20 Chicken Dinners That Absolutely Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

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20 Chicken Dinners That Absolutely Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

Chicken dinners are a staple, and these 20 recipes are the ones you’ll reach for time and again. They’re straightforward, no-nonsense winners for any night of the week. No need to stress when the family asks, “What’s for dinner?” because, with these recipes, you’ve got it covered. Great for feeding a crowd or just nailing a solo dinner, they’re the practical picks that keep life running smoothly. Let’s get right to it and stock your recipe box with these go-to meals.

A fresh caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. 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 earns its spot in your recipe collection with its quick and comforting flavors. This dish features juicy chicken thighs in a creamy Dijon mustard and heavy cream sauce, all cooked in one pan. The sauce includes bacon for a great flavor and fresh spinach for a fresh taste. Ready in 30 minutes, it pairs well with pasta or mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a comforting meal fast and with minimal cleanup. The creamy mustard sauce gives it a rich taste that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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 great choice for your dinner lineup. Ready in under an hour and easy on the wallet, this dish is a hit with everyone. Filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions, it’s perfect for a comforting meal without any hassle. This casserole is quick to make and delicious, making it great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The combination of crispy tater tots and cheesy chicken is a surefire win for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado is a must-have in your chicken dinner lineup. Marinated in cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice, this chicken recipe bursts with fresh flavors. Whether grilled or baked, it’s great and pairs well with veggies and lime wedges. Easy to prepare and sure to bring new tastes to your table, Pollo Asado is perfect for switching up your routine with something exciting yet simple. The marinade makes the chicken tender and juicy, making every bite a flavor-packed experience.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup deserves a spot in your chicken dinner collection. It’s super easy to make with just one pot and 40 minutes. Packed with chicken, cheese tortellini, veggies, and herbs, it’s perfect for nights when you want something simple and filling. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own and has a great balance of flavors, from the chicken to the fresh herbs. It’s a go-to recipe when you need comfort without much effort. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini 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 perfect for relaxed family meals. Tender chicken thighs with a rich mushroom sauce filled with spices and sun-dried tomatoes make this dish great. It’s simple to cook, better the next day, and easy to clean up, making it a great choice for a hearty meal with minimal effort. This dish combines the creamy sauce’s richness with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, creating a comforting meal. It’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting without much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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 deserves a spot in your recipe collection because it makes the classic pot pie simple and comforting. This soup is ready in about an hour and is packed with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in a creamy broth. It’s great for a relaxing night and pairs perfectly with crusty bread. This soup delivers the classic pot pie flavor without the hassle of making a crust, perfect for a comforting and filling dinner after a hectic day. Perfect for anyone craving a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake adds a nutritious and quick dinner to your collection. It combines juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a flavorful casserole in 30 minutes. This dish helps you sneak some veggies into your family’s diet in an easy way. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy texture and melted cheese make it a comforting option that even picky eaters will love. This bake is reliable when you need something quick and nutritious that still tastes great.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Close-up of a caesar salad with croutons, shredded chicken, and caesar dressing on chopped romaine lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a perfect addition to your collection. Ready in just 25 minutes with affordable ingredients, it’s great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Made with pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. This salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with hearty pasta, making it filling enough to be a main dish. It’s also versatile, allowing you to add more veggies or change the pasta type to suit your preferences.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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 a great pick for impressing with minimal effort. This recipe combines boneless chicken thighs, Italian herbs, and a creamy sauce from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with pasta or a fresh salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s great for busy nights and is a real crowd-pleaser that adds a bit of Italian flair to your table without stress. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes mixed with the creamy sauce create a rich flavor. It’s a perfect dish for when you want something delicious and quick that feels a bit fancy.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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 perfect for spicing up your meal routine. This recipe includes baked chicken, broiled jalapeños, and crispy bacon, all mixed with mayonnaise and spices for a bold taste. It’s versatile enough to serve on greens or in wraps and ready quickly, making it perfect for a no-stress dinner. This salad is for anyone who loves a little heat and wants to keep mealtime interesting and easy. The combination of spicy jalapeños and creamy mayo balances out nicely. It’s a great go-to for a flavorful, low-effort meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites deliver a great way to shake up your dinner routine. These bites feature juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, cooking up in just 20 minutes. They pair well with rice or vegetables, making them an easy fix for evenings when you’re short on time but want a meal full of flavor. This dish is perfect for keeping everyone at the table happy and fed quickly. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich taste to the tender chicken. It’s a perfect choice for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 earn their place in your recipe collection by being a fun and easy dinner. These poppers mix chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, baked until golden and served with homemade ranch seasoning for a creamy touch. Quick to prepare and sure to be a hit with the kids, this recipe is great for busy nights when you want something special but simple. Less cooking means more family time, making this dish perfect for those evenings when you need to get dinner on the table fast but don’t want to compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect for your recipe collection with its simple and flavorful approach. This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, and garlic. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make and clean up. Perfect for days when you need a break but still want to serve a great meal, this dish brings the rich flavors of Tuscan cooking to your table with minimal effort. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken should be in your recipe collection for a quick, comforting meal. Featuring chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to step up your chicken dinner game while keeping things simple. This dish is made in one pan for easy cleanup, which lets you relax after dinner. Perfect for a simple yet great meal that comes together quickly, this recipe is great for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have much time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken belongs in your recipe collection for making dinner routines easy and exciting. This dish combines chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, and mini sweet peppers, seasoned with chili powder and paprika, then baked in just 30 minutes. Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and giving you more time with your family. Great for busy nights when you want a great meal but are short on time, this recipe delivers bold fajita flavors without the hassle of standing over a stove. Perfect for those who want a quick and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These Shawarma Kebabs are perfect for your chicken dinner collection. Just marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika for a Middle Eastern flair. Bake the skewered chicken until juicy and tender. These kebabs are great for a quick meal and pair well with Tzatziki sauce or tucked into pita pockets with greens. They’re a stress-free way to add variety to your weekly meals without extra kitchen time. These kebabs make weeknight dinners exciting with bold flavors and easy prep.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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 a must-have in your chicken dinner lineup. This dish combines chicken salad made from canned chicken with sour cream and shredded cheese, scooped into halved cucumbers. It’s a light, playful, nutritious, and filling dinner option. Perfect for evenings when you want something simple yet packed with flavor, it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a fun and easy way. These cucumber boats are fresh and crunchy and take the stress out of meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

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.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts definitely belong in your chicken dinner rotation. This one-pan meal is easy to make, combining succulent chicken thighs with artichokes in a creamy garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish simplifies cooking and brings a gourmet touch to your family meals, making it a great way to enjoy artichokes. It’s an easy way to serve a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken deserves a spot in your chicken dinner favorites. This dish features chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s rich and comforting. It’s perfect for drizzling over rice or pairing with naan. The Instant Pot cuts cooking time drastically and simplifies cleanup so you can enjoy your meal more and less time worrying about the mess. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a great addition to your chicken dinner roster. It is a Filipino-inspired dish with sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal, this dish features tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, tangy sauce made with garlic, onion, and Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener. Each bite features tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice and veggies. This meal is perfect for hectic days when you want a hearty dinner but don’t have the energy for complex recipes. This dish is a standout choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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