21 recipes that’ll make chicken the star of tonight’s dinner

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Chicken is more than just a protein; it’s the heart of tonight’s dinner. Get ready to brighten up your weeknight meals with these great recipes that make chicken the star. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore the kitchen, these dishes are perfect for bringing some magic to your table.

A pan with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with a glossy glaze, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a beige plate.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken makes any day feel like a weekend. In just 40 minutes, you get chicken coated in a hot honey glaze that’s sweet and spicy. It’s all about enjoying that great grilled taste with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for a weekday main course, this dish is quicker than most delivery options and adds a little extra sweetness to your evening.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is perfect for those cozy nights in. With chicken, veggies, and cheese-filled tortellini, it’s a complete meal ready in about 40 minutes. Great for crisp evenings when you need something warm and filling, this soup cooks while you relax. It’s a comforting, healthy way to get some veggies in, just like grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your dinner with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. This dish mixes baked chicken, jalapeños, and bacon in a spicy mayo, ready in the time it takes to set the table. It’s great for days when you need a quick, flavorful meal without long cooking times. This salad proves that skipping takeout doesn’t mean skipping flavor. Plus, it’s a fun way to keep things light and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is perfect for when you want something tasty but simple. This dish combines chicken thighs, bacon, and spinach in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s quicker than most takeout. Serve over pasta or rice for a fast and great dinner. This recipe makes your evening meal easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the delivery and make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites at home. These bites are quick and great, with chicken pieces cooked until golden and tossed in a garlic butter sauce. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re faster than deciding on a pizza topping. Perfect as a main course with rice or as a snack straight from the pan, these bites turn any evening into a good one. Your stomach and schedule will thank you.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad at home for a quick and easy meal. Just mix pre-cooked chicken, pasta, fresh lettuce, and Caesar dressing in under 25 minutes. Feel free to add extra veggies for a nutritious boost. It’s perfect for a no-stress dinner when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food made simple. Combine crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, and cheese. Pop it in the oven for about 45 minutes, and you have a warm, hearty meal ready to go. Always a great choice for those evenings when you need something that’s easy to prep and is cozy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A skillet of creamy mushroom sauce chicken with chunks of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce garnished with chopped parsley, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken thighs, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Set the table, and enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s better than takeout. Pair it with some steamed rice, some veggies, or a side of garlic bread, or enjoy it on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick and delicious dinner. Mix creamy cheese, chicken, and spinach, then bake for about 30 minutes. It’s a simple way to get a tasty meal on the table with some added greens. Perfect for when you want something wholesome without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is perfect for brightening up your weeknight dinners. This dish combines boneless, skinless chicken thighs with Italian herbs, all cooked in a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table without the long prep. It’s a quick way to enjoy a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup offers all the comforts of a pot pie without the crust. With chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, this hearty soup is ready in about an hour. Perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado brings bold flavors with minimal effort. Marinate chicken in cilantro, onions, orange juice, and lime, then grill or bake. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s quicker and more rewarding than takeout. Enjoy a flavorful meal with ease.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken brings a bit of Italy to your dinner table. With chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy garlic sauce, it’s ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for when you want a special meal without the hassle, this one-pan dish is a lovely alternative to ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is here to make dinner easy and delightful, ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce create a hearty meal that feels like a treat. It’s a simple way to enjoy a great dinner without the wait for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are perfect for those nights when takeout seems tempting. Made with ground chicken, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, these baked poppers are ready in 30 minutes. They’re easy to whip up and make for a quick, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken turns your oven into a flavor-packed feast without the grilling hassle. Layer chicken, cheese, and peppers in a baking dish, sprinkle with chili powder and paprika, and let the oven work its magic. In 30 minutes, you have a great dinner ready to go. Perfect for multitasking evenings, just pop it in the oven and set a timer, freeing you up to handle other tasks.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken makes dinner easy. Chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and spices come together in under 40 minutes. This hands-off dish lets you enjoy more evening free time while still having a homemade meal that beats takeout. Plus, it’s a fun fact to share — you made butter chicken in less time than an episode of your favorite show!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is perfect for impressing without the stress. This one-pan dish features tender chicken thighs and artichokes in a garlic cream sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. Great for when you want something a bit fancy but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated recipe. Enjoy a luxurious meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Four stuffed cucumbers on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are simple and quick. Mix chicken, sour cream, and cheese into a cucumber boat for a no-cook meal ready in 15 minutes. This dish saves kitchen time and adds veggies to your diet. Great for a light dinner or a quick snack, these cucumber boats make eating greens easy and fun, even for kids.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Instant Pot Chicken Adobo for a quick and flavorful dinner. The mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors will liven up your meal routine. Just add the ingredients to the pot, press start, and you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. It’s faster than ordering takeout and makes dinner time easy and fun. Serve it with steamed rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs bring the fun of street food to your dinner table. Marinate chicken in spices like cumin and paprika, then grill or broil to perfection. Ready in less time than it takes to find your keys, these kebabs are great for a quick and tasty meal. Perfect for sharing at family dinners or casual hangouts, they make eating fun and easy, with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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