Food and Recipes Kitchen Assistant 105 Easy Chicken Recipes For A Quick Dinner Tonight Here's how to put this much-loved poultry on the dinner table. By Southern Living Editors Updated on December 13, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely We've rounded up our favorite, easy ways to prepare chicken. We love chicken for its nutritional value, accessibility, low cost, and—most importantly—extreme versatility. This much-loved poultry serves as a blank slate and flavor-absorbing foundation for every cuisine imaginable. It can be roasted, pan-seared, grilled, and even cooked in a Southerner's favorite fashion—hand-breaded and deep-fried. We've rounded up more than 100 of our favorite chicken recipes so that you'll never have to look too far to find an easy recipe that will please your crowd any night of the week. These chicken recipes include everything from Southwest Chicken Tortillas, to BBQ Chicken Pizza, to Chicken Pot Pie. For your easy weeknight chicken dinners, look no further. Here's how to put this much-loved poultry on the dinner table. 01 of 105 Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole Hector Sanchez This rustic meal, a company's-coming riff on the old-school chicken-and-rice number, is held together by a tangy gravy flavored with country ham and mushrooms. A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking the ham, which is flavored by adding onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. 02 of 105 Chicken-Bacon Ranch Casserole Alison Miksch This family-friendly casserole comes together in under an hour. Chicken, bacon, and ranch create a creamy, cheesy, flavorful pasta dish. This casserole is ideal for a make-and-take dish or to reheat as leftovers. 03 of 105 Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox Start by sprinkling the thyme mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken. After, wrap slices of bacon around each chicken breast to cover as much chicken as possible. Use a nonstick skillet for cooking the chicken, browning all sides, for about 25 minutes. 04 of 105 Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This simple sheet pan roasted chicken is salty, nutty, sweet, and bright. The orange juice, vinegar, and honey sauce add a zesty flavoring, pairing perfectly with rosemary and shaved Parmesan cheese. A sheet pan helps the chicken and vegetables soak up all the marinade's flavoring. 05 of 105 Baked Caprese Chicken With Green Beans and Corn Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner Make dinner with minimal effort and even less cleanup by making a simple sheet pan supper. Combine skinless chicken breasts with mozzarella and tomatoes to become a cheesy, zesty, and bruschetta-like dish. Marinated tomatoes, corn, and green beans add brightness to this chicken dish. 06 of 105 One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Satisfy your Tex-Mex craving with this one-pot pasta that comes together in 35 minutes. Pepper Jack cheese and pasta water combine to create a creamy sauce that is still light. Flavored with chili powder and cumin, add the ideal amount of heat. Add more or less chopped jalapeños depending on your heat preferences. 07 of 105 Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen This casserole, held together by a creamy sauce, combines chicken, vegetables, and pasta. The melty cheese and creamy soup are ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. Overall, this easy-to-assemble dish is well-rounded with sauteed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup. 08 of 105 Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Photo by Antonis Achilleos / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Christina Daley These wings take only five ingredients to make. The tangy, zesty seasoning pairs perfectly with the butter base on these air fryer chicken wings. This cooking method helps create a crispy crust without drying out the inside of the chicken. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce. 09 of 105 Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler Alison Miksch This family-friendly dish is sure to become a new holiday staple. Use fresh herbs in the cobbler for even more flavoring. To help assemble this comfort food faster, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. 10 of 105 BBQ Chicken Burger Photographer: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer The key to these burgers is the toppings. Smoky chipotle, paprika spices, creamy slaw, and tangy pickles perfectly pair flavors on this chicken sandwich. Change the amount of adobo sauce in this recipe depending on your heat preferences. 11 of 105 White Lightning Chicken Chili Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner White Lightning Chicken Chili gets its name because it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish to get this one-dish meal to the table. Don't drain the chopped green chiles or navy beans. Serve chili with cornbread. 