30+ Chicken Dinner Recipes (Simple and Delicious)

Name: 30+ Best Chicken Dinner Ideas
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: The Best Roast Chicken with Vegetables (one pan meal) (400-500 calories per serving); Best Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan Bread (700-800 calories per serving); Easy Chicken Fajitas with all the toppings (500-600 kcals); Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken with Potatoes (400-500 kcals); Best and Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta (600-700 kcals); Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe (500-600 kcals); Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (500-600 kcals); Easy Loaded Chicken Enchiladas (600-700 kcals); Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (500-600 kcals); Chicken Vegetable Soup (300-400 kcals); The Best Chicken Piccata (500-600 kcals); Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (400-500 kcals); Chicken and Mushroom Risotto (500-600 kcals); Oven Baked Chicken Tenders (400-500 kcals); Crockpot Chicken Chili (500-600 kcals); Easy Mustard Glazed Chicken (400-500 kcals); Chicken Shawarma (500-600 kcals); Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles (700-800 kcals); Teriyaki Chicken {15-minute meal} (600-700 kcals); Spinach Chicken (600-700 kcals); Chicken Quesadillas (500-600 kcals); Buffalo Chicken Wrap (Buffalo Wild Wings copycat) (500-600 kcals); Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki sauce (500-600 kcals); Creamy chicken and bacon carbonara (700-800 kcals); Cheesy Keto Broccoli and Chicken Casserole (500-600 kcals); Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms (450-500 kcals); Crunchy Fried Chicken with Potatoes and Gravy (800-900 kcals); Easy Spicy Chicken Pad Thai (500-600 kcals)

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Chicken dinner recipes are a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or special occasions due to their versatility, affordability, and ease of preparation. Additionally, chicken is a healthy protein source that can be tailored to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a go-to choice for many home cooks.

Tandoori Chicken kebab served with roasted veggies in a white ceramic plate - a perfect chicken dinner recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe collection
Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitutions
- Variations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
FAQs on Chicken Dinner Recipes
Collection of the Best Chicken Recipes
Recipe Card

Why you’ll love this recipe collection

There are many reasons why you may love this chicken dinner recipes collection –

Variety: The list includes a diverse range of dishes, from classic roasted chicken to international favorites like chicken tikka masala and chicken shawarma. This variety means that you will likely find several recipes that appeal to your tastes and preferences.
Ease of preparation: Many of the recipes are simple and quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Family-friendly: Most of the recipes are designed to serve four people, making them perfect for family dinners. Additionally, many of the dishes are likely to appeal to kids and adults alike.
Nutritious: Chicken is a good source of protein, and many of the recipes also incorporate other nutritious ingredients like vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Delicious: Of course, one of the most important reasons to love these recipes is simply that they taste great! From savory comfort foods like chicken pot pie and creamy pasta dishes to flavorful ethnic cuisines like chicken tikka masala, chicken pad Thai, and chicken shawarma, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you are looking for appetizers to accompany your main course for dinner, then be sure to check out mouth-watering chicken wings recipes and easy game night recipes. For main course recipes other than chicken check out my delicious pasta recipe collection for ideas. To satisfy your sweet cravings consider preparing these awesome American Desserts!

Ingredients

Here are some important ingredients for preparing the chicken dishes listed –

Chicken: The star ingredient in all of these dishes, providing protein and flavor. For quicker meal preparation, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken available in large grocery stores.
Vegetables: Important for adding nutrients, fiber, and flavor to the dishes.
Rice/potatoes/quinoa: Common carbohydrate sources that pair well with chicken and help make the dishes more filling.
Spices and herbs: Key for adding flavor to the dishes, such as garlic, oregano, cumin, or paprika.
Cheese: Used in dishes like chicken parmesan and chicken and broccoli casserole, for a creamy and savory addition.
Sauce: Adds flavor and moisture to the dishes, such as Alfredo sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Bread: Commonly used as a side or for dipping, such as garlic bread, naan bread, or pita bread.
Salad greens: Used for a side salad or as a base for a chicken Caesar salad.
Nuts or seeds: Used in dishes like chicken pad Thai or chicken and broccoli casserole, for added crunch and nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Here are some common substitutions for the important ingredients in these chicken dishes:

Chicken: Can be substituted with other proteins such as turkey, tofu, or shrimp.
Vegetables: Different vegetables can be used based on personal preference or availability, and frozen vegetables can be substituted for fresh.
Rice/potatoes/quinoa: Can be substituted with other grains such as couscous or bulgur, or cauliflower rice can be used instead of regular rice.
Cheese: Vegan or dairy-free cheese can be used instead of regular cheese.
Bread: Gluten-free bread or crackers can be used for those with dietary restrictions, or bread can be omitted altogether.
Nuts or seeds: Can be omitted if there are allergies or preferences, or a different ingredient such as croutons or bacon bits can be used for added crunch.

Variations

One-Pan Meals: Many of these chicken recipes can be adapted into one-pan meals, where all the ingredients are cooked together in a single dish, making preparation and cleanup easier.
Slow-Cooker Versions: Some of these recipes can be adapted for the slow cooker, allowing for easy, hands-off cooking.
Grilled Chicken: Chicken can be grilled in most instances to add a smoky flavor and char to the dish.
Vegetarian Versions: Some of these recipes can be adapted for vegetarians by substituting chicken with tofu, paneer, or other plant-based proteins.
Spicy Variations: For those who like a bit of heat, spicy variations can be made by adding chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the dishes.
Healthier Versions: Many of these dishes can be made healthier by swapping out some ingredients, such as Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in creamy sauces or whole-grain pasta or bread instead of white.

Healthy Homemade Grilled chicken dinner with colorful roasted veggies served in a white ceramic plate. — Original image by Sam @ Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/photos/LUv656869_A)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are some common steps followed when preparing chicken recipes:

Begin by preparing the ingredients, such as washing and chopping vegetables, measuring out spices and herbs, and cutting the chicken into appropriate pieces.
Heat oil in a pan or skillet, and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
Add vegetables, spices, and sauce as necessary, and continue cooking until everything is heated through and fully cooked.
For oven-baked dishes, prepare a baking dish or sheet with non-stick spray, and arrange the chicken and other ingredients as directed. Bake at the specified temperature for the suggested amount of time.
For slow-cooker dishes, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for several hours or high for a shorter time.
Once the chicken and other ingredients are cooked, plate the dish as desired, and garnish with herbs, cheese, or other toppings as suggested by the recipe.

Expert Tips

Here are some important tips shared by chefs when preparing chicken dinner recipes:

Always wash your hands and kitchen surfaces before handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for this purpose.
Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.
Marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat. Season the chicken generously with herbs, spices, and salt to enhance the flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan or skillet when cooking chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior.
Use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor, as the bones add richness and depth to the dish.
Experiment with different cooking methods, such as grilling or slow-cooking, to discover new flavors and textures in your chicken dishes.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

Here are some common storage and make-ahead instructions for chicken dinner recipes:

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
When reheating leftover chicken, make sure it is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
To make meal prep easier, cook a large batch of chicken at once and store it in separate containers to use throughout the week.
Some chicken dishes, such as stews or casseroles, can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to heat and serve.
When storing raw chicken in the refrigerator, keep it in a separate container or on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
Consider using a vacuum sealer or freezer bags to remove as much air as possible when storing chicken in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.
Label and date all stored chicken dishes to ensure you use them before they go bad.
When marinating chicken, do so in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

FAQs on Chicken Dinner Recipes

How long should I marinate chicken?

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken in my recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will take longer to cook. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

How can I make my chicken more tender and juicy?

Marinate the chicken, pound it to an even thickness, or cook it using a slow-cooking method to make it more tender.

How do I prevent my chicken from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is heated before adding the chicken, use enough oil or cooking spray, and avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks.

How can I add more flavor to my chicken?

Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also marinate the chicken or add a flavorful sauce or glaze.

How to decide whether to use chicken breast or chicken thigh in a recipe?

When deciding between chicken breasts and chicken drumsticks or thighs, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your chosen recipe. Chicken breasts are leaner and have a milder flavor. They are also ideal for grilling or baking as they cook quickly and evenly.

On the other hand, chicken drumsticks and thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor. They are ideal for slow-cooking or braising as they hold up well to longer cooking times. Ultimately, the choice between chicken breasts and drumsticks/thighs depends on the recipe, cooking method, and personal preference.

Collection of the Best Chicken Recipes

The Best Roast Chicken and Vegetables

This Whole Roast Chicken and Vegetables is a one pan dinner with little prep and big flavor! An easy healthy dinner idea! Usually 400-500 calories per serving.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe collection

Ingredients

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Variations

Step-by-Step Instructions

Expert Tips

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

FAQs on Chicken Dinner Recipes

Collection of the Best Chicken Recipes

Recipe Card

30+ Best Chicken Dinner Ideas

Ingredients 1x2x3x

Instructions

Here are some common steps followed when preparing chicken recipes:

Notes

Nutrition

Ingredients