In every family, there are those special chicken recipes that stick with you, the ones that you look back on and can almost smell and taste just from memory. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and every moment in between when you want to create something special. These 20 are the dishes your kids can grow up to make in their own kitchens, sharing a piece of their childhood with the next generation.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a dish that cooks chicken until golden, then simmers it in a sauce made with mushrooms, cream, and herbs. It takes less than an hour to make and goes great with rice or green beans. This recipe is perfect for teaching kids more advanced cooking techniques, like making a rich sauce and balancing flavors, while keeping things simple. It’s a comforting meal that can turn a bad day around and become a family favorite your kids will want to make for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a one-pot meal made with chicken, tortellini, broth, and veggies, all cooked together in just 40 minutes. This recipe is a great way to use store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have. It keeps well in the fridge and freezes perfectly, making it a convenient choice for busy families. This filling and nutritious soup is a great way to get more veggies into your family’s diet while teaching kids how easy it is to make a hearty meal with minimal dishes. It’s a recipe they’ll want to pass down to their own kids someday.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a one-pan dish with chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, ready in just 30 minutes. This surprisingly simple recipe is perfect for introducing kids to cooking and requires minimal cleanup. Searing the chicken first helps to lock in flavors before adding the sauce. Serve this dish with veggies for a stress-free, yet special dinner that your family will love and want to make for generations.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken involves cooking chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce. To keep the chicken juicy and tender, use a meat thermometer to check its temperature while cooking and remove it from the pan once it hits 165 degrees F. This simple dish can be served over pasta or with veggies and is great for showing kids how to make a meal that’s both easy and feels fancy. It’s a perfect solution for those nights when you want a meal that’s simple to make but still feels like a treat. Your kids will be asking for this recipe when they’re grown up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Chicken Corn Soup is made by simmering chicken, corn, broth, and seasonings until everything is tender. To make it creamy, just stir in some heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This comforting meal is ready in under an hour, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chicken Corn Soup is a great way to teach kids about making comforting meals from scratch and is perfect for cold days when you need a cozy hug from your food. It’s a recipe they’ll want to make for their own families someday.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a fast, delicious meal combining chicken breast pieces, lightly coated in cornstarch and seasoned, then cooked on the stovetop. The mouthwatering sauce is a mix of butter, fresh garlic, and Italian herbs, creating a dish that’s ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for serving over rice or alongside vegetables, it’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a great opportunity to introduce kids to the joys of cooking with herbs. Busy parents will love how simple and quick it is to bring such a rich flavor to the dinner table. Kids will be eager to learn how to whip up this recipe themselves, dreaming of passing it down through generations.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a delicious dish where chicken meets the tang of Dijon mustard, the savory taste of bacon, and the freshness of spinach. Preparing this dish without the skin and bones of chicken thighs makes it quicker, ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfectly paired with pasta or veggies. Consider adding mushrooms for an extra depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Whip up this one-pan meal in just 30 minutes for a no-stress dinner solution. Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts pairs juicy chicken with artichokes in a smooth cream sauce. It’s a great fit for jasmine rice or a side of steamed broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish keeps cleanup to a minimum and flavor to the max. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your kids to new tastes while keeping things simple. They’ll remember how to make impressive meals without the complicated steps. Plus, it reheats well, so you’ve got a great meal ready to go for round two.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comforting flavors of the classic pot pie without the crust, making it a simpler option. This creamy concoction of chicken, vegetables, and a rich broth comes together in about an hour. Serve with biscuits or rolls. It serves as an excellent introduction for kids to the basics of making a hearty soup, transforming an ordinary evening into something special. This recipe is a perfect combo of comfort and convenience, making it a family favorite for generations to come.