If chicken is always on your grocery list, these recipes will make dinner feel easier and better. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and don’t call for anything fancy. These 11 chicken recipes are the kind you’ll keep turning to without even thinking. When dinner needs to work without a lot of stress, this list has you covered.

Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Shredded BBQ Chicken

Fire up dinner with juicy, smoky chicken that tastes like it took hours to make. The Instant Pot does the work, so you get big flavor with almost no effort. These easy chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on because they turn little time into a big payoff.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Give dinner a crispy upgrade with these golden empanadas filled with juicy chicken. Smart shortcuts make them fast, but they still taste homemade. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when you need easy meals that still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Lemon Garlic Chicken

Brighten your plate with this zesty chicken packed with garlic and lemon in every bite. The Instant Pot keeps it simple and the flavor stays bold. These are the kinds of chicken recipes you’ll want to cook again and again without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cozy up to a bowl of cheesy tortellini and chicken swimming in a rich but light broth. It all happens in one pot, which means less mess and more time to relax. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on because they bring comfort without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Lemon Roasted Chicken

Let your oven do the hard work while lemon and spices make the chicken juicy and crisp. It comes out tasting like a sit-down meal but doesn’t ask for much. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when dinner needs to feel like more than the usual.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Southwest Tortilla Pie

Stack up layers of chicken, beans, and cheese in a pie that cuts easy and fills you up fast. One pan is all you need to make cleanup a breeze. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when takeout just won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Chicken Tenders

Crunch into dinner with these baked or air-fried tenders that don’t skimp on texture. The cornflake crust keeps things fun, and they’re quick to make. These are the kinds of chicken recipes you’ll want to cook from now on because they’re easy, crispy, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup

Slow things down with tender chicken and sweet carrots in a broth that feels deep and cozy. It comes together fast but eats like something that took all day. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when simple meals still need heart.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad

Make a fresh dinner with canned chicken, crisp greens, and toppings that come together without fuss. It’s fast, filling, and doesn’t require any cooking. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when time is tight but dinner still matters.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Tamale Pot Pies

Dig into a warm pie with soft masa on top and tender chicken and corn inside. It’s easy to throw together, but the results feel rich and satisfying. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when you want comfort food without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Honey Glazed Chicken

Make dinner shine with chicken coated in a sticky, sweet glaze that’s full of bold flavor. It cooks quickly and looks like something from your favorite spot. These chicken recipes are all you’ll want to cook from now on when simple needs to feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken