13 Shortcut Chicken Favorites

By By Mary Allen Perry

Grab a plate and taste what you’ve been missing!

Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Chicken Enchiladas

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Faster than fast food and way more delicious, these cheesy enchiladas come together in a snap. A quick spritz of vegetable cooking spray adds extra crispness to flour tortillas as they bake.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

1-2-3 Jambalaya

Recipe: 1-2-3 Jambalaya

Smoked sausage and Creole seasoning deliver long-simmered flavor to this hearty Louisiana favorite.

3 of 14

Chicken Pot Pie

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

The convenience of refrigerated piecrust makes this deep-dish favorite easy enough for a weeknight. If you don’t have time to simmer a whole chicken, just substitute an equal amount of canned broth and the meat from a rotisserie chicken.

Advertisement

4 of 14

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken Casserole

We bet that after one taste of this rich, creamy casserole recipe, you'll be hooked. It also travels well, making it a great choice to take to a covered-dish dinner.

Step-by-Step Video: King Ranch Chicken Casserole

5 of 14

Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Light King Ranch Casserole

If you think cutting calories means giving up the foods you love, think again. This top-rated makeover is every bit as creamy and satisfying as the full-fat original.

6 of 14

Spicy Chicken-Rice Bowl

Recipe: Spicy Chicken-Rice Bowl

Forget about calling for takeout! Red curry paste and coconut milk add instant Asian flavor to this soul-warming dish. Rather than chopping the chicken, use 2 forks or your fingers to pull the meat apart lengthwise, separating it into long shreds. Prepare the dish even faster by steaming frozen green beans instead of fresh.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Buttery cubes of sourdough rolls make a quick and crunchy topping for this speedy twist on chicken pot pie.

8 of 14

Chicken Tetrazzini

Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini

A speedy Italian classic, this tetrazzini can be made ahead for easy weeknight dinners. Freeze an unbaked casserole up to 1 month, if desired. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature, and bake as directed

9 of 14

Chicken-Olive-Cheddar Quiche

Recipe: Chicken-Olive-Cheddar Quiche

We grill year round and always put on extra chicken to use in other recipes such as this quiche – but it’s equally good when made with roasted chicken.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Chicken-and-Artichoke Salad

Recipe: Chicken-and-Artichoke Salad

Spread over slices of Texas toast and topped with Colby-jack cheese, chicken salad warms up for a winter day.

11 of 14

Chicken Cannelloni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken Cannelloni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

A creamy mix of chicken, spinach, and mozzarella turns manicotti shells into an impressively easy one-dish meal.

12 of 14

Smoky Chicken Chili

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Smoky Chicken Chili

Save time by making this chicken chili with smoked chicken from your favorite barbecue restaurant, or use a barbecue-flavored rotisserie chicken from your local supermarket.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

Recipe: Chicken Casserole D’Iberville

Fresh mushrooms and wild rice team up with chopped cooked chicken in this company-worthy casserole. Try the original recipe or our Kitchen Express – both versions freeze beautifully. Spoon the mixture into 8 (2-cup) casserole dishes, 8 (5 1/2- x 3 1/2- x 2-inch) mini-loaf pans, 3 (8-inch or 9-inch) square baking dishes, or 1 (4-quart or 15- x 10-inch) casserole dish.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Popular in food

All Topics in food

Advertisement