Better than nuggets: 17 chicken dishes made with real chicken

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Exploring new chicken dishes can be an exciting adventure, moving beyond the usual options to something more wholesome and flavorful. These meals are crafted with real chicken, offering a taste and quality that stand out from the ordinary. Each dish brings its own unique twist to the table, promising an experience that’s not only fulfilling but also packed with genuine flavors. .

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about the rich flavors of Chicken Paprikash that brings comfort on any given day. It wraps you in warmth with every bite, marrying spices and tender chicken in a way that feels both homely and exotic. Ideal for those chilly evenings, it’s a dish that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas. It’s proof that sometimes, the most satisfying meals come from the simplest of recipes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic, blending sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts for a delicious contrast. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking for something light yet fulfilling. This dish brings together diverse textures and flavors in harmony, making it a great choice for a quick lunch or a side. It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A person holding a bowl of chicken and zucchini soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a lighter take on comfort food, Chicken Zoodle Soup hits the spot. It’s a wholesome dish that doesn’t weigh you down, offering a nourishing blend of flavors that soothe from the first spoonful. This soup is ideal for anyone seeking a comforting meal without the heaviness. It’s a modern twist on a classic that maintains all the heartwarming goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think of chicken thighs that are perfectly crispy on the outside and succulently tender on the inside. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs offer just that, with a glaze that’s both sweet and salty. They’re a game-changer for weeknight dinners, proving that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated. This dish is a favorite for its ease and the burst of flavors it brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Find the bold flavors of Chicken Tinga, a dish that’s both spicy and deeply fulfilling. It’s a flavorful escape that brings a piece of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s a simple way to spice up meal times, offering a delicious experience with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Chicken Bake is like a sunny holiday on a plate, combining bright flavors and healthy ingredients. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, filled with colors and aromas that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. Perfect for a light yet fulfilling dinner, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a delicious way. This bake is proof that eating well can also mean eating deliciously.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Garlic Chicken Skillet

Garlic Chicken Skillet with peppers and asparagus on a white plate.
Garlic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The aroma of garlic cooking always promises something wonderful, and our Garlic Chicken Skillet is no exception. It’s a straightforward dish with flavors that speak for themselves, showcasing the perfect pairing of chicken and garlic. Suitable for a busy weeknight, it delivers satisfaction without the fuss. This skillet meal is a reminder that sometimes, the best dishes are the ones with the least complication.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing an exotic twist to your lunchtime, our Curried Chicken Salad with raisins is a vibrant mix of flavors. It’s a dish that combines the sweetness of raisins with the warmth of curry, creating a unique taste experience. Perfect for those days when you’re craving something different, it’s a salad that stands out from the crowd. It’s a creative way to enjoy chicken, proving salads never have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing beats the classics, and Italian Chicken is a tribute to timeless Italian flavors. It’s a dish bursting with herbs and tomatoes, bringing the essence of Italy to your kitchen. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages. This dish is a simple way to bring a touch of Italian flair to your cooking repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

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.

Our Smoked Chicken Tortilla soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for any season. With a smoky depth and a hint of spice, it’s a comforting bowl that’s as satisfying as it is tasty. This soup marries the rich taste of smoked chicken with the classic elements of tortilla soup, creating a perfect blend. It’s an ideal meal for when you want something warm and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Update your meal with Chicken Tinga Tostadas, a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It combines chicken tinga’s spicy, smoky flavor with the crunch of tostadas for a match made in heaven. Perfect for a casual gathering or a family dinner, it will bring smiles around the table. This dish is a testament to the joy of sharing good food with others.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze offer a delicious balance of smokiness and sweetness. This dish stands out for its bold flavors and eye-catching presentation. Ideal for barbecue lovers looking for something different, it’s a guaranteed hit at any cookout. This dish showcases the beauty of smoked chicken, heightened by a glaze that ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transforming a classic into something extraordinary, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad celebrates flavors and textures. It’s a perfect dish for picnics or potlucks, offering a satisfying bite that’s hard to resist. This salad combines the convenience of rotisserie chicken with the heartiness of pasta, creating a meal that’s both easy and delicious. It’s a fresh take on pasta salad, proving that some ingredients are meant to be together.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tortellini Soup with Kale and Chicken is a warm hug in a bowl, offering comfort with every bite. It’s a nourishing meal that combines the richness of tortellini with the goodness of kale and chicken. Perfect for cold nights or when you need a bit of warmth, it’s a soup that feels like home. This dish is a hearty reminder of how simple ingredients can create the most heartwarming meals.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who needs takeout when you can whip up Chicken Fried Rice right in your kitchen? It’s a quick and fulfilling dish that packs a punch of flavor, making it a favorite for busy evenings. This versatile fried rice dish lets you play with flavors while keeping dinner simple and delicious. It’s a foolproof way to bring a touch of Asian cuisine to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is a twist on a traditional favorite, offering a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pineapple. It’s an adventurous dish for those looking to explore new tastes, combining elements in an unexpected yet pleasing way. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a special dinner, it will impress. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors, bringing a unique dining experience to the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Chicken Marsala Meatballs in a black dish.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing a classic sauce to a beloved form, Chicken Marsala Meatballs are a creative take on traditional Italian cooking. They offer a comforting taste with a sophisticated twist, making them a hit at dinner parties or weeknight meals. This dish is a fun way to enjoy the rich flavors of Marsala wine, proving that classic tastes can come in various forms. It’s a blend of familiar comfort and food adventure, perfect for those who love to explore different flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

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