100+ Easy Chicken Recipes for a Quick Dinner Tonight

By Southern Living
Photo: Jennifer Davick

We've rounded up our favorite, easy ways to prepare chicken. 

Chicken is arguably the South’s favorite protein to put on the dinner table. We love it for it’s 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 type of 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 to far to find an easy chicken 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.

Start Slideshow

1 of 109

Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

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 will be just as delicious with any ripe tomato. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 109

Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler

This family-friendly dish is sure to become a new holiday staple. Use fresh herbs in the cobbler.

3 of 109

Chicken and Fontina Panini

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken and Fontina Panini

Crusty on the outside, 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 you're 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 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat on the flip side, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more. 

Advertisement

4 of 109

Chicken Stir-Fry

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken Stir-Fry

Fresh veggies add prep time but allow you to customize this stir-fry with summer favorites. Add any veggie you like for a meal that is sure to please the whole family. The best part? This one-dish wonder will be ready in just 10 minutes. 

5 of 109

Chicken Noodle Bowl with Peanut-Ginger Sauce

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken Noodle Bowl with Peanut-Ginger Sauce

Make the dressing and prep the veggies the day before, and dinner will be on the table in minutes. This is a great recipe to really make your own by adding and subtracting fresh veggies to suite your taste. 

6 of 109

Southwest Chicken Tortillas

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Southwest Chicken Tortillas

Serve these Southwest Chicken Tortillas with sliced avocados and extra salsa on the side. We used corn tortillas, but feel free to use flour if you prefer. Feel free to add any toppings you like. You really can't go wrong with this family-favorite.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 109

Chicken and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken and White Bean Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

This vibrant salad is quick to toss together and travels well, which makes it ideal for summer picnics and potlucks. Don't worry, the salad won't wilt when dressed, so make it ahead of time and store it for several hours in the refrigerator. 

8 of 109

Grilled Chicken Cutlets with Strawberry Salsa

Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Cutlets with Strawberry Salsa

This fresh and light dish will be your go-to supper this season. The chicken cutlets get a big boost of flavor from a marinade of pineapple juice, ground ancho chile, cumin, vinegar, and oil. Be sure to allow enough time for the chicken to chill in the marinade for 30 minutes before grilling. You'll probably want to make an extra batch of our strawberry salsa to serve alongside. We also love to drizzle Tangy Strawberry Barbecue Sauce over the chicken. 

9 of 109

Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups

Leftover chicken gets a fresh makeover with crisp lettuce leaves, toasted walnuts, and dried cherries. Freeze any extra meat in portion sizes, and use in future recipes. 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, like we did here, or with crackers and fruit. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 109

Sesame Chicken Tacos

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Recipe: Sesame Chicken Tacos

Baja and Beijing collide in a healthy new way with taco night.

11 of 109

Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

Each member of the family can enjoy his or her favorite piece of the bird with this recipe.

12 of 109

Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

The trick to extra-savory veggies is cooking the chicken atop the potatoes and carrots.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 109

Perfect Chicken Kabobs

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Perfect Chicken Kabobs

Mixing vegetables and meat on the same skewer is a no-go; you'll end up overcooking something. Instead, grill vegetable-only skewers to go with the meat-only kabobs. Choose thighs, a great cut of chicken for marinating because when they are deboned, the butcher leaves lots of nooks and crannies that trap the marinade. Finally, use a wide, flat skewer to keep the food from twirling around, making cooking and eating easier.

Watch: The Best Way To Make Kabobs

14 of 109

Chicken with Cashews

Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken with Cashews

Our Test Kitchen staffers declared that this Chinese-inspired recipe from 1979 beats any take-out meal.

15 of 109

Korean Buttermilk Chicken Kabobs

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Korean Buttermilk Chicken Kabobs

Gochujang is a Korean condiment with tons of bright, peppery flavor. It's made with chile peppers but is sweet enough for kids. Try it on grilled meat or stirred into mayonnaise for a sandwich. If you'd like, swap pieces of pork tenderloin or sirloin steak for the chicken.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 109

Grilled Chicken-Vegetable Kabobs

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Grilled Chicken-Vegetable Kabobs

This easy kabob dish is both beautiful and delicious. You can substitute whatever veggies you have on hand for an easy supper.

Video: The Best Way To Make Kabobs

17 of 109

Quick BBQ Chicken Pizzas

Photo: Jason Wallis

Recipe: Quick BBQ Chicken Pizzas

Baking the pizzas directly on the oven rack gives you a crisp crust in less time. You can substitute shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese for fresh.

18 of 109

Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups

These cups pair the freshness of a salad with the heartiness of a taco. Serve as an appetizer or light dinner. 

 
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 109

Garlic-Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Thighs

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Garlic-Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Thighs

Tangy yogurt tenderizes the meat and balances the heat from the jalapeño peppers. Grill indoors on a grill pan, or rev up the outdoor grill. Steamed sugar snap peas round out the meal.

20 of 109

Grilled Chipotle Chicken

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Grilled Chipotle Chicken

Ditch your plain grilled chicken for a zesty, perfectly spiced dinner instead. Grilled Chipotle Chicken delivers a smoky heat flavor with a touch of sweetness. Try Mexican oregano for extra zing.

21 of 109

Chicken, Farro, and Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken, Farro, and Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette 

Grilling the chicken and vegetables gives this healthy and hearty salad a smoky, sweet flavor. If you prefer, substitute sliced celery for fennel and pearl barley or wheat berries for farro.

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 109

Grilled Chicken and New Potatoes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and New Potatoes

Use a foil packet as a fuss-free cooking vessel for the leeks and potatoes (or any vegetable). 
 

 

 

23 of 109

Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes 

This winner of a chicken dinner is our new favorite roasting-pan supper.

 

 

 

24 of 109

Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs

Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs

A buttermilk marinade ensures tender meat and juicy flavor. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 109

Chicken Cutlets with Herbed Mushroom Sauce

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Herbed Mushroom Sauce

Cleanup is easy with this one pan dinner (you'll make the sauce in the same pan you used to cook the cutlets). Serve the dish over mashed potatoes or with a loaf of crusty bread to sop up the earthy sauce. To cut costs, purchase fresh herbs labeled "poultry blend." You'll get an assortment of herbs for the price of one package.

26 of 109

Loaded Chicken-Bacon Pot Pie

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Loaded Chicken-Bacon Pot Pie

You can’t go wrong with Chicken Pot Pie. You can’t go wrong with Bacon. This high-rating recipe combines both for a classic Southern dish that your family will request over and over again. Deli-roasted chicken and puff pastry shortcut time without cutting flavor; Thick, sizzling bacon slices, dry white wine, and mustard give the gravy and vegetables a savory punch. Want to know the secret for making the perfect potpie filling? Reserve the bacon drippings, and cook it in to the flour-based broth. You can make the mini version of this recipe by using ramekins instead of a baking dish.

Watch: Loaded Chicken-Bacon Pot Pie

27 of 109

Chicken Paillard with Citrus Salad and Couscous

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken Paillard with Citrus Salad and Couscous

Israeli couscous is also sometimes labeled pearl couscous.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 109

Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

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 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. 

29 of 109

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Spaghetti

Spend 20 minutes in the kitchen prepping this gorgeous, hearty sauce. Once the sauce simmers in the cooker, all that's left to do is cook a pound of pasta, and serve.

30 of 109

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

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. This dish is perfect for weekend nights when you have more time to devote to ingredient preparation – it takes some time for these ingredients to come together to form one of the most delicious casseroles we’ve ever cooked. We can attest that this dish is worth the wait. Nutty wild rice helps sop up all the good chicken gravy so you don’t miss any flavor. Jazz up the classic comfort food recipe with fresh toppings like flat-leaf parsley and crunchy sliced almonds.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 109

Grilled Chicken and Garden Salsa

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Prepare the 3-ingredient marinade using Parmesan, mayonnaise, and lemon zest for flavorful chicken breast. Toss zucchini, onion, and bell peppers with olive oil, throw them over the fire, and let the season’s veggies speak for themselves. 

 

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Garden Salsa

32 of 109

Top-Shelf Chicken Under a Brick

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Top-Shelf Chicken Under a Brick

The "top-shelf" in this recipe speaks to the crispy skin, superior flavor, and juiciness of the bird. It also refers to a novel new technique: cooking potatoes in the heavy cast-iron skillet that's used as a weight on the chicken. The weight presses the chicken flat against the grill grates, cutting the cooking time in half. Plus you'll be cooking your side dish at the same time.

33 of 109

Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Keep waffles warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes before assembling. Top waffles with chicken, and drizzle with Peach-Horseradish Maple Syrup.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 109

Stovetop Chicken Pie

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie

After eating this pot pie version of the classic Southern chicken and biscuit meal, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this chicken pot pie biscuit casserole sooner. Use frozen buttermilk biscuits for quicker cook time; for special occasions, make our best ever biscuit recipe to take this comfort food to the next level. A family-size rotisserie chicken yields the perfect amount of chopped cooked chicken for this quick twist on traditional chicken potpie. Lighten up this down home meal with low fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup, or serve it over brown rice rather than biscuits.

35 of 109

Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce

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.

 

36 of 109

Grilled Salt-and-Pepper Chicken Wings

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Grilled Salt-and-Pepper Chicken Wings

Broiler option: Broil on a foil-lined jelly-roll pan 8 inches from heat 20 minutes or until done, turning halfway through. Amp up the flavor with one of our tasty drizzle recipes.

Honey Drizzle Recipes ​Recipe: Cider Vinegar-Brown Butter Honey Drizzle Recipe: Horseradish-Honey Mustard Drizzle Recipe: Cracked Pepper-Rosemary Honey Drizzle Recipe: Chili-Lemon Honey Drizzle
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 109

Margarita-Brined Chicken

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Soak chicken in a citrus-and-tequila-spiked brine to infuse Latin flavors and keep the chicken moist as it cooks. Pat the skin dry before grilling, and start skin-side down to ensure it gets good and crispy. Feel free to sub orange juice for tequila and lemons or oranges for limes, and be sure to grill extra citrus for a pretty and functional garnish.

 

Recipe: Margarita-Brined Chicken

38 of 109

King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

All the flavors of a favorite casserole come together in the comfort of mac and cheese. Freeze this hearty, cheesy favorite in lidded bakeware for easy transport between oven, freezer, and fridge.

39 of 109

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Pasta and Pesto

Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Crispy Chicken Thighs with Pasta and Pesto

This stovetop-to-oven method yields crisp, dark-golden skin and juicy, tender meat.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 109

Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake

Cheese-filled tortellini and a chopped pecan topping add extra flavor to this kid-friendly Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake, while broccoli and red bell pepper contribute pops of color throughout this one-dish meal. Add even more fun color 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. Make this casserole dish for a potluck group or your family and receive rave reviews from all. One reviewer said that she enjoyed it so much, that she immediately emailed the recipe to her girlfriends.

41 of 109

Sesame Chicken Garden Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Sesame Chicken Garden Salad

Dress a double batch of this light but satisfying dinner with the sesame dressing. The flavors get even better overnight in the fridge, and leftovers make a gourmet on-the-go lunch.

42 of 109

Curried Chicken Chowder

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Curried Chicken Chowder

To preserve the textures of meat and vegetables in soup, it's important to cool hot soups completely before freezing. To quickly reduce the temperature, transfer to large, shallow containers (13- × 9-inch baking dishes). Refrigerate uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cool.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 109

Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Reinvent the Caesar by roasting the lettuce to caramelize it, and jazz up store-bought dressing to make it taste like homemade.

44 of 109

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

This colorful chicken and vegetable stir fry is a delight for the eyes as well as the taste buds with its colorful array of yellow squash, red bell pepper, broccolini, and green onions.

45 of 109

Grilled Chicken-Asparagus Salad

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Grilled Chicken-Asparagus Salad

This hearty salad is brightened up with mint, lemon juice, and fresh dill. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

46 of 109

Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa

A mix of sweet and heat on these chicken cutlets is sure to get your family's taste buds ready for dinner. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

47 of 109