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Home » Recipe Collections

29 Chicken Recipes That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Published: Oct 22, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Let's face it, after a packed day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's where these 29 chicken recipes come in; they're perfect for those jam-packed weeknights. Just a few simple steps, and boom, dinner is served. Great taste, zero drama, and more time to chill—that's what I call a win!

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

A chicken and Broccoli stir fry piled high on a white plate with chop sticks.
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

For those nights when you're staring at the clock and hunger is kicking in, quick solutions are a must. Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry offers just that, with a quick sizzle in the pan. Pair it with some pasta for a refreshing meal. It's your answer to a fuss-free dinner that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate.
Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

On nights when you're tempted to order takeout, resist the urge and try Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs instead. Quick to prepare and pack a punch of flavor, it pairs wonderfully with a side of buttery pasta. It's the perfect pick-me-up meal that's ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

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

If you're rushing through a busy weeknight and crave something hearty, look no further. A few simple steps and you have Best Shredded Chicken Tacos. It's all wrapped up in a soft taco shell, making every bite a comfort. Perfect for those cooler evenings when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Christmas Roast Chicken on a white platter with halved oranges and fresh herbs.
Roast Chicken with Orange Butter. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a dinner that feels festive yet can be done any night, Roast Chicken with Orange Butter is your answer. This dish offers a perfect flavor twist and pairs beautifully with pasta, making for a comforting meal. It's surprisingly easy, perfect for a hassle-free but impressive dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Weeknights get a whole lot easier when you whip up something quick. Chicken Divan becomes your go-to, mixing chunky chicken pieces in a creamy sauce. Serve it over some warm pasta and dinner is a hit. Especially when the evenings get chillier and you need a cozy meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Overhead image of chicken and rice casserole on top of a wooden board.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing spells comfort more than a hot dish straight from the oven on a busy night. With Chicken and Rice Casserole, you've got a hearty meal that requires minimal prep. It combines everything in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze, too. Ideal on those nights when you need a warming, filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

Crispy, brown-skinned chicken roasted with shallots and radishes on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Streamline your dinner prep with a one-pan wonder that takes minimal effort. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes give you a flavorful, juicy meal. Just pop it in the oven and serve with a side of pasta for a complete meal. It's the hassle-free dinner solution for those frantic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When it feels impossible to get dinner on the table, let Chicken Tater Tot Casserole come to your rescue. With its cheesy goodness and crispy tater tots, it's a hit with kids and adults alike. Toss it together, bake, and serve with pasta for that extra comfort. It's your shortcut to a refreshing meal on a hectic evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Four bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with parsley garnish on white plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Level up your weeknight dinners with minimal effort by preparing Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the tender chicken, making it irresistible. Serve alongside your favorite pasta for a complete, comforting meal. Guaranteed to beat the clock on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the takeout and go for something equally fast at home. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken can be made quicker than delivery. Toss it with pasta for an easy twist. It's the perfect way to enjoy a fast, delicious meal after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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

For a lighter take on dinner that still satisfies those pasta cravings, Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a match. Layer it over a bed of pasta for a twist. It's quick, easy, and refreshingly different. A great way to wrap up any busy day with a meal that's easy on the prep but big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Easy Chicken Casserole

Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Wrapping up a long day calls for a dish that's comforting and easy to make. Easy Chicken Casserole hits all the right notes with its creamy texture and hearty flavor. Pair it with some pasta for an extra cozy element. It's the no-fuss meal solution for any night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Embrace the magic of your Instant Pot for a meal that brings flavors to life fast. Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba melds spices and chicken in an unforgettable way. Perfect when served over pasta for a complete meal. It's the go-to dish for a flavorful dinner in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken paprikash in skillet.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Even on the busiest of weeknights, you can travel the globe with your meal. Chicken Paprikash brings a touch of Hungary to your dinner table. Rich and creamy, it pairs excellently with pasta. A quick, soul-warming dish that's ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

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

Harness the power of your air fryer for a dinner that's not only quick but also delicious. Air Fryer Chicken Casserole combines convenience with taste. Serve it over pasta for a refreshing meal. It's proof that quick dinners don't have to compromise on flavor, even on your busiest evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Chicken Piccata

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

Turn a usual evening into something special with a dish that's light but full of flavor. Chicken Piccata offers a tangy and refreshing experience. Serve it atop a steaming bed of pasta for a well-rounded meal. It's the effortless way to add some excitement to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

After a long day, relax with a plate of Chicken Marbella, where olives and prunes mingle for a quick dinner. With a hint of oregano, it makes a scrumptious meal. Perfect for cooler evenings when you need something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Overhead image of three plates of chicken broccoli alfredo.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

When pasta cravings hit, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a go-to. It's a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and broccoli. Perfect for when you need a delicious dinner without the fuss. Quickest route to a refreshing meal on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Champagne Chicken

Champagne Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make your weeknight dinner feel a bit more special with Champagne Chicken. This recipe brings a touch of elegance to your dining table without any complex steps. It goes perfectly with a side of creamy pasta, blending flavors effortlessly. A surefire way to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Chicken

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Spice up your pasta routine by adding some Curry Chicken with Onion to the mix. It’s a quick way to introduce bold flavors to your dinner, making weeknights a lot more interesting. Just the right choice for when you're craving something different.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Busy nights call for Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. It’s all about simplicity and flavor, plus cleanup is a breeze. Serve with a side of buttery pasta to round out the meal. A balanced dinner is ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform a classic comfort food into a weeknight favorite with Chicken Pot Pie. This recipe is ideal for those cooler evenings when all you want is something hearty. Pair it with a side of pasta for a refreshing meal. Goes from oven to table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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.

Speed through dinner prep with Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders. These tenders are not only quick but full of flavor. Toss with your favorite pasta for an effortless meal. Perfect for when time is of the essence but you still want something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

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.

Whip up a Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan dinner for a quick, refreshing meal. It combines hearty flavors with the ease of a one-pan cleanup. Adding it atop your favorite pasta makes for a complete, fuss-free dinner on any hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

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

Change up your pasta night with Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast. It's a beautiful blend of flavors that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for a busy weeknight when you want a meal that's a bit more refined. Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken and mango slices in a pan.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

Bring a sweet and garlicky twist to your pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that’s both comforting and quick to prepare. A flavorful way to end a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken Yaki Udon

chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.
Chicken Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Mix things up with Chicken Yaki Udon, combining stir-fried chicken and noodles with a rich sauce. It's a fun alternative to traditional pasta dishes, perfect for a weeknight adventure in cooking. Ready in no time, this dish keeps weeknight dinner exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon

Colombian Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Add a bit of international flair to your dinner with Colombian Chicken Drumsticks. They're effortlessly delicious and pair wonderfully with a simple pasta side. Ideal for when you're looking to spice up your routine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Chicken Drumsticks

Spicy Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

As the nights get cooler, warm up with Spicy Chicken Lime Soup. While not a pasta dish, it's an excellent starter for a pasta follow-up. This soup packs a punch and gets your meal started on a high note. Quick to whip up, it leaves you cozy and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Lime Soup

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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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