Weeknight wins: 13 chicken dinners everyone should know

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Make weeknights easier and more delicious with these 13 chicken dinners that everyone should have up their sleeve. Each recipe is not only quick to whip up but also packs a punch of flavor, proving that fast meals don’t have to compromise on taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy kick or something savory and soothing, there’s a chicken dish here that will fit the bill.

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enjoy your favorite fast-food dish right from your own kitchen. This homemade version of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is not only easy but also delivers that sweet and savory flavor you love. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Chicken and Rice Casserole

A baked rice casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This one-dish wonder is a comfort food classic that’s hard to beat. Chicken and Rice Casserole combines creamy rice with juicy chicken, all baked to perfection. It’s a fuss-free recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Give your dinner a smoky, spicy upgrade with this flavorful chicken. Chipotle Grilled Chicken is just the right blend of heat and smoke, making it a hit for anyone who loves a little kick. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Make everyone’s fast-food favorite at home with a recipe that’s surprisingly straightforward. Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy, tender, and perfectly bite-sized, ideal for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Serve them up at your next family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need a hearty meal without the effort, this casserole has got you covered. Easy Chicken Casserole is both delicious and comforting, filled with flavors that blend together beautifully in the oven. It’s a reliable go-to for any busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These aren’t just kid-friendly; they’re everyone-friendly! Easy Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in no time. Pair them with dips or sides for a meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Glazed barbecued chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the grill and still get all the BBQ flavor you crave. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are smoky, juicy, and covered in your favorite barbecue sauce. They make for a mess-free, simple meal that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn up the heat on pasta night with a dish that’s sure to be a new favorite. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is the perfect mix of creamy and spicy, making dinner anything but boring. It’s a quick and delicious way to satisfy your craving for something bold.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Air fryer chicken wings served with fresh tomatoes and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who doesn’t love extra crispy chicken wings? With Air Fryer Chicken Wings, you get all the crunch without the oil, making them a guilt-free addition to your meal rotation. They’re perfect for game day, family night, or when you just need a quick delicious snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Chick-fil-A Sauce

A bowl of smooth, creamy peanut butter with a hint of Chick-fil-A sauce and a spoon inside.
Chick-fil-A Sauce. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Don’t forget to whip up a batch of this fan-favorite sauce. Chick-fil-A Sauce, made right in your own kitchen, is the perfect creamy and tangy accompaniment to any chicken dish. It transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Sauce

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the comfort of country cooking into your dining room. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe offers you the heartwarming goodness of tender dumplings and chicken in a creamy broth. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl on a cool evening.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Roasting a whole chicken has never been easier or quicker. Air Fryer Whole Chicken ensures you get a perfectly crispy skin with tender, juicy meat inside. It’s a straightforward way to prepare a whole bird with minimal fuss, ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the drive-through and make your own spicy chicken burger at home. Homemade KFC Zinger Burger brings the heat with a crispy, flavorful coating that rivals the original. It’s a tasty and exciting way to switch up your usual burger night.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

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