12 of 105 Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake Iain Bagwell Cheese-filled tortellini and a chopped pecan topping add extra flavor to this kid-friendly Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake. At the same time, broccoli and red bell pepper contribute pops of color throughout this one-dish meal. Add even more fun colors by using colored tortellini. The unlikely pairing of ingredients like white wine and pecans will impress guests, while the delicious buttery crackers and grated Parmesan cheese will please even the pickiest eaters. 13 of 105 Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar This hearty dish is a more substantial version of classic buffalo chicken dip. Fill corn tortillas with a creamy combination of cheeses and peppers. Place the tortillas with the seam side down so it holds together when baking. 14 of 105 Pimiento Cheese Chicken-Broccoli Casserole Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Pimiento peppers, cheese, chicken, and broccoli are a dreamy combination. The extra-sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly in this pasta bake, mixed with pimiento peppers, reminding you of your favorite dip. Top with buttery crackers for the ideal topping. 15 of 105 Stovetop Chicken Pie Jennifer Davick After eating this pot pie version of the classic Southern chicken and biscuit meal, you'll wonder why you didn't think of this casserole sooner. Use frozen buttermilk biscuits for quicker cook time. A family-size rotisserie chicken yields the perfect amount of chopped cooked chicken for this quick twist on a traditional chicken pot pie. Lighten up this meal with low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup, or serve it over brown rice rather than biscuits. 16 of 105 Chicken and Fontina Panini Greg DuPree Crusty on the outside and gooey on the inside, this sandwich requires little effort and makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner. You can make hot sandwiches with two heavy cast-iron skillets—no panini press required. While cooking a sandwich in one skillet, heat the second one on a separate burner. Once hot, place the second skillet on top of the sandwich for one to two minutes. Repeat on the flip side. 17 of 105 Skillet Enchiladas Suizas Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox Enjoy tasty enchiladas without rolling or filling tortillas. This skillet supper is a crowd-pleasing way to serve enchiladas and let everyone enjoy and customize their dinner with toppings. Create a toppings bar is lime wedges, thinly sliced radishes, crumbled cotija cheese, sliced scallions, pickled red onions, and pickled jalapeño slices. 18 of 105 Chicken Stir-Fry Greg DuPree Fresh veggies add prep time but allow you to customize this stir-fry with summer favorites. Add any veggie you like for a meal to please the whole family. The best part? This one-dish wonder will be ready in just 10 minutes. 19 of 105 Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberries, Goat Cheese, and Pickled Onion Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Grilled chicken is always a great salad topping, adding a healthy and hearty protein with smoky flavoring. Enhance your salad by adding blueberries, goat cheese, and pickled onions for a refreshing twist. For even more texture and sweetness, add candied pecans on top. 20 of 105 Chicken Noodle Bowl with Peanut-Ginger Sauce Greg DuPree Make the dressing and prep the veggies the day before, and dinner will be on the table in minutes. This chicken is a great recipe to customize to your preferences, adding and subtracting fresh veggies to suit your taste. Save even more time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. 21 of 105 Chicken-And-Biscuit Pot Pie Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall There's no need to reach for your rolling pin to make this version of chicken pot pie. Frozen, not refrigerated biscuits help this dish come together quickly while also not burning in the oven. Let this dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to let the filling thicken slightly. 22 of 105 Chipotle-Maple Chicken Thighs with Candied Acorn Squash Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Ditch your plain grilled chicken for a zesty, perfectly spiced dinner instead. Chipotle-Maple chicken delivers a smoky heat flavor with a touch of sweetness. For perfectly crispy chicken, place it under the broil for a few minutes after baking. 23 of 105 Southwest Chicken Tortillas Greg DuPree Serve these Southwest Chicken Tortillas with sliced avocados and extra salsa on the side. We used corn tortillas, but feel free to use flour. Customize any toppings you like—You can't go wrong with this family favorite. 