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Home » Chicken Recipes

31 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Published: Oct 3, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Chicken recipes are the perfect go-to when you're juggling a busy schedule but still want something great for dinner. Whether you're rushing between work and errands or just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, these recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. You'll get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing the things that matter most — taste and simplicity.

Top view of Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

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 quick to make, pairing marinated chicken with a flavorful ginger peanut sauce. It’s a smart choice for those who need a fast and tasty meal on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Ginger 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, working well for various meals like salads, sandwiches, or wraps. This versatile recipe is a quick and reliable choice for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Chicken and Steak Stir Fry

Chicken and steak stir fry with vegetables and sauce.
Chicken and Steak Stir Fry. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

This stir fry combines tender beef, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce. It's a fast and easy meal, making it a great choice for busy weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Steak Stir Fry

Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken

Chicken breasts in a skillet covered with onions and cheese.
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Blackened skillet chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that’s easy to pull off. It works well for both weeknight dinners and special occasions without adding complexity to your evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken

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 recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal that still delivers on taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Chicken

Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer bruschetta stuffed chicken breasts combine Italian flavors with juicy chicken for an easy dinner. The simple ingredients and preparation make this recipe approachable, even for novice cooks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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 quick to prepare with minimal effort, making them a perfect option for lunch or dinner. They're easy enough for both kids and adults to enjoy any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Easy Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken and dumplings is a quick dish that the whole family will love. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your favorite soup base and vegetables, making it a comforting meal for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Al pastor chicken quesadillas are cheesy and full of flavor, and they come together quickly. This handheld meal is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner when you want something simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer chicken fried steak offers a crispy, tender meal using cubed steak. Topped with simple gravy, this Southern-style dish is an easy introduction to comfort food for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken lo mein combines noodles, chicken, and veggies in a quick stir-fry, ready in just minutes. This flexible recipe allows you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Black plate of chicken with asparagus.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Garlic butter chicken bites with asparagus make for a quick and easy dinner. With minimal prep required, they’re a solid choice for busy weeknights when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Fajita Wrap

Chicken Fajita Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crispy chicken fajita wraps turn a classic dish into a portable meal. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and a great way to use up leftover chicken for a quick lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Wrap

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, with just 25 minutes of cooking. It’s a convenient and fast option for a weeknight meal when you want something simple but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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. This recipe is a quick way to serve up a flavorful family meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Chinese Bourbon Chicken

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

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

Chipotle grilled chicken adds a spicy kick to tacos, burritos, or any dish you like. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for beginners looking to create a bold-flavored meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air fryer fried chicken is a quick way to get crispy chicken with a tender, juicy interior. The straightforward process makes it an easy go-to for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Cooked chicken chunks on skewers in a grill pan.
Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Stovetop teriyaki chicken kabobs are quick to make and pack a punch of flavor. They’re a perfect option for busy families looking for a simple, grill-free meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

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 is easy to prepare and offers a nice crunch in every bite. It’s a great weeknight option that brings flavor to the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

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 and require very little prep. This simple recipe makes for a flavorful dinner option that doesn’t demand much effort or time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

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 quick and hearty dinner option that’s easy to assemble. Just top flatbread with leftover chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese for a simple weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Easy Chicken Pad Thai

Easy Chicken Pad Thai. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken pad Thai brings together rice noodles, chicken, and veggies in a flavorful sauce, ready in just 35 minutes. This easy recipe is a great introduction to Thai cuisine for those looking to try something new during the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pad Thai

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Black pepper chicken is a simple recipe that lets you recreate a restaurant-style dish at home. It’s a quick, flavorful option for those looking to make a tasty meal with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kung Pao chicken features tender chicken and vibrant veggies in a spicy sauce, all prepared in no time. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Chinese takeout to your home kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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 an easy choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Thighs

Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender inside, made quickly with canned chicken and crushed pork rinds. This easy recipe is perfect for a fast meal that’s both simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer chicken leg quarters cook up with crispy skin and tender meat in under 25 minutes. This makes for a fast and easy dinner option when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and dates on a white plate.
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Boneless chicken breasts paired with spinach and dates create a flavorful and moist dinner. It’s a simple recipe that brings something different to your weeknight rotation with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

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 15 minutes. They’re a quick and easy option for nights when you need a fast, flavorful dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed chicken is a simple yet impressive meal, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting guests. The recipe doesn’t require complex steps, making it approachable even for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Chicken Saag (Chicken Saagwala)

Chicken Saag (Chicken Saagwala). Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken saag is a quick, spinach-filled curry that combines chicken and flavorful spices. It’s a great way for novice cooks to try their hand at Indian-inspired cooking without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag (Chicken Saagwala)

More Chicken Meals

26 Chicken Meals You Didn’t Know You Could Make in 30 Minutes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken dinners just got easier! These surprising and delicious meals come together in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy weeknights.
Read it Here: 26 Chicken Meals You Didn’t Know You Could Make in 30 Minutes

More Chicken Recipes

32 Chicken Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet (But Totally Should). Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken recipes can be delicious, but these dishes take things up a notch. You haven't tried them yet, but once you do, you'll wonder how you lived without them!
Read it Here: 32 Chicken Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet (But Totally Should)

More Chicken Recipes

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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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