10+ Chicken Recipes to Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinners

Chicken recipes keep your meals tasty and varied. Whether you cook often or just sometimes, knowing a few simple chicken dishes helps you make quick, satisfying food for yourself or your family.

You can find easy, delicious chicken recipes for any taste or occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create meals that feel special without spending too much time in the kitchen.

1) Creamy Garlic Chicken with Luscious Sauce

You can make creamy garlic chicken quickly with simple ingredients. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown, then simmer them in a rich garlic sauce.

The sauce has garlic, cream, and herbs to keep it fresh and tasty. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Try this recipe if you want a meal ready in under 30 minutes. For a detailed guide, visit creamy garlic chicken recipes like the one on Budget Bytes or Simple Home Edit.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried herbs (like thyme or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Add garlic to the pan and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
7. Add herbs and simmer sauce for 3-5 minutes.
8. Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce.
9. Cook 2 more minutes. Serve warm.

2) 30-Minute Honey Garlic Crispy Chicken

You can make crispy chicken quickly with a sweet and garlicky sauce. Cut chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces, then pan-fry until golden and crispy.

The honey garlic sauce balances sweet and savory flavors. Serve this meal with simple sides like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.

The sauce cooks fast, so you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes.
5. Cook sauce until thickened, about 2-3 minutes, coating the chicken well.
6. Serve hot with your favorite veggies.

Find recipes like this one at 30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken.

3) Easy Baked Balsamic Chicken

Make baked balsamic chicken quickly for a tasty weeknight meal. The marinade blends balsamic vinegar with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a fresh, savory flavor.

Marinate the chicken for about 20 minutes. Bake until tender and juicy.

This recipe usually takes just over 30 minutes from start to finish. It pairs well with roasted veggies or rice.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour marinade over it.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.

4) Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken

This recipe is simple and perfect for juicy chicken with bright, fresh flavors. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic for a tasty marinade.

Pat your chicken dry so the skin gets crispy. Rub the marinade all over the chicken.

Place the chicken breast side up in a skillet and arrange lemon halves and garlic cloves around it. Roast at 425°F (220°C) until the skin is golden and the meat is cooked through.

The lemon and garlic infuse the chicken with a delicious aroma. This dish is easy to prepare and works well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 1 lemon, juiced and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
4. Rub the lemon-garlic mixture all over the chicken.
5. Place chicken breast side up in an oven-safe skillet.
6. Arrange lemon halves and garlic cloves around the chicken.
7. Roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

5) Classic Chicken and Rice Dinner

This classic chicken and rice dinner is simple and satisfying. Cook chicken and rice together with some vegetables in one pot.

The chicken becomes tender while the rice soaks up all the flavors. Add veggies like celery and onion to make it healthier.

You can try a recipe like the one found on Lana’s Cooking to get started.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup white

6) Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

This quick teriyaki chicken stir-fry is perfect when you need a tasty meal in a hurry. Cook tender chicken with fresh veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and onions.

The sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce brings everything together. Serve it with brown rice or noodles.

You just need a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to cook.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and onion; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in teriyaki sauce; cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve with brown rice or noodles if you like.

You can find more details about this recipe at Birds Eye.

7) Korean BBQ Chicken Night

Korean BBQ chicken brings bold flavors to your dinner table. Marinate chicken in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of sweetness.

Grill or broil the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred. Serve with a fresh cucumber salad for a cool balance.

This meal is simple and satisfying for any weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and rice vinegar.
2. Marinate chicken in sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill or broiler to 400°F (205°C).
4. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully done.
5. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

8) Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Air fryer chicken breasts make a healthy, quick meal. You don’t need much oil, so the chicken stays juicy without added fat.

Start with fresh or thawed chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Air fry your chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This locks in moisture and gives a nice golden crust.

Enjoy this chicken with veggies or salad. It’s simple, fast, and keeps your meal light.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken dry and season all sides.
3. Lightly brush with olive oil if using.
4. Place chicken in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8 minutes, flip chicken.
6. Cook another 7-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

9) Simple Chicken Caesar Salad

You can make a tasty Chicken Caesar Salad with just a few ingredients. Start with crunchy romaine lettuce and cooked chicken.

Use your favorite Caesar dressing to keep it creamy and flavorful. Add seasoned croutons for a nice crunch.

Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top to finish it off. This salad is quick to prepare and perfect for a light meal.

If you want, season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup croutons
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Caesar dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Grill chicken at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through. This usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side.
2. Chop romaine and place it in a large bowl.
3. Add sliced chicken and croutons.
4. Toss with Caesar dressing.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving.

10) One-Pan Chicken with Vegetables

One-pan chicken with vegetables is a simple and healthy meal you can make in under an hour. Roast chicken pieces with colorful veggies like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini.

Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, so cleanup stays quick and easy. Season the chicken with garlic, lemon, and herbs for fresh flavors.

The vegetables turn tender and slightly caramelized. This meal is great for busy nights or meal prep.

Add Parmesan cheese or a splash of olive oil to boost flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.

3. Place the chicken on a sheet pan.

4. Arrange the veggies around the chicken.

5. Add lemon slices on top.

6. Roast for 35-40 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.

7. Sprinkle Parmesan before serving, if you like.

For more details, see this one-pan chicken and vegetables recipe.