Don’t break a sweat: 17 easy chicken meals your family will love

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Let’s face it, who really has the time for hours in the kitchen on a weeknight when everything else is pulling at you? These easy chicken meals are practically on autopilot — okay, not literally, but close enough to make it feel that way. With no fancy chef skills required, you’ll be whipping up something that makes you look like you spent hours perfecting it, but with no need to sweat over the details.

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the day feels like it’s getting away from you, this dinner saves the evening without taking much effort. With Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy, you get all the flavors of a slow-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen. You just pop it in the oven and relax while it does its thing, making dinner almost effortless. It’s perfect for those fall nights when you want something cozy without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a quick, easy lunch that still feels like you put some thought into it? Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts hits all the right notes, giving you a fulfilling balance of flavors without any hassle. You can throw this together in a snap, making it ideal for those busy afternoons when you’re juggling a million things. It’s also great to pack for those early fall days when you want something light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever need a meal that makes it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it took no time at all? That’s exactly what you get with Mediterranean Chicken Bake—a dish that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to throw together. It’s perfect for cooler evenings when you want a flavorful meal that still feels light and fresh. Toss everything in one pan, bake, and dinner practically makes itself while you unwind.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When fast food cravings strike but you’re not up for leaving the house, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl steps in to save the day. It’s all the flavor you want, minus the drive-thru line, and it comes together so quickly. Perfect for those busy nights when you want to feel like you’ve treated yourself without all the extra work. Plus, it’s great for customizing to everyone’s tastes without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Everyone needs a go-to salad that feels a little different, yet takes almost no time to prepare. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins fits the bill perfectly, adding just enough of a twist to make your lunch or dinner stand out. It’s especially great during fall when you want something quick, yet warm and comforting at the same time. You can whip it up in minutes and still feel like you’ve put together something special.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving restaurant flavors but too comfortable at home to head out? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken gives you that steakhouse experience without ever changing out of your sweatpants. It’s surprisingly easy to make, but the end result feels like it should’ve taken much longer. Perfect for those crisp fall evenings when you want something hearty and flavorful but without all the effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got leftover chicken but no time for a full meal prep? Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is the solution you didn’t know you needed. It’s quick, filling, and perfect for those days when you’re in a hurry but still want something substantial. Whether it’s for lunch or an easy dinner, this one’s a fall-friendly option that’s ready in a flash and great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with creamy, baked casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, set on a wooden surface. A fork rests in one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

This dish takes you back in time, but without any of the old-fashioned effort. Vintage Chicken Divan gives you that classic comfort food vibe, yet it’s made with a no-fuss, modern approach. It’s creamy, rewarding, and exactly what you need on a chilly fall night when you’re craving something warm but easy. You can throw it together quickly, making it feel like a cozy, homemade meal without the all-day prep.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When fall rolls around, soup season is in full swing, and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s quick, hearty, and feels like a hug in a bowl when the temperatures start to dip. Toss everything into the pot, let it simmer, and soon enough, you’ve got a meal that’ll warm you from the inside out. This one’s perfect for making ahead or enjoying fresh on those chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want to impress without all the fuss? Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole gives you all the flavors of the classic dish, but in an easy-to-make form that feels way less intimidating. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something that feels a little fancier but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Just pop it in the oven, let it bake, and relax while dinner basically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When fall days get chilly, you want something that’s hearty, comforting, and easy to make. Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup brings all of that to your table, with none of the effort you’d expect. It’s simple to throw together, yet tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, making it perfect for those cozy fall evenings. The best part? It’s even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes you just need a quick meal that’s still a bit more exciting than your usual go-to. Coronation Chicken Salad offers a fun twist, giving you something a little different without requiring a lot of time or effort. It’s great for fall lunches or even dinner when you want something light but flavorful. Plus, it’s perfect for prepping ahead if you’ve got a busy week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Two bowls of creamy chicken & wild rice soup on a wooden table.
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about fall that makes you crave warm, hearty dishes, and Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup hits the spot every time. It’s filling without being too heavy, and comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have all night. You can throw everything into a pot and let it cook while you catch up on your day. The end result is a comforting, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re all about easy cleanup and minimal prep, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is your new fall favorite. It’s a one-pan wonder that lets you enjoy dinner without the stress of a pile of dishes afterward. The flavors are light yet rewarding, making it perfect for those in-between fall nights when you want something fresh but filling. Throw it all on the pan, pop it in the oven, and your work is done.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Garlic Chicken Skillet

Garlic Chicken Skillet with peppers and asparagus on a white plate.
Garlic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skillet meals are a weeknight game-changer, and Garlic Chicken Skillet is no exception. It’s simple, quick, and delivers a great meal without needing a bunch of steps or fancy ingredients. Toss everything in the skillet, and in just a little time, you’ve got something that feels like a real dinner. Perfect for fall evenings when you need to pull together a meal fast but still want it to feel special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something a little more special but don’t have hours to spend, Chicken Piccata is your answer. It’s fancy enough to impress but still simple enough for any night of the week, making it a great option for fall dinners. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time, but it’ll taste like a restaurant-quality dish. Perfect for when you want something elegant without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re all about finding easy shortcuts, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu will become your go-to dinner. It gives you that crispy, cheesy goodness without the hassle of deep frying or a lot of cleanup. Just pop it in the air fryer, and in a fraction of the time, you’ve got a dish that feels way fancier than the effort required. Perfect for busy fall nights when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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