33 finger-licking weeknight chicken recipes to keep on hand

Photo of author

| Published:

This collection of finger-licking weeknight chicken recipes is designed to make your evenings deliciously hassle-free. With 33 delicious options at your fingertips, these dishes cater to the everyday home cook looking for fool-proof and mouthwatering dinner solutions. From the simplicity of sheet pan dinners to the heartiness of slow-cooked wonders, this collection offers a range of flavors and cooking techniques, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Whether you’re in the mood for quick stir-fries or the comforting embrace of pan-fried chicken thighs, these recipes prioritize simplicity without compromising on taste. Bid farewell to dinner dilemmas as you embrace the ease and satisfaction of these weeknight chicken dishes. Get ready to enjoy flavorful meals that turn every weeknight into a culinary dream!

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Experience the simplicity and rich flavors of Cast Iron Chicken Thighs, an ideal weeknight option that combines juicy, perfectly seared chicken with minimal fuss. The cast iron adds a rustic touch, ensuring a satisfying meal without the hassle, making it a go-to for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Create a cozy weeknight atmosphere with the Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner, a delightful mix of seasonal vegetables and succulent chicken roasted to perfection on a single pan. Effortless and comforting, it’s a wholesome choice for a stress-free family meal that brings the warmth of autumn to your table.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Chicken Piccata

Elevate your weeknight dinner with Easy Chicken Piccata, a straightforward yet sophisticated dish featuring tender chicken bathed in a lemony, buttery caper sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with zesty flavors, it’s a delightful choice for a hassle-free evening meal that feels both comforting and gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Piccata

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Transform your weeknight with the convenience of Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas, a hearty and flavorful dish that effortlessly captures the essence of Mexican comfort food. Effortless and satisfying, it promises a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas without the kitchen complexity, making it perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Savor the bold flavors of Chinese Black Pepper Chicken for an easy and delightful weeknight dinner. A perfect balance of heat and savory notes, this dish offers a quick and fuss-free way to enjoy the enticing tastes of Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your home, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Hasselback Caprese Chicken

Indulge in the Hasselback Caprese Chicken for a weeknight treat, where succulent chicken breasts are filled with fresh mozzarella and juicy tomatoes, offering a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Simple yet elegant, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings sophistication to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Caprese Chicken

Grilled chicken with cilantro crema on a white plate surrounded by limes, cilantro, and a glass of beer.
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Satisfy your taste buds with Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken topped with zesty cilantro crema, a weeknight delight that brings the vibrant flavors of garlic and lime to tender grilled chicken. This easy-to-make dish promises a burst of freshness and a touch of indulgence for a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Add a crunchy twist to your weeknight routine with Pecan Crusted Chicken, featuring a flavorful blend of pecans coating tender chicken breasts. Quick and straightforward, this recipe introduces a delightful nutty essence to your dinner table, creating a satisfying and unique dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Simplify your weeknight dinner with Chicken Fajita Casserole, a fuss-free combination of seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions baked to perfection. Bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, this comforting casserole provides a hearty and flavorful option for an easy and satisfying family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Cozy up with a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly weeknight, where pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken swim in a creamy broth. This soul-warming dish is a perfect balance of comfort and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying homemade soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken pastina soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with lemons and dill in the background.
Chicken Pastina Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken Pastina Soup

Enjoy the nostalgic goodness of Chicken Pastina Soup on a comforting weeknight, featuring tiny pasta and tender chicken in a flavorful broth. Easy to make and soothing to the soul, this timeless soup offers a straightforward and delicious option for a stress-free family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

Ranch Chicken Delight

Experience a burst of flavor with Ranch Chicken Delight, a weeknight favorite where seasoned chicken breasts are baked to perfection and topped with a creamy ranch sauce. Quick and straightforward, this dish brings a touch of indulgence to your dinner table, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken Delight

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Simplify your weeknight dinner routine with Creamy Garlic Chicken, where tender chicken is enveloped in a velvety garlic-infused sauce. Quick and satisfying, this recipe caters to both ease and taste, offering a luscious dining experience for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Blackened chicken thighs in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Spice up your weeknight with Blackened Chicken Thighs, featuring flavorful and perfectly seared chicken thighs with a bold blend of spices. Quick to prepare and bursting with robust flavors, this dish ensures a mouthwatering and hassle-free option for a delightful family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Make mealtime foolproof with Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, packed with zesty flavors and the convenience of slow cooking. Ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this recipe provides a hassle-free way to enjoy a burst of Mexican-inspired goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

chicken yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks beside a wok.
Chicken Udon Noodle Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken Udon Noodle Stir-Fry

Experience the simplicity of Chicken Udon Noodle Stir-Fry on a busy weeknight, a quick and satisfying dish where tender chicken and crisp vegetables are tossed with chewy udon noodles. Offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, this stir-fry ensures a fuss-free and tasty dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Udon Noodle Stir-Fry

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Warm up your weeknight with Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, a comforting casserole where tender chicken is mixed with zesty buffalo sauce and baked to perfection. Easy to assemble and bursting with flavor, this dish provides a satisfying and fuss-free option for a delightful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

A bowl of soup with chicken and cabbage.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Cozy up with a bowl of Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger on a chilly weeknight, featuring tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and aromatic ginger in a flavorful broth. Easy to prepare and soothing to the soul, this soup offers a warm and comforting option for a quick and nourishing homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Simplify your weeknight cooking with Instant Pot Chicken Stew, a hearty and flavorful dish where tender chicken and vegetables come together in a savory broth. Quick and convenient, this stew ensures a satisfying and effortless option for a homemade comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Image shows Chicken tortellini soup in a ceramic enameled pot with a wooden spoon stirring it.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup on a weeknight, where tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant vegetables create a flavorful combination. Simple and soul-soothing, this soup provides a quick and satisfying option for a homemade dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

A plate with Italian chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes and lemons.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Experience the classic flavors of Italian Chicken Cutlets for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner, featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets that are both tender and flavorful. Quick to prepare and versatile, this dish ensures a delicious and straightforward option for a homemade Italian-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Brighten up your weeknight with a Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, where zesty lemon flavors infuse tender chicken and seasonal vegetables. Quick to assemble and easy to clean, this sheet pan dinner offers a refreshing and hassle-free option for a delightful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mongolian Chicken

Savor the sweet and savory notes of Mongolian Chicken for a weeknight dinner, featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Quick and delicious, this dish ensures a fuss-free and tasty option for an easy homemade dinner with an Asian-inspired twist.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken

Spice up your weeknight with Kung Pao Chicken, a flavorful dish where tender chicken, peanuts, and vegetables come together in a zesty and slightly spicy sauce. Quick and satisfying, this recipe ensures a delightful and fuss-free option for an Asian-inspired dinner with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Enjoy the vibrant and fresh taste of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Featuring flavorful chicken and crisp vegetables wrapped in lettuce, this dish provides a light and satisfying option that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Blackened chicken tenders in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye’s Copycat). Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye’s Copycat)

Indulge in the bold and spicy flavors of Blackened Chicken Tenders, a Popeye’s Copycat recipe that promises a weeknight treat with perfectly seasoned and crispy tenders. Quick to make and full of flavor, this dish ensures a satisfying and delicious option for a homemade fast-food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye’s Copycat)

Low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Chicken Curry

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Thai Chicken Curry for a weeknight dinner, featuring tender chicken cooked in a coconut milk-based curry sauce. Quick and flavorful, this dish offers a delightful and hassle-free option for an authentic Thai dining experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Sauerkraut Chicken

Explore the tangy and savory notes of Sauerkraut Chicken for a comforting weeknight dinner, where tender chicken is infused with the distinct flavors of sauerkraut. Simple and flavorful, this dish ensures a satisfying and fuss-free option for a homemade meal with a touch of German-inspired goodness.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Chicken

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Simplify your weeknight cooking with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs, a hands-off recipe where tender chicken legs are cooked to perfection in a flavorful barbecue sauce. Effortless and delicious, this dish ensures a hassle-free and finger-licking option for a homemade barbecue feast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

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

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Indulge in a delightful twist with Chicken and Waffle Casserole for a unique weeknight dinner, featuring a combination of crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and savory gravy. Easy to assemble and comforting, this casserole provides a satisfying and fuss-free option for a comforting family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Simplify your weeknight dinner routine with Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken, where tender chicken is enveloped in a velvety sauce. Quick and satisfying, this recipe caters to both ease and taste, offering a luscious dining experience for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Warm up your weeknight with Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup, a flavorful and hearty dish where tender chicken, orzo pasta, and zesty buffalo sauce create a satisfying combination. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this soup ensures a delicious and fuss-free option for a comforting homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Blackened chicken sandwich on a plate.
Blackened Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Spice up your weeknight with a Blackened Chicken Sandwich, featuring perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken on a bun with your favorite toppings. Quick to assemble and full of flavor, this sandwich ensures a satisfying and hassle-free option for a homemade restaurant-style treat.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.