Need a meal for a busy weeknight or last-minute potluck? Try one of these delicious and easy chicken dinner ideas.
47 Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas
Updated on Apr. 28, 2024
If you keep a pack of chicken in the fridge or the freezer, you’re never far from a delicious dinner. Chicken breasts are great for busy nights, as they cook up quickly in skillet recipes. Boneless, skinless thighs are deliciously juicy and tender in a stew or roast. Wings and legs are crowd pleasers, especially drenched in sauce. Even leftover chicken can transform into something new.
2/47
Easy Chicken Piccata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
3/47
Chicken Creole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like food that has a little zip to it, and this Creole chicken recipe hits the spot every time. It’s especially good served over rice. —Dolly Hall, Wheelwright, Kentucky
4/47
Chicken Caesar Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting this easy chicken Caesar salad recipe at a friend's going-away party, I made sure to request the recipe. Now I fix it for my husband just about every week. It's great with a potato or pasta side dish and chunks of crusty bread. —Kim Blanda, Neptune, New Jersey
5/47
Chicken Garden Medley
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my family sampled this dish at a friend's house, it quickly became a favorite—especially with our teenage daughters, who request it at least once a week! —Dohreen Winkler, Howell, Michigan
A celebration of summer vegetables, this pasta recipe is extremely flexible. Use whichever veggies are in the garden (or in the crisper drawer), from squash to potatoes, peppers to carrots, broccoli to beans. The lightly creamy sauce goes with everything.
6/47
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is so tasty that my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
7/47
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Total Time
5 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Buffalo chicken chili is rich in the best way. The cream cheese, blue cheese and tangy hot sauce join forces for a dinner recipe everyone will love. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
A twist on traditional chili, this spicy chili delivers the flavors of your favorite buffalo chicken (and dipping sauce). Both cream cheese and bleu cheese thicken the soup and add a welcome savory tartness that balances the heat. This is an ideal game day recipe.
8/47
Comforting Chicken A La King
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this thick and creamy Chicken a la King recipe for over 30 years. It's a wonderful way to create a quick lunch or dinner with leftover chicken. —Ruth Lee, Troy, Ontario
Chicken a la king is a vintage recipe that deserves a comeback! A tasty, creamy sauce cooks right in the pan with minced celery and mushrooms. This meal is a treat for lunch or dinner. Looking for more? Try this delicious marry me chicken recipe.
9/47
Stir-Fry Chicken Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple, yet scrumptious chicken lo mein recipe is the perfect stir-fry meal. Follow our handy step-by-step video below for a spur-of-the-minute supper special enough to serve guests! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Inspired by our favorite Chinese restaurant dinner, this flavorful chicken pasta dish is a fantastic vehicle for veggies. Even fussy kids will eat snow peas, sliced carrots or baby corn served in the delicious sauce.
10/47
Chicken Biscuit Potpie
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty meal in one takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it into the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Tired of chicken and vegetables for dinner? Tuck them into a rich, creamy potpie! Using biscuits for the crust instead of puff pastry makes this the ultimate comfort food.
11/47
Chicken with Florentine Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my very favorite chicken Florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but it’s also fast to fix on busy weeknights! —Julie Fitzgerald, St. Louis, Missouri
Florentine sauce is so simple and delicious, it should be in every cook’s repertoire! Made with wine, cream and butter, it tastes great with just about anything. This recipe jazzes up the classic with spices, pimientos and green onions—feel free to play with your favorite flavors!
12/47
Sunday Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be full of unwanted calories. Mixed with orange and lemon juice, my roast chicken is both flavorful and healthy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island.
No chicken dinner collection is complete without a Sunday supper-worthy roast chicken! This version puts a citrus-y twist on the classic, adding a lively brightness that’s especially tasty on cool summer evenings.
13/47
Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
While this is the perfect recipe for anyone with a spiralizer, you can also create this simple chicken dinner with a plain vegetable peeler too. Using zucchini in place of traditional pasta makes the dish low-carb and gluten-free, and it also adds a ton of fresh flavor to the dish.
14/47
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to sprinkle chicken stew with toasted almonds or cashews and serve with hot couscous. Flavored with cinnamon and a touch of sweetness from the apricots, this pretty dish will stand apart from the rest at potlucks, too! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
This classic chicken stew is so simple, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation. A sauce made with apple juice and scented with cinnamon makes it a little bit cozy and autumnal. Serve over couscous, rice or polenta.
15/47
Deviled Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has always loved this flavorful golden brown chicken. I watch for frequent sales on leg quarters to keep the cost per serving low. —Linda Trammell, Kingston, Missouri
Inspired by the flavors of deviled eggs, this chicken dinner has such a delicious sauce you may want to double the recipe. The sauce tastes great with roasted vegetables too.
16/47
Chicken Provolone
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
If you have an oven-proof skillet, this delicious, Italian-inspired chicken dish is a one-skillet meal. After cooking on the stovetop, you’ll top the chicken with prosciutto and cheese and slip under a broiler so the ham crisps and the cheese melts. Delicious.
17/47
Sausage & Vegetable Skillet Dinner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Simple flavors pack a punch in this impossibly speedy skillet supper. Use your favorite chicken sausage, whether it’s sweet or hot. Since potatoes and corn both cook in the skillet, there’s no real need for a side, but serve a green salad if you like.
18/47
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
19/47
Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn't eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys. —Tanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio
Here’s a clever way to get kids to enjoy dinner: Give chicken a pizzeria-inspired twist. These chicken rolls are slathered with mozzarella, pepperoni and tomato sauce. Make sure to get pizza sauce, not pasta sauce (which is too wet for this recipe).
20/47
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Not many dinners come together quicker than stir-fry! Because all of the ingredients are cut up bite-sized, they cook quickly. While broccoli is a classic stir-fry pairing, you can use just about any veggie you have on hand: simply chop it up to the same size as the chicken.
21/47
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
You can use up leftover chicken in this zingy casserole, but it’s so good, you might buy a rotisserie chicken just to make it. Go ahead and tweak the seasonings to appeal to your crew’s spice preference. Leftovers are great for breakfast tacos.
22/47
Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At least once a week my six-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a “prescription” for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I'm always happy to fill it. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Craving chicken noodle soup tonight? Try this speedy recipe, which relies on leftover cooked chicken and bouillon to make a quick, flavorful dinner. It’s the best thing to eat when you have a cold (or just need something comforting).
23/47
Mediterranean Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
24/47
Baked Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't remember when or where I found this oven-baked fajitas recipe, but I've used it nearly every week since. We like it with hot sauce for added spice. —Amy Trinkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
One of our best quick dinner recipes, these chicken fajitas can be on your table even on the busiest weeknight. The trick? Prep the marinade in the morning so the chicken has plenty of time to absorb the flavor. You can also slice all the veggies and keep them in the fridge until ready to cook.
25/47
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
This ingredients list might make you do a double take: salsa and peach preserves? But the rave reviews prove the brilliance of the sweet-and-spicy combination. Plus, using pantry ingredients makes this chicken dinner a snap to make at the last minute, even when there’s nothing fresh in the house.
26/47
Chicken Enchilada Bake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Just five ingredients make up this cheesy, smoky, creamy enchilada bake—and you might have all of them in your pantry and fridge already. Cutting tortillas into small, layerable squares makes this dish a lot easier than the traditional way of assembling enchiladas.
27/47
Red Pepper Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
The first night you make it, serve this Southwestern-flavored chicken with rice and a fresh salad. If you have enough for leftovers, they’ll be delicious the next day too. Shred or slice the leftovers and serve in tacos with beans, tortillas, sour cream and your favorite taco fillings.
28/47
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
This comforting casserole is the perfect food to make ahead and keep in the freezer. It’ll be ready to cook on a busy weeknight or to share with a friend in need on a meal train.
29/47
Chicken Aloha
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken is a welcome way to cook a quick, delicious meal. —Beth Corbin, Sarasota, Florida
This sweet, saucy chicken will appeal to the whole family. Sweet and tart canned pineapple steers the dinner in a slightly tropical direction. Pair with rice and steamed snow peas.
30/47
Creamy Chicken Thighs & Noodles
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
This dump dinner makes the slow cooker do all the work! Pour the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner will be ready at the end of the work day.
31/47
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
32/47
Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This one-skillet roast chicken recipe is one to bookmark. Slices of lemon, potatoes and tomatoes cook alongside the chicken, imbuing the entire dish with bright, savory flavor.
33/47
Cashew Chicken with Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Salty-sweet cashew chicken is a takeout copycat dish the whole family can enjoy. As a bonus, you can make it from scratch in the same time it would take to drive to the restaurant. Serve with noodles or hot rice.
34/47
Smothered Chicken Breasts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a similar chicken dish in a restaurant, I decided to re-create it at home. Topped with bacon, caramelized onions and shredded cheese, this savory dish comes together in no time, and uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. And since it cooks in one skillet, it’s a cinch to clean up! —Brenda Carpenter, Warrensburg, Missouri
There’s nothing wrong with a quick, sauteed chicken breast for dinner, but this recipe is just about as easy—and it’s much more interesting. After cooking the chicken, fry bacon in the same pan, then finish by cooking onions with the bacon drippings and a bit of brown sugar. Layered on the plate, the entree is restaurant-worthy.
35/47
Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
One of our most popular dinner recipes, this chicken and dumplings is comfort in a pan. (You’d never guess that you can make it with fat-free milk!) Plus, it’s speedy to put together using boxed biscuit mix.
36/47
Chicken Penne Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
The homemade pasta sauce in this recipe wins rave reviews, with cooks swearing off store-bought pasta sauce. Serve the sauce on any noodle you like, or prep this tasty, cozy casserole. It will take a bit of time to assemble, but once it’s in the oven, you can kick up your feet and enjoy the savory aroma filling the house.
37/47
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter has the best sour cream and cream cheese chicken enchiladas recipe I've ever tried. She brought 10 pans of it to my wedding reception and they were the biggest hit of all the food. So many guests wanted the recipe, we sent it out with our Christmas cards. —Pat Coffee, Kingston, Washington
These yummy enchiladas are baked uncovered so the edges crisp in the oven while the cheese gets gooey. The recipe calls for a simple homemade green chile enchilada sauce, but you can substitute your favorite store-bought sauce.
38/47
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
A few simple seasonings spice up slow-cooker chicken tacos, but the recipe is endlessly customizable. Add jalapenos, chiles, salsa or hot sauce to the pot. Serve with tortillas and your favorite Mexican-inspired sides.
39/47
Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia
Haven’t tried spaghetti casserole? You’re in for a treat! Creamy, cheesy and freckled with peppers and mushrooms, this pasta casserole is a standout. Feeding fussy eaters? Swap in whatever veggies they’ll eat.
40/47
Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
This easy slow-cooker dinner is super versatile. Serve the chicken (plus its rich, bean-based sauce) over rice or with tortillas and sliced avocados.
41/47
Chicken Tater Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll please everyone in the family with this inviting and filling chicken Tater Tot casserole. It tastes like a chicken potpie topped with Tater Tots. —Fran Allen, St Louis, Missouri
It’s hard to resist this tater-tot-studded chicken casserole. The recipe makes two 8-in. casseroles, one of which you can freeze for later. If you’re headed to a potluck, you’ll want to bring both!
42/47
Saucy Chicken Thighs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
You don’t always have to make barbecue chicken on the grill. This recipe uses the slow cooker to prepare finger-lickin’ good chicken thighs. If it’s too hot to turn on the oven, serve with a side salad and microwaved corn on the cob.
43/47
Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
This is a dream dinner for when the calendar says it’s fall, but the weather isn’t cooperating. Fall flavors like molasses and cinnamon jazz up jarred barbecue sauce, while canned pumpkin adds creamy texture and plenty of flavor to grits.
44/47
Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves when I make this dinner...even my kids! What's great about this recipe is that you can add vegetables you have on hand to make it heartier, such as corn, peas, or diced red bell pepper. —Monica Werner, Temecula, California
Want to make this creamy pasta dish even easier? Substitute the simple homemade sauce for a jar of store-bought sauce. Alfredo sauce makes any vegetable taste superb, so get creative and add any side veggies you like.
45/47
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Chicken Parmesan meets lasagna in this cheesy, tomato-y pasta bake. Unlike lasagna, there’s no laborious layering of noodles and sauce. You’ll make a quick seasoned chicken and cheese filling, fill al dente noodles and slather with sauce. Bake until bubbly and irresistible. Serve with a side salad.
46/47
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't be shy about loading up the spices and chicken into your slow cooker. This fiery tortilla soup tastes amazing as leftovers the next day. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
This comforting, spicy soup is just the trick for cool nights. Make in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, whichever you prefer. Leftovers freeze well; portion out single servings for quick lunches.
47/47
Air-Fryer Southern-Style Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I call this America’s best-loved air-fryer chicken. The secret is in the herby, golden brown breading that makes the chicken super moist, flavorful, herby and golden brown. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee
Seasoned, crushed Ritz crackers make a robust savory breading for this simple fried chicken recipe. Unlike deep-frying, air-frying is mess-free, thermometer-free and slightly healthier.