24 of 105 Chicken and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Greg DuPree This vibrant salad is quick to toss together and travels well, which makes it ideal for summer picnics and potlucks. The salad won't wilt when dressed, so make it ahead of time and store it for several hours in the refrigerator. Sliced almonds are the ideal topping for this refreshing dish. 25 of 105 Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This fresh and light dish will be your go-to supper this season. The chicken breasts get a flavor boost from the perfectly seasoned brine. Be sure to allow enough time for the chicken to chill uncovered for 30 minutes before grilling. 26 of 105 Chicken Salad With Grapes and Pecans Will Dickey Leftover chicken gets a fresh makeover with fresh lemon juice, chopped and toasted pecans, and sweet grapes. We love the convenience of whipping up a batch of this easy-to-make chicken salad to have on hand throughout the week. Serve in lettuce cups or with crackers. 27 of 105 Chicken-Bell Pepper Tacos Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Upgrade taco night with this fresh and fast recipe. Bell peppers add a bold flavoring paired with onions, garlic, cilantro, and chiles. Use a rotisserie chicken to help these tacos assemble more quickly. 28 of 105 Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs With Carrots and Potatoes Photo: Alison Miksch The trick to extra-savory veggies is cooking the chicken on top of the potatoes and carrots. Start with a layer of vegetables, then add the broth mixture over the top. Slow-cook the seasoned chicken and wait until the vegetables are tender. 29 of 105 Spiced Chicken and Veggie Kebabs With Grilled Pita Bread Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Choose thighs, which are great for marinating because the nooks and crannies trap in the flavor. This four-ingredient marinade delivers a robust flavor that pairs well with grilled pita bread. Marinate the chicken overnight to help save time preparing this dish. 30 of 105 Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe with Dressing PHOTO: VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: TINA BELL STAMOS A sheet pan chicken dinner makes preparations and cooking a breeze. Store-bought cornbread helps cut down on preparation time when used for dressing. To ensure everything cooks evenly, cut the apples and vegetables as directed. 31 of 105 Honey-Butter Chicken Skewers Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen Enjoy this Korean barbecue-inspired dish that's rich, salty, and sweet all at once. Red onions help flavor these chicken skewers but serve this dish with any vegetables you prefer. Brush with the sticky-sweet glaze for a proper barbecue treat. 32 of 105 BBQ Chicken Pizza Photo: Jason Wallis Baking the pizzas directly on the oven rack gives you a crisp crust in less time. While this recipe uses sliced banana peppers, red onions, and scallions as toppings, feel free to customize it to your preferences. Use pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese for convenience. 33 of 105 Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss Greg DuPree Serve this fresh summer salad with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices. If you can't find heirloom tomatoes near you, don't worry—This salad is just as delicious when made with any ripe tomatoes. In 20 minutes, this refreshing summer dish is ready to enjoy. 34 of 105 Chicken-and-Shrimp Kebabs with Summer Vegetables and Basil Oil Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton This easy kabob dish is both beautiful and delicious. Pay attention to the kebobs when grilling, as the shrimp will cook faster than the chicken. You can substitute whatever veggies you have on hand for an easy supper. 35 of 105 Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups Alison Miksch These cups pair a salad's freshness with a taco's heartiness. Choose your favorite toppings to customize this dish, including green onion slices, sweet mini peppers, or spicy pickles. Dried crushed red pepper adds even more heat and flavor. Serve as an appetizer or light dinner. 36 of 105 Balsamic-Garlic Chicken Breasts Beth Dreiling Hontzas Pantry staples help this easy-to-make chicken dinner assemble in under half an hour. Use the fresh garlic, balsamic vinegar, and honey glaze for flavorful chicken breasts. This recipe easily doubles if you want to prepare enough for leftovers. 37 of 105 Garlic-Oregano Chicken with Grilled Leeks and Lemon Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely This garlicky and citrusy dish is a crowd-pleaser. Grilled leeks pair perfectly with succulent roast chicken as the tender and savory combination amplifies the charred flavoring from the grill. Immerse the chicken in the marinade, a mixture of lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper, for at least 30 minutes. 38 of 105 Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner This winner of a chicken dinner is our new favorite roasting-pan supper. This dish, prepared in a little over an hour, comes together with 20 minutes of hands-on cooking time. To season this dish, use a dynamic trio of citrusy lemon, fragrant rosemary, and flavorful garlic. 39 of 105 Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs Jim Franco A buttermilk marinade ensures tender meat and juicy flavor. Start by mixing the hot sauce, tomato pasta, and honey in a bowl before adding the buttermilk. After whisking the first ingredients, add more seasoning with grated sweet onions, minced garlic cloves, and cracked black pepper. Let the skewers soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes. 40 of 105 Chicken Cutlets With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Melissa Gray / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman Cleanup is easy with this one-pan dinner (you'll make the sauce in the same pan you used to cook the cutlets). If your grocery store does not have cutlets readily available, use regular chicken breasts and slice them in half, then use a mallet to flatten them lightly. Make it in batches if your skillet is too small to accommodate all the cutlets at once. 41 of 105 Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall To save time, purchase premade chicken tenders from the grocery store or a local restaurant. This recipe is ideal for making ahead of time as it requires at least two hours of chill time before serving. The creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures guarantee there is something for everyone in this main dish salad. 42 of 105 Chicken Enchiladas Alison Miksch Make the enchilada sauce up to three days ahead—the flavors will meld and only get better. We used corn tortillas in this recipe, but feel free to swap them for flour tortillas if you prefer. If you're fixing and freezing this recipe, complete up to baking in Step 4. For best results, wait to bake until you're ready to eat. 43 of 105 Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti Photo: Hector Sanchez Spend 20 minutes in the kitchen prepping this gorgeous, hearty sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes, peppers, and onions give the sauce plenty of flavoring. After simmering the sauce in the cooker, cook a pound of pasta to serve. 44 of 105 Grilled Chicken Thighs with Alabama White Sauce Southern Living Grilled chicken is classic summertime food, and these perfectly seasoned chicken thighs use pantry spices, including paprika, oregano, cumin, and onion powder. Top the tender and juicy chicken with Alabama white sauce, a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and additional spices. 45 of 105 Top-Shelf Chicken Under a Brick Photo: Hector Sanchez The "top-shelf" in this recipe speaks to the bird's crispy skin, superior flavor, and juiciness. The "under a brick" technique uses the weight of a cast-iron skillet filled with potatoes to flatten the chicken against the hot grill grates. This cooking method reduces time standing over the grill and helps seal the flavor while creating a perfectly brown, crispy skin. 46 of 105 Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles Jennifer Davick Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes before assembling. Placing the waffles in the oven while you prepare the chicken helps keep everything warm until ready to serve. After, top the waffles with buttermilk chicken for a classic combination. 47 of 105 Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce Photo: Iain Bagwell Use this creamy sauce to dress up store-bought fried chicken or as a salad dressing or dip for wings. Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño. We like to double up on the tortillas, taco-truck style, for any of these tacos. 48 of 105 Sweet Tea-Brined Fried Chicken Photo: Hector Sanchez Soak chicken in this salty-sweet brine to keep it moist. After creating the tea and brown sugar mixture, place it and the chicken inside a Ziploc bag to chill for 24 hours. Fry the chicken in batches, so it cooks evenly. 49 of 105 King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner All the flavors of a favorite casserole come together in the comfort of mac and cheese. To simplify preparation for this dish, use store-bought conveniences like cream of chicken soup, pre-shredded cheese, and rotisserie chicken. Freeze this hearty, cheesy favorite in lidded bakeware for easy transport between the oven, freezer, and fridge. 50 of 105 Crispy Chicken Thighs with Pasta and Pesto Photo: Greg Dupree This stovetop-to-oven method yields crisp, dark-golden skin and juicy, tender meat. Save the arugula pesto sauce for up to one week in the refrigerator, or make it before this dinner. After preparing the pasta, toss it with chicken broth and arugula pesto before returning the mixture to the skillet. 51 of 105 Sesame-Crusted Chicken Breasts with Sugar Snap Pea Salad Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Classic chicken breasts get a flavor twist when coated with black and white sesame seeds. This coating adds a unique crunchy texture to the chicken's exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. Leave enough time for the chicken to marinate—two to six hours—so the orange-spiked soy sauce soaks all the way through. 52 of 105 Curried Chicken Pot Pie Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall This curry-flavored chicken pot pie freezes well, so make an extra on hand when you don't know what to cook for dinner. It takes 24 hours for a frozen pie to properly defrost, so plan in advance. Red curry paste gives this comfort-food dish a unique flavoring. 53 of 105 Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner Reinvent the Caesar by roasting the lettuce to caramelize it, and jazz up store-bought dressing to make it taste homemade. Customize this classic salad by offering different toppings. Some topping options include Parmesan cheese, black pepper, flat-leaf parsley leaves, and croutons. 54 of 105 Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry Photo: Jennifer Davick This colorful chicken and vegetable stir fry is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds. This dish includes a colorful array of fresh yellow squash, red bell pepper, broccolini, and green onions. Even better, use frozen vegetables to save time. 55 of 105 Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis The prep time for this salad is 15 minutes, so you can have it ready for dinner in no time. The key to this dish is the homemade pepper jelly dressing. Pepper jelly and orange juice combine to create a subtly sweet and slightly spicy sauce, ideal for this salad. 56 of 105 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa Photo: Jennifer Davick A mix of sweetness and heat on these chicken cutlets will prepare your family's taste buds for dinner. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The best part is it's ready in under half an hour. 57 of 105 Citrus Soy Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Harper Horizon Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to get a charred texture for these Thai-inspired skewers. Make extra peanut sauce because it is a favorite, plus you don't need to roast or crush the peanuts to create it. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, basil, mint, or red onion. 58 of 105 Cajun Chicken Pasta Ralph Anderson Enjoy a filling Cajun chicken pasta that goes from stovetop to table in 20 minutes. The creamy white sauce adds a statement-making flavor to this simple skillet dish. The sauce, enhanced with bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions, is a crowd-pleaser paired with pasta and chicken. 59 of 105 Crispy Oven-Fried Drumsticks Ralph Anderson Everyone has their version of classic fried chicken, but this recipe might be your new favorite. Eliminate the deep-fryer and replace it with an oven-fried chicken that's just as crunchy and flavorful. The crushed cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, and buttermilk mixture create a perfect coating. 60 of 105 Chipotle Chicken Tacos Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Add significant flavor to these chicken tacos using a jar of salsa. Purchase chunky salsa to help tenderize the meat, which complements the adobo sauce. Try topping the tacos with avocado, sour cream, lime, and cilantro. 61 of 105 Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Caper Sauce Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley The secret to the easy-to-make weeknight dinner is in the sauce. Adding capers to tomato sauce complements the sauce's simple seasoning with a salty, tangy flavor. Try this chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or hot grits. 62 of 105 Cranberry Chicken Salad VeseloveElena / Getty Images This classic chicken salad recipe enhances store-bought rotisserie chicken with chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, and other seasonings. Toss everything in Dijon mustard and mayonnaise for a smooth and creamy result. Substitute cubed apples for cranberries if you prefer. 63 of 105 Fried Chicken Wings Photo: Jennifer Davick Soak chicken twice in the egg-milk mixture and double-dredge in the highly seasoned flour for a superior crust. When serving, brighten up fried wings with lemon slices and parsley leaves. Voilá! 64 of 105 Chicken-and-Collards Pilau Photo: Greg Dupree Chicken, rice, and greens fill one soulful pot in our family-friendly take on a Lowcountry staple. Quick-cooking basmati rice helps turn this recipe into dinner in no time and stays fluffy throughout the entire cooking process. Stir halfway through the baking process and serve immediately. 