17 easy chicken dinners that beat takeout every time

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If you’re constantly on the lookout for hassle-free yet delicious meals that outshine takeout, you’re in for a treat. I’ve put together a collection of easy chicken dinners that are not only a breeze to whip up but also promise to satisfy like never before. From quick weeknight dinners to family favorites, these recipes are a game-changer for anyone seeking the perfect balance of convenience and homemade goodness. Say goodbye to the takeout menu and join me on this cooking journey that brings the joy of easy chicken dinners right to your kitchen!

Bowl of chicken chop suey with fork.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the secret to easy chicken dinners that outshine takeout with Cream Cheese Chicken. This recipe brings together the simplicity of home-cooked meals and the irresistible flavors that will have you coming back for more. With minimal prep time and straightforward ingredients, it’s the go-to solution for busy nights when you crave a delicious homemade dinner without the hassle. The creamy goodness of cream cheese elevates the dish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a new weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A golden-brown indulgence, this honey butter fried chicken promises a speedy preparation without sacrificing flavor. The sweet and savory combination adds a delightful twist to a classic favorite. Quick to make, it offers a family-friendly alternative to takeout that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for those evenings when you want a satisfying meal without the lengthy kitchen commitment.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate.
Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy Panko-coated chicken breast, a reliable choice for a hassle-free dinner. The panko crust ensures a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. With a short cooking time, it’s a go-to option for a quick and easy homemade dinner that beats the monotony of takeout. Ideal for those who appreciate the simplicity of preparation without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A comforting classic, this chicken pot pie offers a convenient solution for a homemade family dinner. The warm, flaky crust encases a hearty filling, providing a satisfying and straightforward meal. With minimal effort, you can achieve the comforting essence of a pot pie without the time-consuming process. A perfect choice for those seeking a familiar and hearty option for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate.
Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Effortlessly roast a whole chicken in the air fryer for a time-saving dinner option. The air fryer’s efficiency ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Perfect for those seeking a straightforward approach to a whole roasted chicken without the need for extensive oven monitoring. An ideal choice for a family dinner that boasts both convenience and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice.
Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into the rich flavors of creamy chicken curry, a quick and easy dinner option. The luscious sauce coats tender chicken, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal. With a brief preparation time, it’s an excellent choice for those who crave the exotic taste of curry without the lengthy cooking process. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that strikes the balance between simplicity and delightful flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your pasta game with this buffalo chicken pasta bake, a speedy alternative to takeout. The spicy kick of buffalo chicken adds a flavorful twist to a classic pasta dish. With minimal effort, you can achieve a hearty and satisfying dinner for the whole family. Perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of pasta combined with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken. A delightful option for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy crispy and succulent chicken legs made effortlessly in the air fryer. The quick cooking time ensures a convenient and flavorful dinner option without the need for extensive oven use. Perfect for those who seek a straightforward approach to cooking chicken legs with the added bonus of a crispy finish. An excellent choice for a hassle-free family dinner that beats the monotony of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

A plate of stuffing with chicken on a table next to a skillet.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the simplicity of a chicken and stuffing casserole dish, a comforting option for a family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and savory stuffing offers a satisfying and straightforward meal. With a short preparation time, it’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate the classic flavors of a casserole without the lengthy kitchen commitment. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Chicken Chop Suey

Bowl of chicken chop suey with fork.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the savory goodness of chicken chop suey, a quick and flavorful stir-fry option for dinner. Packed with a variety of vegetables and tender chicken, it provides a satisfying and balanced meal. With minimal effort, you can achieve the delightful flavors of chop suey without the need for extensive preparation. Perfect for those who crave a convenient stir-fry option that beats takeout every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air fried chicken with honey sauce on a white plate.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the simplicity of boneless chicken thighs made effortlessly in the air fryer. The quick cooking time ensures a convenient and flavorful dinner option without the need for extensive oven use. Perfect for those who seek a straightforward approach to cooking boneless chicken thighs with the added bonus of a crispy finish. An excellent choice for a hassle-free family dinner that beats the monotony of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor the ease of slow cooker chicken tacos, a hands-off option for a flavorful family dinner. The slow cooker’s magic infuses the chicken with savory goodness, requiring minimal effort on your part. Perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for taco lovers seeking a hassle-free and satisfying dinner that beats takeout every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the simplicity of chicken divan, a comforting option for a family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and creamy sauce offers a satisfying and straightforward meal. With a short preparation time, it’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate the classic flavors of divan without the lengthy kitchen commitment. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that brings comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the bold flavors of Chinese black pepper chicken, a quick and flavorful alternative to takeout. The spicy kick of black pepper adds a delightful twist to tender chicken. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the exotic taste of Chinese cuisine without the time-consuming process. Perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of takeout with the authenticity of homemade black pepper chicken. A delightful choice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

BBQ boneless chicken thighs on indoor grill.
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into the smoky goodness of grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs, a speedy alternative to traditional grilling. The barbecue flavor adds a satisfying twist to tender chicken. With minimal effort, you can achieve the smoky taste without the need for an extensive outdoor setup. Perfect for those who crave the simplicity of grilled chicken with the bold flavors of barbecue. An ideal choice for a quick and easy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into the comforting flavors of chicken bacon ranch casserole, a quick and flavorful option for a family dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch creates a satisfying and hearty meal. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the indulgence of homemade casserole without the time-consuming process. Perfect for those who appreciate the classic flavors of bacon and ranch in a convenient and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the sweetness of Hawaiian crockpot chicken, a hands-off option for a flavorful family dinner. The slow cooker’s magic infuses the chicken with tropical goodness, requiring minimal effort on your part. Perfect for those who seek a unique and convenient twist to their homemade meals without the need for constant attention. Ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of sweetness to their dinner without compromising on convenience. A delightful choice for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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