13 easy chicken dinners that taste like they took hours

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When you’re short on time but still craving a hearty meal, chicken dinners can be a lifesaver. These recipes offer all the flavor and satisfaction of a slow-cooked dish, without the hours of prep. You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up these meals that taste like they’ve been cooking all day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, these chicken recipes have you covered.

Chicken plov on a plate with a fork.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

A cast-iron skillet with cooked chicken pieces topped with grilled citrus slices and sprigs of rosemary. Halved and quartered citrus fruits are arranged around the skillet on a blue surface.
Creamy Citrus Chicken with Rosemary. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This chicken dish combines the tangy taste of citrus with the warmth of rosemary. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare, giving you tender, juicy chicken infused with fresh, zesty flavors. The creamy sauce adds a rich texture while the citrus brightens every bite. Perfect for those who love a balance of creamy and citrusy in their dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Ghallaba is a hearty dish packed with vegetables and bold Mediterranean spices. Ready in just under an hour using the Instant Pot, it features tender chicken alongside peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The seasoning brings out deep, earthy flavors, making it taste as though it’s been slow-cooked for hours. A great option when you want a comforting, flavor-packed meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

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

This dish pairs juicy chicken with the sweet-tart flavor of pomegranate and the crunch of walnuts. It takes around an hour to make, delivering a unique mix of savory and slightly sweet tastes. The rich sauce, made with pomegranate juice and ground walnuts, coats the chicken beautifully. You’ll enjoy the bold flavors that feel like a treat for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Ajiaco Recipe

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

Ajiaco is a traditional chicken soup made with potatoes, corn, and a flavorful broth. Ready in about an hour, it’s a hearty and comforting meal perfect for cooler days. The mix of chicken, tender potatoes, and corn brings a combination of rich textures and tastes to the bowl. Ajiaco has that comforting, homemade feel that everyone craves in a simple soup.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe

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.

This chicken and potato bake brings together crispy, tender chicken and creamy buttermilk. In just over an hour, the oven does all the work, resulting in golden-brown chicken with a tangy flavor. The potatoes cook alongside, absorbing the delicious juices and turning soft and buttery. A simple, no-fuss dinner that tastes like you spent way more time preparing it.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

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.

This sheet pan meal features chicken and a variety of vegetables coated in smoky paprika. It’s ready in just 45 minutes, giving you a quick and flavorful dinner with minimal effort. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the juicy chicken and perfectly roasted veggies. Great for busy nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This one-pan dish combines chicken sausage with roasted vegetables for a complete and easy meal. It takes around 40 minutes to make, providing a balanced dinner with protein and a variety of veggies. The chicken sausage brings savory, herby flavors that complement the tender vegetables. A practical, tasty option when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Sancocho. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Sancocho is a rich and filling stew loaded with root vegetables and tender chicken. It takes about an hour and a half to make, resulting in a deeply flavorful broth that’s perfect for warming up on a cool day. The mix of yuca, plantains, and corn gives it a hearty, satisfying texture. You’ll love how comforting and wholesome this dish tastes with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Marbella

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

Chicken Marbella brings together sweet and savory flavors with prunes, olives, and capers. This dish takes around an hour to prepare and features juicy chicken thighs in a tangy, aromatic sauce. The prunes add a hint of sweetness, while the capers and olives bring a salty punch. It’s a classic recipe with a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

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

These marinated chicken drumsticks are full of bold Colombian flavors, thanks to a mix of spices and citrus. They’re ready in about an hour, giving you tender, juicy chicken with a zesty, slightly spicy kick. The marinade seeps into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. A perfect choice when you want a simple, flavorful chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken plov on a plate with a fork.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Uzbek Chicken Plov is a savory rice dish filled with tender chicken, carrots, and aromatic spices. It takes about 90 minutes to prepare, delivering a rich, flavorful meal that tastes like it took all day. The chicken absorbs the blend of spices, making every bite deeply seasoned. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

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

These chicken kofta kebabs are packed with a mix of herbs and spices, grilled to perfection. Ready in about 40 minutes, they offer a juicy, flavorful bite with hints of garlic, cumin, and parsley. The grilling adds a slight char that enhances the savory taste of the chicken. A great way to enjoy a quick and tasty dinner straight from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This classic chicken soup combines tender chicken with carrots, celery, and rich broth for a comforting meal. It takes about 90 minutes to make, with the chicken simmering gently to infuse the broth with deep, hearty flavors. The vegetables add sweetness, making it the perfect soup for a cozy night. A timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

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