21 chicken dinners that prove you can do more than just wing it

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Chicken dinners are proof that you can do a lot more than just throw something on a plate and call it a night. These recipes are here to make things easier, whether you’re cooking solo or feeding the whole family. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll find that chicken can be more exciting than you might think.

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is perfect if you’re after a little sweet, a little spicy, and a lot easier than it sounds. This dish gives the chicken a bold, hot honey glaze that comes together in just 45 minutes. No need to stress — this one brings flavor without dragging out your evening. This recipe is a fun way to show that chicken dinners can be way more than basic.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is for those nights when you want a bowl of comfort that’s packed with goodness. It’s a hearty option with chicken, veggies, and cheese-filled tortellini that doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s an easy way to serve up a complete meal that everyone will be happy with. Perfect for nights when you want to show that chicken can be much more than just grilled or fried.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad brings heat and flavor without weighing you down. It’s the easiest way to shake up your chicken routine. With baked chicken, crispy bacon, and jalapeños in a spicy mayo dressing, it’s ready in just 40 minutes and makes a great takeout alternative. This salad keeps things light but doesn’t hold back on flavor. Chicken dinners don’t have to be plain.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a quick meal that still tastes great, Creamy Dijon Chicken has you covered. Chicken thighs are cooked in a tangy Dijon mustard sauce with bacon and spinach, giving you a complete dish in 30 minutes. Serve it over pasta or rice, and you’ve got dinner sorted. This one’s a reminder that chicken dinners can be rich and hearty without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are all about getting dinner done fast without giving up on flavor. These bites are cooked until golden and tossed in a simple garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need something quick that still feels like a real meal. Serve their own or with rice and veggies; these bites show that chicken can be easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a go-to when you’re short on time but still want something fresh. With pre-cooked chicken, pasta, crisp lettuce, and Caesar dressing, it’s ready in under 25 minutes. It’s a balanced meal that’s hearty enough to stand on its own. Great for busy nights, this dish is proof that chicken can be quick and filling without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick comfort meal, Chicken Tater Tot Casserole nails it. Tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and cheese come together in about 55 minutes for a dinner that’s all about keeping things easy and filling. When you’re in the mood for something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this casserole shows that chicken dinners can be way more than plain and boring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings you all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie without the crust. Packed with chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, this hearty soup warms you up from the inside. It’s ready in about an hour, making it a great choice for those nights when you want something simple. This dish shows that you can whip up more than just a basic dinner and still impress everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect for a cozy meal in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce that’s easy to make. This dish shines on busy nights when you want a flavor-packed meal without any complicated steps. It’s a great way to show that chicken can be the star of your dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is an exciting way to enjoy a wholesome dinner without too much work. Chicken and spinach come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes well in the oven. Ready in just half an hour, this dish is perfect when you want something simple yet nutritious. It shows you can get creative with chicken while keeping it easy and filling, all in one delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken makes your weeknight dinners feel a little more special. In just 30 minutes, boneless chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. This flexible dish pairs well with bread, rice, or veggies. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together while still delivering that wow factor. You can definitely do more than just wing it in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado is a great pick when you want something fresh and packed with flavor without spending hours cooking. The marinade, loaded with cilantro, onions, orange juice, and lime, gives the chicken an amazing burst of taste. Grilled to perfection, the chicken thighs stay juicy inside while getting that nice crisp outside. Pair it with rice, tortillas, or a salad for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken brings comforting flavors and a rich sauce to your table without the stress. Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in a garlicky cream sauce that feels fancy but doesn’t take long to prepare, just 40 minutes from start to finish. Plus, cleanup is easy with just one pan, showing that chicken dinners can be impressive and practical.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is all about comfort in under 30 minutes. Chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and coated in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce that hits the spot without feeling heavy. This meal works for busy weeknights but feels special enough for family dinners. You can serve up something great in no time, making it a reliable choice when you’re short on time and energy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those times when a regular dinner just doesn’t cut it, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a great choice. They’re made with ground chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese and seasoned with homemade ranch for extra flavor. Perfect for quick nights where you’re short on time but still want something that feels a bit different. Just pop them in the oven, and you have a hearty meal that skips the takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken brings more flavor to the table without extra effort. All you do is layer chicken, cheese, bell peppers, sprinkle chili powder and paprika, and bake. Done in 30 minutes, this meal is for busy nights or whenever you need a quick, complete meal that doesn’t feel rushed. Serve it with rice or tortillas, and enjoy a chicken dinner that’s neither plain nor repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a comforting meal without the wait, Instant Pot Butter Chicken comes through. With chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, this recipe lets you have a rich, homemade meal that doesn’t require much work. The Instant Pot does the job, and in over an hour, you’ve got a meal ready to go. It pairs well with naan or cauliflower rice, perfect for nights when you want a break from takeout but don’t have time for something complicated.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts brings something special to the weeknight table. Tender chicken thighs are paired with artichokes in a garlic cream sauce, cooking up quickly in one pan. Ready in about 30 minutes; it’s a lovely option when you want something different but doesn’t take too much time. Pair it with a salad or veggies for a well-rounded meal that’s easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh, easy way to add fun to your dinner. Filled with chicken, bacon, sour cream, and cheese, they’re served in crisp cucumber boats that add a bit of crunch. These are perfect for nights when you need a light but filling meal that still feels complete. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re quick to make and serve a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a great go-to when you’re looking for bold flavors with little prep. It brings together tangy, sweet, and a bit of spice in one pot, with all the ingredients cooking up and ready to serve in about 40 minutes. This recipe is helpful for those nights when you want a hearty meal without spending extra time in the kitchen. Just serve it with rice or veggies, and you have proof that flavorful chicken dinners don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs bring some extra flavor to your dinner routine with minimal work. Marinated in cumin and paprika, these kebabs cook up quickly on the grill or broiler. They’re a simple and filling option for any weeknight. Serve with flatbreads or a salad. With Shawarma Kebabs, it’s easy to enjoy a flavorful chicken dinner that doesn’t need a lot of prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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