17 Must-Try Chicken Dinners That Are Surprisingly Easy to Make

Photo of author

| Published:

Tired of the same old boring chicken dishes but intimidated by complicated recipes? These 17 must-try chicken dinners are about to revolutionize your weeknight meal lineup with their perfect balance of wow factor and weeknight practicality.

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Elevate your brunch game with a Chicken and Waffle Casserole that’s a masterful blend of sweet and savory. This dish sets you apart as the host with the most, effortlessly balancing flavors in a way that’s as impressive as it is simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the flavors of an Italian bistro to your table with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, quicker than you can exclaim “Mamma Mia!” This dish redefines indulgence with a crispy, cheesy exterior that doesn’t compromise on health.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Huli Huli Chicken

Pineapple slices arranged over cooked chicken pieces in a slow cooker.
Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken for an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a sweet & savory sauce, topped with caramelized pineapple. Easy, delicious, and a taste of Hawaii without the plane ticket!
Get the Recipe: Huli Huli Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With just your Instant Pot, you can whip up Honey Garlic Chicken that’s both sticky and sweet, revolutionizing your chicken game. Forget the dinner dilemma; this dish brings excitement back to the table, making you wonder why you ever settled for less.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your slow cooker whisk you away to New Orleans with Cajun Chicken Pasta, a dish that’s as spicy as it is comforting. It’s the perfect blend of chill and thrill, making dinnertime an event to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover the simplicity of perfectly seasoned air fryer chicken thighs that come out both crispy and juicy every time. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick, no-fuss solution to dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into comfort with Chicken Tortilla Soup, a blend of flavors that sings to your soul. This soup isn’t just food; it’s an experience, bringing smiles and warmth with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Riggies

Chicken riggies in a bowl topped with Parmesan and green onion.
Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready for Chicken Riggies, the pasta dish that’s bound to have you reaching for seconds. Its spicy, creamy sauce is the stuff of dreams, perfectly paired with pasta that’s just begging to be devoured.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with chicken thighs that are a one-way ticket to Flavor Town. As they simmer away, you’re free to conquer your day, only to return to a meal that’s sure to earn you the title of culinary genius.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Chicken Tamale Pie

A plate of chicken tamale pie casserole topped with a dollop of sour cream, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chicken Tamale Pie is your weeknight hero! It combines a fluffy cornbread crust with leftover chicken, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese for a satisfying and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

A close-up of a creamy baked casserole with golden-brown cheese, mushrooms, broccoli in a red dish.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

30-minute Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, low-carb & perfect for busy weeknights. Gooey cheese, easy cleanup, and repurposes leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Step into your kitchen to the welcoming scent of creamy chicken that has been tenderizing all day, ready to melt in your mouth. This crockpot hero transforms simple ingredients into a comforting embrace, proving slow cooking is the secret weapon of the culinary world.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Buffalo chicken tacos on a plate.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn leftover chicken into a flavorful and spicy taco filling with this easy-to-follow Buffalo chicken tacos recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say goodbye to takeout with Instant Pot Orange Chicken, a dish that brings the zest and zeal of your favorite flavors home faster than delivery. It’s convenience and flavor, all wrapped up in one quick, easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In just 25 minutes, your air fryer gifts you with chicken legs that are the epitome of crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside. Effortless and delicious, they’re a testament to the wonders of air frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Avgolemono Soup

A bowl of soup with chunks of chicken, rice, and vegetables, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
Avgolemono Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sick of boring chicken soup? Spice up your weeknights with Avgolemono soup! This easy recipe uses leftover chicken and transforms it into a creamy, lemony masterpiece. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Avgolemono Soup

Honey Sesame Chicken

A dish with fried chicken pieces, yellow bell peppers, and green beans, topped with sesame seeds, in a pan.
Honey Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your Panda Express cravings with this easy, homemade Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sesame Chicken

Leave a Comment

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