37 easy chicken recipes even beginners can ace

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Ready to up your dinner game with minimal effort? These chicken recipes are as easy as they are tasty, perfect for beginners or anyone who loves a quick, delicious meal. No culinary acrobatics required, just straightforward cooking that yields great results.

Chicken shawarma wrap with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Originating from South India, Chicken 65 is a deep-fried delight that’s both spicy and flavorful. It’s a beginner-friendly dish that introduces the intricacies of Indian spices. Perfect as an appetizer or a side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Pollo Pibil

low angle shot of pollo pibil taco on a grey plate.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Yucatecan dish uses achiote paste and citrus juices to marinate chicken. Pollo Pibil is often wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish that’s a staple in Mexican cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Overhead shot of two white bowls with chicken hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A classic in Chinese-American takeout, this soup combines the tang of vinegar with a peppery kick. It’s a versatile recipe that allows beginners to experiment with different vegetables and proteins.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Gochujang Chicken

overhead shot of gochujang chicken with herbs and lettuce.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Utilizing the Korean chili paste, gochujang, this chicken recipe offers a blend of sweet and spicy. It’s an easy introduction to Korean flavors, and it’s simple enough for a beginner to execute successfully.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Taking inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine, these wraps are made easier with an air fryer. The chicken is marinated in a mix of spices and comes out juicy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Low angle shot of a bowl of chicken pot pie soup with ingredients scattered around and an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This American classic is made simpler using an Instant Pot. It offers the same comforting flavors as a traditional pot pie but in a more convenient, soup form.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pakora

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

These are Indian chicken fritters made with gram flour and spices. Chicken Pakora is perfect for those who are new to deep frying and want to explore Indian appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Chicken Kathi Rolls

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

Originating from Kolkata, these rolls are a street-food staple in India. They consist of spiced chicken wrapped in paratha bread, making them an excellent on-the-go meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of chicken curry laksa in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Chinese-American classic gets a modern twist using an air fryer. The result is a less greasy but equally tasty version of Kung Pao Chicken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Pancit noodles on a plate with veggies and chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Biryani is often considered complex, but the Instant Pot makes it approachable for beginners. This dish is a one-pot wonder combining aromatic spices, rice, and chicken.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

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.

This iconic Indian dish is marinated in yogurt and spices before being roasted. Although traditionally cooked in a tandoor, beginners can easily adapt this for an oven or grill.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

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.

With the air fryer, you can achieve the crunchiness of takeout sesame chicken without the deep frying. This recipe is perfect for those interested in a healthier Chinese-American favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The air fryer provides a way to enjoy Southern fried chicken with less oil. Marinating in buttermilk ensures the chicken remains juicy while the exterior gets crispy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A classic stir-fry dish from Sichuan cuisine, Kung Pao Chicken is a combination of chicken, peanuts, and vegetables. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that even beginners can try.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Karaage

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

This Japanese fried chicken is marinated in soy sauce and sake. Chicken Karaage is simple to make and introduces beginners to the basics of Japanese frying techniques.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Thai Chicken Curry

low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Utilizing Thai curry paste and coconut milk, this dish is both aromatic and creamy. It’s a straightforward recipe for anyone new to Thai cooking.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Pancit Bihon

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

This Filipino noodle dish incorporates chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles. Pancit Bihon is an easy, one-pan dish that’s great for beginners interested in Filipino cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon

Mongolian Chicken

fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Inspired by Mongolian beef, this chicken version is stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a quick recipe ideal for those new to cooking with Asian flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian 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.

This Mexican-inspired soup comes together effortlessly in an Instant Pot. It combines chicken, beans, and spices, resulting in a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

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

Using an Instant Pot, this North Indian dish becomes less intimidating. Chicken Korma consists of meat simmered in a creamy, spiced yogurt sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Chicken Potstickers

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

These Chinese dumplings feature a chicken filling wrapped in a thin dough. Potstickers are a fun way for cooking novices to try their hand at dumpling-making.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Chicken Curry Laksa

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Chicken Curry Laksa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Malaysian soup combines noodles, chicken, and a spiced coconut broth. Curry Laksa is both flavorful and comforting, making it a rewarding endeavor for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This recipe delivers the beloved flavors of orange chicken without the need for deep frying. Using an air fryer, you’ll achieve a crispy texture with less oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Thai Chicken Satay

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a blend of Thai spices and served with peanut sauce. Chicken Satay is easy to make and can be a gateway into Thai cuisine for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A basic yet flavorful dish, salt and pepper chicken becomes easier with an air fryer. The result is crispy chicken that’s seasoned simply yet effectively.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Taquitos

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

These rolled-up tortillas are filled with spiced chicken and cheese. Using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture without the excess oil of traditional frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos

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.

The Instant Pot streamlines the marinating and cooking processes for this Middle Eastern dish. Chicken Shawarma made this way is both quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

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

These chicken wings are seasoned minimally but pack a flavor punch. They’re a simple and quick option for beginners who want to explore different cooking methods for chicken.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Mochiko Chicken

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

This Hawaiian dish uses mochiko flour for a unique, chewy crust. It’s a sweet and salty dish that provides an introduction to the flavors of Hawaiian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Ramen Fried Chicken

Hand reaching into a bowl of ramen fried chicken pieces.
Ramen Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish employs crushed ramen noodles as a unique coating for fried chicken. It’s a creative way to repurpose pantry staples while making a dish that’s crispy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken

Chicken Biryani

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

A beloved Indian dish, Chicken Biryani is a fragrant rice and chicken casserole. It may seem complex, but many beginner-friendly versions make it accessible.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Korean Fried Chicken

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

Known for its incredibly crispy skin, Korean Fried Chicken is typically double-fried and glazed. This dish is a wonderful starting point for anyone new to Korean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Korean Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

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

Roasting a whole chicken becomes simpler and quicker with an air fryer. The chicken emerges with a crispy skin, while the interior stays moist and tender.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Filipino classic becomes quick and easy using an Instant Pot. Chicken Adobo combines soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a dish that’s tangy and savory.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Chicken Tikka Wrap

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

Inspired by Indian flavors, these wraps include chunks of chicken tikka. It’s an excellent option for those looking to explore Indian flavors in a convenient, handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

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

Also known as “Drunken Noodles,” this Thai dish features wide rice noodles and chicken in a spicy sauce. It’s an excellent recipe for beginners interested in Thai cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

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.

This Thai stir-fry dish brings bold flavors to your chicken game, incorporating Thai basil and chilies. It’s an alternative to the regular stir-fry options, giving your chicken dinner an international flair.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

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