A whole chicken is the perfect dinner starter. Try making one tonight with these ingenious ideas for soups, sheet pan suppers, roasts and more.
40 Recipes to Make with a Whole Chicken
Updated on Apr. 10, 2023
Contest-Winning Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there’s just no time left for cooking! It’s really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
1/40
2/40
Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a good roasted chicken, and this one is easy and delicious. The marinade does its magic in the fridge until time for roasting. It’s fun to dress the dish up by season based on whatever vegetables are fresh at the market. —Kara Brook, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with 1 cup vegetables: 654 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 919mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
3/40
4/40
Roast Chicken with Creole Stuffing
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings (8 cups stuffing)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've used this recipe ever since I roasted my first chicken. Our whole family looks forward to it. The combination of shrimp, sausage, ham, vegetables and seasonings makes the stuffing unique and delicious.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
5/40
Roasted Chicken with Veggies
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bright, tender vegetables surround this moist golden chicken seasoned with aromatic thyme. —Mary Beth Hansen, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 pound: 329 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
6/40
Chicken Soft Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 749 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1454mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 52g protein.
7/40
Tender Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 478 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 965mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
8/40
Roasted Chicken with Brown Gravy
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks say this is the most delicious roasted chicken in brown sauce they've ever had. There's only one problem—there are never any leftovers! —Annie Tompkins, Deltona, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken with 1/4 cup gravy: 360 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
9/40
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup vegetables: 329 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
10/40
Mango & Coconut Chicken Soup
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's carefree cooking. This chicken soup uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 338 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
11/40
Buttery Herb Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can't get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken: 599 calories, 42g fat (17g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 48g protein.
12/40
Honey-Lime Roasted Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s hard to believe this finger-licking main course starts with only five ingredients. The chicken is easy, light and so good. It’s just as tasty prepared outside on the grill. —Lori Carbonell, Springfield, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 294 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
13/40
Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oranges and olives are elegantly paired in this different but delicious dish. The chicken is marinated, then cooked slowly in a flavorful sauce, so it stays moist. —Aney Chatterson, Soda Springs, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 396 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1323mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
14/40
Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I have created many wonderful memories by sharing this meal with our friends. In the winter, we bake it indoors; in the summer, it works well on the grill too! Either way, the chicken pretty much cooks itself, leaving you plenty of time to visit with friends and family. —Ashlie Delshad, West Lafayett, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken: 462 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein.
15/40
Chicken Barley Soup
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
16/40
Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken Dinner
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my sister and my family really likes it a lot. It makes the house smell so good! The amount of garlic might seem high, but it's just right. You get every bit of the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. —Terri Christensen, Montague, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 404 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/40
Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother was a pastor's wife, and she did a lot of cooking for potlucks. This recipe is one she created herself. I serve it frequently to my husband and to our four children. Every one of them is a hearty eater! —Marlene Doolittle, Story City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 429 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein.
18/40
Beer Can Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be proud to serve this stand-up chicken at any family gathering. Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken: 415 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
19/40
Citrus-Herb Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is one of my all-time favorites. The flavorful, juicy chicken combines with the aromas of spring in fresh herbs, lemon and onions to form the perfect one-pot meal. I make the gravy right in the pan. —Megan Fordyce, Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1-1/4 cups vegetables: 561 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 47g protein.
20/40
Nutty Oven-Fried Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The pecans that give this dish its unique nutty flavor are plentiful in the South, and so is chicken. I love to make and serve this simple oven fried chicken dish because the chicken comes out moist, tasty and crispy. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken: 530 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
21/40
Garlic Clove Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Greek neighbors made this chicken frequently, and I couldn’t get enough of it. If you like garlic, you’ll love this recipe. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken: 556 calories, 36g fat (8g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 49g protein.
22/40
Tara's Spanish Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has simple flavors that take me back to Grandma's house. She knew a million ways to cook a chicken, but this was my favorite. —Tara Imig, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 402 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
23/40
Roast Spiced Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever have a worn index card recipe from your mother with food stains covering the words? Spiced chicken has been in our family more than 50 years. —Cindy Kanwar, Blacklick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 390 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 918mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
24/40
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 441 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
25/40
Roasted Lime Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes the most-requested dish for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 341 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
26/40
Sunday Chicken Supper
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 385 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
27/40
Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup spaghetti: 550 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
28/40
The Best Chicken & Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It’s one of those types of soup you’ll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
29/40
Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
30/40
Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love lemon and thyme together so I decided to roast a chicken with that combo. The seasoning is simple, and the meat comes out moist and tender. —Pam Nelson, Beaverton, Oregon
31/40
Garlic-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time my Greek father-in-law made this chicken, he proudly shared the recipe with me. It’s my favorite way to roast chicken. —Jessica Pardalos, Shelton, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 460 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
32/40
Chicken Tamales
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
20 tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 tamales: 564 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
33/40
Mama’s Puerto Rican Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom has a vast repertoire of recipes, and this extra-crispy, spiced-up chicken is the best one of the bunch. We love it served with a side of traditional red beans and rice. —Edwin Robles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
34/40
Roast Chicken with Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Love a moist and tender chicken but not the mess of actually roasting one? Use an oven cooking bag to keep a chicken and veggies easily under control. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 711 calories, 37g fat (10g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 61g protein.
35/40
Mimosa Roasted Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This aromatic seasoned chicken with a rich and buttery champagne gravy will delight all who taste it. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons gravy: 731 calories, 41g fat (15g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 58g protein.
36/40
Tangerine Chicken Tagine
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and friends love foods from around the world, especially Moroccan entrees, so I created this flavorful dish. Cooking it in the slow cooker keeps each morsel moist and rich in flavor. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 503 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
37/40
Baked Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups onion sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken (skin removed) with 2 tablespoons sauce: 182 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
38/40
39/40
Lemon & Sage Roasted Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether it’s soaking in marinade or baking in the oven, this easy-to-prepare chicken allows ample hands-free time. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked chicken: 674 calories, 35g fat (10g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 47g protein.
40/40
Roasted Chicken with Rosemary
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 449 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
