13 chicken dinner recipes you’ve never made before

Photo of author

| Published:

If you’re looking for something new, try one of these 13 chicken dinner recipes you’ve never made before. Each dish is simple, time-efficient, and minimizes cleanup. The focus here is on the practical details: how long it takes, how easy it is, and what you’ll need for cleanup. These recipes bring new flavors and techniques to your kitchen routine without complicating your life.

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. 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 one-skillet dish minimizes cleanup while offering a well-rounded meal. You can serve it with a variety of sides like rice or vegetables, offering flexibility in meal planning. The recipe uses easy-to-follow steps that are perfect for those new to cooking chicken dinners. With both cooking and cleaning streamlined in one pan, it’s highly convenient. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making week after week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines seasoned shredded chicken with crispy bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and chopped jalapeños, all under a layer of shredded cheese. It takes just over an hour to make, from start to bubbling finish. Because you’ll use both the oven and the stove, the recipe offers a balanced mix of cooking techniques. Cleanup is simplified since everything eventually goes into one baking dish. For those looking to diversify their chicken dinner options, this dish brings a unique and flavorful twist to your table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Cooked in one dish, this recipe simplifies both preparation and cleaning. Marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach come together to provide a filling dinner. The minimal hands-on time required for preparation adds to its practicality. The assembly is simple, freeing up your evening for other activities. You’ll likely find this dish becoming a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This one-pan meal makes both cooking and cleanup exceptionally straightforward. The fusion of Dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon crumbles not only speeds up cooking time but also ensures a flavorful meal. It’s so quick, you can have dinner ready faster than ordering takeout. The combination of easy preparation and minimal cleanup makes this dish a convenient choice for your dinner plans. The practicality of this recipe will have you returning to it regularly.
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 Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad brings together oven-baked chicken, crispy bacon, and charred jalapeños in a spicy-creamy dressing. The oven does most of the work, while a single mixing bowl is all you need for assembling. Chill for an hour to let the flavors meld, and you’ve got a chicken salad that’s far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Using only one baking dish, this recipe streamlines your dinner preparation and minimizes cleaning. Chicken breasts, cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella work together for a filling meal with little hands-on time required. The oven does most of the work, so you’re free to do other things. Its straightforward steps and simple ingredients make it ideal for busy weekdays. The dish’s ease and hearty flavors make it a candidate for frequent meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

In under 40 minutes, this one-pan dish can be on your dinner table. The combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach is not only flavorful but also time-efficient. Single-pan cooking makes cleaning a breeze, adding another layer of convenience to your evening. This meal is a great option when you’re strapped for time but still want something fulfilling. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself wanting to prepare regularly due to its simplicity and time-saving benefits.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This single-pan meal is a convenient choice when time is tight but you still want something fulfilling. Boneless chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. With one pan for cooking and serving, cleaning up is a breeze. The recipe’s straightforward nature makes it a practical choice for dinner when you’re short on time. Its unique flavors and practical elements make it a dish you’ll want to include in your regular meal rotation.
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.

Juicy chicken breasts meet a white sauce of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream in this one-pan wonder. The recipe is not only rich in flavor but also quick to prepare. Utilizing a single pan, you’ll save time both in preparation and cleanup. Straightforward steps make this dish approachable even for those new to cooking. Given its ease and time-saving factors, you’ll want to make this dish a staple in your dinner planning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pollo Asado

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

This recipe features chicken thighs in a marinade of cilantro, onion, and citrus juices, creating a meal that’s rich in flavor. The best part is its versatility; you can toss it on the grill, use a grill pan, or even bake it in the oven. It’s a straightforward recipe, making it a solid go-to for those busy weeknights. Plus, you can adapt the cooking method to suit your schedule or preference. You’ll find yourself adding this convenient and adaptable dish to your regular dinner rotation.
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.

Here, tender chicken thighs join a lush sauce featuring artichoke hearts and lemon juice, all in a single pan. It’s a hearty yet simple meal you can whip up without spending hours in the kitchen. Cleanup is just as effortless, thanks to the one-pan approach. The unique blend of flavors and practical elements make this a recipe you’ll want to come back to. With its straightforward steps and quick cooking time, this dish is tailor-made for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Sticky Sauce Chicken

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

Chicken thighs get a flavorful makeover with a glaze of garlic and ginger sauce in this easy recipe. Preparation is a breeze, and the cooking time fits seamlessly into a packed schedule. One pan is all you need, so you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your evening. This dish adds a little twist to your dinner routine, all while keeping things practical and hassle-free. With such ease and unique flavors, you’ll find yourself revisiting this recipe regularly.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

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.

Utilizing leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken, this dish is a quick and convenient way to put together a satisfying meal. It’s cooked quickly on the stovetop in a single pan yielding perfect flavor in every bite. Cleanup is a cinch since it’s a one-pan recipe. Not only does this recipe make excellent use of time, but it also delivers in flavor. You’ll appreciate both its efficiency and taste, making it a dish to repeat often.
Get the Recipe: Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Leave a Comment

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