Dinner doesn’t need to be a big project every night. These 17 chicken recipes are easy to make and easy to like, which means less stress and more meals that actually get eaten. Whether you’re cooking for a group or just trying to get through the week, these dishes keep things simple without losing flavor. You’ll want to save these for nights when time is short and everyone’s hungry.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Let the oven take the lead with this juicy chicken that comes out golden and full of flavor. A little lemon juice and pantry spices do all the heavy lifting without extra work. This is one of those chicken recipes that’s easy to make and easy to like, perfect when you want dinner that never lets you down.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken
Brighten up a plate with juicy chicken flavored with fresh tomatoes and a squeeze of lime. It cooks fast and works great in tacos, over rice, or with whatever you’ve got on hand. Try this easy chicken recipe when you want something simple that still brings big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Tenders
Skip the deep fryer and make a crunchy meal that comes together fast in the oven or air fryer. A cornflake crust makes these tenders crispy and fun to eat without extra mess. This is a delicious chicken recipe that’s easy to make and always a hit with both kids and grown-ups.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Fill your bowl with cheesy pasta and tender chicken for a dinner that’s rich and comforting without taking much time. Everything cooks together in one pot, so cleanup stays simple. This is one of those easy chicken recipes that work great when you want a warm meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Let the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting with this bold BBQ chicken that comes out tender and full of smoky flavor. It’s great in sandwiches, wraps, or tossed into salads with whatever’s in the fridge. This recipe proves chicken dinners can be both easy and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Toss together a fast salad that doesn’t skimp on taste with canned chicken, fresh greens, and a few toppings. It’s easy to mix up and ready in minutes with whatever’s already in your kitchen. This is the kind of chicken recipe that makes dinner easy and keeps things fresh and filling.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken Fried Rice
Give leftovers a new spin with this quick dish that cooks in one pan and fills you up fast. Chicken, rice, veggies, and eggs mix with soy sauce to bring big flavor with little effort. This is an easy chicken recipe that works great when time is short but dinner still matters.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Keep things bold and simple with juicy chicken cooked in the Instant Pot using lemon and garlic for extra flavor. The short cook time means dinner’s ready before you know it. This is one of those easy chicken recipes that tastes great and saves time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Take a shortcut that still feels homemade with these golden empanadas filled with savory chicken. The crust bakes up crispy, and the filling stays tender without taking all night. This is an easy chicken recipe that works great when you want a cozy meal with simple steps.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Make a warm bowl of comfort without the long wait using this quick chicken noodle soup. The Instant Pot brings everything together fast for a meal that tastes like it took hours. This is one of those chicken recipes that’s easy to make and perfect for nights when you need something fast and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Skip the fuss and go straight to the good stuff with this one-pan stir-fry that’s fast and filling. Chicken, cabbage, and sauce cook together for a meal that’s simple and flavorful. Try this chicken recipe when you want something easy to make that still feels a little different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Tamale Pot Pies
Get all the comfort of tamales without spending the night cooking with this hearty one-dish meal. Shredded chicken and corn bake under a masa crust for a dinner that tastes rich but takes little work. This is one of those chicken recipes that’s easy to make and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweeten up your dinner plans with juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey glaze that brings just the right mix of flavors. It takes just a few steps to make, but it looks and tastes like more. This is an easy chicken recipe that’s big on flavor and low on effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Southwest Tortilla Pie
Stack up a fast meal with layers of chicken, beans, and cheese that bake into something hearty and full of flavor. It all comes together in one pan with no extra cleanup. This is one of those chicken recipes that’s easy to make and great for feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Keep things simple with a warm soup full of tender chicken and sweet carrots in a rich broth. It cooks fast, but tastes like it simmered all day. This is an easy chicken recipe that’s perfect when you want something that’s both cozy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Cashew Chicken
Bring a takeout favorite to the table without leaving the house or spending too much time cooking. Chicken and cashews stir-fry in a savory sauce that comes together fast. This is one of those easy chicken recipes that makes dinner feel like a treat without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spice up a fast dinner with this bold salad that mixes hot chicken with cool greens and a creamy dressing. It takes only minutes to put together and feels fresh and filling. Use this recipe when you want an easy chicken meal that’s packed with flavor and doesn’t take long.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad