23 chicken recipes so good, your family might actually admit you’re the better cook

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This collection of 23 chicken recipes is so good, you might just witness a family member drop their fork in silent respect for your cooking skills. We’re not saying these dishes will solve all your problems, but they’ll at least swing the dinner table debates in your favor. Forget about secret ingredients or complex techniques; these recipes are about straightforward goodness that’ll have your family reconsidering the pecking order at mealtime.

Chicken thighs in cream sauce with artichoke hearts in a pan with a spoon.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great way to spice up your dinner table using just one pan and is ready to serve in just 30 minutes. It features seasoned chicken thighs cooked to perfection and mixed with a creamy sauce made from Dijon mustard, heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach and crumbled bacon are added for extra flavor and texture. This recipe is great for a change of pace that doesn’t take all evening to prepare. It serves a balanced meal that’s both easy to prepare and great for keeping everyone healthy and happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is your go-to for a quick and flavorful dinner. Just brown the chicken, mix in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and you’re set. It’s perfect with pasta or a simple salad, making it a great choice for a meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor. It’s sure to get everyone excited about dinner, especially on those busy nights. The rich, tangy flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes combined with a creamy sauce brings a pleasing taste that complements the juicy chicken perfectly, making every bite a treat.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is perfect for a quick, hearty meal. Just grab a pot, and you’ll have dinner ready in 40 minutes. It’s filled with chicken, vegetables, and tortellini, making it a filling choice for any day. Serve with a crisp salad or some garlic bread, and you have a cozy meal that everyone will be eager to sit down for. This soup is especially comforting on a cold day, with its hearty broth and ingredients that come together to create a soothing meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect for those busy nights. It combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, and you have a crowd-pleasing dinner ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxing evening. Serve it hot from the oven with some crusty bread or pasta, and it’s a hit every time. This bake is not only quick to prepare but also a smart way to add more greens to your family’s diet, combining health benefits with cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for a super quick and flavorful meal. They’re ready in just 20 minutes. Coat chicken pieces with a mix of cornstarch and salt and fry until they’re perfectly cooked. Toss in a flavorful garlic butter sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a few spices for a little kick. They’re great with bread or a side of greens for a lighter option, and the smell alone will have everyone rushing to the table. The garlic butter adds a rich flavor to the tender chicken. It’s the perfect option for busy families looking for a filling meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re after a meal that’s quick and no-nonsense, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad hits the spot. You can have it on the table in just 25 minutes, which is perfect for those busy evenings or packing up lunches for the workweek. It’s also a great dish to bring to a get-together since it’s simple to toss together. You’ll cut down on prep time thanks to pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing. This is the kind of recipe that could convince your family you’ve got the magic touch when it comes to cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is your shortcut to a special meal during the week. It mixes chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s quick and easy and makes dinner feel like a treat. Serve it with pasta or a fresh salad, and watch as everyone comes running to the table. This dish features elegant flavors that mimic those of a fine dining experience, making it perfect for when you want to impress without the stress of complex cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce made from a base of heavy whipping cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect choice for a filling yet easy dinner. Cooked all in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your family. The creamy texture and the artichokes make this dish a hit for those who love hearty meals but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. It’s great for anyone looking to shake up their dinner routine and have everyone racing to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado is an easy way to bring some excitement to your dinner table. Marinate chicken in a mix of cilantro, onion, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, paprika, and dried Mexican oregano, then bake or grill. It’s simple and quick, and it goes well with rice and beans or tortillas. It’s like a mini vacation on your plate, brightening up your dinner routine without any extra trouble. The refreshing citrus flavor mixed with spices makes each bite burst with flavor for a delicious way to enjoy chicken that breaks the monotony of typical meals.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great pick for when you want to serve up a meal that’s both hearty and easy to make. It’s ready in less than an hour, and because it’s budget-friendly, you won’t break the bank. You can even prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, if you have leftovers, they freeze like a dream. It’s the kind of dish that gets thumbs up from everyone, kids and grown-ups alike, and might just have them thinking you’ve got some serious skills in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie but simplifies the process into an easy-to-make soup. This dish combines chunks of chicken with a creamy soup base and a mix of potatoes, carrots, celery, and corn, making it a nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s a stress-free recipe that lets you enjoy the taste of homemade pot pie without the hassle of baking. You can serve a hearty dinner on the table in about an hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a quick and flavorful meal that takes only 30 minutes to make. It is made using boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and paprika, cooked and then covered in a rich, creamy sauce of mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. It’s cooked in a single pan for convenience. It’s a great way to turn a few simple ingredients into a meal that feels gourmet without the complicated steps. Perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a special meal without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are delicious bites of chicken that pack a lot of flavor. This dish combines ground chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a mix of spices, all shaped into poppers and baked. The flavors are enhanced with a homemade ranch dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and heavy whipping cream. They make an irresistible part of any meal. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents who need quick, delicious meal options that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken combines chicken breasts, garlic, and Parmesan in a luscious creamy sauce for a rich, flavorful and easy-to-cook dish. It’s a great choice for a weeknight meal that feels indulgent without requiring much work. Serve this over rice or pasta to catch all the creamy sauce for a comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit. This recipe is especially great for those evenings when you need a quick yet impressive dinner that will keep everyone happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a refreshing choice for anyone looking for a quick yet filling meal. The recipe involves scooping a chicken salad mixture — made from canned chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and homemade ranch seasoning — into halved cucumbers that have been hollowed out and dried. It can be prepared and ready to serve in about 30 minutes. Great for a light yet hearty meal, these boats are great for those looking to keep things fresh at the dinner table. They’re easy to assemble too.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are a great quick fix for a busy day. Using just a few pantry staples like canned chicken, sunflower seed meal, and eggs, you can whip up a hearty meal in about 20 minutes. These patties are perfect for anyone who needs to make a quick dinner without sacrificing taste. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own, in sandwiches, or with a simple side salad, making meal planning a breeze on those especially busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a perfect choice for those who like a bit of spice. This recipe combines the sharp flavors of jalapeños with the richness of bacon and a creamy dressing for a quick and enticing meal option. It’s a great way to add a spicy flair to your dinner routine, easy to make and perfect for a busy evening. Serve it on its own or stuffed in a tortilla for a delicious spicy chicken wrap that brings excitement to any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is an effortless dish that brings the sizzling taste of fajitas to your dinner table without the hassle. This recipe includes brined chicken layered with cream cheese, peppers, and mozzarella on top and then baked until golden and bubbly. Serve it with tortillas or over rice to ensure not a drop of the flavorful juices goes to waste, making dinner both easy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a comforting and spicy dish, perfect for warming up your dinner routine. It features chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with cream cheese and mayo, creating a hearty casserole that’s both bold and filling. This recipe is straightforward to prepare and is a great way to bring the family together for a meal that promises to be as delicious as it is flavorful. Ready in just over an hour, it’s great for those looking for a comforting meal that doesn’t take all night to cook.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting mix of creamed corn, tender chicken pieces, potatoes, and light seasoning. It’s great for a quick, filling meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious and comforting but don’t have the time for a complicated dish. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this one-pot soup is a convenient way to serve a nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy together, saving you time and energy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with arugula, sliced onions, and red chili peppers.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thai Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it a light yet filling meal. Serve with arugula and cucumber noodles, and garnish with cilantro and red chile pepper. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty but not heavy, and it’s quick to toss together. This salad doesn’t require much time in the kitchen, giving you a practical meal option that keeps you energized and everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect dinner option for any night. This dish features tender chicken thighs cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a mix of aromatic spices, all done in less than 40 minutes using an Instant Pot. It’s especially great for those who want to bring a taste of gourmet home without spending hours in the kitchen. The butter chicken is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo serves a mix of sweet and salty flavors, all made quickly in the Instant Pot for a no-stress dinner solution. This Filipino-inspired recipe is perfect for when you want something different but don’t have much time. The chicken is cooked in a delicious marinade, making it tender and flavorful. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also saves time and energy. It’s great for busy weeknights when you still want a meal that will have everyone racing to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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