Busy nights call for meals that don’t slow you down, and chicken is the kind of dinner that always delivers. From quick skillet meals to oven-baked favorites, these recipes keep things simple without losing flavor. With 33 easy chicken main dishes to choose from, you’ll always have a go-to dinner ready when the week feels too hectic.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Fresh lemon and garlic bring bright flavor to juicy chicken, making every bite taste simple yet delicious. This recipe comes together with only a few ingredients, but the result is a main dish that feels complete and satisfying. It’s one of those easy-to-make chicken recipes that makes weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Curry
Tender chicken simmers in a creamy, spiced curry sauce that is rich and full of flavor. The Instant Pot makes it quick to prepare, so you can enjoy bold flavor without a lot of extra work. This is one of those chicken main dishes that feels comforting but is still easy to make on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy tortellini and tender chicken come together in a savory broth that makes for a hearty and filling meal. It’s quick to cook and still has the kind of flavor you want in a main dish. This is a great chicken recipe for when you want something warm and easy without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Paprikash
Juicy chicken is cooked in a creamy paprika sauce that is smoky, rich, and satisfying. The dish pairs well with noodles or rice, making it a complete dinner that is simple to prepare. It’s one of those delicious chicken recipes you can count on to make weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Chicken and Rice Soup
This recipe brings tender chicken, vegetables, and rice together in a savory broth for a meal that feels filling and hearty. It’s quick to make and simple enough for any night of the week. Keep this one on hand when you want an easy-to-make chicken recipe that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This chicken salad uses canned chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing to create a fast and refreshing meal. It comes together in minutes but still tastes like something you’d want to serve again and again. It’s a simple chicken recipe that makes busy weeknights easier without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
A zesty lime marinade makes this chicken juicy and flavorful, giving you a meal that tastes fresh off the grill. It requires very little prep but delivers bold and satisfying flavor in every bite. This is one of those easy chicken main dishes that make weeknights both simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chicken Fried Rice
Tender chicken, vegetables, and rice are stir-fried with a savory sauce to make a dish that is hearty and flavorful. It’s a smart way to use leftovers while still ending up with a complete and filling meal. This is a go-to chicken recipe for weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken and Dumplings
Soft dumplings and tender chicken cook in a creamy broth for a meal that feels hearty and satisfying. It’s simple to make in one pot, which means less time spent in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner. This is one of those delicious chicken recipes that always makes weeknights easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Miso Glazed Chicken
A savory miso glaze coats tender chicken, creating a rich flavor that balances salty and sweet in every bite. Cashews add a bit of crunch, making this simple dish feel both hearty and unique. Keep this recipe in mind when you need a chicken main dish that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Juicy chicken soaks up a lemon marinade that gives it a tangy, fresh flavor with very little work. Grilled on skewers, the chicken turns tender and flavorful, making each bite simple but satisfying. This is one of those easy-to-make chicken recipes that make weeknights feel less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chicken, rice, and vegetables cook together in foil for a full dinner that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. The chicken stays juicy, and the vegetables turn tender, giving you a complete meal in every packet. Keep this recipe handy for chicken main dishes that make weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Kefir and lemon come together to make the chicken tender, juicy, and full of bright flavor. The marinade does all the work, so the dish tastes fresh without needing much effort. This is a simple chicken recipe that’s both delicious and easy to add to any weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas use rotisserie chicken and jarred sauce to make dinner quick, but they still taste homemade and comforting. Melted cheese and saucy layers bring big flavor to the table without a lot of work. This is one of those chicken recipes that proves weeknight meals can be both easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A savory broth filled with chicken, beans, corn, and spices makes this soup hearty and satisfying. It’s simple to put together yet full of bold flavor in every spoonful. This is one of those chicken main dishes that makes weeknights easier without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze brings a fun twist to dinner. The sauce cooks up quickly and covers the chicken with bright, citrus flavor. This recipe is perfect for when you want an easy chicken dinner that’s both delicious and different.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken gets coated in smoky, sweet BBQ sauce for a meal that feels hearty and comforting. It cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, so you get big flavor without much effort. This is one of those chicken recipes that makes weeknights simple while still being filling and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Chicken is simmered in a sweet honey bourbon glaze that adds rich, slightly smoky flavor to every bite. The Instant Pot makes it quick, so dinner is ready fast but still feels satisfying. This is a great choice when you want chicken main dishes that make weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Juicy chicken, orzo pasta, and feta cheese come together in one pan with a light lemon dressing. The dish feels fresh and flavorful, but it’s also easy to cook and clean up. This recipe is perfect for when you want a chicken dinner that’s simple yet still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Crispy chicken pieces are baked and then coated in a tangy, sweet, and sour sauce that balances flavor perfectly. The oven method keeps the chicken lighter while still keeping it crunchy and tasty. This is one of those easy chicken recipes that make weeknight meals fast and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Roasting chicken with lemon gives it juicy meat inside and crispy skin outside, creating a dish that feels both simple and delicious. The tangy citrus adds flavor without needing much work in the kitchen. This is one of those chicken main dishes that make weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Honey Glazed Chicken
A sticky honey glaze coats tender chicken, balancing sweetness with savory flavor in every bite. The glaze adds richness while keeping the chicken juicy and easy to enjoy. This is a great recipe for when you want chicken that’s simple to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken Tikka Masala
Tender chicken is simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce that’s filled with warm spices and rich flavor. The Instant Pot helps it cook quickly without losing that classic taste. This is one of those delicious chicken recipes that makes weeknights easier but still feels satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
This recipe skips the frying and brings all the flavor of egg rolls with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables in one pan. The savory sauce ties it all together, making it both tasty and filling. This is a smart chicken recipe to keep in mind when you want a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cashew Chicken
Chicken and cashews are tossed in a rich sauce that adds both crunch and flavor to each bite. The dish is hearty but comes together with very little effort. This is one of those easy-to-make chicken recipes that always hits the spot on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Chicken Dorito Casserole
Crunchy Doritos, melted cheese, and tender chicken bake together for a fun and comforting dinner. The casserole is rich, filling, and packed with flavor in every bite. This is a great recipe for when you want a chicken main dish that’s quick to make and exciting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Dorito Casserole
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce cooks slowly with chicken until it becomes tender and flavorful. The slow cooker makes the process effortless, giving you a meal that feels hearty without any fuss. This is one of those chicken recipes that make weeknights easier and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
Chicken legs cook low and slow in smoky BBQ sauce, coming out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The slow cooker does the hard work, leaving you with a meal that’s easy to serve. This is one of those delicious chicken recipes that makes weeknights simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
Chicken Yaki Udon
Thick noodles and tender chicken are stir-fried with a savory sauce that makes the whole dish hearty and filling. It comes together quickly in one pan, making cleanup easy, too. This is a great option when you want chicken main dishes that make weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Yaki Udon
Chicken Lime Soup
A tangy broth with chicken, lime, and spices creates a soup that feels light yet still filling. Each spoonful brings a fresh kick of flavor without taking long to prepare. This is one of those simple chicken recipes that make weeknight dinners fast and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup
Ramen Chicken Noodles
Tender chicken is paired with noodles and a flavorful broth to create a filling meal that cooks quickly. The combination is simple but satisfying, giving you a complete dinner in one bowl. This is one of those easy chicken recipes that makes weeknights so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Chicken is seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and cooked quickly in the air fryer for juicy, flavorful meat. Wrapped with fresh vegetables and sauce, it makes a complete and easy meal. This is a smart chicken recipe for weeknights that delivers big flavor without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Chicken is combined with pasta and a creamy sauce, then baked until bubbling and flavorful. The dish is hearty and comforting while still being easy to put together. This is one of those chicken main dishes that makes weeknights simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake