20 Chicken Dinners That Earn Their Rightful Spot in Your Recipe Collection

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20 Chicken Dinners That Earn Their Rightful Spot in Your Recipe Collection

Chicken dinners aren’t just another meal; they’re the dependable workhorses of the dinner table, and this collection of 20 recipes is no exception. Each one has been chosen for its ability to make the cut time after time, proving itself as a keeper in your recipe repertoire. You’ll find no filler here, just a straightforward list of great dishes ready to become regulars in your meal rotation.

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a real keeper for your go-to chicken dinner recipes. It’s a breeze to make, needing just one pot and a spare 40 minutes. Packed with good stuff and hearty enough to fill you up, it’s a great choice for those nights when you want something simple and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

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.

Next up, the Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great find for your dinner lineup. Ready in less than an hour, this dish is easy on the wallet and a hit with everyone. You can prep it ahead of time, and it freezes well, too. It’s a perfect pick for a comforting meal without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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.

For a quick and easy meal, the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a great addition to your collection. You can have it ready in just 25 minutes, and it’s made with ingredients that won’t break the bank. It’s also a smart choice for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. With pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing, you’ll have a tasty meal on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado is your answer to a flavorful and easy chicken dinner. Marinated in a mix of cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice, this chicken is bursting with fresh flavors. It’s great whether grilled or baked, and can be served with veggies and lime wedges for a complete meal. This dish is especially good for those looking to bring some new tastes to the dinner table without too much complication. It’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to get everyone excited about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is a game changer for relaxed family meals. It combines tender chicken thighs with a thick mushroom sauce rich in spices and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. It’s simple to cook and even better the next day. This means less time in the kitchen and more time for you to unwind. Cleanup is easy, too, so it’s stress-free from start to finish. Great for when you want a hearty meal with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is the perfect solution for a nutritious and quick dinner. It combines juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a flavorful casserole that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is a great way to sneak some veggies into your family’s diet in a delicious and effortless manner. It’s also perfect for those busy nights when you want a hearty meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
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 the way to go if you’re looking to add some excitement to your meals. 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 wrapped up, and it’s ready quickly, making it perfect for a no-stress, no-mess dinner. This salad is for anyone who loves a little heat and wants to keep mealtime interesting and effortless
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken is your shortcut to mastering quick, comforting dinners. This dish features juicy chicken thighs in a creamy sauce made from Dijon mustard and heavy cream, all in one pan. The sauce includes bacon for a robust flavor and fresh spinach for a fresh, vegetable taste. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs perfectly with pasta or mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you need a comforting meal fast. Plus, it keeps cleanup to a minimum, freeing up more of your evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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 anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. This recipe combines boneless chicken thighs, Italian herbs, and a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to cook and pairs perfectly with pasta or a fresh salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s great for busy nights. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser that brings a bit of Italian flair to your table without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites delivers a delicious way to shake up your dinner routine. These bites are small but mighty, featuring juicy chicken drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce. They cook up in just 20 minutes and are perfect for pairing with rice or vegetables. This dish is an easy fix for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s full of flavor. It’s also great for keeping everyone at the table happy and fed quickly.
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 is a comforting treat that simplifies the classic pot pie into something you can enjoy in a bowl. It’s filled with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered together in a creamy broth. This soup is ready in about an hour and is perfect for a relaxing night in. Serving this with a side of crusty bread makes it the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for those who need a comforting and filling dinner after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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 your best bet for a fun and easy dinner solution. These poppers are a mix of chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, baked until golden. They’re served with homemade ranch seasoning, adding a creamy touch to each bite. They’re 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 need to keep things simple. With less time cooking, you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your family.
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 a simple approach to a flavorful dinner that draws on Tuscan cooking traditions. It combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream and a hint of garlic. Ready in about 40 minutes, this one-pan dish is not only easy to make but also easy to clean up. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a meal that’s both easy and impressive. Perfect for those days when you need a break but still want to serve something great.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A bowl of cauliflower rice with creamy garlic chicken.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer when you need a quick, comforting meal without a long prep time. This dish features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to step up your chicken dinner game while keeping things simple. Made with just one pan, this dish means easy cleanup, allowing more time for you to relax after dinner. It’s a great pick for a simple yet delicious meal that comes together quickly.
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 makes your dinner routine easy and exciting. This dish combines chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, and a colorful mix of mini sweet peppers, all seasoned with a mix of spices like chili powder and paprika. It’s baked in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a fast and flavorful dinner. With everything cooked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you more time to enjoy with your family. This recipe is perfect for a busy night when time is tight but you still want a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Become the chicken dinner whisperer with these Shawarma Kebabs. Start by marinating chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and a few spices like cumin and paprika. This combo brings a Middle Eastern flair to your table. Bake the skewered chicken until juicy and tender. These kebabs are perfect for a quick meal and go 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.
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 light and playful dinner option. Combine chicken salad made from canned chicken with sour cream and shredded cheese. Scoop this creamy mix into halved crisp cucumbers for a dish that’s both nutritious and filling. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something simple yet packed with flavor. It’s especially great for introducing more vegetables into your diet in a way that even kids will love. Plus, they make eating healthy both fun and easy.
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.

Make your dinner routine extra special with Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. This one-pan meal is easy to make and combines succulent chicken thighs with flavorful artichokes in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This dish not only simplifies cooking but also brings a gourmet touch to your family meals. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone at the table to enjoy artichokes.
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.

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a lifesaver for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. 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 spend more time enjoying your meal and less time worrying about the mess. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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.

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is your shortcut to a flavorful and hearty meal. Each bite features tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice and veggies. This meal is perfect for those hectic days when you want a hearty dinner but don’t have the energy for complex recipes. It’s a practical solution that delivers great taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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