13 Shortcut Chicken Favorites

By By Mary Allen Perry
December 09, 2008
Grab a plate and taste what you’ve been missing!
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Chicken Enchiladas

Credit: 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.

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1-2-3 Jambalaya

Recipe: 1-2-3 Jambalaya

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

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Chicken Pot Pie

Credit: 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.

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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

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Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Credit: 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.

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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.

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Chicken Cobbler Casserole

Credit: 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Chicken Cannelloni with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Credit: 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.

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Smoky Chicken Chili

Credit: 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.

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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.

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By By Mary Allen Perry