17 Chicken Dinners So Easy, You’ll Wonder Why You Ever Ordered Takeout in the First Place

Photo of author

| Published:

These 17 chicken dinners are so simple, you’ll be questioning why you ever bothered with delivery. From quick stir-fries to hearty casseroles, each dish comes together in no time and packs plenty of flavor. No need for takeout when you can make restaurant-quality meals at home with just a few ingredients. These easy recipes will save you both time and money, without skimping on taste. Once you try them, takeout will feel like a distant memory.

Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste.
Chicken Potstickers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken cooks up crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with minimal prep. The air fryer makes it easier and faster than roasting in the oven, and you’ll get the same delicious result. It’s the perfect dinner option when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking. This dish will make you forget about ordering takeout and make you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Simple and satisfying, it’s a new weeknight go-to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken gives you all the crispy, flavorful goodness of fried chicken without the mess or wait. The buttermilk soak keeps the chicken tender, while the air fryer makes the coating crispy and light. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is quicker than waiting for delivery, and it tastes way better. Once you make it yourself, you’ll never look at takeout fried chicken the same way again. It’s easy, fast, and perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup combines tender chicken, veggies, and a rich broth that’s full of flavor. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, making this a perfect option when you want a warm, comforting meal in a fraction of the time. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is quick and full of spice, without needing to wait for delivery. It’s the kind of soup that will make you rethink your takeout habit. You’ll be glad you skipped the delivery guy for this one.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Pad See Ew with Chicken

A plate of stir-fried rice noodles with beef slices, broccoli, and green onions. The dish is garnished with thinly sliced scallions, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Pad See Ew with Chicken. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Pad See Ew with Chicken is a stir-fry that combines tender chicken with wide rice noodles in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for those nights when you want takeout but don’t want to wait. The rich flavors and satisfying texture make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal, but it’s easy to make at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out for it. It’s a quick and delicious option that beats delivery every time.
Get the Recipe: Pad See Ew with Chicken

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko Chicken is crispy, sweet, and savory, made with a simple marinade of soy sauce and rice flour. The chicken is coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection, making it a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking. This dish is quick to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for when you want something different than your usual takeout. It’s a fun, easy dish to make at home that will have you skipping the delivery guy from now on.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken

A bowl of noodle stir-fry topped with vegetables, chicken, crushed peanuts, and fresh mint leaves. Chopsticks rest on the side of the bowl, which is placed on a textured surface with a small container in the background.
Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken combines tender chicken and noodles with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s rich in flavor. The dish is quick to put together, ready in under 30 minutes, making it an easy alternative to takeout. The sauce is the star, with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that makes each bite irresistible. Once you taste this, you’ll be wondering why you ever ordered takeout noodles. It’s quick, satisfying, and better than anything delivered to your door.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken

Drunken Noodles

A close-up of a fork holding a portion of pasta with pieces of meat, bell pepper slices, and a basil leaf. The background is blurred, focusing on the vibrant colors and textures of the food.
Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Drunken Noodles bring the heat and flavor in a stir-fry that’s packed with spices, veggies, and tender chicken. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner when you want something fast but full of flavor. The spicy sauce makes it just the right amount of bold, and the noodles soak up all the goodness. You won’t need to wait for delivery when you can make this so easily at home. It’s a quick fix that will make you rethink your takeout habits.
Get the Recipe: Drunken Noodles

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Biryani is a fragrant, flavorful rice dish made with tender chicken and aromatic spices. It’s ready in about 45 minutes, making it an easy way to bring a bit of comfort and complexity to your dinner table. The spices give it a depth of flavor that feels like a special occasion, but it’s simple to prepare. Once you make it at home, you’ll be wondering why you ever ordered takeout biryani. This is a meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours but is effortless to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Thai Chicken Satay

Overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Chicken Satay is a flavorful dish with tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in a rich peanut sauce. This dish is quick to make, and the marinade can be prepared ahead of time, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The peanut sauce adds a creamy, savory depth that will make you forget about takeout. You can serve it with rice or on its own, and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Once you make it at home, you won’t be reaching for takeout again.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Chicken 65

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65 is a spicy, crispy fried chicken dish that’s packed with flavor from a blend of spices. It’s easy to make and comes together quickly, making it perfect for those nights when you crave something crispy but don’t want to wait for delivery. The rich, bold flavors will make you forget about takeout entirely. This dish is surprisingly simple but full of flavor, and you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Pakora is a crunchy, flavorful dish made by coating chicken in a spiced chickpea flour batter and frying until crispy. The chicken stays juicy on the inside, while the coating adds a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for when you want something fried but don’t want the hassle of takeout. The spices bring a warmth to the dish, and it’s perfect for a quick, easy dinner. Once you make it, you’ll never want to order it from a restaurant again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are crispy, filled with flavorful chicken, and ready in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer gives them a perfect crunch without the mess of deep frying, making them an easy option for dinner or a snack. The seasoned chicken inside adds flavor, and the crispy shell makes each bite satisfying. This dish is so quick and easy, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for delivery. It’s a simple, flavorful choice that’s much better than anything delivered.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Fried chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a crispy, sweet, and tangy dish that’s just as good as the takeout version but easier to make. The chicken is coated in a flavorful orange sauce and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a great option when you want something quick and flavorful without waiting for delivery. Once you make it at home, you won’t want to go back to ordering it. It’s simple, fast, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Pollo Pibil

Pollo pibil on a grey plate with limes and shredded lettuce.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pollo Pibil is a flavorful, slow-cooked chicken dish made with achiote and citrus, giving it a rich, smoky flavor. While it’s typically made in a slow cooker, it’s easy to adapt and ready in about an hour. The tender chicken is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice, making it a versatile option. It’s a dish that feels like it took all day to prepare but comes together quickly. Once you try it at home, you’ll be skipping delivery for good.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Chicken Potstickers

Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste on plates.
Chicken Potstickers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Potstickers are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, filled with flavorful chicken and veggies. They’re easy to make and require just a few ingredients, making them a perfect dinner or appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes, these potstickers are an easy alternative to waiting for delivery. The crispy bottom and tender filling make each bite satisfying. Once you make these, you’ll be wondering why you ever ordered them from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Tandoori Chicken

A plate of tandoori chicken with a side dish of cooked rice, shot from a low angle.
Tandoori Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tandoori Chicken is a spiced, grilled chicken that’s juicy on the inside and full of flavor on the outside. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender, while the spices create a delicious char. It’s ready in under an hour, making it a great option when you want something quick but flavorful. Once you try making it at home, you’ll forget about takeout tandoori chicken entirely. The flavors are bold and satisfying, and it’s easier than you think.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are crispy, seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper, and perfect for when you want something simple but flavorful. The wings come out crispy without the hassle of deep frying, thanks to the air fryer. They’re ready in less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal option when you want something quick and satisfying. These wings have all the crunch and flavor of takeout, but without the wait. Once you make them at home, you won’t be going back to the delivery guy.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Leave a Comment

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