17 chicken recipes that’ll make you the kitchen MVP

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Get ready to become the kitchen MVP with 17 chicken recipes that will transform your cooking game. These dishes are all about making your life easier while still impressing everyone at the table. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these recipes have got you covered. Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to chicken masterpieces.

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the popular Chick-fil-A Nuggets at home, you’re in luck. These nuggets are known for their unique, crispy coating and tender, juicy meat. They are perfect for a quick snack or a casual dinner. Serve them with your favorite sauce for a simple yet pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Preparing Chipotle Grilled Chicken infuses a smoky, spicy kick to your normal grilling routine. The key lies in the marinade, which brings out the chicken’s natural flavors while adding a nice heat. It’s an excellent main dish for those who appreciate a touch of smoky heat. Pair it with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing beats the comfort provided by a well-made Easy Chicken Casserole. This dish combines chicken with a variety of ingredients baked under a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. The simple preparation process makes this a favorite for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kung Pao Chicken brings a spicy and nutty twist to the dinner table. With its origins from Chinese cuisine, this dish offers a punch of bold spice that blends perfectly with roasted peanuts. It’s a stir-fry classic that never fails to fulfill craving for something hot. Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete your meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A true classic, Chicken Pot Pie encapsulates comfort in every bite with its flaky crust and creamy filling. Filled with tender chicken and vegetables, it’s a hearty meal best enjoyed during cooler weather. This pie promises something warm and filling for everyone at the table. It’s always a hit, especially when you want a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a quick and loved meal, Easy Chicken Tenders are the way to go. These tenders are great either baked or fried and dip beautifully in any kind of sauce. Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of their juicy inside and crunchy outside. They’re a versatile choice for a simple lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken is ideal for those busy days when you need a meal to be ready with minimal effort. Place ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do its magic over several hours. Finished with a creamy ranch flavor, this chicken dish is comforting and hearty. It’s well suited for gatherings or a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A serving of creamy chicken pot pie casserole with vegetables, lifted on a fork, with a flaky crust and garnished with herbs.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This casserole is a delicious twist on the traditional pot pie. It layers the creamy, chicken-filled goodness with more crust than a regular pot pie. Chicken Pot Pie Casserol is especially easy to serve and is perfect for potlucks or big family dinners. Enjoy the comforting flavors with less fuss in preparation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunch. Cranberries add a hint of sweetness, pecans give a delicious crunch, and the chicken balances it perfectly with its savory flavor. This salad makes an excellent sandwich filler or a topping for a bed of fresh greens. It’s wonderfully versatile, whether for a lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Take your baked potatoes to the next level with Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. This recipe melds the spicy punch of buffalo chicken with the comforting, creamy texture of baked potatoes. It’s an exhilarating dish for those who relish a bit of heat. Perfect for a novelty dinner choice or a special game day treat.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seven Layer Salad is a colorful addition to any meal, featuring layers of lettuce, peas, onions, bacon, cheese, and more. Each layer offers a different taste and texture, making every forkful interesting. It’s a popular choice at gatherings for its appealing presentation and easy customization. This salad is a reliable side dish that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings bring homestyle cooking right into your kitchen. This dish is both comforting and hearty, serving as a reminder of simple, delicious meals. It replicates the soft, hand-rolled dumplings and tender chicken like the ones served at Cracker Barrel. Ideal for a comforting meal, ensuring you feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A classic Cobb Salad is nutritious, filling, and diverse in its ingredients. Known for its distinctive presentation with rows of blue cheese, eggs, avocados, bacon, and chicken, this salad is visually appealing. It’s a complete meal that offers a good balance of protein and veggies. Enjoy this refreshing salad any time for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crafting a Homemade KFC Zinger Burger brings the excitement and flavor of fast food to your kitchen. The burger includes a crispy, spicy chicken fillet that sits perfectly in a soft bun along with lettuce and mayo. It’s perfect for those craving that fast food spice but prefer homemade. A thrilling treat that fills you up and keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Glazed barbecued chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Using an air fryer for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks not only reduces the need for oil but also locks in a fantastic taste. These drumsticks emerge crispy on the outside and tender within. They are slathered in BBQ sauce for that smoky, sweet flavor everyone loves. It’s a straightforward dish that serves well for both casual and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy chipotle sauce over pasta. It’s a fulfilling dish that brings a robust kick of spice to the dinner table. Perfect for those who like their meals with a bit of heat. It’s both convenient and flavorful, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This dish is a show-stopper when placed on any dinner table. This meal involves roasting a whole chicken until it’s beautifully browned and brushing it with BBQ sauce for that extra smack of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to feed a group and ensures there’s enough to go around. Simple yet impressive, Whole Baked BBQ Chicken guarantees a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

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