25 chicken makeovers grandma would approve of

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Grandma’s kitchen was always filled with the aroma of delicious chicken dishes, and we’ve gathered 25 recipes that honor that legacy with a fresh update. These meals are simple, satisfying, and cover a range of flavors and techniques to suit any occasion. From the ease of a slow cooker to the quick sizzle of a skillet, these chicken makeovers are sure to become new favorites in your home-cooking repertoire.

Chicken breasts in a skillet with onions and cheese.
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Dairy free slow cooker chicken alfredo

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl.
Dairy free slow cooker chicken alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Dairy-free slow cooker chicken alfredo swaps the traditional cream for coconut milk, ensuring a rich and creamy taste without the lactose. This dish, taking about four hours, features tender chicken and a savory garlic-infused sauce. It’s a comforting meal that tastes indulgent while accommodating dietary restrictions. Main ingredients include chicken breast, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dairy free slow cooker chicken alfredo

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken combines the tangy zest of mustard with the sweet depth of maple syrup. The main ingredients, chicken thighs, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup, create a flavor-packed dish in about 25 minutes. It’s a simple yet bold choice that’s sure to impress. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior with a juicy interior.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty and creamy dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It features cheese-filled tortellini, succulent chicken, and fresh spinach in a savory broth. The soup is a comforting blend of flavors and textures. It’s a wholesome meal that warms the soul with each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a rustic, homestyle dish that takes about an hour to cook. Buttermilk-marinated chicken is paired with seasoned potatoes, resulting in tender meat with a flavorful crust. The main ingredients are chicken drumsticks, buttermilk, and potatoes. It offers a satisfying crunch followed by succulent juiciness.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt

A grilled sandwich with onions and cheese on a plate.
Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt is a fusion of classic Southern and diner-style comfort food. It requires about 30 minutes and features a crispy chicken-fried steak nestled between caramelized onions and melted cheese. The main ingredients include cube steak, flour, and onions. It delivers a mouthful of textures and rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt

Chicken Colombian Tamales

Colombian tamales on a plate.
Chicken Colombian Tamales. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Colombian Tamales are a traditional delight, taking several hours to steam to perfection. Wrapped in banana leaves, the main ingredients are chicken, masa, and vegetables. They offer a unique combination of savory fillings and soft, corn-based dough. Each tamale is a steamed bundle of joy with authentic Colombian taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup is a smoky twist on the classic, requiring about an hour to prepare. The main ingredients are smoked chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tortilla strips. It’s a robust soup with a hint of chipotle warmth. The smokiness elevates the traditional flavors to a new level.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a zesty one-pan meal that takes about 30 minutes to cook. It features juicy chicken, tangy lime, and fresh cilantro atop fluffy rice. The main ingredients ensure a burst of fresh flavors with every bite. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish with a citrusy kick.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Chicken Shawarma Plate

A wooden cutting board with pita bread, hummus, tzatziki and tzatziki sauce.
Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Shawarma Plate brings Middle Eastern street food to your table in about 20 minutes. It’s a combination of spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce. The main ingredients are chicken, shawarma spices, and tahini. This plate offers a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks require about an hour to bake, marinated in a blend of citrus and spices. The drumsticks, along with potatoes and bell peppers, become irresistibly tender. They’re savory with a hint of tanginess. This dish is a simple yet flavorful homage to Colombian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken

Chicken breasts in a skillet with onions and cheese.
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken is a spicy and savory dish ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned with a bold blackening spice blend and served with an array of toppings. Main ingredients include chicken breast, blackening spices, and cheese. It’s a skillet that delivers a kick with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

A slice of chicken pizza on a baking sheet.
Two Pesto Chicken Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Two Pesto Chicken Pizza is a gourmet twist on traditional pizza, taking about 20 minutes to bake. It features a homemade crust topped with two types of pesto, chicken, and a blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. The main ingredients create a harmonious mix of herby and creamy flavors. It’s a pizza that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs are a simple yet succulent dish, taking about 30 minutes to cook. The chicken is seasoned and seared in a cast iron skillet, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Main ingredients include chicken thighs, seasoning, and olive oil. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a colorful and healthy meal that takes about 40 minutes to roast. It features chicken and a medley of vegetables, all seasoned with smoky paprika. The main ingredients are chicken breasts, bell peppers, and paprika. This dish is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan wonder.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Ajiaco Recipe

Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup.
Ajiaco Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ajiaco Recipe is a traditional Colombian chicken soup that takes several hours to simmer to perfection. It combines chicken, three types of potatoes, and the herb guasca for its distinctive flavor. The soup is thick, hearty, and comforting. It’s a taste of Colombian heritage in every bowl.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe

Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers

one stuffed pepper on plate with pot in background.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a nutritious and colorful meal that takes about an hour to bake. The peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground chicken, rice, and tomatoes. The main ingredients ensure a balance of protein, grains, and vegetables. It’s a stuffed pepper that’s both wholesome and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that takes about 20 minutes to grill. Ground chicken is mixed with herbs and spices, then formed around skewers. The main ingredients are chicken, parsley, and a blend of warm spices. These kebabs are juicy and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that takes about 30 minutes to cook. Chicken is coated in a sticky sauce made with honey, orange juice, and sesame seeds. The main ingredients create a delightful contrast of flavors. It’s a dish that’s both bright and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Herb-crusted chicken breast served with roasted yellow bell peppers and carrots.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a wholesome one-pan meal that requires about an hour in the oven. It combines succulent chicken with a variety of seasonal vegetables, all flavored with garlic and herbs. The main ingredients ensure a hearty and rustic experience. This dish is a celebration of natural flavors and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella is a classic dish that takes about an hour to bake, known for its sweet and savory profile. It’s made with chicken marinated in a mixture of prunes, olives, and capers. The main ingredients offer a unique blend of flavors. It’s a dish that stands out with its bold Mediterranean influences.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

A picture of stuffed chicken breast with paprika.
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is a luxurious dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. It mimics the famous restaurant’s recipe by stuffing chicken with a creamy garlic-herb cheese. The main ingredients are chicken breast, cream cheese, and garlic. It’s a rich and flavorful entrée that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a fuss-free dish that takes about four hours to cook on low heat. The chicken becomes tender in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The main ingredients are chicken thighs, honey, and garlic. It’s a slow cooker success that’s both effortless and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts is an exotic dish that takes about an hour to cook. It features chicken simmered in a pomegranate molasses sauce, studded with crunchy walnuts. The main ingredients, including pomegranate molasses, walnuts, and onions, create a sweet and nutty flavor profile. This dish offers a delightful blend of textures and Middle Eastern flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting and convenient meal that takes about four to six hours to cook on low. The chicken is slow-cooked until tender, then rolled in tortillas and smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese. Main ingredients include chicken breast, tortillas, and enchilada sauce. It’s a dish that delivers classic Mexican flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta

Texas chicken fettuccine in a pan with a texas flag.
Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It combines tender chicken with penne pasta in a sauce made from Romano cheese and heavy cream. The main ingredients are chicken breast, pasta, and Romano cheese. This pasta dish is a fiery twist on Italian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta

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