23 Irresistible Chicken Main Dishes Perfect for Weeknights or Weekends

Chicken is a go-to for meals that are both easy and satisfying. These 23 recipes show how versatile chicken can be, from simple weeknight dinners to dishes that feel special for the weekend. The recipes are full of flavor, easy to follow, and designed to make cooking less stressful while still keeping everyone at the table happy.

Image shows lemon marinated chicken recipe.

Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Curry

Image shows a Bite of chicken curry on a fork with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken cooks in a creamy, spiced curry sauce that is rich, bold, and satisfying. The Instant Pot makes it fast to prepare while keeping the flavors intact. Keep this chicken dinner on hand for a weeknight meal that is comforting, easy to make, and full of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry

Lemon Roasted Chicken

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

Roasting chicken with lemon keeps the meat juicy and gives the skin a crisp, golden texture that adds flavor with minimal work. The citrus brightens the dish without adding extra steps or ingredients. Bring fresh, zesty flavor to the table with this chicken main dish that makes dinner simple and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh lemon and garlic give chicken a bright, juicy flavor that feels simple and satisfying. The recipe uses just a few ingredients, making it quick and easy to prepare. Make this chicken dish for a meal that is flavorful, fuss-free, and ready in no time.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bowl of chicken tortilla soup with tortilla strips on a wooden background.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken, beans, corn, and spices come together in a savory broth that is filling and packed with flavor. The recipe is simple to make but still feels like a complete meal. Turn to this chicken soup for a weeknight dinner that is easy, satisfying, and full of bold taste.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Rotisserie chicken and jarred sauce make this dish fast to prepare while still tasting comforting and homemade. Melted cheese and saucy layers bring bold flavor without extra effort. Choose this recipe for a chicken dinner that is quick, satisfying, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

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

Chicken marinates in lime until it is juicy and bursting with bright, zesty flavor. Grilling gives it a slight char and enhances the taste while keeping preparation easy. Use this recipe for a chicken dinner that is fresh, flavorful, and effortless on busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

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.

Cheesy tortellini and tender chicken swim in a savory broth that is hearty, filling, and full of flavor. It cooks quickly but still tastes like a complete, comforting meal. Keep this chicken dish nearby for a dinner that is easy, warm, and satisfying for the whole family.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Image shows a skewer of lemon marinated chicken held diagonally with green grass in the background.
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken soaks in a lemon marinade until it is tender and full of bright, fresh flavor. Grilled on skewers, it cooks quickly while staying juicy and easy to serve. Make this chicken dinner when you want something flavorful, fun, and simple enough for any night.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Miso Glazed Chicken

Miso glazed chicken with rice on a white plate.
Miso Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A miso glaze gives chicken a savory, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with crunchy cashews. It cooks quickly yet delivers a rich taste that feels hearty and satisfying. Keep this recipe for a chicken dinner that is unique, fast, and packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken

Grilled Chicken Foil Packets

Grilled chicken foil packet with a fork holding a serving.
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken cooks with rice and vegetables inside foil, creating a full-flavored meal that is easy to make, and the cleanup is minimal. The chicken stays juicy while the vegetables absorb the savory sauce. Choose this recipe for a chicken dinner that is effortless, complete, and satisfying in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets

Chicken and Rice Soup

Image shows Chicken and rice soup on a spoon with the full blue bowl behind it.
Chicken and Rice Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken, vegetables, and rice combine in a savory broth that makes a hearty and filling meal. It cooks quickly and easily, giving you a full dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Keep this chicken dish nearby for a dinner that is comforting, simple, and satisfying for everyone.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup

Shredded BBQ Chicken

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

Tender chicken is coated in smoky, sweet BBQ sauce that makes a hearty and satisfying meal. The Instant Pot cooks it quickly, delivering bold flavor without extra effort or time. Let this chicken dish bring smoky, comforting flavor to the table and turn an ordinary night into a tasty dinner.

Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

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.

Chicken and crunchy vegetables cook in a savory sauce that captures the flavor of egg rolls without frying. The one-pan meal comes together quickly, saving time and dishes in the process. Keep this chicken recipe on hand for a fast, flavorful dinner that is ready in minutes.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Shortcut Chicken Salad

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

Canned chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing make a fast and refreshing meal that is ready in minutes. The combination tastes fresh and filling without extra effort. Try this chicken dish for a weeknight meal that is simple, satisfying, and done in no time.

Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Chicken Paprikash

Image shows Bite of chicken paprikash on a fork sitting on a glass plate on a wooden table.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken simmers in a creamy, smoky paprika sauce that fills the pan with rich, savory aroma. It pairs perfectly with noodles or rice to make a complete and satisfying meal with very little effort. Keep this chicken recipe on hand for a dinner that is flavorful, easy to make, and sure to impress.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken, tender orzo, and feta are tossed together with a lemony dressing to create a fresh and flavorful meal in one pan. The dish cooks quickly and keeps cleanup minimal. Turn to this chicken recipe for a dinner that is easy, satisfying, and bright on the plate.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo

Honey Glazed Chicken

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

Chicken is coated in a sticky honey glaze that balances sweet and savory in every bite while keeping the meat tender. The dish comes together quickly but still delivers a rich, satisfying flavor. Choose this chicken recipe for a dinner that is simple to make but tastes special on the table.

Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey Bourbon Chicken

Overhead shot of honey bourbon chicken in a bowl on a black counter.
Honey Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken simmers in a sweet honey bourbon glaze that adds a rich, slightly smoky flavor to every bite. The Instant Pot makes it fast to cook without losing any of the bold taste. Make this chicken dinner part of the week when you want something simple, flavorful, and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken

Chicken Tikka Masala

Overheat shot of chicken tikka masala in a green bowl on a white table.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken simmers in a creamy tomato sauce with warm spices that create a rich and satisfying flavor. The Instant Pot makes it quick to prepare while keeping the classic taste intact. Keep this chicken recipe handy for a dinner that is comforting, easy, and full of bold flavor.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken cooks in a creamy broth with soft dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. The one-pot recipe makes it easy to prepare while keeping cleanup simple. Keep this chicken dinner on hand for a hearty, comforting meal that feels complete and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

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 pieces are tossed with cashews in a rich, savory sauce that adds crunch and bold flavor to every bite. The dish comes together quickly, making it a simple way to create a hearty meal without a lot of effort. Use this chicken recipe for a dinner that is fast, filling, and packed with satisfying texture.

Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Kefir Marinated chicken on a blue plate with sides.
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken soaks in a kefir and lemon marinade that makes it tender, juicy, and full of bright flavor. The marinade does the work, so the recipe comes together with minimal prep. Make this chicken dish for a dinner that tastes fresh, flavorful, and effortless on busy nights.

Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Image shows a Bowl of baked sweet and sour chicken with pineapple.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crispy chicken pieces are baked and coated in a tangy, sweet-and-sour sauce that balances flavor perfectly. Baking keeps the chicken lighter while still providing a crunchy, satisfying texture. Try this chicken recipe for a dinner that is quick, fun, and full of bold flavor in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

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