When it comes to dinner, chicken is often a go-to choice. But let’s be honest – after a long day, who has the time and energy to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s why we’ve gathered our favorite 20 quick chicken recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and save you time.
From classic comfort food to international twists, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re a fan of creamy sauces, bold spices, or fresh herbs, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the joy of quick and delicious chicken dinners!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus
Savor the rich flavors of this classic comfort dish, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce and served alongside crispy asparagus spears.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dot the top of each breast with garlic butter mixture.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve chicken breasts with roasted asparagus and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and a velvety sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and toss with fettuccine.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your dinner table with this flavorful and aromatic roasted chicken thighs recipe, infused with the zesty goodness of lemon and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and chopped rosemary.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish, skin side up.
4. Brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and crispy on the outside.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken
Sweet and tangy flavors come together in this simple and delicious recipe for Honey Mustard Baked Chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and thyme leaves (if using) over the chicken.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry
Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe
Savor the bold flavors of India with this aromatic and spicy curry made with succulent chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of spice. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in coconut milk, chicken broth, and yogurt. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Bake
A flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove the foil and sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using). Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Pesto Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella
Elevate your chicken game with this creamy and aromatic dish that combines the richness of pesto, the sweetness of mozzarella, and the juiciness of grilled chicken. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and a pinch of salt.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella cheese.
4. Brush both sides of the chicken with pesto mixture.
5. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. With chicken, broccoli, and savory sauce, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and broccoli to the pan; cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
French Onion Chicken Skillet
This classic French-inspired dish combines the flavors of caramelized onions, crispy chicken, and creamy cheese in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add onions and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized, about 15-17 minutes.
4. Stir in thyme, then add heavy cream and shredded cheese. Cook until melted and bubbly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this innovative recipe that combines the classic flavors of chicken alfredo with the comfort of stuffed shells. The result is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken-alfredo mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Elevate your barbecue game with these tender and flavorful Greek yogurt marinated chicken kebabs, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or outdoor gathering. This recipe yields 4-6 kebabs, depending on the size of your skewers.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Your choice of vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes) for kebab
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoky paprika with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a tender and juicy chicken breast. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoky paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In the same bowl, mix chicken breasts with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, smoky paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place chicken breasts on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: approximately 35-40 minutes.
Pan-Seared Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful pan-seared chicken dish smothered in a savory mushroom sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Transfer to plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
5. Serve mushroom sauce spooned over pan-seared chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With the ease of slow cooking, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
– Chicken broth or water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, and chili powder to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add tortilla strips and stir well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, avocado, or shredded cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet impressive recipe that yields crispy, cheesy, and juicy cutlets. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the egg and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Thai Basil Chicken with Rice
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the bold flavors of Thailand with the comfort of a hearty rice bowl. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (optional)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, fish sauce (if using), soy sauce, Thai basil, scallions, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Serve the chicken mixture over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Caprese Salad Skewers
Elevate your salad game with this colorful and flavorful recipe that combines juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick and easy summer dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Get ready to fall in love with the classic combination of smoky pulled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy buns. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and pour the BBQ mixture over them.
4. Cook for 6-8 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in any remaining juices.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast until crispy.
7. Assemble the sandwiches by spooning the pulled chicken onto the buns.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Portobellos
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms with the savory taste of chicken and spinach, perfect for a satisfying dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, spinach, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the chicken-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four caps.
4. Sprinkle cheese and breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed mushroom.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is cooked through and the mushrooms are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the brightness of lime juice with the pungency of cilantro to create a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by slicing cooked chicken and placing it on warmed tortillas. Top with cilantro, lime juice, and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these 20 quick and delicious chicken recipes! From classic comfort food to international flavors, we’ve got you covered. Try Garlic Butter Chicken with Asparagus for a flavorful twist on a weeknight favorite. Or, go global with Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry or Thai Basil Chicken with Rice. If you’re short on time, one-pot wonders like One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Bake or Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup are the way to go. Whatever your taste buds desire, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to please.
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