When it comes to church potlucks, the goal is to bring a dish that everyone will enjoy. These 23 recipes are tried-and-true crowd-pleasers that offer a variety of flavors suitable for any palate. From hearty casseroles to lighter vegetarian options, each recipe is straightforward and designed to make your next gathering a memorable one.
![A spoon is being lifted out of a pot of pasta.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cheese-shakshuka-1024x576.jpeg)
Chicken Marbella
![Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Natural-Delights-Chicken-Marbella-with-Dates-19.jpg)
Chicken Marbella is a sweet and tangy dish featuring prunes, olives, and capers. It takes about an hour to prepare, blending the flavors of garlic and oregano with brown sugar and white wine. This dish offers a balance of savory and sweet that stands out in a potluck setting. The chicken is marinated overnight, ensuring a deep infusion of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken
![Chicken breasts in a skillet with onions and cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Loaded-Blackened-Skillet-Chicken-1024x684.jpg)
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken brings a spicy kick to the table, ready in about 30 minutes. The main ingredients are chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, and a variety of colorful bell peppers. Topped with melted cheese, this dish delivers a satisfyingly smoky and cheesy taste. It’s a hearty choice that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
![A plate of stir-fried chicken and vegetables garnished with almonds and cilantro, accompanied by a yellow napkin on the side.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Instant-Pot-Chicken-Ghallaba-2-1024x576.jpg)
Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that can be made in just 20 minutes. It features chicken, a medley of vegetables, and traditional spices like allspice and cinnamon. The result is a fragrant and hearty dish that’s both nutritious and comforting. It’s an exotic twist to the usual potluck offerings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
![Chicken drumsticks on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easy-Colombian-roasted-chicken-drumsticks-HORIZONTAL.jpg)
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful option, marinated in a mix of citrus juices and spices for at least 3 hours. With main ingredients like chicken, lime, and cilantro, these drumsticks have a zesty and herby taste. They’re easy to eat and perfect for a potluck where guests might be mingling. The drumsticks are baked until perfectly golden.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Bosnian Pita Pie
![Cheesy cinnamon rolls in a white baking dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bosnian-Pita-Pie-1600x900-1.jpg)
Bosnian Pita Pie is a savory pastry that takes about 1 hour to prepare. Stuffed with a filling of either spinach, potatoes, or cheese, it offers a warm, comforting taste. The pie is made with phyllo dough, creating a crispy texture on the outside. It’s a versatile dish that caters to various tastes.
Get the Recipe: Bosnian Pita Pie
Cheesy Eggs
![A person scooping a dish of eggs in a skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jarlsberg-cheese-shakshuka.jpg)
Cheesy Eggs, also known as shakshuka, is a simple dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. With eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, it’s both spicy and comforting. The addition of cheese gives it a gooey, creamy texture. It’s a vegetarian dish that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggs
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
![Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Turkish-kofta-kebabs.jpg)
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a Middle Eastern delight, ready in about 45 minutes. Ground chicken is mixed with parsley, onions, and a blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. The kebabs are juicy and flavorful, with a hint of smokiness. They’re easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
![Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Butternut-Squash-Wild-Rice-Pilaf.jpg)
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty vegetarian dish that takes about 1 hour to make. The main ingredients are butternut squash, wild rice, and cranberries. It’s a nutty and slightly sweet dish that adds a colorful and healthy option to the potluck spread. The pilaf is both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
easy gluten free samosas
![Gluten free samosas on white background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/samosas.jpeg)
Easy gluten-free samosas are a tasty finger food, ready in about 40 minutes. Made with gluten-free dough and filled with spiced potatoes and peas, they offer a crispy outside with a soft, flavorful filling. They’re a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. The samosas are served with a tangy tamarind sauce.
Get the Recipe: easy gluten free samosas
Chicken Divan
![A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/chicken-divan-l.jpg)
Chicken Divan is a classic casserole that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. It combines chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, offering a comforting and rich flavor. It’s a traditional favorite that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pomegranate-chicken-with-walnuts-23.jpg)
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts is a Persian dish that requires about 1 hour to prepare. Chicken is cooked in a sauce of pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts, creating a tangy and nutty flavor. This dish is both visually appealing and deliciously unique. It’s a standout dish that brings a touch of elegance to any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
The perfect rice pilaf
![Rice pilaf in copper saucepan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/rice-plov-rice-pilaf-in-copper-saucepan.jpg)
The perfect rice pilaf is a simple yet elegant dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. It’s made with rice, carrots, and onions, seasoned with a blend of spices. The pilaf is fluffy and aromatic, serving as a versatile side that complements a variety of main courses. It’s a staple that’s always welcome at a potluck.
