21 Chicken Recipes That’ll Make Weeknights Easier and More Delicious

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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a hassle when you’ve got chicken on the menu. From quick skillet meals to hearty baked dishes, these recipes are all about keeping things simple and flavorful. Whether you’re short on time or just want a no-fuss option, there’s something here to suit your schedule. Each dish brings fresh ideas to the table, proving chicken is anything but boring. Get ready to shake up your dinner routine with these go-to recipes.

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

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas are a welcome change from the usual weeknight lineup. Shredded chicken, cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce are wrapped in tortillas and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. They’re fast, simple to prepare, and full of bold flavors that make a satisfying meal. Skip the takeout and enjoy this easy homemade option instead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup is the ideal dish for when you need a comforting yet bold dinner. The tangy and spicy broth is filled with chicken, tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and ribbons of egg, creating a soup that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This quick recipe brings complex flavors to your table with minimal effort, perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce

A colorful salad in a striped bowl, featuring mixed vegetables such as red bell peppers and shredded cabbage, garnished with crushed nuts and fresh herbs. A fork is seen lifting a portion, emphasizing the dish's vibrant, fresh ingredients.
Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce deliver a refreshing, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require much time. The creamy, nutty peanut sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and chewy soba noodles. This dish is light yet flavorful, making it a great choice for warm evenings when you want something quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce

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 chewy udon noodles, tender chicken, and crisp veggies with a bold sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Topped with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts, this dish brings a takeout vibe to your table in under 30 minutes. It’s a weeknight winner when you’re craving something exciting.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Karaage offers crispy, juicy chicken bites that come together quickly for a stress-free dinner. Marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, each piece is fried to golden perfection. This Japanese classic is ideal for busy nights when you need a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

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 delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crispy coating. Marinated in buttermilk and spices, this recipe takes a classic comfort food and makes it weeknight-friendly. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, leaving you with a dish that’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa

A bowl of spicy curry soup with chicken, noodles, chopped red chilies, and cilantro garnish, served on a textured white plate.
Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa is a one-pot solution for when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of work. The creamy coconut broth is spiced with curry paste and filled with tender chicken and fresh noodles. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for nights when you’re craving something hearty and comforting that doesn’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa

Chicken Biryani

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

Chicken Biryani combines tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a vibrant blend of spices for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is aromatic. This recipe takes the complexity out of biryani, making it achievable for weeknight cooking. It’s a hearty, flavorful dinner that brings the warmth of Indian cuisine to your table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

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 quick and flavorful option for weeknights when you need a crispy, satisfying meal. These bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and fried until golden brown. The result is crunchy, flavorful chicken that pairs well with chutneys or a fresh salad for a simple, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

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 great choice for a quick, flavorful dinner. Marinated in a mix of turmeric, lemongrass, and other spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce. This dish delivers bold flavors and pairs well with rice or veggies for a meal that feels special but is easy to make any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a straightforward dish that fits into any busy evening. Chicken thighs are layered with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, creating a rich, comforting casserole. With just 30 minutes in the oven, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t require much hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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 deliver bold flavors with tender chicken, wide rice noodles, and a spicy, savory sauce. Bell peppers and fresh basil add brightness to the dish, making it both satisfying and vibrant. This Thai classic is quick to whip up, offering a fiery, flavorful option when you’re short on time but still want a meal that impresses.
Get the Recipe: Drunken Noodles

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani.
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani simplifies a traditionally complex dish into a weeknight-friendly recipe. Aromatic basmati rice and juicy chicken are cooked together with a blend of warm spices, delivering a rich and flavorful meal. This one-pot recipe saves time without skimping on the authentic taste of this Indian classic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers with sauce and garnished with chopped herbs, served on a rectangular white plate.
Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce are marinated in a tangy, garlicky blend before being grilled to juicy perfection. The rich, creamy peanut sauce adds a satisfying element that makes this dish a standout for dinner. Serve these skewers with rice or a crisp salad for a quick, delicious meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Kathi Rolls offer a fun, flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights. Spiced chicken is wrapped in soft roti and topped with chutney, seasoned onions, and fresh herbs. These rolls are easy to assemble and bring a vibrant taste of Indian street food to your weeknight dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

A bowl of green curry noodles topped with shredded chicken, lime slices, red chili slices, and fresh cilantro. Chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles from the bowl. A soft background showcases another bowl and fresh herbs.
Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. The creamy coconut curry pairs perfectly with chewy udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. This recipe brings together bold Thai flavors in a dish that feels special but comes together quickly for weeknight convenience.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Low angle shot of bowls of chicken korma.
Instant Pot Chicken Korma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Korma makes it easy to enjoy a rich, aromatic curry on a weeknight. With tender chicken and a spice-filled, creamy sauce, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Using the Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, making it a go-to recipe when you want something flavorful without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

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

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a fun and easy dinner option that’s full of bold flavors. Shredded chicken, cheese, and refried beans are wrapped in tortillas and cooked until crispy. Served with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, these taquitos are a quick fix for when you need a light yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Pollo Pibil

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

Pollo Pibil brings vibrant Yucatán flavors to your dinner table. Chicken is marinated in achiote paste, sour orange juice, and spices, then cooked until tender and flavorful. The bright, earthy taste and striking orange hue make this dish stand out, while the simple preparation keeps it weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

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 savory stir-fry that’s both hearty and easy to make. Tender chicken and chewy wide rice noodles are tossed with crisp Chinese broccoli in a rich soy-based sauce. This dish balances sweet and smoky flavors, offering a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Pad See Ew with Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma transforms a classic Mediterranean dish into a weeknight-friendly meal. Lemon, garlic, and warm spices infuse the chicken with bold flavors, while the Instant Pot makes preparation quick and easy. Serve with flatbread and a fresh salad for a complete dinner that’s both simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

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