17 Chicken Recipes To Make Weeknights Better—Quick, Easy, and Full of Flavor

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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be dull, and these 17 chicken recipes prove it. Each dish is quick, simple, and full of flavor, perfect for busy nights when you still want something satisfying. From spicy stir-fries to creamy bakes, there’s a recipe here for every taste. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time without sacrificing taste. Get ready to make weeknights something to look forward to.

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

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 combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy spinach sauce that’s easy to assemble. With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and bakes into a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s the kind of dish that feels a bit more special than your usual go-to. You get the creamy goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to end your day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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 quick and flavorful meal featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The peanut sauce adds a creamy, slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. It’s a dish that comes together fast, ideal for busy nights when you need something light but packed with flavor. Whether you serve it with rice or on its own, this recipe offers big flavor in a short amount of time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

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 are loaded with flavor, thanks to a spicy, creamy sauce that coats both the chicken and noodles. The dish is quick to prepare, with tender chicken and noodles soaking up the rich, tangy sauce. It’s a perfect pick for nights when you want something filling but without all the effort of a long prep time. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory is hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken

Mochiko Chicken

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

Mochiko Chicken offers a crunchy exterior and tender inside, making it a quick yet satisfying choice for dinner. The sweet and savory flavor comes from a simple marinade, giving the chicken a unique twist. It’s a great weeknight meal that cooks up in no time, making it perfect when you want something easy but different. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a well-rounded, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko 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 combine stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, and fresh vegetables in a savory, spicy sauce. The quick cooking time and bold flavors make this an easy yet satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s an ideal dish for when you want something quick but filling and full of heat. With just a few ingredients, you can have a dish that’s sure to spice up any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Drunken Noodles

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Chicken Egg Foo Young is a Chinese-style omelet made with tender chicken, vegetables, and eggs, all in a savory gravy. This dish cooks up quickly and offers a satisfying balance of textures with crispy edges and a soft, flavorful center. It’s a great option for when you want something hearty and comforting in less than 30 minutes. Serve it with rice for a simple yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s quick to make and packed with a satisfying combination of flavors that feels both comforting and indulgent. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that feels like you’ve spent hours preparing. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty but don’t want to fuss with a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Avgolemono Soup

Avgolemono Soup is a Greek classic that combines chicken, rice, and a tangy lemon egg broth for a light but comforting dish. This soup is quick to make and perfect for those evenings when you need something simple yet full of flavor. The bright, citrusy broth balances perfectly with the chicken and rice, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. It’s an ideal option when you want something different but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Avgolemono Soup

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

A bowl of pad kee mao with chicken shot from above.
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken, also known as Drunken Noodles, features stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, and a savory sauce that packs a punch. The quick cooking time and combination of fresh ingredients make this dish an easy way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. With a bit of heat and a lot of flavor, this meal is great for those nights when you want something filling but without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with 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 combines tender chicken with a creamy, spicy coconut curry broth and noodles for a satisfying meal. This one-pot dish is quick to prepare and brings a burst of flavors that are both comforting and exciting. The curry adds a rich depth, while the noodles and chicken make it a hearty meal. It’s the perfect dish when you want something bold but easy.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa

Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles

A skillet filled with stir-fried noodles, chicken pieces, and vegetables being picked up with chopsticks.
Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles brings together chewy udon noodles and tender chicken in a peppery, savory sauce. This dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for those nights when you want something filling without a lot of fuss. The black pepper adds a sharp bite that complements the richness of the sauce, making each bite full of flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles

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 is a quick and easy take on the rich, creamy curry, made in half the time it would take on the stovetop. The Instant Pot makes this dish a breeze to prepare, with tender chicken and a fragrant sauce that’s perfect for pairing with rice. It’s a flavorful, comforting meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken gives you crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a savory sesame glaze, all without the excess oil. This dish is quick to prepare and cooks up in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for when you’re short on time but want something flavorful. The air fryer makes the chicken crispy on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside. It’s a healthier take on takeout that still packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken takes the classic fried chicken and makes it healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It’s quick and easy, cooking in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want fried chicken without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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 combines stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, and vegetables in a savory soy-based sauce. It’s a simple dish that’s full of flavor, with a bit of caramelization from the wok that adds depth to the noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. The rich sauce and tender chicken make for a comforting and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pad See Ew with Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

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

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas are a quick, no-fuss way to enjoy a Mexican favorite. The chicken is wrapped in tortillas, topped with sauce and cheese, and air-fried to crispy perfection. This recipe cuts down on prep time and cleanup while still delivering all the flavor you crave. It’s an easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken features chicken in a creamy peanut butter sauce with a spicy kick. The sauce is rich and flavorful, making every bite satisfying. It’s a quick dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you want something quick but exciting. The combination of peanut butter and spice adds depth to the chicken, making it a standout meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

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