Get the Recipe: The perfect rice pilaf
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
![One stuffed pepper on platewith pot in background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/moroccan-stuffed-pepper.jpeg)
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a wholesome and colorful dish, ready in about 1 hour. Bell peppers are filled with a mixture of ground turkey, rice, and tomatoes, then baked. The peppers are tender and the filling is savory with a hint of sweetness. This dish is both filling and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chicken-Pot-Pie-with-Tarragon-Gravy.jpg)
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a comforting dish that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. The pie is filled with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy tarragon-infused gravy. Encased in a flaky pastry crust, it offers a warm and satisfying taste. It’s a homestyle dish that’s always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Argentinian Empanadas
![Empanadas on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Argentinian-Empanadas.jpg)
Argentinian Empanadas are a delightful finger food, ready in about 1 hour. Filled with a mixture of vegetables or meat, these pastries are both savory and slightly sweet. The dough is flaky and the filling is moist and flavorful. Empanadas are perfect for guests to grab and go while socializing.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
![Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/salmon-tray-bake_HOR.jpeg)
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is a quick and healthy option, taking just 20 minutes to prepare. Salmon fillets are seasoned with Moroccan spices and roasted alongside vegetables. This dish is light yet flavorful, with a hint of spice and citrus. It’s an easy-to-make option that offers a break from heavier potluck fare.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Mujadara
![White casserole dish with middle eastern mujadara.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mujadara.jpeg)
Mujadara is a comforting dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, taking about 40 minutes to prepare. It’s a flavorful and hearty vegetarian option that’s also budget-friendly. The dish has a rich, savory taste from the onions and a satisfying texture. Mujadara is a nutritious addition to any potluck table.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
![Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Buttermilk-chicken-and-potatoes-1024x576.jpeg)
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a homestyle dish that takes about 1 hour to make. Chicken and potatoes are marinated in buttermilk and then baked with herbs. This results in a tender, juicy chicken and creamy potatoes with a slight tang. It’s a simple, classic dish that’s always a comfort.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
![Side view of slice of moussaka.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Vegetarian-moussaka.jpeg)
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka is a layered casserole that requires about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. It consists of eggplant, potatoes, and a rich béchamel sauce. The moussaka has a creamy and savory flavor, with a hint of cinnamon. It’s a substantial vegetarian dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Mushroom leek pasta kugel
![A plate of pasta with mushrooms and sprigs of dill.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mushroom-leek-pasta-kugel-1600x900-1.jpg)
Mushroom leek pasta kugel is a hearty dish, ready in about 1 hour. Pasta is baked with mushrooms, leeks, and cheese, creating a creamy and savory flavor. This kugel is a twist on the traditional noodle casserole. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a large gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom leek pasta kugel
One Pot Chicken and Rice
![A pan of chicken biryani garnished with fresh cilantro.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Uzbek-chicken-plov3-1024x576.jpg)
One Pot Chicken and Rice is a fragrant rice dish that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. It’s made with chicken, rice, carrots, and onions, cooked together with a blend of spices. The plov has a rich, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the carrots. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both filling and aromatic, perfect for a communal gathering.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek One Pot Chicken and Rice
Chicken Colombian Tamales
![Colombian tamales on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Colombian-chicken-tamales-21.jpg)
Chicken Colombian Tamales are a traditional treat that takes several hours to prepare, making them a labor of love. Wrapped in banana leaves, the tamales contain chicken, rice, and vegetables. They have a moist texture and a unique, earthy flavor from the leaves. These tamales are a cultural experience that’s sure to impress at a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
![Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paprika-roasted-chicken-16-1536x1024-1.jpg)
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a simple and healthy dish that can be made in about 30 minutes. Chicken and an assortment of vegetables are seasoned with paprika and roasted to perfection. The dish offers a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the roasted veggies. It’s an easy-to-assemble option that’s both delicious and convenient for a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies