MSN Slideshows

Not just wingin’ it: 27 chicken dinners for easy weeknight meals!

Photo of author

By Gina Matsoukas

| Published:

Chicken is the weeknight warrior’s secret weapon. But let’s be honest, we all get stuck in that grilled chicken and veggies rut sometimes. So, we’ve rounded up 27 chicken dinner recipes that promise to sprinkle some much-needed pizzazz on your poultry.

From the spicy kick of gochujang chicken to the sweetness of maple miso, these recipes aren’t just about feeding the family; they’re about enjoying every bite. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned chef, there’s something here to add some flair to your dinner routine. Let’s dive in and give those chicken dinners the makeover they deserve!

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken

Spatchcock chicken with peri peri seasoning on a baking sheet with green beans and sweet potatoes.
Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spice up your chicken game! This one-pan, spatchcocked wonder is an invitation to a flavor fiesta in just 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Spicy mango chicken skillet with jalapeños.
Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bring some zing to dinner! With juicy mango and spicy jalapeños, this chicken skillet transforms your regular chicken dinner into a tropical feast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air fryer frozen chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and a fork.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forgot to defrost? No sweat! These chicken breasts leap from freezer to air fryer to plate, proving dinner miracles happen in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Italian with a twist! Dive into this mozzarella-stuffed chicken, oozing with a savory tomato butter and fresh basil. It’s a delightful twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Sticky Thai Chicken

Thai chicken with sticky glaze and peanut garnish over white rice.
Sticky Thai Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fast doesn’t mean plain. Ready in 30 minutes, this sticky Thai chicken dish bursts with authentic flavors that’ll have you skipping the takeout menu for good.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Boring chicken legs? Not here! With a golden crisp skin and a mouthwatering spice rub, these air fryer quarters will steal the dinner spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ditch the usual stuffed peppers. Melted cheese, black beans, and chicken inside a poblano promises a Mexican night like no other.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Easy doesn’t mean boring. With caramelized pecans, this one-pan wonder proves that exciting dinners can be fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant on a baking sheet.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken, cheese, and eggplant team up to show that exciting dinners don’t need a long ingredient list. Less is indeed more, especially when it’s this tasty!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turmeric chicken, chickpeas, and a hint of creaminess—this skillet wonder turns dinner into a culinary adventure, minus the airfare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget takeout when this flavor-packed chicken is in your slow cooker. Sticky, sweet, and filled with hints of pineapple, it’s a home-cooked delight that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Four ingredient slow cooker pulled chicken with beans in a yellow bowl.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Elevate your tortilla game with this 4-ingredient slow-cooked chicken. With beans and cheese, it’s a simple spin that promises no dinner-time yawns.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ditch the deep-fryer, and opt for this ultra-crispy, guilt-free air fryer version. It’s a game-changer for those usual chicken tenders, taking them from “meh” to “more, please!”
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When buffalo wings inspire a soup, you know it’s anything but boring. Dive into this spicy, cheesy delight and bid farewell to ordinary chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Let’s rethink dinner: chicken, Brussels sprouts, cranberries—all on one pan. It’s the taste and ease combo you’ve been dreaming of.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Say hello to bold flavors! In just 30 minutes, this spicy, sticky, Korean-inspired chicken brings a world of taste right to your table. Perfect over rice and simply unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunchy, flavorful, and simply irresistible. This pecan-crusted delight, paired with a honey dijon yogurt sauce, is the upgrade your chicken dinners have been waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This isn’t just another casserole. With quinoa, rotisserie chicken, and a cheddar twist, it’s the weeknight savior for when ordinary just won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Takeout, step aside! With a sticky, sweet finish, this chicken will make you wonder why you ever needed a delivery guy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A one-pan wonder that’s bursting with fresh basil and a savory-sweet sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever settled for ordinary chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Marinated Chicken Wings

Crispy oven baked marinated chicken wings on a plate.
Marinated Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Why settle for buffalo when you can have these? Salty, sweet, and everything in-between, these wings redefine finger-licking good.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Give your weeknights a creamy twist. This chicken, with its blend of spices, will have you rethinking your relationship with cream cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When chicken goes on a flavor-packed escapade with garlic, mushrooms, and peppers, the result is a dinner dish that screams excitement.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Maple Miso Chicken

Maple miso chicken in cast iron skillet.
Maple Miso Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into this sweet-savory sensation! It’s not just chicken; it’s an umami-packed culinary journey that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Zucchini noodles with shredded chicken in a stir fry sauce in cast iron skillet.
Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Your favorite takeout gets a healthy spin! Dive into these zoodles loaded with chicken, reminding you why staying in is the new going out.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla pizza with black refried beans, cheddar and shredded chicken.
BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ain’t your average pizza night. Imagine a quesadilla, but layered and loaded with chicken and cheese. A fresh twist on a lazy weekend classic.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Black Bean & Chicken Tortilla Pizza

Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ever wished for a love child of chicken noodle and tortilla soup? Your culinary dreams come true with this spicy, lime-infused bowl of awesomeness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Baking bliss: 11 sweet and savory baked goods

25 easy peasy kid-friendly dinners for busy parents

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.