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Home » Chicken Recipes

27 Chicken Dinners So Easy, They’ll Save Your Weeknights (and Sanity)

Published: Nov 4, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Chicken dinners can be quick and easy, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want to get a meal on the table without the stress. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or a packed schedule, these recipes are designed to save you time and keep your sanity intact. They deliver flavor without the complicated steps, so you can whip up something great in no time. Say goodbye to last-minute takeout and hello to meals that are simple and satisfying, making dinner a breeze even on the craziest days.

Top view of chicken caesar pasta salad in a plate.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Overhead image of buffalo chicken meatballs in a bowl.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Buffalo chicken meatballs are a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight meal or game day snack, featuring a bold, spicy flavor in every bite. These easy-to-make meatballs are perfect for adding excitement to your dinner rotation, moving beyond typical chicken recipes.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This Chicken Salad recipe combines juicy chicken with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans, transforming the classic dish into something new and fun. It's an easy, versatile option for lunches or dinners, saving you time without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A plate of Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

The buffalo chicken pasta bake mixes creamy pasta with a bold buffalo sauce, turning a simple dish into a comforting meal that is quick to prepare. This recipe showcases how chicken can elevate your dinner plans effortlessly, making weeknights less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is ready in under an hour and combines comfort food with budget-friendly ingredients. Preppable in advance and freezable, it’s an easy recipe that the whole family will love, ensuring your weeknight meals are hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

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

Sheet pan chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans are a wholesome meal made with minimal effort. This simple one-pan dinner makes weeknight cooking less stressful and cleanup a breeze, helping you enjoy more time with your family.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

Best Shredded Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Unlock the easiest shredded chicken tacos in just 30 minutes with no special equipment needed. This straightforward recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a quick and tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

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 balances sweet and spicy flavors, enhancing the juiciness of the chicken while keeping cleanup simple with just one skillet. This quick recipe makes weeknight dinners stress-free and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

While chicken enchilada casserole can be made without a slow cooker, letting it cook slowly truly enhances the flavors. With an easy prep process and intensified tastes, this casserole is a great choice for chicken lovers wanting quick, satisfying meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad comes together in only 25 minutes, using affordable ingredients for a practical weeknight meal. Perfect for meal prep or potlucks, it’s a quick recipe that adds flavor and variety to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Lemon Butter Chicken

Lemon Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Lemon chicken brings bright and fresh flavors to your weeknight dinners in just a few simple steps. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick meal without sacrificing taste, ensuring you can enjoy something vibrant and easy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole turns comfort food into a quick and easy dish, combining tender chicken with creamy sauce and a cheesy topping. This meal fits into your busy schedule, offering a cozy dinner option without taking hours to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken

Roasted chicken thighs with butternut squash, cauliflower, and rice on a plate.
Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Sheet pan chicken thighs in a maple curry sauce with roasted vegetables create a delightful mix of flavors in a single, easy-to-make dish. This one-pan meal is great for busy weeknights, ensuring you enjoy a balanced dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic parmesan sheet pan chicken drumsticks are straightforward to prepare and deliver a juicy, flavorful dinner. This easy one-pan recipe simplifies your weeknight cooking, allowing for a hearty meal without a mountain of dishes to clean.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

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

Air fryer chicken fried steak provides a crispy yet tender meal that introduces comfort food to your weeknight routine. Topped with simple gravy, this recipe is a quick option that doesn’t compromise on flavor for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

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 cooks up crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in a short amount of time. This straightforward method makes it an easy go-to for a satisfying weeknight dinner, bringing that classic comfort food to your table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

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

Dive into easy homemade lemon herb chicken patties packed with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. They can be whipped up quickly, making it a great way to diversify your weeknight chicken meals without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

Easy Chicken Casserole

Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This easy Chicken Casserole recipe brings comfort food to your weeknights, featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and melty cheese. Its simple preparation and versatility allow you to adapt it with ingredients you have on hand, ensuring it's a staple for any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

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

Chipotle Grilled Chicken is a go-to for a juicy, flavorful meal that's simple to prepare. Whether for burritos or tacos, this recipe makes weeknight dinners enjoyable and hassle-free, adding variety to your chicken repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken thighs in tomato sauce on a large white plate.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken thighs slowly cooked in a veggie-packed tomato sauce offer an easy weeknight meal the whole family can appreciate. Serve over pasta for a filling dinner that comes together simply, saving you time while still delivering great taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Buffalo Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters

Top view of buffalo instant pot chicken leg quarters on a plate.
Buffalo Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot buffalo chicken leg quarters make quick work of dinner, delivering tender, juicy chicken with a spicy buffalo sauce. This recipe is perfect for breaking the monotony of weekday meals while being effortless to prepare and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A rotisserie chicken salad sandwich is quick to make and filled with flavor thanks to a creamy dressing and crunchy almonds. This shredded chicken recipe is a fantastic option for any meal of the day, showcasing how easy it can be to enjoy great chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

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 fast and easy dinner option is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken Fajita Wrap

Chicken Fajita Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crispy chicken fajita wraps reinvent a classic dish into a portable meal that's easy to prepare ahead of time. Great for using leftover chicken, they make for a quick lunch or dinner, saving time while delivering on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Wrap

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Easy Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken and dumplings are a quick dish that the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is adaptable with your favorite soup base and vegetables, making it a comforting and hassle-free option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kung Pao chicken features tender chicken and vibrant veggies tossed in a spicy sauce, prepared quickly for an easy meal. This recipe brings the taste of Chinese takeout to your kitchen, making weeknight dinners flavorful and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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 create a quick meal that is ready in just 35 minutes. This no-fuss one-pan dinner simplifies your cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a balanced meal without the stress of multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables

Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken lo mein combines noodles, chicken, and veggies in a stir-fry ready in just minutes. This flexible recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, allowing you to use whatever ingredients you have, ensuring that dinner is quick and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein

More Chicken Recipes

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    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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