broth seasoned with thyme, parsley, and paprika. Ready in just an hour, this soup is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s a comforting meal that requires minimal attention, making it perfect for those times when you’re multitasking. Just stir occasionally, and you have a meal that feels like home cooking without the effort.
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.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick, comforting meal perfect for any night of the week. In just 30 minutes, you can have crispy chicken thighs smothered in a creamy mushroom and sun-dried tomato sauce. This one-pan dish is not only quick to clean up but also packs a punch with rich flavors that are sure to impress. It’s great for those who want a great meal with minimal prep and cooking time. This recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a special dinner.
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 your go-to for an effortless dinner that feels gourmet. This one-pan meal combines chicken thighs with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. The rich flavors of the tomatoes are complemented by a creamy base, making it a hit for any dinner occasion. This dish is simple enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to whip up a quick dinner that seems like it took much longer to make.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the ultimate quick-fix dinner. In 30 minutes, cook chicken breasts in a creamy sauce of garlic, heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese, and flavored with garlic powder and parsley. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect choice for a busy day when you want a meal that’s comforting and quick. The simple steps and one-pan cooking method make it almost too easy, perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to deal with complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the perfect quick meal for busy nights. Just grab a skillet, and in 40 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken thighs cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce of chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. This dish does not need much attention, making it superb for those who want great flavor without a lot of effort. You can whip this up after a long day and still have time to relax, making it feel like gourmet cooking is a breeze.
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 is all about bringing rich, deep flavors to your dinner table without taking up your whole evening. Marinate chicken thighs overnight, then let the Instant Pot work its magic, turning them into a flavorful meal with tomatoes and a mix of spices like cumin and garam masala. This recipe is great for those who need a quick solution that doesn’t skip on the depth of flavor. Just set it up, let it cook, and you’re all set for a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is a simple and fast recipe that makes dinner a breeze. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy the juicy flavors of chicken breasts seasoned with fajita seasonings, topped with cream cheese, peppers and cheese, and baked until golden. It’s the perfect dish for when you need something quick but still crave something that tastes like it took all day to make. This meal is a real time-saver with minimal cleanup, perfect for those evenings when you want to relax but still eat well.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are the go-to for an easy yet filling meal. Just marinate chicken in a mix of shawarma spices, skewer them, and pop them in the oven. They’re full of flavor and ready in no time, making them a perfect choice for any day of the week. This dish is great for anyone looking for something different without the hassle. It’s as simple as prepping and letting the oven do the rest, which shows that great meals don’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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