23 chicken recipes so spot-on, your kids will swear it’s grandma’s recipe

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These 23 chicken recipes are so great, your kids will think grandma’s in the kitchen. No need for complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients; we’re talking straightforward, perfect chicken that nails it every time. Ready to cook up some nostalgia? Let’s get that chicken on the table and watch your family’s eyes light up with memories of grandma’s classic home cooking.

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.

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 a quick, delicious dinner that could make your family say you’re the top cook. This dish features boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked to a tender finish in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, all seasoned with Italian herbs. Made in just one pan, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. The tangy tomatoes with creamy sauce perfectly complement the chicken, making it a dinner hit.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a fast, flavorful option that could make your family think you’re the best cook around. Ready in just 20 minutes, chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch and salt, fried to perfection, and tossed in a garlic butter sauce with Italian herbs. They’re great with bread or greens, and the rich garlic butter flavor is irresistible. The crispy exterior and tender chicken make these bites a quick favorite that’s hard to resist.
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.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick, low-effort meal that could convince your family you’ve got the magic touch in the kitchen. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights or packing lunches. With pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing, it’s easy to make and great for gatherings. It’s sure to be a hit with it’s serving of fresh flavors and simple prep. The combination of pasta, chicken, and Caesar dressing makes this salad a refreshing and hearty option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is a sure way to get your family to admit you’re the better cook. It’s a one-pan dish ready in 30 minutes with seasoned chicken thighs in a rich sauce made from Dijon mustard, heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach and crumbled bacon add extra flavor, making it a great choice for a balanced and quick meal. The creamy sauce coats the chicken perfectly, making it a dish that’s both impressive and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pollo Asado

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

This dish features chicken marinated in cilantro, onion, orange juice, lime juice, paprika, and oregano, then baked or grilled. It’s simple and quick to make and pairs well with rice, beans, or tortillas. Bright, bold flavors add excitement to your dinner. It’s like bringing a mini vacation to your plate, making your dinner routine more fun and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty meal that might make your family think you’re the best chef. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s packed with shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and a mix of carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with a hint of Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Serve it with salad or garlic bread for a cozy meal everyone will enjoy, especially on cold days. The hearty broth combined with tender chicken and soft tortellini makes this soup a comforting choice that fills you up from the inside out.
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 quick and delicious, sure to make your family admit you’re the better cook. Combining chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, it’s a 30-minute dish perfect for busy nights. Serve it with crusty bread or pasta for a hit every time, and it’s a great way to add more greens to your meal. The cheesy spinach mixture complements the juicy chicken, creating a filling and wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish featuring crispy tater tots topped with cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect choice for making everyone think you’re a cooking pro. This hearty dish features tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and melted cheese, and it’s ready in under an hour. It’s budget-friendly and easy to prep ahead, making it super convenient. You can bake it when you’re ready, and the leftovers freeze well, so it’s great for busy families. This casserole is sure to get thumbs up from everyone and might just make them think you’ve got some serious kitchen skills.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect for showing off your cooking skills and making your family think you’re the better cook. This dish combines chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich, creamy sauce that’s quick and easy to make. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it great for a weeknight meal that feels special. Serve it with pasta or a fresh salad, and everyone will be at the table fast, impressed by the elegant flavors you’ve created without any hassle. This dish turns a simple dinner into a treat, making you look like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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 great way to spice up your meals and impress your family with bold flavors. This dish mixes jalapeños, bacon, and a creamy dressing to create a quick and exciting meal option. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy evenings when you want something different. Serve it on its own or in a tortilla for a spicy chicken wrap that’s sure to stand out. The combination of spicy and creamy makes this salad a hit, bringing a kick to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a top pick for making your family admit you’re the better cook. This dish features tender chicken thighs and artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese. It’s all cooked in one pan, so cleanup is easy, giving you more time to enjoy with your family. The creamy, hearty flavors make it a hit for those who love big, comforting meals without spending all evening cooking. This dish will have everyone thinking you’re a kitchen whiz.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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 is perfect for showing off your cooking chops without the hassle of baking. This dish brings all the comforting flavors of the classic chicken pot pie into a simple soup form. It features chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and corn in a creamy base, and it’s ready in about an hour. It’s a great pick for chilly evenings when you want a hearty, warming meal. This soup lets you enjoy the taste of pot pie with less effort, making you look like a cooking genius.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are great for a fresh and impressive meal that highlights your cooking skills. This dish involves a stuffing mix of canned chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning into hollowed-out cucumber halves. It’s quick to prepare and takes about 30 minutes, making dinner light yet filling and easy to put together. These boats are a perfect way to keep meals interesting and healthy, and your family will love the crisp cucumber paired with the flavorful chicken salad.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

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 great for making your family think you’re the best cook. This dish is made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and paprika, then topped with a creamy mushroom, sun-dried tomato, and Parmesan sauce. It’s a quick 30-minute meal cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy. This dish turns simple ingredients into a special meal without being complicated, perfect for impressing guests or treating your family.
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 perfect for showing off your cooking skills to the family. These bites combine ground chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese into flavorful poppers that are then baked. The homemade ranch seasoning made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and heavy cream boosts the taste, making them a quick and delicious choice for any meal. They’re ready in about 30 minutes, making them a great pick for busy nights when you want to impress without much effort. Everyone will love the crispy, cheesy goodness.
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 is a great dish to showcase at family dinners and show your cooking talent. It combines chicken breasts, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich, creamy sauce that’s easy to make. Serve this over rice or pasta to soak up all the sauce for a comforting and impressive meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. It takes about 25 minutes to cook, making it a quick option that feels special. Your family will appreciate the rich flavors and creamy texture, making it a go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are perfect for busy days when you want to show off your cooking skills with minimal effort. Made with pantry staples like canned chicken, sunflower seed meal, and eggs, these patties come together in about 20 minutes. They are versatile enough to enjoy on their own, in sandwiches, or with a side salad, making dinner planning easy on hectic nights. Your family will love how these patties bring a hearty and delicious option to the table without a lot of prep time.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is a great choice for chicken recipes that will wow your family. This soup features creamed corn, tender chicken pieces, and potatoes, all lightly seasoned for a simple yet hearty flavor. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something filling and easy. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this one-pot soup is a practical solution for a nutritious meal that will save you time and energy. The creamy texture and comforting taste make it a hit with the whole family, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken easily brings the exciting flavors of fajitas to your dinner table, making you the star cook. This dish features brined chicken seasoned with fajita spices, layered with cream cheese, peppers, and mozzarella, and then baked until golden and bubbly. Serve it with tortillas or over rice to enjoy all the flavorful juices, making dinner both simple and hearty. It’s a perfect option for those who love the taste of fajitas without the hassle, and your family will appreciate the delicious, cheesy goodness.
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: Plays Well With Butter.

This casserole combines chicken, bacon, and jalapeños with cream cheese and mayo, creating a bold and hearty meal. It’s easy to put together and ready in just over an hour, perfect for a comforting dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. The spicy kick from the jalapeños pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, making this dish a real crowd-pleaser. If you want to impress your family with a meal that’s both flavorful and straightforward, this casserole is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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 perfect pick for chicken meals so delicious that your family will think you’re a pro. This salad mixes marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, served on a bed of arugula and cucumber noodles, and topped with cilantro and red chile pepper. It’s light yet hearty, making it a great meal when you want something quick and refreshing. The bright flavors and crunchy textures make this salad stand out, and it’s easy to prepare, giving you a practical option that keeps everyone happy. If you’re looking to impress with a dish that’s both simple and flavorful, this Thai Chicken Salad is a perfect choice.
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 great pick for chicken recipes that’ll make your family call you the best cook. This dish features tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with a mix of aromatic spices, ready in less than 40 minutes using an Instant Pot. It’s a quick way to bring a gourmet taste to your table without spending hours cooking. The creamy and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making this dish a favorite for leftovers too. If you want a meal that’s easy yet impressive, this butter chicken will definitely make a great impression.
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 is the kind of recipe that will make your family call you the top cook. This dish combines sweet and salty flavors, made quickly in the Instant Pot for a stress-free dinner solution. The chicken is cooked in a rich marinade, making it tender and packed with flavor. It’s great for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal that still tastes amazing. The rich flavors and easy preparation make this adobo a hit for the entire family. If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, this dish is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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