MSN Slideshows

10 chicken dinners that won’t ruin your busy weeknight

Photo of author

By Leah Ingram

| Published:

It feels like summer is over and everyone is back to their usual, busy routine. Even so, you’ve still got dinner to make. That’s why I turn to these 10 chicken dishes that are the epitome of simple cooking. Every dish is sure to be a hit and are perfect for busy nights.

A skillet containing cooked chicken legs with sliced peaches on top, in a dark sauce.
Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Two cooked chicken thighs on a red dish, a bowl of cherry tomatoes behind, and a slow cooker in the background.
Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

While “fried” is a bit of a euphemism, this slow cooker chicken tastes just like fried chicken. It’s an easy way to get that finger-licking flavor without the actual frying, making it perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

A close-up of chopsticks holding a piece of glazed, grilled chicken. The chicken appears juicy and well-cooked.
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Making barbecue sauce chicken drumsticks in the air fryer is a game-changer. These drumsticks are a bit messy to eat but worth every finger lick, making them a great choice for a fast and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Plate of chicken with a creamy sauce, served with potatoes and carrots, garnished with parsley.
Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This classic recipe requires only six ingredients, making it perfect for a busy night. Just dump everything into the slow cooker for an effortless dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta closeup partial of finished dish cropped horizontal.
30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This easy-to-make dish features bowtie pasta, seasoned chicken chunks, and a bacon topping. It’s a quick dinner option that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Close-up of a roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin seasoned with herbs and coarse salt, on a wooden cutting board.
Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s more cost-effective and flavorful than supermarket rotisserie chicken, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

A skillet filled with a creamy chicken and pepper dish, featuring chunks of chicken and green pepper slices in a rich, white sauce.
Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it great for a quick dinner. The spicy kick from the pepperoncini peppers pairs well with white rice or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of a stack of seasoned, grilled chicken drumsticks, with one drumstick partially eaten, revealing moist, cooked meat inside. A lemon wedge and herbs are visible in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Enjoy the taste of fried chicken without the oil or mess by using an air fryer. With a total prep and cooking time of 30 minutes, these drumsticks are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Finger licking is encouraged.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Plate with cooked chicken pieces garnished with fresh peach slices and herbs, served with a small bowl of peach slices and a jar of sauce on a wooden table, accompanied by two whole peaches.
Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Incorporate seasonal peaches into your summer dinners with this peach whiskey barbecue chicken recipe. It’s a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

A plate of chicken with rice garnished with parsley on a white surface with an orange napkin, wooden utensils, and ingredients nearby.
Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This easy weeknight dinner features cheesy broccoli and seasoned chicken served over a blend of rice and pasta. It’s a simple and quick meal that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice with corn and herbs on a striped cloth with garnishes on the side.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With just five ingredients, this casserole is a great way to use leftover rice, chicken, and cheese, including rotisserie chicken. It’s a quick and easy dinner option that simplifies your meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

20 easy dinners that will have you counting the minutes until it’s time to cook again

15 casseroles everyone will be talking about

Leave a Comment

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