10+ Chicken Recipes for Dinner Your Family Will Love

Chicken is a popular choice for dinner because it is easy to cook and works well in many different meals. Whether you want something quick or a bit more special, chicken recipes can fit your needs.

You can find simple, tasty options that make dinner enjoyable without too much effort.

Cooking chicken at home lets you control the flavors and ingredients. This makes your meals healthier and more satisfying.

You don’t have to be an expert cook to make delicious dishes using chicken. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create dinners that your whole family will like.

1) One-Pot Chicken and Rice

One-pot chicken and rice is a simple meal you can make with minimal cleanup. You cook the chicken and rice together in one pot, saving time and dishes.

The rice soaks up the chicken flavors, giving you a tasty dinner. You can use chicken thighs or tenders and add vegetables like onions and celery.

Season the dish with herbs and spices to boost flavor without making it spicy. The chicken stays juicy, and the rice comes out fluffy.

This recipe is perfect when you want a warm, filling dinner that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and brown it on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken and sauté onion and celery until soft.
4. Add rice, water, salt, and spices. Stir well.
5. Return chicken to pot, cover, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
7. Check the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

2) 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

This 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and tasty dinner option you can make on busy nights. The chicken gets crispy, then is coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

You can serve this with veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a simple, balanced meal. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require many ingredients.

The sauce blends honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of heat if you like. Your chicken will be juicy with a nice glaze on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken until golden, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve warm with your choice of vegetables.

Find more about this recipe at Half Baked Harvest.

3) Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

You’ll love how tender chicken breasts cook in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This dish is easy and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The sauce is rich but not heavy. It combines garlic, cream, and Parmesan for great flavor.

Adding sun-dried tomatoes gives a nice tangy touch. Serve it with pasta, potatoes, or bread to soak up the sauce.

It all cooks in one pan, so cleanup is simple.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until smooth.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, until cooked through.
7. Serve warm.

For more tips, check this Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe.

4) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Garlic butter chicken tenders are a quick and tasty dinner you can make any night. They stay juicy and tender thanks to a simple garlic butter sauce that cooks right on the stove.

You only need a few fresh ingredients to get this dish ready in about 15-20 minutes. The garlic adds a nice flavor that pairs well with the buttery sauce.

You can serve these tenders with rice, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or paprika (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken tenders to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

5) Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

This casserole is a simple and tasty way to enjoy chicken fajitas in a new form. You’ll get juicy chicken with colorful bell peppers, seasoned just right.

The cheese melts over the top, making it creamy and comforting. You cook everything in one dish, starting on the stove and finishing in the oven.

It’s great for busy weeknights when you want something quick and filling. The mix of chicken, peppers, onions, and cheese creates a warm meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Cook chicken, bell pepper, and onion with fajita seasoning until tender.
4. Mix cooked chicken and veggies with rice and sour cream in a casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6) Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with Orzo

This dish is a simple and tasty way to make chicken dinner. You cook chicken and orzo together in the Instant Pot with lemon juice and zest.

It adds a fresh, bright flavor to the meal. The orzo cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot, soaking up all the lemony goodness.

You can add garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and pepper to boost the taste even more. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, paired with the creamy orzo.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice chicken into cutlets.
2. Add chicken, orzo, broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
3. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then do a quick release.
4. Stir in parmesan cheese before serving.

You can find more details on this recipe at Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo.

7) Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

Sheet pan chicken shawarma is a simple way to enjoy Middle Eastern flavors for dinner. You marinate chicken with spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander, then roast it on one sheet pan with onions.

Everything cooks together, making it easy to prepare and clean up. You can serve it with pita bread, rice, or a fresh cucumber salad.

The spices make the chicken juicy and flavorful without needing a lot of ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix yogurt, olive oil, and spices in a bowl.
2. Add chicken slices and coat well with the marinade.
3. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Spread chicken and onions on a sheet pan in a single layer.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked and slightly browned.
7. Serve warm with desired sides.

More details are available in this easy sheet pan chicken shawarma recipe.

8) Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a simple and tasty dinner you can make quickly. It uses tender chicken strips, fresh or dried noodles, and a mix of vegetables.

You’ll toss everything in a savory sauce that balances sweet and salty flavors. This dish cooks fast and works well as a one-pan meal.

You can customize it with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand and still enjoy a flavorful meal.

You’ll especially like how the sauce clings to the noodles and chicken.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (fresh or dried)
• 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 head of cabbage or mixed vegetables
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain them.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken and cook until it turns white, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Stir in garlic and vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

5. Add cooked noodles to the pan.

6. Pour in soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.

7. Toss all the ingredients together over the heat for 2-3 minutes until everything is well mixed and warm.

8. Serve hot.

For more details on making chicken lo mein, you can visit this Easy Chicken Lo Mein recipe.

9) Smashed Cucumber and Chicken Salad

This salad is fresh and easy to make. Start by smashing cucumbers to release their flavor.

Add shredded cooked chicken for protein.

Mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a bit of chili for a tangy and spicy dressing.

Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to brighten the flavors.

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.

The cucumber keeps the salad crunchy and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili-garlic paste or chili oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Smash cucumbers with the side of a knife. Salt and drain them for 15 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili-garlic paste, and sesame oil.

3. Add cucumbers, shredded chicken, cilantro, and mint to the bowl.

4. Toss everything together until coated.

5. Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately or chilled.

For more ideas, check this smashed cucumber and chicken salad recipe.

10) Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwiches are fresh and tasty. Herbs like parsley and chives give the salad a bright flavor.

This sandwich is creamy without using mayo, making it lighter but still rich.

You can prepare this salad ahead and keep it in the fridge.

Serve it with butter lettuce and sourdough bread for a nice crunch.

Adding cucumber or celery gives extra freshness.

The tangy dressing uses capers and scallions.

It blends well with the chicken and greens for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon
• Capers
• Scallions
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Greek yogurt or avocado (for creaminess)
• Celery and cucumber (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Sourdough bread
• Butter lettuce

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix herbs, capers, scallions, lemon juice, olive oil, and yogurt or avocado in a bowl.

2. Add shredded chicken and stir well.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. If you want, chop celery and cucumber and fold them in.

5. Lightly toast sourdough bread.

6. Place butter lettuce on the bread. Add a scoop of chicken salad.

7. Top with another bread slice. Serve.