When it comes to chicken recipes, we want to keep it simple and straightforward for our kids. These 20 recipes are the ones we’re handing down because they’re easy to whip up, perfect for those nights when time is short and they just want to make a good, quick meal. It’s all about making life a little bit easier for the next generation with recipes that are quick to learn and even quicker to make.
Spinach Chicken Bake
This easy-to-make Spinach Chicken Bake is a family favorite we’re excited to teach our kids for those busy weeknights. It’s a perfect match for those days when time is tight, but you’re craving something good. Mixing chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, this dish is ready in 30 minutes and pairs well with roasted veggies or pasta. It’s about getting a delicious meal on the table fast and enjoying more time with family, not dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the quick, flavorful fix that we know our kids will love to cook up on their own. This stovetop recipe promises juicy chicken pieces coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, coating them with a mix of cornstarch and salt for crispiness. Cook them in hot avocado oil until golden, then toss in a homemade garlic butter seasoned with Italian spices. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice and parsley for an added fresh touch. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments, they’re a speedy solution that’s also really savory.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
For a light and extra easy meal, these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a recipe we’re proud to pass down. They’re not just easy to make but also bring a burst of flavor to your table, perfect for light, stress-free meals. Whether enjoyed alone or with a side salad, they add a freshness to your dining routine. Consider adding a chilled soup or simple pasta salad if you’re in the mood for more. These cucumber boats are all about making mealtime simple and fast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a simple yet hearty meal we’re sharing with our kids for those days when they crave home cooking. It’s easy, quick, and you can have it on the table in less than an hour. Make sure not to pack the pan too tight when you’re cooking the chicken. If it’s too crowded, the chicken won’t get that nice crispy outside—it’ll just steam. Great with rice or green beans, it’s a solid pick for when you’re after something a little different but still want to keep dinner stress-free. It’s about making your weeknights a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken Corn Soup
Our Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting staple that we’re handing down to ensure our kids can always whip up a taste of home. Just grab a pot and get cooking — it’s ready in under an hour. This soup is perfect for those nights when you need warmth from your dinner. To keep this soup tasting great, pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken holds a spot in our family’s recipe book for its ease and quickness, perfect for our kids’ future dinner rushes. It’s got Dijon mustard, bacon, and spinach, making it a great way to bring a new flavor to the table without much work. Throw in some roughly chopped button or portobello mushrooms to kick up the texture. Mix them in along with the chopped onions. Ready quickly, it’s perfect for a weeknight when you want to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
We’re passing down this Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe for its comforting flavors and easy preparation, ideal for our children’s busy lives. It’s creamy, filled with veggies, and ready in about an hour. This soup brings the cozy without the work of a crust, making it a great fit for family dinner plans. Serve this soup with a side of biscuits, whole-grain rolls, or a baguette for those who love their bread. If you’re more into crackers, keto crackers or oyster crackers pair perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is extra easy to make and comes together in only one pot in 40 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, filling, and a great choice for weeknight dinners. This is the kind of recipe we always want our kids to have on hand when they’re out of the house and need something warming, cozy, and filling to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the kind of simple yet impressive recipe we want our kids to have up their sleeve. With sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce, it’s easy to make and packs a lot of flavors. Throw in some mushrooms and/or artichoke hearts to boost the flavor, texture, and nutrition. Cook them right after the chicken in the same pan. Feel free to leave them there while you whip up the sauce. Serve it over pasta or with veggies for a complete meal. It’s a great way to add some variety to your weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a quick and easy dish with a kick that we’re excited for our kids to make and enjoy. It’s the right pick for adding some excitement to your lunch or dinner routine, combining chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a lively homemade dressing. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dish. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers to complete the meal. Great for days when you’re looking for something that packs a punch and keeps you moving.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is a fuss-free recipe we’re passing on so our kids can enjoy flavorful dinners without the hassle. Just mix chicken breasts with some peppers and bake. It’s simple to make and gives you those fajita vibes without needing to stand over the stove. Perfect for when you want a meal that’s both simple and a little different. Got some leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat it, pop it back in the oven at 325 degrees for around 15 minutes for the best taste.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Thai Chicken Salad
This Thai Chicken Salad is a refreshing recipe we’re sharing with our kids for those times they need a quick and healthy meal. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With marinated chicken and fresh veggies, it’s a great way to break from the norm. This chicken salad rocks a homemade marinade that’s all about fresh vibes and no weird additives. Unlike the usual Thai chicken salads packed with peanuts, this one’s got a bit of a kick to it.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are fun and easy to make, a go-to recipe we’re giving our kids for a great homemade snack or meal. Bake them, dip them in ranch, and watch them disappear. You can swap in ground turkey for ground chicken. They usually cook the same way, but to make sure your poppers are perfectly done, check with a meat thermometer that the inside hits 165 degrees. They’re great for a laid-back meal and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado, with its simple marinade and quick cooking time, is a flavorful recipe we’re excited for our kids to learn. A little marinating, a quick bake or grill, and you’ve got a delicious dinner. It marries the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs with a vibrant marinade of cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice. Easy to make, you can cook this chicken on a grill, in a grill pan, or in the oven, making it versatile for any season. For a complete meal, pair it with sides like Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or Golden Baked Jicama Fries. It’s a perfect choice for when you’re craving something different but still easy.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a straightforward, delicious meal we’re passing to our kids for those hectic evenings. It’s a one-pan dish that’s ready in 30 minutes and adds a great spin to your chicken dinners. This one-pan dish features chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. It’s a straightforward recipe that requires simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a recipe we’re teaching our kids for a reliable and quick-to-make dinner option. With garlic, Parmesan, and chicken, it’s a straightforward dish that changes things up nicely. For extra flavor and nutrients, consider adding spinach, sliced mushrooms, sliced red bell peppers, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes. To give the sauce a more complex taste, add a splash of dry white wine and let it cook down with the chicken stock before you add the cream. Fast, easy, and a bit different, it’s exactly the type of recipe you’ll want to pass down to future generations.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties offer a super quick dinner solution that we’re including in our kids’ future recipe collection. They’re ready in 20 minutes and can be eaten alone or used to make a great sandwich. They’re great for those times when you want homemade without too much work. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe. You can also use shredded leftover chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re looking for variation, canned tuna or canned salmon are excellent alternatives.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a one-pan meal we’re passing down for an easy and impressive dinner. It’s a one-pan meal that makes trying new flavors straightforward. A great choice for a delicious, no-stress weeknight meal. For serving, you can enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli. When it comes to storage, keep it in the refrigerator inside an airtight container, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a bold, straightforward dish we’re excited for our kids to recreate. You’ll need chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, and a few more pantry staples to get this dish going. It’s as simple as mixing the ingredients and baking for just over an hour. For variety, throw in some bacon or swap jalapeños for mild green chilies if you’re not a fan of heat. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, for a comforting and spicy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a fast and flavorful recipe that we’re sharing with our kids for a taste of tradition any night of the week. You’ll need chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sugar. This dish is all about simplicity and speed, ready in a flash for a weeknight feast. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice. It’s also great with traditional rice to catch all the flavorful sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo