17 chicken dishes you’ll want to cook every day

Photo of author

| Published:

Think you’ve tried every chicken recipe in the book? Think again. We’ve scoured the kitchen corners of the world to bring you 17 chicken dishes that’ll make your meal planner do a double-take. Whether you’re wrangling a weeknight dinner or planning a party where chicken is the star, these recipes are the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. Spoiler alert: You might need to buy chicken in bulk after this!

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a little buzz to your mealtime routine with this vibrant dish. Kung Pao Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a dynamic blend of heat, sweet, and savory, guaranteed to perk up your palate. It’s the perfect dish for when you want a little excitement at the dinner table, offering a spicy kick that’s tempered just right by the hints of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something about Chicken Pot Pie that just screams comfort, doesn’t it? Picture pulling this golden, flaky masterpiece from the oven on a chilly evening. It’s the equivalent of getting a warm hug from a good friend. This dish packs all the warmth and comfort you need after a long day, guaranteed to please a crowd or just your hungry self!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Chicken Tenders

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

Who doesn’t love Easy Chicken Tenders? They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, quick dinners, or just fulfilling that crispy craving. They promise crunch, convenience, and joy in every bite, making them a regular on your meal rotation. They’re kid-friendly and adult-approved, ready in a snap!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Set it and forget it with Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken—a dish that does all the hard work while you go about your day. It’s the perfect way to come home to a meal that’s ready to plate up and devour. This dish keeps things simple yet scrumptious, making your slow cooker your best friend on busy weekdays. It’s the hassle-free hero of the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

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 meal that’s as easy as it is inviting, turn to Easy Chicken Casserole. This dish is a dependable favorite, guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with its homely charm. It’s the equivalent of your favorite cozy blanket, ideal for any night of the week. Simple, delicious, and totally comforting!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

Roasted chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin on a white plate, served with a side of greens in a black bowl.
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget your usual chicken dinners, Whole Baked BBQ Chicken is here to liven up your dining table. Imagine sitting down to a meal that feels like a backyard BBQ any day of the week, complete with all the comfort but none of the fuss. This dish turns a simple meal into a memorable event, perfect for when you need a little cheer. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken

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.

Sink your teeth into the crispy, spicy bliss that is Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. This recipe brings the fast-food favorite right into your kitchen, minus the drive-thru. It’s perfect for when you’re craving that hit of heat wrapped in a crispy coating, guaranteed to rival your local KFC. Enjoy the zing without leaving home!
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

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.

Dinner is served, with a side of kick! Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta combines the creamy, the spicy, and the utterly fulfilling all-in-one dish. It’s the weeknight warrior, ready to rescue dinner with flair and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking forward to leftovers, this pasta promises to keep things spicy and simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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

This dish is a game-changer for both flavor seekers and health enthusiasts alike, offering up a guilt-free way to indulge in all the barbecue goodness. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are here to change your meal game. Imagine the smoky flavor of BBQ without the grill, all from the convenience of your kitchen counter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Balti Chicken

A bowl of traditional balti chicken garnished with cilantro, served next to naan bread on a blue tablecloth.
Balti Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Take yourself on a trip with Balti Chicken, a dish brimming with aromas and flavors strong enough to transport you to the streets of Birmingham or the heart of Delhi. This dish is an exploration of spice and sizzle, perfect for when you crave something a little more adventurous. It’s your passport to a world of flavor, no travel is required!
Get the Recipe: Balti Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

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

Free up your oven and still serve up a juicy, succulent whole chicken as if it were Sunday dinner every day. Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe is not just easy; it’s a revolution in your kitchen. This method promises a fuss-free path to a perfectly cooked bird, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dig into simplicity with a classic like Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s the perfect blend of homeliness and flavor, all baked into one delicious dish. This casserole is a steadfast solution to any dinner dilemma, offering up comfort and taste with minimal effort. It’s the quintessential ‘better the next day’ dish, ideal for leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Refresh your meal options with a Cobb Salad that’s as colorful as it is fulfilling. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a full-on meal that promises freshness and flavor in every forkful. It’s the perfect answer to your lunchtime or light dinner dilemmas, packing in nutrients without skimping on taste. Dig into a bowl of vibrant, hearty goodness!
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says weeknight meals have to be boring? Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta are here to dispel that myth with a creamy, comforting twist on the regular pasta fare. It’s quick enough to whip up between ending your workday and starting your relaxation time, yet impressive enough to feel like a treat. It’s comfort food made easy and delicious, ready to be a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

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.

Who needs to drive to a restaurant when you can bring the taste of Chick-fil-A Sauce right into your kitchen? It’s the perfect complement to any chicken dish, adding that special kick that upgrades the ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or spooning, this sauce adds a perfect touch of excitement to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. This dish brings the restaurant experience home, offering a decadent twist on classic pasta. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something a little luxurious, yet entirely achievable. Turn your dining room into an Italian bistro tonight with this sumptuous choice!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Chicken Tamale Pie

A serving of chicken tamale pie topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re in the mood for something different, Chicken Tamale Pie brings the kick of the Southwest to your dinner table without crossing state lines. Imagine the layers of flavors melding under a cornbread crust, each bite a fiesta in your mouth. It’s a one-dish wonder that serves up comfort with a twist, perfect for shaking up your weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Leave a Comment

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