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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Easy Chicken Dinners That Save You on Busy Weeknights

Published: Nov 10, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy chicken dinners are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick and simple but still want a meal that tastes great. These recipes are designed to save you time and effort, so you can get a delicious dinner on the table without the stress. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these meals are fast, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. If you're looking for ways to make weeknight dinners less of a hassle, these chicken recipes will be your new go-to.

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon Butter Chicken

Lemon Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Lemon chicken brings fresh, bright flavors to your plate with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and flavorful chicken dinner, this recipe requires just a few simple steps for a tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Chicken

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, paired with roasted vegetables, deliver a satisfying balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s an easy chicken dinner that saves you time and dishes, making meal prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Curry Chicken

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 cook quickly, delivering juicy, tender meat with spicy buffalo sauce. This easy chicken dinner requires a little hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something bold.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer buffalo chicken tenders offer a crispy texture with a kick of buffalo flavor. These tenders are easy to prepare, proving that even classic chicken dishes can be made effortlessly for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Chicken Fajita Wrap

Chicken Fajita Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crispy chicken fajita wraps turn a familiar dish into a quick, portable meal. Perfect for busy nights, this easy chicken dinner is simple to prepare ahead of time and a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Wrap

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

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

Buffalo chicken meatballs are the ultimate easy chicken dinner for game day or a quick meal. These meatballs are packed with spicy buffalo flavor, making them a fun and easy dinner option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs on a light blue plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs is a no-fuss recipe that yields juicy, flavorful chicken in minutes. This quick and simple dinner proves that buffalo sauce can transform an easy chicken dinner into something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs

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 combines sweet and spicy flavors in a single pan. With minimal cleanup, this easy chicken dinner comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet 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 come together in just 35 minutes. This one-pan easy chicken dinner makes weeknight cooking a breeze with minimal effort and delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese and Vegetables

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.

Chicken Broccoli Stir-fry is a bold and fresh dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for a quick and healthy chicken dinner that’s easy to prepare, saving you time on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This rotisserie chicken salad sandwich is quick to prepare and full of flavor, with creamy dressing and almonds for crunch. It’s a great option for an easy chicken dinner that works any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

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

Unlock the secret to the easiest shredded chicken tacos, no special equipment needed. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal that delivers flavor.
Get the Recipe: Best Shredded Chicken Tacos

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a 30-minute one-pan meal, making it perfect for weeknights. This easy chicken dinner is packed with rich flavors and requires minimal cleanup for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast

Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast on two black plates with parsley and one plate with green beans.
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast delivers a spicy, bold meal in less than 30 minutes. This quick and easy chicken dinner transforms a basic chicken breast into a flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Breast

Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast

Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast on a white plate with a salad topped with bell peppers and parmesan.
Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Breast is a straightforward recipe that yields crispy chicken every time. This easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights, offering a quick solution for a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Shake n Bake Chicken Breast

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.

Lemon herb chicken patties are easy to prepare, featuring fresh herbs and zesty lemon. These patties make a delicious and simple chicken dinner that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Patties

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

Buffalo chicken pasta bake combines creamy pasta with the bold kick of buffalo sauce. This easy chicken dinner comes together quickly and turns basic pasta into a flavorful and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken pairs sweet and spicy flavors for a fast, flavorful dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy chicken dinner makes weeknight meals a breeze while delivering great taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

A plate of marry me chicken over pasta.
Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Marry Me Chicken is known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare, giving you more time to relax while enjoying a delicious chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy Tuscan chicken orzo brings together juicy chicken and a rich, creamy sauce in an easy-to-make dish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this easy chicken recipe tastes like a restaurant meal but requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

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

Garlic parmesan sheet pan chicken drumsticks offer a juicy, flavorful meal with minimal prep. This easy chicken dinner cooks in one pan, saving you time and effort while still delivering great flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

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 quick and healthy dinner. This easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights, with minimal prep and cleanup required.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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

Air fryer bruschetta stuffed chicken breasts feature Italian flavors with juicy chicken. This easy chicken dinner is simple to prepare and cooks up quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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 cooked with crispy skin and tender meat in under 25 minutes. This easy chicken dinner saves you time without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

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 make for a quick, easy dinner with minimal cleanup. Roasted to perfection, this easy chicken dinner is a time-saving option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan

Honey Garlic Chicken

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

One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken with mango is a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. This easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want a simple yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a budget-friendly dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. This easy chicken dinner is great for meal prepping or a quick, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

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

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish made in a fraction of the time. Packed with tender chicken and a creamy, cheesy topping, this easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

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

Chipotle Grilled Chicken is a juicy, flavorful recipe that’s easy to prepare. Whether for tacos, burritos, or as a stand-alone dish, this easy chicken dinner is a quick option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Honey Ginger Chicken

Honey Ginger Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Honey ginger chicken combines flavorful chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce. This quick and easy chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Ginger Chicken

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.

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes offers an easy-to-make, full-flavored meal. The combination of juicy chicken thighs and roasted radishes makes for a quick and satisfying chicken dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

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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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