35 Mouth Watering Chicken Dinner Recipes That Are Easy To Make

So… you’re tired from work, you have chicken already thawed out for dinner, but you really are kinda Meh about your usual go-to recipes.

How do you turn that chicken into a mouth watering and creative dinner that doesn’t require a lot of time or energy? Or ingredients, for that matter!

Just the other day, I was craving chicken for dinner, but I didn’t know exactly How I wanted it. Of course, that prompted me to look up various chicken recipes for inspiration. I came up with so many mouth-watering videos and photos, it didn’t take long to figure out what i was making for dinner!

Most of these recipes are super easy, even for beginners. A lot of them don’t require much time, and they tend to consist of ingredients you most likely have in your pantry, already!

A few of the recipes might be better for weekends, because they require just a little more time. I included them anyway, because they were too mouth watering to pass by.

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So…Save yourself a bit of time and check out this list I have put together for your quick reference and be ready to indulge in some savory flavors without a lot of work!

(Psst…The starred recipes are the ones that take just a bit longer in total time. The other recipes that are not starred can all be prepared within about 30 – 40 minutes – Ideal dinner options for the busy weeknights!)

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Delicious Classic Comfort Food Recipes

1. Chicken Pot Pie

(**Total Time – 1 hr. 5 min.)

This recipe is definitely the best I found for this delicious classic chicken pot pie. I love the fact that the mixed vegetable blend it calls for, includes corn, as well as peas and carrots. The more vegetables, the better. Not to mention, the flaky crust that Pillsbury is known for! Yum!

2. Broccoli Chicken Divan

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is perfect for any weeknight. It can be easily prepared within 30 minutes, start to finish. It involves all of the hearty ingredients you would think of when it comes to a satisfying casserole…Broccoli, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Cream Of Mushroom. Serve over rice to finish the meal.

(Tip: You can pre cook the broccoli easier by steaming it in food steamer or in the microwave, as opposed to boiling water.

Simply add the broccoli to a microwave safe dish, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the dish, cover the dish and microwave on high in 3 minutes intervals until done. You don’t want to over steam – just enough that the broccoli is still on the crisp side as the recipe instructions note.)

3. Crispy Chicken w/ Garlic & Rosemary

Sometimes, you just want a simple herb rub on your chicken, and this combination of garlic, rosemary, and lemon, is the obvious choice. While the ingredients might be simple, the flavor is far from it! Serve with mashed potatoes and some asparagus and yum!

4. Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Flatbread

This isn’t just any typical pizza. This is a class act, with it’s fresh basil, roma tomatoes and light Naan flatbread! Pizza has never tasted so good, especially since it is so incredibly easy to throw together in a second!

5. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I may have mentioned in an earlier post (or three), just how much I have always loved the Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden! The recipe is easy to follow and the flavor is spot on.

A few of the ingredients include carrots, spinach, garlic, and potato gnocchi. It is a hearty soup that keeps you coming back for more every time, and it is the perfect dinner option for a cold winter night! Mmm…delicious!

6. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This creamy classic is one we’ve made plenty of times in my home. It really is super easy to make, even on a weeknight. It’s even easier if you use pre-cooked chicken like a store bought rotisserie. Not to mention, the rotisserie flavor will knock this recipe out of the park! Don’t forget to use fresh shredded parmesan cheese for a nicer finish 🙂

7. Chicken w/ fennel, onions, & peppers

(**Total Time – 50 minutes)

There are so many delicious flavors going on with this dish, it’s a must try! The complimentary vegetables consist of fennel, onion, and roasted red peppers, accented by garlic and rosemary. Serve As Is or add white rice to finish the meal! Either way, your taste buds will be happy.

8. Italian Marinated Chicken

(**Total Time – 1 hr. 20 minutes)

Sometimes, a good marinade goes a long way, and this one certainly does. It’s all of the flavors you would expect in an Italian dish…garlic, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper. Going the extra mile to allow the flavors to fall in love before cooking, pays off in the end, for sure! Serve with your favorite pasta or salad and enjoy!

9. Marry Me Chicken (Chicken In A Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)

(**Total Time – 45 minutes)

This popular Chicken Recipe is very similar to the above Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce. The only difference is that this recipe does not include spinach..it has basil instead. It also has less sundried tomatoes than the above recipe. Serve with rice or a pasta of your choice, and enjoy the best of comfort food!

10. Classic Chicken Parmesan

Mmm…who doesn’t love a good chicken parmesan every now and then? This recipe is spot on with the traditional Italian seasonings and it goes the extra mile with both, parmesan and mozzarella. It’s like having dinner at Mom’s house, every time. Serve with your favorite pasta and enjoy!

11. Chicken Kabobs (Oven or Grilled)

(**Total Time – 5 hrs including marinade time)

Yum! Chicken Kabobs loaded with vegetables, and you don’t need a grill to make them! Bell pepper, zucchini, onion, and marinated chicken on a stick! Dinner couldn’t be any easier or more satisfying!

12. Creamy Lemon Chicken

(**Total Time – 1 hr)

While Lemon Chicken is a popular dish on it’s own, this Lemon Chicken recipe takes the dish to a whole new level! Combine the tangy lemon flavor with the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Add a bit of garlic bread for flavor enhancement and enjoy a restaurant worthy meal without ever leaving the house!

13. Chicken Tenderloin w/ Sweet & Sour Glaze

This is such an easy and refreshing meal to make, especially during warmer months. As long as you have Balsamic vinegar and honey in your house, you are good to go! Just a quick stir on the stovetop, with the addition of a vegetable or salad, and Bon Appétit! A delicious dinner served!

14. Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Any meat that is Parmesan crusted, will always get my immediate attention. The panko and Parmesan breading used in this recipe, keeps the chicken nice and moist all the way through. The garlic adds just a hint of extra flavor and the dish overall, is quick, simple, and easy to make.

15. Chicken Francese

This chicken recipe is always a good back up plan for a night when you are looking for something a bit different that requires little. The main ingredients include chicken broth, lemon juice, white wine, and heavy cream. All of the ingredients balance each other out to create a delicious creamy sauce, without being too thick. The lemon flavor is subtle, not overpowering…and the spices bring it all together with a nice touch.

16. Famous Butter Chicken (aka, Ritz Cracker Chicken)

(**Total Time – 1 hr)

I personally love Ritz crackers, so this recipe is at the top of my favorites list, for that reason alone. The buttery flavor of the crackers, accents the natural chicken flavor nicely. The chicken comes out tender and moist on the inside, while maintaining the perfect crisp on the outside. The prep time is only about 10 minutes and the bake time is 40-45 minutes. A mouth-watering change from the standard fried chicken recipes.

Far From Boring…

17. Chicken and Mushroom Wine Sauce

(**Total Time – 1 hr)

I’m a huge fan of any kind of creamy sauce, especially if it involves mushrooms. The garlic and shallots add a subtle kick to the sauce, and the tangy Dijon mustard helps to balance all of the flavors nicely. It takes a bit longer to prepare, but it is well worth the effort. Serve with mashed potatoes, a vegetable and enjoy!

18. Chicken w/ Basmati Rice & Lemon

(**Total Time – 1 hr)

Basmati rice is delicious by itself, but when it is accented by delicious vegetables and accompanies this spiced chicken, it’s flavor is really put in the spotlight. The chicken is seasoned with a simple blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon, turmeric. Onion, olive, and garlic enhance the rice. The entire meal is cooked in one pan, and the combination of flavors makes this dish anything but a boring chcken dinner.

19. Easy Oven Baked Chicken Bites

This Chicken recipe is yet another favorite that requires very little effort, and can be paired with virtually anything you can think of. The chicken cooks in a melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter sauce that is perfect with rice, mashed potatoes, or even just a vegetable of sorts. It requires almost no cook time, and even less prep time!

20. Chicken & Coconut Korma Curry

(**Total Time – 4 – 5 hrs)

I love curry any day of the week, but this recipe is by far, my favorite and the one we tend to go back to time and again. It might seem a lazy way to prepare curry, because it involves sauce in a jar. However, the flavors speak for themselves and they have quite a bit to say! With a smooth coconut flavor and hearty chunks of vegetables, this chicken curry recipe will have your family coming back for more!

21. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a little more cajun in your life, look no further! This recipe can be prepared within 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The main ingredients are cajun seasoning, garlic, tomatoes, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. The cream and cheese are a subtle offset to the stronger cajun flavor and the sweetness of the tomatoes add just the right balance between the two. Ridiculous amount of flavor. Very satisfied bellies at the end.

22. 30 Minute Chicken Fajitas

Ah yes…finger food with a bit of pizazz! When you’re in the mood for an appetizer style dinner, this fajita recipe is the perfect choice! With onion, 3 different types of pepper, and a load of different spices as the main ingredients, your taste buds will be happy in a way they haven’t been in a long time. This meal can be easily prepared within 30 minutes. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or even as an appetizer for your next party or game day!

23. Baja Style Chicken Bowl

This chicken recipe, while quick and easy, is absolutely delicious! It involves very basic ingredients, but when put together, they all compliment one another beautifully. Red pepper, corn, salsa, and monterey jack cheese get together with brown rice to produce a quick weeknight dinner you will come back often.

24. Glazed Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

This soy glazed chicken recipe is a perfect go – to when you’re in the mood for something a little different, but doesn’t take all night to prepare! The main ingredients are soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, vinegar, and garlic. All of the flavors blend together beautifully to create a tender, tangy meal with very little time or stress. Serve with rice, a vegetable and Done!

25. Sauteed Sesame Chicken

With just a few ingredients you likely have around your house, this chicken recipe is perfect when you want something a little different but don’t want to think too hard. A combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, turns ordinary chicken into a delightful gourmet style meal. Serve with rice and your favorite Asian vegetable and you have delicious take out right at home!

26. Creamy Spinach Chicken

This creamy chicken and spinach recipe is yet another recipe that travels to the top of my list of favorites. It calls for the chicken to be slightly breaded, which adds a nice crisp. The remaining ingredients of the sauce include garlic and chicken broth, adding that perfect, yet subtle contrast to the cream and spinach. The entire meal can be prepared within 30 minutes and served along side vegetables, rice or pasta for a complimentary finish. Yum!

27. Creamy Chicken In Spinach Parmesan Sauce

This creamy chicken dish involves only 5 ingredients I can never say no to…Spinach, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream, and Sundried Tomatoes. It is absolutely delicious, satisfying, and takes 30 minutes or less to prepare. Serve with rice OR any kind of pasta, and you have a winner for any night of the week.

28. Easy Bourbon Chicken

Mmm…The perfect Asian inspired stir fry dish straight from your own kitchen! Just to name a few, the main ingredients include soy sauce, garlic, bourbon, ginger, and brown sugar. This dish takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for any busy weeknight. Serve on top of rice and enjoy!

29. Chicken Peanut Satay

(**Total Time – 50 minutes)

I’m a huge fan of Chicken Satay and this recipe is perfect anytime I’m have a craving. The peanut sauce is so smooth and compliments the chicken in a way I can’t get enough of! This particular recipe is super easy to make, even on a weeknight. It’s a delicious change from the norm!

30. Homemade Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is a timeless Asian dish many of us love. It’s similar to Genereal Tso’s, but without the spicy aspect. This recipe is really easy to follow, even for the beginner. It takes no time to prepare and it makes for a tasty take out dinner option, but without having to order anything! Yum!

31. Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala

(**Total Time – 4 hrs. 10 minutes)

Chicken Marsala is an all time favorite dish for many. The best part about this particular recipe is that it can be prepared in your slow cooker! It requires only 10 minutes of prep time and the slow cooker does the rest.

The main ingredients are garlic, mushrooms, marsala wine, and heavy cream. The dry spices add that little extra something to the overall flavor of this creamy dish. Rich, satisfying meal any day of the week!

32. Crispy Honey Chicken

(**Total Time – 45-60 minutes)

Craving a sweeter sort of stir fry option, but without ordering take out? Try this yummy favorite right at home. The tangy soy sauce and vinegar contrast the sweetness of the honey, perfectly. The extra love put into the crispy, yet tender chicken bites, takes the dish to the next level! Serve with rice and green onion to complete and enjoy!

33. Baked “Crack” Chicken Breasts

The 4 main ingredients in this dish, are cream cheese, bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions. Add in a touch of garlic, bake in the oven for 20 minutes, and dinner is served! What’s even better is that this dish can be prepared in advance and just thrown into the oven when dinner time rolls around. Perfect easy weeknight dinner!

34. Baked Caprese Chicken

This chicken caprese recipe is yet another welcome break from the norm. While I’m not exactly a huge fan of balsamic, the mozzarella cheese and other ingredients blend nicely to offset the balsamic flavor. The tomatoes and brown sugar add just the right amount of sweetness, and the dry ingredients balance it all. This is another meal that can be easily prepared within 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight.

35. Easy Mozzarella Chicken With Tomato Sauce And Mushrooms

In the mood for a bit of Italian? Check out this super quick and easy chicken mozzarella bake. When I say Easy, I do mean Easy. All you have to do is layer the ingredients into an oven safe dish and let the oven do the rest! It is a simple recipe, with only a handful of ingredients, but with all of the flavor you are looking for in a traditional Italian meal. Perfect for any night of the week!

Final Thoughts…

If you have been experiencing a lack of imagination with chicken dishes as I have been, this list will definitely leave you feeling a bit more inspired, and most likely, hungry!

As you can see, a lot of these recipes call for ingredients most of us have around anyway. A lot of them are perfect for the busy weeknights. The amount of time you don’t have to spend on the cooking aspect of home life, you can spend doing more important things, like hanging out with your family 🙂

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Until Next Time…Happy Eating!

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