Are you searching for mouthwatering chicken dinner ideas? Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish for a family gathering, this list of 25 delicious chicken recipes has you covered! Each recipe is packed with flavors, easy-to-follow instructions, and ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
1. Classic Garlic Butter Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup baby spinach
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add spinach, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve with pasta or rice for a creamy and rich dinner.
3. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip the chicken, pour the honey garlic sauce over it, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve with steamed rice and roasted vegetables.
4. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon slices.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.
5. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Toss the wings with salt, pepper, and a little oil.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a bowl, mix hot sauce, butter, vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Toss the crispy wings in the sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
6. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, mix well, and toss in the cooked pasta.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
7. Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the drumsticks with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
- Bake the chicken for 30 minutes, then brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.
- Serve with coleslaw and cornbread.
8. Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger, grated
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Toss the chicken in the mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden brown, then remove from the wok.
- In the same wok, add garlic, ginger, and vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the wok and toss everything together. Drizzle with sesame oil.
- Serve hot with jasmine rice.
9. Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
- Fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel and serve with honey mustard or ranch dressing.
10. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
- Add the chicken, rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, peas, carrots, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything to combine.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken with a fork and mix well.
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal
11. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add diced tomatoes and cooked chicken, then mix well.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
12. Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
13. Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Flour tortillas for serving
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned.
- Remove the chicken and add bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix well.
- Serve in warm tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
14. Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add mushrooms, cooking until golden brown.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in thyme. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
15. Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken thighs with lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip the chicken, drizzle with lemon juice, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve with roasted potatoes and a side salad.
16. Teriyaki Chicken with Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
17. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm.
18. Spicy Sriracha Chicken Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 4 large tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, Sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder.
- Lay out the tortillas and add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
- Spoon the chicken mixture over the fillings.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and slice in half.
- Serve immediately or wrap in foil for later.
19. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the shells and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with garlic bread.
20. Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with the pie crust.
- Cut a few slits on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
21. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and pour the honey garlic sauce over it.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Serve with steamed vegetables and rice.
22. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Slowly add milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked macaroni, mixing well.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
23. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
- Serve with couscous or a Greek salad.
24. Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in the beaten egg, and coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve over spaghetti or with garlic bread.
25. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup green beans
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Toss the chicken, potatoes, and green beans in the marinade.
- Arrange everything on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve immediately for a healthy and easy dinner.