Cancel your takeout plans and make these 17 chicken dinners instead

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If you’re craving chicken dinners that are so good you’ll forget about your favorite takeout spot, look no further. These 17 great recipes will have you whipping up a homemade meal right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with flavors that beat out the local delivery options. Say goodbye to those takeout menus!

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This dish is a game-changer. You take some chicken, throw it in a pan with mushrooms and cream, and boom. You’ve got yourself a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dinner that’s perfect for when you’re swamped but still want something awesome. You’ve got basic stuff like chicken and mushrooms turning into a rich, creamy dream. This is the recipe you turn to when you’re about to call for delivery but then remember you can whip up something way better in no time.
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 basically the easy win of chicken dinners. You just toss chicken thighs, cheese, and spinach into a dish and let the oven do its thing. It’s quick, it’s easy, and each bite is seriously delicious. If you’re looking to switch things up without making a big deal out of dinner, this is your move. It’s the comfort food you need without the hassle, making you forget about even looking at a delivery app.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Alright, these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are the cool kids of the chicken world. You mix up some canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, stuff them into cucumbers, and you’ve got something that’s not only easy but also super fun to eat. They’re perfect for when you want a meal that’s light but still packs a punch. Great for a quick fix that feels a bit fancy without all the work. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever thought of hitting up delivery.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

If you’re wanting a chicken dinner but know you need to avoid ordering takeout, make this. This Chicken Tortellini Soup is extra easy to make and comes together in only one pot in 40 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, filling, and a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

In just 20 minutes, you can have these garlic butter chicken bites ready. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that beats any takeout. Great for those days when time is tight but you still crave something good. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a special meal without spending a lot of time on it.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Throw together some Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, bacon, and chicken for a quick, flavorful meal. It’s easy, quick, and adds some excitement to your dinners. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself without the hassle of a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

This salad brings the heat with baked chicken, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños all mixed in a creamy dressing. Chill it for a bit, and the flavors get even better. It’s a great shake-up for your dinner game and gives your taste buds a good kick. Perfect for skipping meal delivery and making something exciting at home. Plus, it’s a smart pick for saving money while still having a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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

Think of this as a big bowl of comfort. Just get some Yukon gold potatoes, chicken breasts, heavy cream, and spices into a pot and let them simmer. It’s like the cozy feel of chicken pot pie, minus the baking part. Great for family dinners and much better than waiting for delivery. Plus, it’s just what you need on a cold night without too much trouble.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

When you need an easy dinner, this dish is it. Just mix chicken breasts with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, bake it, and you’ve got an awesome meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re busy but still want something good. This dish also wins over both kids and adults, making mealtime easy.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

This dish is a flavor trip with just a 40-minute ticket. Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in one pan for a quick, delicious meal. It’s easy enough for any day of the week but special enough to make dinner feel like a mini escape. Skip the delivery; this is how you do dinner right. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce more veggies into your diet in a way that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

With chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes, you’ve got an easy, one-pan meal that beats any meal delivery. It’s straightforward, fast, and packed with great flavor. Plus, it keeps cleanup to a minimum, making your evening that much easier.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

For this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, lots of garlic, Parmesan cheese, some heavy cream, butter, and a touch of olive oil. Seasonings include salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs for that extra flavor. It’s easy, fast, and much better than waiting for delivery. It also tends to become a frequent request for a comforting meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pollo Asado

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

Grab some cilantro, onion, and citrus, and you can grill, pan-sear, or bake your way to Pollo Asado greatness. It’s versatile, it’s quick, and it’s bursting with flavor. This is your go-to for an easy, delicious meal that beats out delivery any day of the week. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a restaurant-quality meal without the cost, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

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.

When hearty is what you’re after, this one-pan meal with chicken thighs and artichokes in a savory sauce hit the spot. It’s comfort food without the complicated steps, making it perfect for a filling dinner at home. Say goodbye to meal delivery with this easy pick. This dish is also great for meal prepping, as it reheats well and can make your busy weekdays a lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Green Chile Chicken

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

This easy dish turns leftover chicken into a flavor-packed meal. Shredded chicken with cheese, cream cheese, green chilies, and jalapeno in a pan is a fast way to make dinner exciting again. It’s perfect for spicing up your chicken routine without a lot of work. It’s an excellent option for those looking to reduce food waste and make the most of leftovers, transforming them into a completely new and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get cozy in under an hour with this Chicken Corn Soup. Choose your stock and let the flavors come together. It’s hearty and perfect for adding to your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s a great way to include more vegetables in your meals in a comforting way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Cut up some chicken, marinate it, skewer it, and bake. That’s all it takes to get these delicious shawarma kebabs on your dinner table. They’re easy to make, packed with protein, and add a world of flavor to your weeknight meals. It’s a simple way to shake up your chicken dinner game.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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