17 chicken recipes that’ll make your kids forget about nuggets forever

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When it’s time to move past nuggets, these 17 chicken recipes offer great choices that keep mealtime interesting and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Each dish is prepared to be kid-friendly without feeling repetitive, giving you the chance to serve new favorites. Perfect for fall, these recipes bring warmth to your kitchen, making each meal feel like a special family dinner, even on busy nights.

Chicken dish with vegetables in a square pot.
Monterey Chicken for One. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

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.

If you’ve been relying on store-bought sauces, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy will change your approach to homemade meals. Preparing this dish is easier than you might think, and it always hits the spot on cooler evenings. The gravy adds a rich, comforting layer that makes plain chicken thighs something to look forward to. Your dinner routine just got a much-needed makeover.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Fried Rice is the ultimate meal for turning leftovers into a vibrant dinner option. It’s quick to whip up on busy weeknights and packed with flavor. Not only is it a healthier alternative to your typical takeout, but it’s also a versatile dish where you can include whatever veggies you have on hand. This meal proves that simple ingredients can create magic on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Three pieces of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white rectangular plate.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Have an air fryer at home? Try making Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for dinner this week. The combination of honey and garlic transforms the chicken into a dish that’s bursting with flavor, yet isn’t hard to make. Besides being incredibly juicy, these chicken thighs can make anyone forget about the frozen nuggets. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises mouthwatering results.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A person holding a bowl of chicken and zucchini soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Gone are the days of plain noodle soups; Chicken Zoodle Soup is here to introduce a refreshing twist. This recipe is not only comforting on a chilly day but also adds a healthy serving of vegetables to your diet. It’s the kind of home-cooked meal that warms you up from the inside out. Who knew swapping noodles for zoodles could be so satisfying and delicious?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

The classic Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a game-changer for anyone who owns an air fryer. This dish brings a gourmet feel to your dinner table without the need for a fancy restaurant. It cooks up faster than traditional methods and the result is wonderfully crispy. Entice your family with something uniquely delicious tonight; this recipe is a ticket to a quick culinary win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

For a light yet fulfilling meal, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts hits the spot. It melds sweet and nutty flavors with chunks of tender chicken, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. This salad is a perfect choice for a fall afternoon lunch or a light dinner. It’s a friendly nudge to eat healthily without compromising on the taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Two Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat soup recipes on a table.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

As the temperature dips, a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be especially comforting. This soup combines tender chicken and soft gnocchi pillows in a rich broth that’s seasoned just right. It’s an ideal pick for those nights when you crave something warm and soul-soothing. Show your family that soup season can be exciting with a pot of this comforting treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is a wonderful way to bring a smoky twist to your dinner table. The smoke infuses the chicken with an irresistible aroma and flavor that makes this dish stand out. It’s a great alternative for anyone looking to step up their barbecue game. Gather around the table for a meal that promises to be memorable and full of flavors that are hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

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.

A fuss-free recipe that delivers on flavor is Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Just prep your ingredients, place them on a pan, and let the oven do the rest. The lemon and rosemary work together to create a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of sunshine to your dinner table, even on the cloudiest days.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re after a meal that’s both fast and flavorful, Chicken Stir Fry is the answer. It tosses together quickly, making it an ideal option for last-minute dinners. The vibrant mix of veggies and juicy chicken pieces is not only appealing to the eye but also to the palate. This dish serves as a gentle reminder that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a bit of Mexican flair to your weeknight dinners with Chicken Tinga Tostadas. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its seasoned chicken and crispy tostadas. It’s surprisingly simple to make but delivers a complex flavor profile that’s both smoky and tangy. Offering up this dish is a surefire way to make dinner more exciting and show off your kitchen skills.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is a bowl of complete comfort. Not only does it include hearty tortellini and tender chicken, but the kale adds a nutritious punch. This soup is a cozy embrace in a bowl, perfect for those evenings when all you want is to relax and enjoy a warm meal. Invite warmth and wellness into your kitchen with this soothing recipe.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Two lettuce wraps with chicken and spinach on a cutting board.
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Swap your traditional heavy meals for Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps, a lighter and greener option. This innovative take combines all your favorite flavors of chicken parmesan in a crunchy lettuce wrap. It’s a fun way to get your kids to eat their greens while still enjoying the familiar taste of a beloved dish. These wraps prove that you can have your chicken parm and eat it too—minus the carbs!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Garlic Chicken Skillet

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

Garlic Chicken Skillet is your best friend on a busy weekday. This one-pan wonder is known for its simplicity and the incredible flavor it packs. It’s a go-to recipe for when you need to get dinner on the table without a fuss, but still want to impress your family. There’s no better way to end a hectic day than with a dish that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a touch of Italy in each bite with Italian Chicken. This recipe is a smooth path to a flavorful and hearty dinner that comes together without much effort. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to bring a bit of international flair to your dining table without leaving your kitchen. Sharing this meal with your family is like taking a mini-vacation to Italy, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Chicken Scampi

A white plate with Chicken Scampi and green beans resting in the center.
Chicken Scampi. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Scampi is not just another chicken dish; it’s a joyous break from the mundane. This recipe ramps up the flavor, proving that a few well-chosen ingredients can create a truly special meal. It’s a fantastic choice for when you want to impress without too much trouble. The blend of ingredients used turns an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

Monterey Chicken for One

Chicken dish with vegetables in a square pot.
Monterey Chicken for One. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re dining solo, Monterey Chicken for One is the perfect way to treat yourself. This dish ensures that cooking for one doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. It’s packed with flavor, making every bite a little celebration. So, go ahead and give yourself the gift of a delicious, no-fuss meal that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken for One

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