65 of 105 Chicken Enchilada Casserole Hector Sanchez Layers of corn tortillas give this ultra-creamy casserole some texture. Structured like lasagna but flavored like the classic Tex-Mex enchilada dish, this chicken casserole is bursting with a smoky, spicy flavor and is sure to impress. We seasoned it with poblano peppers, green chiles, taco mix, and two creamy kinds of cheese to satisfy your Mexican-food cravings without leaving the house. We also love it because of its versatility—try it with smoky shredded BBQ brisket, pulled pork in place of the chicken, or small cooked, peeled shrimp. Set out the finished dish with sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro for toppings. 66 of 105 Green Chile-Chicken Soup Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Mashed white Great Northern beans thicken and enrich this broth in the chicken soup. Add more chicken broth to even out the dairy ingredients for a lighter, thinner soup. This soup is smoky, spicy, and creamy, but garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, and radishes add great flavor and texture. 67 of 105 Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches Becky Luigart Stayner Barbecued, shredded chicken served on sweet potato cornbread is better when topped with pickled peppers, onions, and simple slaw. The delicious and satisfying sandwich uses paprika, garlic powder, ketchup, and light brown sugar season in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and bourbon sauce. The cornbread only takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time. 68 of 105 Chicken Risotto with Spring Vegetables Jennifer Davick Skinless, boneless chicken breasts, topped with savory Parmesan cheese slivers, rule the roost in this fast weeknight meal. Add asparagus, zucchini, herbs, and cheese to create a creamy risotto to serve alongside this chicken. Save some parsley and pepper to add at the end, and serve immediately. 69 of 105 Chicken Enchiladas Photo: Jennifer Davick Char one side of the tortillas directly over gas flames for a few seconds using tongs for a fast flourish. If you aren't a fan of tomatillos or can't find them in your grocery store, swap in your favorite tomato variety or whip up one of our other salsa recipes to use as a topper. 70 of 105 Chicken Divan Daniel Mistele This version of Chicken Divan is a perfect blend of easy and company-worthy. While this recipe calls for Parmesan cheese, substitute cheddar if you prefer. Folding whipped cream into the sauce helps make it ultra-rich. 71 of 105 Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne Alison Miksch After cooking the chicken in a hot skillet, add the tomatoes and artichokes, and continue to stir until the tomatoes burst. Later, stir the pasta, spinach, and cheese before returning the chicken to the mixture. A handheld Microplane grater makes it easy to add fresh Parmesan flavor. 72 of 105 Baked Chicken Roulade Photo: Jennifer Davick Baked Chicken Roulade is fancy enough for a special occasion but quick enough to make on a busy weeknight. After placing the chicken between sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to help flatten the chicken to a uniform thickness. To keep the spinach mixture tucked into the chicken, secure it with wooden picks. 73 of 105 Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Shredded chicken and creamy white barbecue sauce are a perfect sandwich combination. Top the chicken with tangy red cabbage and pickles. This recipe makes about eight sandwiches, so you'll have plenty of leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. 74 of 105 Smoky Chicken Panini with Basil Mayo Jennifer Davick Smoky Gouda cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach join grilled chicken breasts in this panini, slathered with fresh Basil Mayo. Before placing the sandwiches in the panini press, brush each side with melted butter. Cook in batches until the sides of each sandwich are golden brown. 75 of 105 Easy Chicken Fried Rice Photo: Iain Bagwell A great catch-all dish, you can make fried rice with any vegetables and proteins left in the fridge at the end of the week. Quickly chop up your ingredients and sauté them in a mixture of Asian chili-garlic sauce and soy sauce for bold flavor. 76 of 105 Fried Chicken Salad with Basil-Buttermilk Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Fried chicken is a go-to lunch after church on Sundays. Adding basil to the buttermilk dressing adds freshness and a lovely light green color. Use a blender or food processor to help the sauce come together more efficiently—which also works well on other meats and sandwiches. 77 of 105 Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Enjoy a classic BBQ chicken sandwich that does not use refined sugar in its sauce. This lightened-up version of this classic food will be your new go-to recipe, as the thick and tangy sauce gives the chicken depth without too much spice. Try this sandwich topped with tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles. 78 of 105 Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole Becky Luigart-Stayner Save time (and dirty dishes) with lidded bakeware that goes from oven to freezer to fridge easily. Sliced almonds, water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, and Cheddar cheese add a depth of flavor and texture to this satisfying casserole. 79 of 105 Lemon-Barbecue Chicken Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Make this lemony and bright marinade up to two days in advance. Start by grilling chicken with the skin side up to prevent it from drying. The lemon's acid helps tenderize the meat, but adding it too soon will break down the chicken's protein and change its texture. 80 of 105 Red Rice-Smoked Chicken Perloo Peter Frank Edwards; Prop Styling: Kendra Surface; Food Styling: Anna Hampton Perloo is a comforting one-pot rice dish. This recipe combines bacon, smoked chicken, white wine, smoked paprika, and plenty of bell peppers for an aromatic dish. While this recipe uses red rice, any medium-grain rice will work. 81 of 105 Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke Lose the centerpiece to your table. This impressive pot pie is enough to dazzle guests. Blind baking the bottom crust helps it stay golden and crisp. 82 of 105 Quick Chicken Noodle Bowls Photo: Jennifer Davick Fresh lime juice adds extra bright flavor. Bringing the broth back to a boil before serving ensures the snap peas cook to a crisp-tender texture. For toppings, choose a variety of thinly sliced sugar snap peas, fresh cilantro, mint leaves, green onions, or red chile peppers. 83 of 105 Beer Can Chicken Photo: Hector Sanchez Grilling is a delicious way to "roast" a whole bird, especially when beer is involved. Use a milder brew if you wish, but skip hoppy IPAs for the best flavoring. The chicken gets its addition seasoning from kosher salt, light brown sugar, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and black pepper. 84 of 105 Crispy Onions and Parmesan Chicken-Broccoli Casserole Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This lightened-up casserole pairs crispy onions and Parmesan cheese for a dynamic duo of flavors. The Test Kitchen refers to this dish as a distant cousin to green bean casserole, an all-time favorite dish. Instead of brown rice, substitute it for whole-wheat penne pasta in this recipe. 85 of 105 Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner There's no need to use a rolling pin for this version of chicken pot pie. Use store-bought, refrigerated pie crust to help make this classic comfort food come together more quickly. For even more time-saving tricks, chop the chicken, carrots, and leeks up to two days in advance. 86 of 105 Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner Replace the traditional pastry crust in chicken pot pie with homemade biscuits. These biscuits are made with sharp Cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and chives, making them just as tasty solo as atop this chicken pot pie. 87 of 105 Poppy Seed Chicken SOUTHERN LIVING Create a uniquely flavored chicken dish with only six ingredients. This poppy seed chicken is a perfect meal to throw together on busy weeknights because it requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. Serve this chicken with rice or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. 88 of 105 French Onion Chicken Casserole Stacy Allen; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower This French Onion Chicken Casserole is perfect for chilly nights. It's rich, cheesy, and loaded with onion flavor. This casserole is great for preparing in advancing, freezing, and taking out when you need dinner quickly. 89 of 105 Chicken Cobbler Casserole Alison Miksch This dinner combines two of our favorite things—chicken and cobbler. Make things easier by using a rotisserie chicken. For extra flavor, sprinkle roasted red peppers on the cubed sourdough toppings. 90 of 105 Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta VICTOR PROTASIO; PROP STYLING: CLAIRE SPOLLEN; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX Help this dish assemble quickly by using rotisserie chicken. Replacing the heavy cream with buttermilk creates a velvety and satisfying cheese sauce. Use whatever pasta you have available. 91 of 105 Chicken-and-Prosciutto Tortelloni Soup Alison Miksch In 20 minutes, this easy soup comes together for a delicious weeknight meal. Substitute any tortelloni pasta for refrigerated chicken-and-prosciutto tortelloni if you prefer. Add the spinach after removing the soup from the heat. 92 of 105 Chicken-Parmesan Meatballs Antonis Achilleos If you can't get enough chicken Parmesan, you'll love this twist on the Italian classic. Transform chicken Parmesan ingredients into bite-sized treats. For best results, purchase a mix of white and dark meat ground chicken. 