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Home » Recipe Articles

Holiday-ready chicken recipes to replace the usual feast

Published: Nov 29, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Who says holiday dinners need turkey every time? These 38 festive chicken dishes from Parallel Plates bring warmth, bold flavor, and serious comfort to your holiday table. Whether you want a cheesy bake, a roasted whole bird, or a spicy one-pot meal, there’s something here for every kind of celebration. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these recipes offer a fresh take on traditional holiday fare — without the fuss and with all the flavor.

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Close-up image of Chicken and Queso Rice Bake garnished with fresh chopped parsley on a plate.
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This chicken and queso rice bake is a cheesy, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines ease and bold taste for your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan features a sweet, tangy glaze with crispy bacon and roasted vegetables. This quick recipe is a great way to enjoy a hassle-free, flavorful holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant on a baking sheet.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken-stuffed eggplant with cheddar is a fast 30-minute dinner that’s both hearty and easy to make. With simple preparation, it’s a reliable choice for a crowd-pleasing holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken pairs tender chicken with a rich mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon in one pan. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a practical yet impressive addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

Chicken alfredo broccoli bake cooking in dish on rack.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chicken broccoli alfredo casserole combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy sauce in one dish. This quick recipe is comforting and perfect for busy holiday evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice is a bold, flavorful one-pot dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great way to introduce a holiday dinner with a touch of spice and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Sticky Thai Chicken

An image of four sticky Thai chicken on a pan.
Sticky Thai Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sticky Thai chicken thighs bring bold, Asian-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a holiday dinner with vibrant tastes and easy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken cooks quickly with a crispy exterior and juicy interior for a satisfying meal. It’s a fast option to keep holiday dinners flavorful and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

A whole chicken on a plate with slices of lemon and some greens.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air fryer whole chicken delivers crispy skin and tender meat with minimal effort. It’s a practical and flavorful main dish to enhance your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken Fajita Casserole transforms classic fajitas into an effortless 30-minute dish. This recipe is perfect for holidays when you want maximum flavor with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes on a white plate with parsley.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes creates juicy chicken with crispy parmesan potatoes in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy option for a quick and flavorful holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Potatoes

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken cordon bleu casserole simplifies the classic dish into a single-pan meal. A make-ahead option, it’s a convenient way to bring hearty flavors to holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

A plate of Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy.
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is filled with rich chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce. This recipe is a great choice for cozy, hearty holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole

Cheesy chicken casserole in a white dish.
Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Buffalo chicken ravioli casserole comes together in minutes for a crowd-friendly meal. It’s a fast way to include bold, comforting flavors in your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Top view of a stack of air fryer whole chicken wings on a white plate.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer chicken wings combine crispy skin with juicy meat for a flavorful snack or meal. These wings are an easy choice for game-day feasts or casual holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Ranch Casserole combines creamy chicken with pasta and cheese for a comforting dish. It’s a simple way to bring hearty flavors to your holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings

Close-up image of air fryer chipotle chicken wings with buttermilk firecracker ranch.
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer chipotle wings are crispy and spicy, with bold flavor in every bite. They’re a festive addition to any holiday gathering or casual dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

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

Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs pair juicy meat with crispy bacon for a rich and flavorful bite. This dish is an easy choice for making your holiday dinner unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of an easy Chicken Pot Pie on a plate.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie features juicy chicken, vegetables, and a flaky crust. It’s an approachable, hearty dish that’s sure to please at holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Get the Full List of Holiday-Ready 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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