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Home » Chicken Recipes

27 Effortless Chicken Dinners That Taste Like You Worked All Day

Published: Oct 15, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When it comes to chicken dinners, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between easy prep and great flavor. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day, and these recipes are the answer. They’re simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, but the results will have everyone thinking you spent way more time than you actually did. From quick skillet meals to sheet pan favorites, these chicken dishes will help you get dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing taste or effort.

Someone holding a bowl of chipotle grilled chicken.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lemon Butter Chicken

Lemon Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Lemon chicken brings bright, fresh flavors to your plate in just a few simple steps. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful meal that still feels gourmet, making it an effortless option for chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Chicken

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Close-up image of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re craving the savory sweetness of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, this copycat recipe is the answer. It’s a straightforward way to whip up a favorite dish at home, pairing it perfectly with fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Blackened chicmen thighs in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened chicken thighs deliver bold flavor and juicy texture that elevate any meal. Whether served in salads, sandwiches, or wraps, this versatile recipe is quick and reliable, making it a must-try for effortless weeknight chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Sticky Chinese Bourbon Chicken

Chinese bourbon chicken in a white bowl over rice.
Sticky Chinese Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

Sticky Chinese bourbon chicken combines tender chicken with sweet mango in a savory sauce that your family will love. This quick recipe makes it easy to serve up a flavorful meal that saves you time in the kitchen on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Chinese Bourbon Chicken

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chipotle grilled chicken offers a spicy kick that enhances tacos, burritos, or any dish you enjoy. This simple recipe is perfect for creating bold flavors in your weeknight dinners without much effort, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Bacon and Green Beans create a nutritious meal in under 20 minutes. Cooked in a single skillet, this dish simplifies your dinnertime prep and cleanup routine, making it an excellent choice for effortless weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Chicken Fajita Wrap

Chicken Fajita Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crispy chicken fajita wraps turn a classic dish into a portable meal that everyone can enjoy. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a great way to use up leftover chicken for a quick lunch or dinner on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Wrap

Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables

Overhead image of sheet pan chicken caprese and vegetables.
Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sheet pan caprese chicken and vegetables make a quick and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes. This one-pan dinner is perfect for those who want a no-fuss dish that delivers great flavors with minimal dishes to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders on a black plate with dill.
Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer ranch chicken tenders are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly simple to cook. They’re a fantastic option for lunch or dinner, providing a family-friendly meal that fits perfectly into your busy weeknight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

Close-up image of lemon herb chicken patties with veggie sides on a plate.
Lemon Herb Chicken Patties. Photo credit: xoxoBell.

Dive into this easy recipe for homemade lemon herb chicken patties, loaded with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and parmesan cheese. They can be prepared quickly, offering a delicious way to add variety to your weeknight chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

Chicken sausage, potatoes, and bell peppers on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet pan chicken sausage with roasted potatoes and bell peppers is a meal that combines comfort and simplicity. With everything cooked in one pan, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Dinner

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables on a sheet pan with foil, broccoli, onions, radishes, and parsley.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is your go-to quick dinner solution, requiring minimal prep work and cleanup. This effortless one-pan meal roasts everything together, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan-crusted chicken with honey Dijon yogurt sauce brings a satisfying crunch to every bite. This easy-to-prepare recipe adds flavor to your weeknight dinners without demanding extra effort or time, ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders on a black plate with parsley.
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer lemon pepper chicken tenders use just three ingredients and are ready in only 15 minutes. This quick and easy recipe makes for a fast, flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for weeknights when you need something simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Cooked chicken skillet, with cheese, pepper, avocado and cilantro on it.
Easy Chicken Taco Skillet. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Chicken Taco Skillet features juicy pieces sautéed in BBQ sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. With all cooking done in one pan, this quick recipe allows you to serve dinner fast without the hassle of extra cleanup, perfect for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs on a plate with parsley and a fork.
Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped chicken thighs pair crispy bacon with tender chicken, requiring minimal prep time. This straightforward recipe delivers a flavorful dinner option that doesn’t take much effort, making it ideal for your busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, ready in just 25 minutes. This convenient option is perfect for a weeknight meal, allowing you to enjoy a simple yet flavorful chicken dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Piccata

Creamy chicken in a cast iron skillet with capers.
Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Crispy fried chicken topped with a lemon caper butter sauce brings an elegant touch to a classic dish. This simple yet impressive recipe fits seamlessly into your weeknight dinner lineup, making every meal feel special without additional effort.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Piccata

Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Asian glazed chicken in a skillet with lemon slices.
Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken features a combination of sweet and spicy flavors that enhance juicy chicken. With only one skillet required for preparation, this recipe keeps cooking and cleanup easy, ensuring it remains a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic chicken bites with mushrooms, onions, and red peppers come together in just 20 minutes. This one-pan dish is straightforward to make, streamlining your weeknight cooking routine while delivering bold flavors for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Grilled chicken flatbread pizzas on a marble countertop.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

BBQ chicken flatbread pizza provides a hearty dinner option that’s a breeze to assemble. Simply top flatbread with leftover chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese for a straightforward weeknight meal that is both quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs

Easy Air Fryer Shake N BAke Chicken Thighs on a white plate with parsley.
Easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer shake n bake chicken thighs cook up in under 20 minutes, offering juicy chicken with a crunchy exterior. This makes it a practical choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick and effortless dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan

Chicken sausage and veggies on a sheet pan.
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sheet pan chicken sausage and veggies combine tender sausage with vibrant zucchini and bell peppers, roasted to perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy dinner option saves time and cuts down on dishes, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans come together on a single sheet pan for a meal that's quick to prepare. This easy dinner option makes weeknights stress-free, allowing you to enjoy wholesome ingredients without the hassle of extra pans.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Monterey Chicken Skillet

Chicken fajitas in a skillet with avocado.
Monterey Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Monterey Chicken Skillet features seasoned chicken, onions, and cherry tomatoes cooked in a savory BBQ sauce. Topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado, this easy one-pan meal is ready in about 40 minutes, making weeknight dinners flavorful and mess-free.
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken Skillet

Chinese Ginger Chicken

Chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Chinese Ginger Chicken. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

This ginger chicken stir-fry is a quick and simple dish that pairs marinated chicken with a flavorful ginger peanut sauce. It’s a practical choice for those who need a fast and satisfying meal on a weeknight without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Ginger Chicken

5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

Close-up image of spicy chicken wraps on a plate.
5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

A quick wrap made with leftover chicken tenders, this dish requires just five ingredients. Perfect for work or game day, this lunch option ensures that even the busiest days can include a simple and fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Spicy Chicken Wrap

More Buffalo Chicken Recipes

A plate of Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwich.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your meals with 23 buffalo chicken recipes that will make boring dinners a thing of the past—deliciousness awaits!
Read it Here: 23 Buffalo Chicken Recipes to Make You Forget Boring Chicken

More Crockpot Chicken Dinners

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy 22 effortless crockpot chicken dinners that deliver big flavor with zero effort—perfect for your busy weeknights!
Read it Here: 22 Crockpot Chicken Dinners That Take Zero Effort but Win Big

More Chicken Recipes

  • A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
    Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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