Dutch Oven Chicken Recipes For Your Easiest-Ever Weeknight Meals
A Dutch oven is one piece of kitchen equipment that we couldn't live without—especially in the winter months, when soups, stews, and hearty pastas are staples in our weeknight meal rotation. We're here to make the case that your Dutch oven deserves a crowning place on your stovetop year-round. From easy Chicken Bog, which makes use of rotisserie chicken to cut your cooking time in half, to elegant dinner-party-worthy dishes like Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Lemons, these chicken dishes prove just how versatile your Dutch oven can be. And don't go thinking these recipes are only for the winter—a nice Chicken-Andouille Gumbo is a Cajun staple any time of year, and Chicken Caprese Pasta is a light, fresh, and herb-forward springtime meal. So what are you waiting for? It's time to break out that beloved piece of equipment and cook these warming, stick-to-your-bones Dutch oven chicken recipes.
Country Captain Chicken
Recipe: Country Captain Chicken
This dish starts and finishes on your stovetop Dutch oven, making it a resounding mess-free weeknight favorite.
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Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie
Let the golden-brown, puffed crust fold over the edges of your Dutch oven for maximum crispiness—and to seal in all that heat.
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Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes
Recipe: Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes
A gumbo packed with Cajun flavor, this meal is also super hearty thanks to the dual proteins of chicken and sausage.
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Chicken Chili
Recipe: Chicken Chili
A chili that comes together in just 50 minutes, with only 15 minutes of active time? This recipe sure is a keeper.
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Chicken Caprese Pasta
Recipe: Chicken Caprese Pasta
Cook the pasta in your Dutch oven, and make sure to save some of that starchy cooking water to help the sauce stick to the noodles when it all comes together.
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Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Recipe: Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
Just like grandma used to make. If your childhood sick days were filled with big batches of Nana's chicken soup, this warm recipe will bring back a blast of nostalgia.
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Green Chile-Chicken Stew
Recipe: Green Chile-Chicken Stew
Nothing quite welcomes winter like a warming stew, and this version—heated up with green chile—puts a slightly spicy, Tex-Mex twist on the classic dish.
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Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew
Recipe: Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew
Brunswick Stew is a storied Southern classic, and everyone's got their own opinions of the proper ingredients to add. With both chicken and brisket, our crowd-pleasing version has the best of both worlds.
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Chicken Chili Pot Pie
Recipe: Chicken Chili Pot Pie
Feel free to divide portions into cute individual ramekins or just serve this dish family-style in your Dutch oven.
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Chicken Bog
Recipe: Chicken Bog
Packed with protein from shredded rotisserie chicken, this dish is so convenient for busy weeknights.
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White Lightening Chicken Chili
Recipe: White Lightening Chicken Chili
Navy beans, onion, and chicken form the base of this lightened-up white chili. The best part of all? It'll be ready in 30 minutes.
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Mama's Fried Chicken
Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken
A Dutch oven may be the perfect vehicle for slow-cooking soups and stews, but it also works overtime as an at-home frying vessel. Homemade, crispy fried chicken, here we come!
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Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Lemons
Recipe: Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Lemons
This party-worthy dish may look extra impressive, but it's actually shockingly simple. Just brown the chicken skin and let your Dutch oven do the rest of the work.
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Pull your Dutch oven out of storage for this ultra-comforting dish. Perfectly crispy chicken, melty cheese, rich tomato sauce…there's really nothing like it, especially on a cozy evening.
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Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup
Recipe: Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup
Chicken soup season calls for more than just the run-of-the-mill chicken noodle. Try adding sausage, kale, and cream instead.
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Fried Chicken Wings
Recipe: Fried Chicken Wings
Since the Dutch oven doubles as a great deep fryer, why not cook up a batch of chicken wings? Nothing beats one hot and fresh with a crisp, thick, golden brown crust.
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Chicken Fricot
Recipe: Chicken Fricot
Hiding behind the star power of gumbo and boudin is Chicken Fricot. While it might not have the same press, it's no less tasty. Our version features a whole chicken and sausage-filled dumplings.
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Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Caper Sauce
Recipe: Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Caper Sauce
This is a simple weeknight dinner you'll want to have on rotation. It's the sauce that really seals the deal—a classic reimagined with capers, which leave a briny, tangy note.
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Mushroom and Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
Recipe: Mushroom and Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
Fontina cheese, mushrooms, and fresh thyme are a tried-and-true combination. Bring this casserole to a potluck or make it a meal train contribution. You won't go wrong.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Sometimes, the usual chicken noodle needs a little oomph, and the cream gives it a decadent boost.
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Cajun Fried Chicken
Recipe: Cajun Fried Chicken
Add a little kick to your standard fried chicken with the addition of some hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. The best part is that the spices are to your taste, so add as little or as much as you please.
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Red Rice-Smoked Chicken Perloo
Recipe: Red Rice-Smoked Chicken Perloo
This one-pot rice dish is a Lowcountry staple. Here, we share James Beard-nominated Chef Ashleigh Shanti's recipe, which includes her own additions of bacon, smoked chicken, white wine, smoked paprika, and an abundance of bell peppers.
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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Recipe: One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
It's the pasta dish we all know and love—but make it Cajun. Boiling the pasta in the chicken broth mixture adds extra flavor and depth.
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Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Recipe: Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Be sure to use fresh corn, per McBride's advice. You can also control the spiciness by adding jalapeño and smokiness with chipotle chili powder.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Serve with a tossed green salad or warm, homemade bread and cozy up next to the fireplace.
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One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice
Recipe: One-Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Rice
Your Dutch oven will come in handy for the frying, sautéing, and baking this recipe requires. But don't worry; the effort is well worth it.
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Chicken Spaghetti
Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti
For a quick dinner, cook and shred your chicken in advance so that you're ready to go day-of. You'll be adding this to your casserole lineup in no time.
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Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Serving a crowd? Your Dutch oven will hold plenty of pot pie to serve them all. Be sure to have extra puff pastry on hand—that's the best part.
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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken soup and rice is one of the ultimate comfort dishes. We brighten up this version with a generous handful of collards, fresh thyme, and leeks.
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Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
If you need a gumbo recipe for your recipe box, make it this one. The key to success? Make sure to brown the chicken and sausage to caramelization for extra flavor. And, make sure your roux is a nice chocolate hue.
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Smoked Chicken Corn Chowder
Recipe: Smoked Chicken Corn Chowder
Bacon, potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh corn all in one pot? This recipe is for the soup lovers. While it'd be a comforting meal all on its own, the addition of some smoked chicken makes it extra hearty.
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Andouille Sausage and Smoked Chicken Gumbo
Recipe: Andouille Sausage and Smoked Chicken Gumbo
Simmering a pot of this gumbo in your Dutch oven on a cold day might be the definition of cozy. No andouille sausage? Replace with any smoked sausage or kielbasa. Â
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Chicken Fricassee with Spring Vegetables
Recipe: Chicken Fricassee with Spring Vegetables
Serve this bright, hearty stew on a cool, early spring evening. It'll be ready in 45 minutes and can be done in a single pot.