Looking for some new chicken recipe ideas to add to your rotation? You’ve come to the right place! Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins out there, lending itself to countless delicious dishes.
From quick and easy weeknight meals to showstopping dishes for entertaining, this comprehensive collection of 20 chicken recipes has you covered. We’ll cover baked and roasted chicken, grilled chicken, one-pot chicken dinners, meal prep ideas, and more! Let’s get started.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Chicken Recipes
We all need a few go-to chicken recipes in our back pocket for those busy nights. These flavorful yet fuss-free dishes come together in no time!
Chicken Fajitas
You can’t beat the classic fajita flavor combo of smoky spices, peppers and onions. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for weeknights.
Fajita Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness and place in a shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- Cook chicken and sliced peppers/onions in a hot skillet or grill pan until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Serve fajita filling in warm tortillas with desired toppings like guacamole, salsa, cheese, etc.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright lemon and savory garlic make an iconic flavor pairing for chicken. This recipe is a snap to whip up.
Lemon Garlic Marinade:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Combine marinade ingredients in a shallow dish and add chicken breasts. Marinate for 30 mins.
- Bake chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Optionally finish under the broiler briefly for extra browning.
- Garnish with parsley, lemon slices, and serve over pasta, rice or veggies.
“Chicken is one of the most infinitely versatile foods on the planet. It’s delicious in a seemingly endless number of ways.” – Tyler Kord, Chef
Chicken Stir Fry
Stir fries are the perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal, loaded with lean chicken and lots of veggies.
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Toss 1 lb chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks with 2 tsp soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit 15 mins (this velvets the chicken).
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet and stir fry vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, onions, snap peas etc.
- Push veggies to the side and add chicken. Cook for 2-3 mins undisturbed.
- Add stir fry sauce and toss everything together until sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Baked and Roasted Chicken Recipes
Whether you’re craving crispy skin, tender juicy meat, or a combination of both textures – baked and roasted chicken dishes deliver deliciousness.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
You can’t beat a classic! The glorious aroma of a whole roasted chicken is hard to top.
Lemon Herb Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Pat a whole 3-4 lb chicken dry and loosen the skin. Rub the herb mixture under the skin and all over the outside.
- Stuff cavity with lemon halves, onion and fresh herbs.
- Roast at 425°F for 1 – 1 1/2 hours, until an instant read thermometer reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let rest 15 minutes, then carve and serve with pan juices.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Get that crispy fried chicken texture without the actual deep frying! Baked chicken thighs are easy, juicy and flavorful.
Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- Brush chicken thighs with olive oil or melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Coat thighs evenly with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches 175°F internal temp.
- For extra crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Take chicken up a notch by stuffing the breasts with a tasty filling like these:
- Spinach Artichoke: Sauté spinach with garlic, artichokes, cream cheese, parmesan.
- Feta and Broccoli: Cook broccoli florets with crumbled feta, lemon zest, garlic and panko.
- Caprese: Fill with a slice of fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and tomato.
Grilled Chicken Recipes
Hot summer days are meant for firing up the grill! These smoky, charred chicken recipes are total crowd-pleasers.
Barbecue Grilled Chicken
You can’t go wrong with classic BBQ chicken hot off the grill. Whip up a quick homemade sauce for next-level flavor.
Easy BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
- Make sauce by combining all ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Brush sauce generously all over chicken pieces (drumsticks, breasts, wings, etc.).
- Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp.
- Brush with more sauce during the final few minutes of grilling.
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
You’ll love this bright and zesty marinade for grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
Cilantro Lime Marinade:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- Whisk together marinade ingredients and pour over chicken in a shallow dish. Marinate for 30 mins up to overnight.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Squeeze extra lime juice over top when serving.
One-Pot Chicken Dinner Recipes
On those hectic nights, one-pot or pan meals are a lifesaver! These hearty chicken dinners come together easily with minimal cleanup.
Chicken Pot Pie
A childhood classic we all still crave as adults! This comforting pot pie really hits the spot.
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- Salt, pepper, thyme to taste
Crust Options:
- Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts
- Homemade drop biscuits
- Frozen puff pastry
- Panko parmesan topping
- Make a roux with the butter and flour. Whisk in broth and milk, and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen veggies. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.
- Pour filling into a greased baking dish. Top with crust/biscuits/topping of choice.
- Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until filling is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
Chicken Cacciatore
This rustic Italian hunter-style chicken is pure comfort in a pot!
Tomato Sauce Ingredients:
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine or chicken broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Season chicken parts with salt, pepper and dredge lightly in flour.
- Sear chicken in batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove from pot.
- Cook onions and peppers in same pot until soft. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Deglaze with wine/broth, then add tomatoes, herbs and chicken.
- Simmer covered for 45-60 minutes, until chicken is very tender.
- Serve over pasta, polenta or crusty bread with grated parmesan.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Is there any soup more soul-satisfying than a classic chicken noodle? This recipe takes it to the next level.
Broth Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (or parts)
- 2 large carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 cups water or chicken stock
- Salt and pepper
- Place chicken and vegetables in a large pot and cover with water/stock. Add bay leaf.
- Simmer for 1-2 hours, periodically skimming any foam or fat.
- Remove chicken and pick meat off the bones. Strain and reserve broth.
- Cook pasta or rice and veggies like carrots, celery, onion in the broth.
- Add cooked chicken back in and heat through. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and serve with crusty bread.
Meal Prep Chicken Recipes
Looking for some meal prep inspiration to make lunches easier? Try one of these tasty and portable chicken recipes!
Buffalo Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
- Baked buffalo chicken
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps or Salad
- Grilled or baked honey mustard chicken
- Romaine lettuce or tortilla/flatbread wraps
- Shredded carrots and cabbage
- Tomatoes, avocado, etc.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Meal Prep
- Teriyaki or Orange chicken
- Steamed veggie medley (broccoli, snap peas, etc)
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Green onions, sesame seeds
Chicken Marinade Ideas
A good marinade can instantly elevate your standard baked, grilled or sautéed chicken. Try these tasty options:
- Italian Marinade: Olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic
- Teriyaki Marinade: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger
- Yogurt Marinade: Plain yogurt, lemon, garlic, curry powder
- Mojo Marinade: Olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano
- Balsamic Marinade: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, garlic, rosemary
Leftover Chicken Recipes
Don’t let that extra chicken go to waste! Repurpose it into one of these delicious leftover chicken recipes:
- Chicken Salad: Shredded chicken, mayo, celery, dried cranberries, walnuts
- Chicken Enchiladas: Shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese
- Chicken Noodle Soup: See recipe above!
- Chicken Fried Rice: Diced chicken, day-old rice, scrambled egg, veggies
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Shredded BBQ chicken, red onion, cilantro
As you can see, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to enjoy chicken! From easy weeknight meals to showstopping dishes for company, I hope these 20 recipes gave you plenty of inspiration. Chicken is such a versatile, budget-friendly protein that lends itself to all kinds of global flavors and preparations.
Be sure to bookmark this post for the next time you need some new chicken recipe ideas. Better yet, pick one to try out this week! Do you have a favorite go-to chicken recipe? I’d love for you to share it in the comments below.