17 Easy Chicken Recipes That’ll Make You Forget You Ever Hated Cooking

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17 Easy Chicken Recipes That’ll Make You Forget You Ever Hated Cooking

If you’ve been dodging the kitchen, these 17 easy chicken recipes are about to change your mind about cooking. We’ve put together a list of simple meals that are perfect for anyone looking to cut down on kitchen time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a cooking newbie or just in a recipe rut, these dishes are so straightforward and great to eat that you’ll start to think you might actually like making dinner.

A bowl full of ingredients for jalapeño popper chicken salad.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken 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.

So, we’re talking about a chicken dish that’s both easy and packs a punch in 30 minutes. This Creamy Dijon Chicken is something we whip up regularly. Just mix chicken with cream, Dijon mustard, spinach, and bacon in a pan. It’s quick, and trust me, it tastes amazing. Perfect for those nights when you want a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over some fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta to soak up that creamy sauce. Feel free to swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
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.

Next up, these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh way to make a chicken salad in just 30 minutes. With bacon and homemade ranch, plus pre-cooked chicken, you’ll have a fun and flavorful meal ready in no time. They’re a hit for when you’re looking for something easy and light. Definitely a regular in our dinner rotation. Great with a side of crunchy chips or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. To change things up, try adding some diced avocado or cherry tomatoes to the filling.
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.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is like a hug in a bowl. It’s a simple and comforting dish done in just an hour. Just one pot, some chicken, veggies, and you’re set. It’s a smart take on a classic, making dinner easy and really good. It’s perfect for those chilly nights or when you just need some comfort food. A dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread on the side makes it even better. Experiment by adding different veggies like corn or green beans for a new flavor.
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 is a flavor bomb ready for over an hour. Marinate it, grill it, or bake it, and you can serve it up in so many ways — on its own, shredded in tacos, you name it. It’s super versatile and always hits the spot. We make this one all the time because it’s just that good and adds a nice variety to our chicken game. Squeeze some fresh lime over it and serve with grilled vegetables for a perfect meal. Try different marinades like chipotle or citrus to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is our go-to for a no-stress meal. Mix chicken thighs, cheese, and spinach, bake for 30 minutes and boom, dinner’s ready. It’s super simple and really good. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this dish will make you feel like one. A regular favorite for an easy dinner at home. Pair it with a simple salad or some steamed broccoli to round out the meal. Mix in some red bell peppers or artichokes for a colorful and delicious variation.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken feels a bit fancy but without the hard work. Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in about 40 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for those days when you want something special but don’t have all night to cook. A regular hit in our house. It’s great served over a bed of fresh pasta or with a side of garlic bread. Consider adding olives or capers for a salty kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a lifesaver on busy nights. Chicken, garlic, butter, and in 20 minutes, you’re practically done. They cook up fast and go with anything – rice, veggies, salads. We add this to our meals a lot because it’s quick, easy, and really good. These bites are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or served over a bed of rice pilaf. Throw in some chili flakes or paprika for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A bowl containing ingredients for a recipe, including chopped green onions, bacon bits, shredded chicken, cheese, and spices.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When we want to spice things up a bit, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is where it’s at. It mixes the kick of jalapeños with chicken salad for a bold taste. It’s easy and quick and adds a spicy twist to meals. We make this one a lot because it’s just that good. Serve on toasted bread or crackers for a spicy snack or light dinner. For less heat, use pickled jalapeños or add some corn for sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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 staple around here. The sauce and chicken thighs come together for a rich, comforting dish. It’s easy to make and tastes great, making it a go-to for a great dinner at home. Definitely a dish we come back to time and again. Try serving this with some creamy polenta or fluffy rice to enjoy all that sauce. Incorporate a splash of white wine in the sauce for a deeper flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken in a skillet with cheese and tomatoes.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken brings a lot of flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and chicken thighs make for a delicious meal in 30 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and a big hit at our table. We make this one regularly because it’s just too good to pass up. This dish is fantastic with a side of angel hair pasta or a fresh Caesar salad. Try mixing in some fresh basil or spinach for a green boost and added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A plate of chicken bacon ranch poppers with sauce drizzled on top.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a hit in our house, ready in an hour. We make them all the time because they’re just that good. You take chicken, wrap it with bacon, and add homemade ranch made from mayo, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and spices. It’s super easy to put together for any meal. We love having these around because they’re always a hit, and they’ve quickly become a weekly go-to. Serve them with a side of veggies or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal. For a variation, try adding a slice of jalapeño inside each popper for a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is another favorite that finds its way into our oven pretty often. It’s just chicken mixed with peppers and cheese, baked to perfection in 30 minutes. It’s easy, quick, and always comes out great. This dish has become a regular for us because it’s so simple to make and always hits the spot. Perfect with a side of rice or wrapped in tortillas for a cozy dinner. Mix in some black beans or corn to the baking dish for extra flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Now, for those nights when we want something a bit creamy, we go for Creamy Garlic Chicken ready in 30 minutes. It’s made in one pan, which is great for clean-up. This dish mixes chicken with a creamy garlic sauce, and it’s absolutely great for a comforting meal. We’ve been making it a lot recently because it’s easy and tastes amazing. A side of pasta or bread works wonders to soak up the sauce. Try adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an extra veggie boost.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken kebabs with tzatziki sauce on a white plate.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs are our go-to when we want something a bit different but still easy. They’re simple to prepare and bring a great flavor to the dinner table. We’ve started adding these to our regular rotation because they’re just that good and a great way to mix things up. They’re great served with a side of rice or a fresh salad. Experiment with different vegetables on the skewers, like bell peppers or onions, for varied flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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.

When we’re looking for something comforting and easy, we turn to Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan dish that combines chicken and artichokes in a flavorful sauce. It’s become a favorite because it’s straightforward to make and always turns out great. Serve this with some crusty bread to dip into the sauce for an added treat. For a change, try using sun-dried tomatoes instead of artichokes for a different flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A bowl of butter chicken with cauliflower rice on a white plate.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s quick, thanks to the Instant Pot, and the flavor is just great. We marinate the chicken, throw it in the pot, and it’s ready in no time. This dish is a staple in our home because it’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a perfect meal. Adding a bit of coconut milk can give the sauce a richer, creamier texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

A white bowl with chicken and cauliflower rice in it.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is another dish we make a lot. It has this great mix of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s super easy to prepare. We just need chicken thighs, garlic, coconut aminos, and a few spices. It’s perfect with rice, and it’s become a favorite for switching up our usual dinner routine. Goes great with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. Try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast to the savory sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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