You know those chicken recipes you’ve probably skipped over? Well, it’s time to give them a second look! These 15 overlooked gems are ridiculously simple and will have you wondering why they’ve been sitting in the back row. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or something to impress, these recipes have got your back. Who knew you could still be surprised by chicken?
Chicken Pot Pie
There’s something incredibly comforting about digging into a classic Chicken Pot Pie. With its tender chunks of chicken, rich gravy, and flaky crust, it’s the kind of meal that wraps you up like a warm blanket. Ideal for chilly evenings, this dish reminds you of home-cooked meals from your childhood. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner or a dressed-up dish for guests.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
For those days when you’re after convenience without sacrificing taste, look no further than Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. This meal practically makes itself while you’re busy with other tasks, the slow cooker doing all the hard work. When you come back, you’ll be greeted with juicy chicken that’s absorbed all the herby goodness of ranch seasoning. Just pair it with your favorite sides for an easy and complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
When the craving for something spicy and a bit nutty hits, Kung Pao Chicken answers the call. Stir-fried to perfection, this dish balances heat, sweet, and savory, delivering a punch of flavor with every bite. It’s a restaurant favorite for many, but making it at home allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice for a fulfilling meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole takes the heartiness of the traditional pot pie and presents it in an easy-to-serve format. Layers of chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce come together beneath a golden-brown crust. It’s a modern twist on a classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s a great way to use up leftovers, making for a resourceful and delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
If pasta is your go-to comfort food, then add Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta to your rotation. This dish marries the sweetness of corn with the richness of a creamy sauce, all while highlighting tender chicken pieces. It’s a step away from your typical tomato or alfredo sauce pasta but keeps that familiar, enjoyable experience. Bonus: it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into a meal the kids will love too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken
Get your napkins ready – a Whole Baked BBQ Chicken is the centerpiece for your next family get-together. Baking the chicken whole ensures it stays juicy inside, while the outside gets basted with that sticky, sweet and smoky barbecue sauce we all love. It’s simpler than firing up the grill, but you still get that barbecue satisfaction. Cut into it and serve with your favorite cookout sides for a no-fuss feast.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad mixes tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans for a refreshing take on chicken salad. It’s a perfect filling for sandwiches or atop a bed of greens for a light lunch. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a go-to for picnics or meal prepping. And with its appealing look, it’s a dish that’ll catch eyes at any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Chicken Tamale Pie
If you’re in the mood for Mexican flavors but want something more homely than tacos, Chicken Tamale Pie has you covered. This one-dish wonder layers delicious tamale ingredients, giving you a taste of southwestern cuisine right at home. It’s a crowd-pleaser that introduces a novel concept to your dinner table without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie
Seven Layer Salad
Don’t overlook salads when you can build an impressive Seven Layer Salad. It’s a textural masterpiece, with layers of crunchy greens, veggies, creamy dressing, and hearty proteins like chicken. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular weekday dinner, it brings a multi-dimensional aspect to dining. Plus, its colorful presentation makes it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes
Spice up your spud routine with a Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes twist. Stuffed with spicy chicken and topped with a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, these potatoes are anything but ordinary. They make for an exciting lunch or a substantial side dish at dinner, marrying comfort food with a bit of heat. Approach with enthusiasm, and have plenty of napkins at the ready!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Sometimes, you just need the heartwarming feel of a good old-fashioned casserole, and that’s where Chicken and Dumpling Casserole comes in. It’s a one-pot wonder, combining the classic flavors of chicken and dumplings into a convenient casserole form. Suited for family dinners, it’ll bring everyone to the table quickly once the inviting aroma fills the house. And there’s something about those doughy dumplings that just spells out comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Cobb Salad
When it comes to salads that eat like a meal, you can’t go wrong with a classic Cobb Salad. It’s loaded with all the right goodies – chopped chicken, bacon, eggs, and avocado, among other ingredients. Each forkful is a different bite, keeping your taste interest high from start to finish. It’s a salad that can hold its own as a main dish, all while keeping things light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
If you’re a fan of a good crunch and a bit of heat, you’ll appreciate the homemade version of Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Skip the drive-thru and create this popular fast-food staple right in your own kitchen. The key is in the breading – crisp and seasoned to perfection, it encases a juicy chicken fillet that packs a punch. Paired with lettuce and mayo on a soft bun, it’s a sandwich that puts a fulfilling spin on lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Craving comfort without stepping foot outside? Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings bring a taste of southern hospitality to your dining room. This dish replicates the soothing flavors found in the homestyle platters of the beloved chain restaurant. Get ready for tender chicken morsels and pillowy dumplings in a thick, savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Chick-fil-A Nuggets
You can now skip the drive-thru lines and treat yourself to homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets. These bite-sized pieces of chicken are breaded in a flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully when cooked. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or piling into a party platter. Everyone from kids to adults will reach for one (or four) of these mouthwatering morsels.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets