17 Chicken Recipes That Are Better Than Anything From the Frozen Aisle

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17 Chicken Recipes That Are Better Than Anything From the Frozen Aisle

Ready to leave those bland freezer meals behind? Our chicken recipes are so much better, you’ll breeze through dinner prep with flavors that blow store-bought out of the water. Perfect for any night, these 17 dishes are about to become your go-to for a great meal without too much hassle.

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Ready in just 40 minutes with only one skillet, Creamy Tuscan Chicken combines chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s become a staple in our weekly meal plans for its straightforward prep and the way it jazzes up the dinner table with minimal effort. For anyone looking to minimize cleanup while still serving a meal that feels special, this recipe is a solid win.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is an easy, one-pan meal that’s oven-ready in 30 minutes, blending chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a delicious dinner. It answers the call for a stress-free, filling meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort. This dish is particularly great for those evenings when you want a meal that feels homemade and hearty without the lengthy prep time.
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.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad brings a spicy touch to your meal plans with only 20 minutes of prep time. It combines chicken, bacon, and other ingredients with mayonnaise and spices for an easy yet exciting dish. Perfect for busy weekdays, just chill it in the fridge for a no-hassle dinner. It’s a lifesaver for those seeking a quick, flavorful option that breaks the monotony of regular chicken recipes.
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.

In 30 minutes, Creamy Dijon Chicken is a delicious change with its mix of chicken thighs, spinach, and bacon in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, all from a single skillet. This dish makes both cooking and cleanup a breeze, serving up a filling meal without the long kitchen hours. For those evenings when time is tight but you’re craving something great, this recipe fits perfectly into our weekly meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a refreshing and easy meal, ready in just 30 minutes. Scoop the chicken salad into cucumber halves for a light, flavorful dish that’s also great for next-day lunches. It’s a perfect choice for anyone needing a quick, delicious meal that’s different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Enjoy the comfort of a chicken pot pie without the hard work with this Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Ready in an hour, it combines chicken and vegetables in a creamy broth for a quick, wholesome dinner. This recipe has become a go-to for its ability to deliver classic comfort food flavors in a less complicated way, making it a fantastic addition to any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado brings flavors from Mexican and Caribbean kitchens right to your table, marinating chicken thighs with cilantro, onion, orange, and lime. Whether grilled or baked, this versatile dish enhances tacos, burritos, or bowls. It’s a top pick for those looking to explore new chicken recipes without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come together in 20 minutes in a single skillet, featuring chicken tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. They’ve made their way into our regular meal rotation because they’re quick, simple, and versatile—perfect for a busy evening. If you’re aiming to please your family with something new without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Switch up your dinner routine with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This one-pan, 30-minute meal features crispy chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom and sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual date night, adding simplicity without sacrificing taste.
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.

This one-skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, combining chicken thighs with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a great option when you’re short on time but craving something new and exciting for your chicken meals.
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 a 30-minute, one-skillet wonder, pairing chicken breasts with a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce. For those busy nights, this recipe is a flavorful and impressive meal without a lot of time or effort. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy a gourmet-style dinner after a long day without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic 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.

The Instant Pot Butter Chicken brings a flavorful, protein-packed meal to your table in under 40 minutes. Marinating the chicken overnight deepens the flavors, making it juicy and delicious. This Indian-inspired curry fits perfectly into our weekly meal plans for when we want something rich and filling without the usual prep time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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.

In just 30 minutes, Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts mix chicken and artichokes in a rich sauce. Using only one skillet, this recipe is a breeze to make on a busy evening. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal without the hassle. This dish brings a restaurant-quality experience to your dining table making sure you can have a special meal with little to no stress involved.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken combines the savory flavors of fajitas with juicy chicken in a 30-minute meal. It’s easy to make and packed with taste, making it a solid choice for those hectic days when you need something hearty yet easy. This dish simplifies mealtime by bringing the joy of fajita night to your home with minimal cleanup, boosting your evening routine with a stress-free, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked 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 mix of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour in less than an hour. It’s an effortless dish for busy weeknights, perfect for shaking up the routine with something flavorful and exciting. This recipe is great for those who crave a taste of adventure but need to keep prep and cook time under control, delivering a bold dining experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are easy to prepare and perfect for a protein-packed dinner. Marinate, skewer, and bake for tender, juicy kebabs that are also great for meal prep. This recipe is a hit for making busy weeknights smoother. With its convenience and flavor, it’s the best way to introduce variety into your meals, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious dinner with minimal effort on any given night.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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

Ready in about an hour, Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers mix chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices for a flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, they’re excellent for meal prep or as a quick bite on busy days. These poppers are perfect for quenching your hunger with a delicious and filling snack, making them a great addition to your repertoire for those times when you need a quick meal solution that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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