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a solid pick for a family dinner, mixing tender chicken thighs with spinach and a generous sprinkle of cheese. You can get this dish ready in just half an hour, which is great for those evenings when you’re short on time. Since everything cooks together in one dish, you won’t be left with a pile of washing up. It’s the kind of meal that shows kids how to put together a hearty, good-for-you dinner without any hassle. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that’ll stick in their memories, setting them up to make great meals for themselves in the future.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh spin on familiar flavors. You’ve got chicken and bacon mixed with homemade ranch seasoning, all scooped into cool cucumber halves. It’s a light choice that still keeps you full, perfect for pairing with your favorite salad or a cold soup. This dish is a great way to get kids into the kitchen, showing them how simple it is to put together something that’s good for you and tastes great. Plus, it’s a fun way to get them excited about eating their veggies. It’s the kind of recipe that sticks with them, one they’ll love making and sharing for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a spicy mix of chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy homemade dressing. Whether served over greens or wrapped up for a filling meal, it’s a quick way to deliver bold flavors. Perfect for teaching kids about crafting meals with a kick, this salad can come together even faster with pre-cooked chicken. It’s an adventure that shows how simple ingredients can create a meal with a big personality, something they’ll be eager to recreate.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken simplifies the classic fajita into an oven-baked pan, featuring seasoned chicken breasts, mini peppers, and onions. A brief brine keeps the chicken moist and tender. Served with tortillas or rice, it turns any evening into a fiesta. It’s a perfect dish for teaching kids the basics of seasoning and the importance of preparation, so they can handle the kitchen with convenience and confidence.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Thai Chicken Salad

Make this Thai Chicken Salad, where marinated chicken meets a bunch of crisp veggies and a lively homemade dressing. It’s a breeze to whip up, making it a perfect pick for a quick yet flavorful meal. This dish is a solid choice for teaching kids about how simple ingredients like marinades can make a meal pop. Serve it up as is, or toss it with some jasmine rice for something a bit more filling. It’s a fun way to introduce a rainbow of veggies to the table. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll stick with your kids, one they’ll be proud to pass on.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a fun, easy-to-make snack or meal option. They combine ground chicken and bacon with ranch flavors and are baked to perfection. Served with fresh veggies, they’re perfect for quick meals or gatherings. It’s a great way to get kids involved in cooking, showing them that making delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. These poppers are a hit for casual dining and can be a go-to for making mealtime stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado is all about big, fresh flavors. You’ve got chicken thighs marinated with herbs, citrus, and just the right spices, then cooked up on the grill or baked to perfection. It goes great with sides like cilantro lime cauliflower rice and can be a hit any time of the year. This dish is a great way to get kids interested in how marinating can pack a punch in their food. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a family feast or a simple weeknight dinner. Want to mix it up? Turn it into taco or burrito night for a meal that’s fun to eat and will stick in your kids’ memories as a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan with chicken and cream for a comforting, quick meal. Adding vegetables or a splash of wine can enhance the dish further. Served over your choice of base, it’s an excellent way to teach kids about creating luxurious sauces with simple ingredients. This dish exemplifies how cooking can be a rewarding experience, perfect for those looking to introduce a touch of comfort into their daily routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned Chicken Patties is a straightforward and appetizing option for dinner or sandwiches, ready in 20 minutes. Mixing canned chicken with breadcrumbs and seasonings, these patties are a lesson in using pantry staples for a hearty meal. Broiling them adds a crispy finish, and serving on a bun with fresh toppings makes for an amazing sandwich. It’s a practical way to teach kids the basics of cooking, so they can always whip up a meal, even with limited ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a spicy, cheesy creation, combining chicken with jalapeños and a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs for crunch. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to customize to taste. Teaching kids to make this casserole is a fun way to introduce them to baking and casserole preparation, showing them how simple ingredients can create a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it a favorite for future generations.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe brings the traditional Filipino dish into the modern kitchen, combining chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, cooked quickly in a pressure cooker. This method preserves the chicken’s tenderness and is a fun way to introduce your family to international flavors and contemporary cooking appliances. It’s a great addition to the family recipe book.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo