19 Chicken Recipes That Make Busy Nights Feel a Little Less Stressful

Busy nights don’t have to mean a boring dinner. These 19 chicken recipes are quick, easy, and full of flavor, making dinner feel less stressful. Whether it’s a simple dish or something with a bit more flair, these recipes are the perfect way to get a tasty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Image shows easy to make lemon garlic chicken served on a plate.

Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This dish brings all the classic egg roll flavors together without the deep fryer. Chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich, savory sauce come together in one pan for an easy-to-make meal. It’s quick to prepare, tastes amazing, and works for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful chicken dinner.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Make tender, smoky BBQ chicken in no time with the Instant Pot. The chicken shreds easily, making it perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even a quick salad. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful chicken dinner that takes minimal effort and is perfect for those tight nights when time is short.

Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken coated in a sweet honey glaze makes for a delicious and simple meal. The glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and savory that everyone will love. This is a quick and easy chicken dinner that you can prepare with little effort and still get a big flavor.

Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Chicken Tenders

Close up of a gluten free chicken tender dipping into honey mustard.
Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Skip the frozen version and make crispy homemade chicken tenders that taste so much better. The cornflake coating gives these tenders the perfect crunch, and they come together quickly with minimal prep. This easy-to-make chicken dinner is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to choice for simple but tasty meals.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Layer up bold flavors with chicken, black beans, and spices in this hearty tortilla pie. Everything is baked together in one dish, creating a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy. It’s a perfect choice when you want a filling dinner with minimal cleanup and effort.

Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Image shows a hand holding a buffalo chicken salad sandwich against a white background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This buffalo chicken salad is the perfect way to spice up a quick dinner. Crisp greens, spicy chicken, and creamy dressing all come together in a dish that tastes like it took more effort than it did. It’s a fast, flavorful chicken dinner that’s easy to make and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Image shows bite of yummy lemon garlic chicken.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This lemon garlic chicken packs a big flavor in a short amount of time. The Instant Pot makes it simple to cook, while fresh ingredients bring out the best in every bite. It’s one of those chicken recipes so easy and tasty, it’s hard not to make it every week.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned chicken, fresh greens, and creamy dressing come together in minutes to create a quick and satisfying meal. This salad is light but filling, making it perfect for busy days when dinner needs to be fast. It’s one of those no-fuss chicken dinners that are always ready when you need something quick.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This rich, cheesy tortellini soup is comforting and satisfying without the long cooking time. Juicy chicken and flavorful broth combined with cheesy pasta make this soup a filling meal. It’s a quick, easy chicken dinner that offers a warm, satisfying meal in no time.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken, fresh tomato, and a burst of lime come together to make this a flavorful and simple meal. This recipe works great for tacos, rice bowls, or even a salad, making it a versatile dinner option. It’s one of those chicken recipes so easy and tasty that it quickly becomes a weekly favorite.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Image shows A bowl of carrot chicken soup on a wooden table.
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This hearty soup combines juicy chicken with sweet carrots and a flavorful ginger broth. It’s easy to make, and the comforting flavors come together quickly for a filling meal. This is a simple, satisfying chicken dinner that’s perfect for busy nights when you need a warm meal.

Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Take leftover chicken and turn it into a meal that’s better than takeout with just a few simple ingredients. A mix of chicken, rice, soy sauce, and veggies makes this a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. This is a delicious and easy chicken dinner that uses what’s already in the fridge to make a satisfying meal.


Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These golden, flaky empanadas are quick to make and packed with bold flavor. A savory chicken filling and a shortcut crust come together to create a homemade feel without the hassle. This is an easy-to-make chicken dinner that saves time but still delivers big on taste.

Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken and crunchy cashews cook together in a savory sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish has all the flavors of your favorite takeout but is made in no time at home. It’s a fast and flavorful chicken dinner that makes busy nights a little easier.

Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These tamale pot pies are hearty and easy to make, with shredded chicken, corn, and a masa crust all baked together in one dish. The flavors are bold, and the meal is filling, with minimal effort required. This is an easy-to-make chicken dinner that satisfies everyone without taking up too much time.

Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Lemon Roasted Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lemon Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A little seasoning and a burst of lemon bring out the natural flavors of juicy chicken. This oven-roasted chicken looks fancy but requires minimal prep, making it a go-to for busy nights. It’s one of those easy chicken dinners that always turns out right, without much effort.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These BBQ chicken legs cook up tender and flavorful in the slow cooker, with minimal effort on your part. The tangy, smoky barbecue sauce coats each drumstick perfectly, creating a satisfying meal. This easy chicken dinner is perfect for nights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This curry chicken with caramelized onions brings bold flavors together in a spicy, savory sauce. It’s easy to make and feels like a dish from a restaurant, without the complicated steps. This is an easy chicken dinner that’s great for those looking for something flavorful with little prep.

Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These buffalo chicken tenders are crispy and flavorful, made in the air fryer for a healthier version of the classic. They’re perfect for a main dish or as an appetizer that everyone will enjoy. This easy-to-make chicken dinner is full of flavor and doesn’t require deep frying.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

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