19 must-try chicken recipes you won’t regret making for dinner

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If you’re searching for must-try chicken recipes you won’t regret making for dinner, look no further. These 19 recipes deliver on all fronts: simplicity, flavor, and practicality. Designed with busy weeknights in mind, these chicken dishes come together fast and require minimal clean-up. Each recipe offers straightforward instructions and focuses on accessible ingredients, making them perfect additions to your meal planning that will quickly become household favorites.

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Whipping up a dish that feels gourmet on a weeknight is easier than you think with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce teeming with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a one-skillet wonder, minimizing both prep time and dishes to clean. The perfect blend of flavors and ease of preparation mark it as one of those must-try chicken recipes you’ll love revisiting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Look no further than this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken for a dish that effortlessly combines ease with elegance. You’ll meld juicy chicken thighs in a single pan with a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce. Quick to whip up and even faster to clean up, it’s a no-brainer for those busy weeknights. The distinct and delicious flavors make it one of those must-try chicken recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to. Its convenience ensures it easily earns a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever considered ordering takeout. With everything coming together in one pan, from the succulent chicken to the rich Dijon sauce and hearty spinach, this meal is as convenient as it is delicious. Cleanup is a breeze, so it’s a win-win for those busy weeknights. Its satisfying blend of flavors proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Easily one of those must-try chicken recipes; you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinated chicken thighs pair seamlessly with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in this recipe. The one-dish cooking and cleanup process is straightforward and efficient. Minimal hands-on time is needed, letting you enjoy a relaxed evening. This dish comes together in 30 minutes and is both filling and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight meals that you won’t regret making.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Cooking and cleaning are a breeze with this one-skillet chicken and mushroom sauce combo — all made in 30 minutes. The straightforward steps ensure a hassle-free cooking experience. It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, pasta, or vegetables, making it a well-rounded dinner option. The all-in-one cooking method simplifies your evening and minimizes cleanup. The dish’s practicality and rich flavors make it a must-try for your weeknight meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad takes your dinner experience to a new level by incorporating the flavors of a popular appetizer. You’ll start by baking chicken and bacon in the oven, which serves as the hearty base for this low-carb meal. Jalapeños are then broiled to bring out their smoky essence, blending well with the other ingredients like mayonnaise and hot sauce. The recipe is easy to follow, requiring basic skills like chopping and broiling, and culminates in a well-chilled, flavorful salad. It’s the ideal option when you want a satisfying, spicy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

This 30-minute, one-pan recipe pairs chicken breasts with a decadent garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. Preparation and cleanup are easy, saving you time before and after your meal. It’s perfect for those who are new to cooking, thanks to its uncomplicated steps. The rich flavors and one-pan simplicity make it a go-to option for busy weeknights. You’ll find yourself adding this practical and delicious dish to your regular meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Combine shredded chicken, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños for a hearty, single-dish casserole. The cooking time is efficient, allowing you to multitask while the oven does the work. This unique and flavorful dish is as practical as it is delicious. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Pollo Asado

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

This recipe features chicken thighs marinated in cilantro, onion, and citrus juices. You have the flexibility to cook it either on the grill, grill pan, or in the oven. The marinade preparation is straightforward, and the cooking options make it adaptable to your convenience. This dish is quick to make and packed with robust flavors. It’s a versatile, must-try recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner scenario.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Fajita Baked Chicken

This Fajita Baked Chicken recipe offers a hassle-free experience with its one-pan design, making both cooking and cleaning easier. The combination of cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella adds layers of flavor to the seasoned chicken breasts. With a short bake and a quick broil, dinner is served in under 30 minutes. It’s a reliable go-to chicken recipe you won’t regret making.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

This one-pan dish features chicken thighs enhanced by a creamy artichoke sauce. The steps are uncomplicated, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The one-pan approach minimizes your cleanup, adding to its practicality. This dish is quick to prepare and delivers a delightful combination of flavors. It’s a time-saving recipe with rich flavor that will become a regular in your meal rotation.
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.

Served in hollowed-out cucumbers, this dish eliminates the need for extra serving dishes. The chicken salad preparation is quick, and the ingredients, like canned chicken, make it a time-saving option. It’s convenient for busy weekdays when you need a quick yet filling meal. The recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other things. With its practical approach and unique presentation, it’s a dish you’ll enjoy making frequently.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Prepare and cook this Indian-inspired dish in under 40 minutes with the help of an Instant Pot. This one-appliance method simplifies both cooking and cleanup. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a high-protein, flavorful dinner without the hassle. It’s a practical choice for weeknights when you’re short on time. With its rich flavors and efficient cooking process, you’ll find yourself making this dish often.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Glaze your chicken thighs with a unique garlic-ginger sauce for a quick yet flavorful meal. The recipe is efficient, allowing you to fit cooking into any busy schedule easily. The ingredients and steps are straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. It’s perfect for evenings when you crave something different but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Given its ease and unique flavors, it’s a dish that deserves frequent appearances on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Thai Chicken Salad

Featuring marinated chicken, arugula, and spiralized cucumbers, this dish requires no cooking if you opt for pre-cooked chicken. The assembly is quick and easy, making it a practical choice for busy households. The salad is nutritious and makes for an excellent quick dinner or lunch from leftovers. The minimal preparation and assembly time free up your evening for other activities. With its blend of fresh ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Thanks to the Instant Pot, this Filipino-inspired recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish. The cooking and cleanup are streamlined, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors offers a unique dining experience. Its quick cooking time and one-pot method make it a must-try dish for your meal plans. The efficiency and distinct flavors make this a dish you’ll be eager to make again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Use your leftover or rotisserie chicken in this one-skillet dish for a quick and flavorful meal. It’s particularly practical for busy weeknights when you need a last-minute dinner option. The cooking method ensures even heat distribution for a well-cooked meal, and the single skillet simplifies cleanup. With its convenient approach and innovative use of leftovers, this dish is a time-saving option you’ll appreciate. The flavor profile and efficiency make it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Shawarma Kebabs

With minimal hands-on time, these oven-baked kebabs offer a protein-rich, flavorful meal. The cooking process requires nothing more than skewers and a baking sheet, adding to its simplicity. The oven takes care of most of the work, leaving you free to attend to other things. The kebabs are easy to prepare, making them a practical addition to your weeknight menu. With its unique flavor blend and straightforward cooking process, it’s a dish you’ll want to make often.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

These oven-baked poppers pair chicken and bacon with a homemade ranch dressing for a quick and satisfying light meal. The dressing is simple to make and uses standard pantry items, adding convenience. Both the poppers and sauce can be made in under an hour, fitting well into a busy schedule. The short cooking time and easy preparation make this recipe a practical choice for any night. Given its fun twist on classic flavors, you’ll find this dish worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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