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19 chicken meals that are perfect for busy weeknights and leftover lovers

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By Leah Ingram

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There are two things my family loves — chicken dinners and then leftovers the next day. What I don’t love? Being in a time crunch and unable to make dinner so we can enjoy those aforementioned leftovers the next day. However, with these 19 chicken meals, I believe I’ve found the perfect dinner comb for busy nights.

Close-up of cheesy hash brown casserole on a fork.
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Sliced breaded and fried chicken breast on a wooden board, garnished with herbs and accompanied by lemon slices.
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets give you crispy golden chicken with just a splash of oil. These cutlets are a simple pick for a dinner that feels complete. You’ll appreciate how quickly they come together. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken

Close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of stir-fried chicken with green beans, red bell peppers, and onions in a flavorful sauce from a black pot.
Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

If you believe stir-frying can’t be done in a slow cooker, the copycat recipe for Panda Express General Tso Chicken will prove you wrong. Using the right ingredients and a perfect mix of sauces, you’ll be surprised at how amazing this Crock Pot version of a mall food court classic can turn out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Slow Cooker Panda Express General Tso Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy potato casserole topped with crispy bacon and chopped green onions in a black dish.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a quick crowd-pleaser that cooks up in just four hours. This casserole makes for a fantastic Crock Pot meal when you’re juggling a packed schedule. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together. Plus, who can resist that combination of chicken and crispy tater tots?
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

A plate with sweet and spicy glazed chicken topped with cranberries, served with green beans and a side of yellow rice.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken uses only four ingredients to create a sweet and tangy dish. The slow cooker handles the work so it’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry 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.

Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole is a great weeknight dinner option. Baked with seasoned chicken, rice, pasta and cheesy broccoli, it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

A ladle holds a hearty stew with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and shredded chicken in a rich, orange-colored broth.
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup serves up a thick hearty stew packed with chicken and chili-like textures. This soup is a great choice for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and comforting. Just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it do the work while you kick back.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

A bowl of rice topped with shredded chicken and green onions, with chopsticks resting on the side.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recreates takeout flavors at home. A bold sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil and rice vinegar ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

A spoonful of creamy chicken and corn chowder with bacon pieces, potatoes, and herbs in a thick broth.
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder is perfect for casual gatherings. It stays warm in the Crock Pot so seconds are always ready for dinner or game night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

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.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole turns rice, chicken and cheese into a quick flavor-packed meal. It’s a simple way to make the most of leftovers from another night’s dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

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.

For those times you crave fried chicken but don’t want to deal with frying, this slow cooker recipe delivers crispy flavor without the oil. It’s all the fried chicken taste minus the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken in the Crock Pot

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.

Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken keeps things easy with just six ingredients. You can have it prepped in no time, making it great for busy evenings or when you know you’ll be too tired to cook something new.
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.

Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta combines bowtie pasta with seasoned chicken and tops it all with crispy bacon. It’s a straightforward dish that packs a punch.
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 budget-friendly and bursting with flavor. This method serves as a fantastic alternative to store-bought rotisserie chicken. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to achieve that crispy skin and juicy meat right at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie

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.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks let you dive into the crunch of fried chicken in just 30 minutes. These drumsticks are quick to prepare and mess-free, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights. You’ll love how they deliver all the flavor without the hassle of traditional frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

A plate of white rice topped with chunks of chicken and sliced green bell peppers, all cooked in a creamy yellow sauce.
Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a speedy option for a dinner that brings the heat when time is tight. This dish packs a punch and is perfect for those nights when you want something exciting without the long prep.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

A cast iron skillet filled with cooked chicken pieces and topped with sliced peaches.
Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken combines the sweetness of peaches with savory barbecue sauce for a delicious twist. You’ll love how the flavors come together with this meal, which you cook in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A wooden board with seasoned chicken wings, a bowl of white dipping sauce with lemon slices, and celery and carrot sticks.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings provide a quick and easy route to crispy results every time. With just a few ingredients, these wings make for a perfect snack or a laid-back meal. They’re my go-to choice for game nights or whenever I’m in the mood for something crunchy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

A close-up of fettuccine Alfredo topped with grilled chicken pieces, garnished with parsley. Breadstick visible in the background.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo gives you restaurant-style comfort food at home. Seasoned chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce make this a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Close-up of a dish featuring seasoned strips of chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, green peppers, and onions.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas deliver bold flavors to your table in no time at all. This quick recipe shines on busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

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