23 easy chicken recipes that make takeout less tempting

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By Ksenia Prints

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Busy evenings feel easier when dinner comes together without a delivery app. Each recipe in this collection centers on chicken dishes built for practical home cooking. You get a mix of casseroles, slow cooker meals, and quick air fryer options that cover different cravings. Every dish is designed to keep dinner satisfying and stress low.

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara is tender chicken simmered in a tomato sauce. It takes about 4 hours to cook and uses chicken, marinara, and herbs. The flavor is savory and balanced. Soft meat absorbs the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Two grilled wraps are cut in half, showing fillings of grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, and other vegetables. The wraps have visible grill marks and are stacked on a plate with a blurred background.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma is seasoned chicken cooked until crisp outside. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and uses chicken and spices. The taste is savory and aromatic. Juicy pieces stay tender inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

A black bowl filled with creamy pumpkin oatmeal garnished with fresh thyme and pumpkin seeds. A spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light gray marble surface scattered with a few pumpkin seeds.
Chicken Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy rice dish mixed with poultry. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and uses chicken, pumpkin, and rice. The flavor is savory with mild sweetness. Creamy grains coat the meat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pumpkin Risotto

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

A person lifts a spoonful of cooked macaroni and cheese from an oval black baking dish. The dish is topped with a breadcrumb crust, and a blue cloth is partially visible underneath. The table surface is white.
Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole is a baked dish layered with vegetables and meat. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and uses chicken and squash. The taste is savory and hearty. Soft layers blend smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs

A skillet of glazed meatballs in sauce with mushrooms and herbs, viewed from above.
Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs are baked meatballs finished in sauce. They take about 35 minutes to cook and use ground chicken and wine sauce. The flavor is savory and rich. Tender meatballs soak in glaze.
Get the Recipe: Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs

One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

A platter of roasted chicken garnished with fresh parsley, accompanied by sautéed mushrooms and potato slices, with a spoon next to the dish. A bowl of creamy white sauce is visible in the background.
One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole is a baked meal cooked together in one dish. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and uses chicken, potatoes, and buttermilk. The taste is savory and creamy. Juices coat the vegetables.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

Chicken Sorrentino

A close-up of a pan of cheesy baked lasagna with a serving being lifted out, showing melted cheese stretching from the pan and bits of fresh basil on top.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Sorrentino is baked chicken topped with sauce and cheese. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and uses chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese. The flavor is savory and rich. Melted topping covers each piece.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake

A rectangular glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole topped with melted, browned cheese sits on a white surface beside a folded gray cloth and a wooden utensil.
Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake is a layered casserole with melted cheese. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and uses chicken, potatoes, and cheese. The taste is savory and creamy. Golden crust seals the filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a rectangular metal pan with a golden breadcrumb topping, pieces of pasta, baked cheese, and green herbs visible.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole is a baked dish mixed with sauce and meat. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and uses chicken and tomatoes. The flavor is savory and tangy. Creamy sauce coats each bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

A white plate holds a serving of cheesy casserole garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a blue-striped cloth next to a wooden spoon, an onion, and green leafy parsley in the background.
French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole is a baked rice dish flavored with onion. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and uses chicken, rice, and onions. The taste is savory and mild. Soft grains absorb the sauce.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Plate of mashed potatoes topped with chicken, mushrooms, and creamy gravy, garnished with chopped herbs.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala is chicken simmered in mushroom sauce. It takes about 4 hours to cook and uses chicken and mushrooms. The flavor is savory and earthy. Tender meat rests in gravy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Marsala

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A black bowl filled with creamy pasta coated in a thick sauce, topped with a fresh basil leaf. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl. The background is a light-colored surface.
Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is poultry cooked in a rich sauce. It takes about 4 hours to prepare and uses chicken and tomatoes. The taste is savory and creamy. Sauce clings to each piece.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A dish in a black baking pan filled with baked casserole. The top is golden brown with crispy edges and garnished with sliced green onions. A portion has been removed, revealing a creamy interior.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a baked dish layered with potatoes and meat. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and uses chicken and hash browns. The flavor is savory and mild. Soft interior stays creamy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

A plate of chicken stir-fry with sliced carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, garnished with cilantro and almond slices. A fork rests on the plate, and a yellow cloth is visible in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers is a pressure-cooked stew with vegetables. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and uses chicken and peppers. The taste is savory and balanced. Juices blend the ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate.
Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning are cooked until golden and crisp. They take about 25 minutes to make and use chicken wings and seasoning. The flavor is savory and herbed. Crisp skin surrounds juicy meat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Golden biscuits on creamy chicken pot pie filling with vegetables in a baking pan, one biscuit being served.
Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a baked dish with vegetables and crust. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and uses chicken and pastry. The taste is savory and comforting. Warm filling sits beneath topping.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Two pieces of stuffed and grilled chicken breast with a browned, crispy exterior are served on a plate next to a portion of mashed potatoes. The chicken stuffing appears to contain herbs and cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast is poultry filled with vegetables and cheese. It takes about 35 minutes to cook and uses chicken, broccoli, and cheddar. The flavor is savory and creamy. Melted filling stays inside.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy soup with vegetables and herbs in a white bowl, next to a spoon and a striped towel.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a simmered soup with pasta and meat. It takes about 4 hours to prepare and uses chicken and gnocchi. The taste is savory and creamy. Thick broth feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

A plate of shredded chicken is garnished with herbs, black olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Two lemon wedges and pieces of flatbread accompany the dish. A fork is resting on the edge of the plate.
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is poultry cooked with herbs and citrus. It takes about 4 hours to cook and uses chicken and seasoning. The flavor is savory and bright. Tender meat absorbs the juices.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Chicken and Date Casserole

Chicken and date casserole in a white baking dish.
Chicken and Date Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken and Date Casserole is a baked dish mixed with fruit and meat. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and uses chicken and dates. The taste is savory with gentle sweetness. Soft layers cook together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Date Casserole

Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Stack of chicken quesadilla wedges with cilantro garnish.
Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas are baked tortillas filled with meat and cheese. They take about 30 minutes to cook and use chicken, tortillas, and cheese. The flavor is savory and mild. Crisp edges hold warm filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A plate with seasoned, cooked chicken thighs and small yellow potatoes, garnished with chopped herbs and grated cheese, sits on a red-striped cloth.
Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is poultry simmered in a seasoned sauce. It takes about 4 hours to prepare and uses chicken, garlic, and cheese. The taste is savory and rich. Sauce coats tender pieces.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are coated in sauce and cooked until crisp. They take about 25 minutes to make and use chicken and barbecue sauce. The flavor is smoky and savory. Juicy meat stays tender.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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