93 of 105 Baked Ziti with Chicken Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar Cheesy, hearty, and customizable—these are only a few of the reasons we love ziti. Instead of ground beef or Italian sausage, this recipe uses rotisserie chicken to shred and toss into this pasta dish. In addition to pre-shredded cheese and homemade sauce, this dinner will be a real crowd-pleaser. 94 of 105 Chicken and Cornbread Dumplings Iain Bagwell Start by rubbing chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning before placing them in a slow cooker. Add carrots, parsnips, celery, and sweet onion to whisk into a soup. Pour the soup mixture over the vegetables and continue to cook until the chicken easily shreds with a fork. 95 of 105 Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely This chicken sausage and kale soup is an upgraded version of classic chicken noodle soup. Kale provides plenty of nutritional value—It's high in potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin B6. Enjoy the smell of this soup cooking from the beginning, as the onions and garlic create a savory aroma. 96 of 105 Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich Serious Eats / Mariel De La Cruz Learn how to prepare a homemade crispy, juicy fried chicken sandwich. Add a creamy, tangy, and special flavoring by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. The secret to getting perfect crisp chicken is letting the oil reach the desired temperature before adding your chicken. 97 of 105 Roast Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples Photo: Iain Bagwell Feed the gang with one large bird or two smaller ones. To achieve golden brown skin, roast at high heat, then turn the oven temperature down to cook the chicken through. Serve with sweet potatoes and apples for a perfect finish. 98 of 105 Cajun Chicken Cassoulet Photo: Iain Bagwell Prepare this delicious cassoulet with a Toasted Herbed Breadcrumb Topping for added crunch and flavor in every bite. Smoked Cajun sausage and bell peppers add extra heat, but you can decrease the overall spiciness by adding less Cajun seasoning. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is bubbly. 99 of 105 Chicken Enchiladas Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner This Tex-Mex one-dish meal is a family-friendly favorite. It's an easy make-ahead meal you can freeze for up to one month. Think about making these enchiladas when you have a busy night. 100 of 105 Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Tortellini with Herbed Butter Sauce Photo: Jennifer Davick This nutty and buttery dish is your winning solution to getting dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Tortellini tossed in an herbed butter sauce makes sure it's both hearty and delicious. Garnish with cheese and serve immediately. 101 of 105 Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew Iain Bagwell You won't be able to get enough of this hearty stew. And with a price that won't hurt your wallet, you may want to make extra for the freezer. Chicken breasts, beef brisket, chili sauce, and garlic combine to create a peppery and savory stew. Serve with hot sauce if you prefer more heat. 102 of 105 Chicken Parmesan Pizza Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett Enjoy a savory slice of homemade pizza topped with all your favorite chicken Parmesan ingredients. Romaine lettuce, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese combine to form the toppings of this pizza. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and sprinkle with croutons. 103 of 105 Mama's Fried Chicken Southern Living This traditional Southern recipe features buttermilk, flour, salt, and pepper. The result is juicy chicken on the inside and crispy on the outside. 104 of 105 Classic Chicken Tetrazzini Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas Make a classic comfort food recipe with this chicken casserole. This family-friendly dish takes less than an hour and provides a filling one-dish meal. Portion individual servings and freeze them in freezer-and-microwave-safe containers. Separating this dish in this way allows you to reheat dinner for one, two, or the entire family. 105 of 105 Tarragon Chicken Salad Photo: Jennifer Davick This creamy chicken salad pairs perfectly with the crunch of pecans, Granny Smith apples, red onions, and celery. Enjoying this chicken salad recipe is worth the extra ingredients and preparations. Lemon juice and chopped fresh tarragon add additional flavoring to this refreshing dish. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit