15 Chicken Dinners For Your Weeknights

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It’s easy to fall into a routine of making the same chicken dishes over and over again. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 15 chicken dinners that will breathe new life into your weeknight meal rotation.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This casserole is a creative take on the classic chicken and waffles, perfect for dinner and bound to become a favorite. With a combination of sweet and savory flavors and a simple five-ingredient lineup, this dish is a convenient and irresistible choice for a weeknight chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This comforting soup mimics Olive Garden’s famous recipe, featuring a creamy broth with chicken and vegetables. Prepared in a slow cooker, it’s an effortless way to bring a touch of restaurant-style comfort to your weeknight dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform your weeknight meals with BBQ chicken made in the air fryer. This method brings the classic barbecue experience indoors and guarantees a meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a favorite without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the comfort of a warm blanket with this Chicken Tortilla Soup, a homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s classic. This soup promises a burst of flavors with every spoonful, making it an essential weeknight chicken dinner for those looking for a comforting and festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot orange chicken brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your home kitchen, rivaling Panda Express’s popular dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, it provides a flavorful and expedient solution for your weeknight dinner needs.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Allow the slow cooker to prepare a Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s brimming with flavor and tenderness. This dish is a celebration of flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and ensures you are treated to a tender, creamy, and spicy experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a healthier version of Kung Pao chicken right from your air fryer. This recipe brings a crispy and flavorful twist to a Chinese classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both convenient and packed with taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Come home to a slow cooker filled with creamy chicken that’s ready to be enjoyed. This dish combines ease of preparation with a harmonious mix of spices and sauce, making it an essential weeknight meal that seems like it should have taken much more effort to create.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Chicken Riggies

Chicken riggies in a bowl topped with Parmesan and green onion.
Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Riggies is a dish where pasta and poultry come together in a spicy, creamy sauce that you can’t resist. The heat from the peppers and the clinging sauce make for a comforting weeknight chicken dinner that will have you returning for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer chicken thighs are a quick solution for a last-minute dinner, offering a balance of seasoning and crispiness. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are the perfect weeknight chicken dinner for those evenings when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Instant Pot makes Honey Garlic Chicken a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy chicken thighs that are brimming with a sweet and savory flavor, making this dish a go-to for those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo tenders with blue cheese and celery.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders, made in the air fryer, provide a crispy and spicy option that’s perfect for any day of the week. They’re a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, ensuring that your weeknight chicken dinner is both light and spicy.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With these slow cooker chicken thighs, you can turn simple ingredients into a savory dinner highlight. They simmer throughout the day, becoming the tender and flavorful centerpiece of your weeknight meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Chicken Stroganoff

A bowl of chicken stroganoff with bread and parsley.
Chicken Stroganoff. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chicken Stroganoff updates a classic family recipe with a creamy sauce and mushrooms, promising a new weeknight chicken dinner favorite. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please any palate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

Chicken legs in the air fryer.
Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks offer a crispy, cheesy option for dinner that’s also keto-friendly. They’re an effortless and flavorful choice for a weeknight meal, satisfying both health-conscious diners and those looking for a flavor-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

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