25 quick and delicious chicken dinners for busy weeknights

Photo of author

| Published:

Weeknights can be hectic, especially when school is in session. Finding time to cook a healthy and tasty dinner can be tough. We’ve gathered 25 quick and delicious chicken dinners that are perfect for busy nights. These recipes are easy to make and will keep everyone happy and well-fed.

Image shows Hand dipping a corn flake crusted chicken tender into a bowl of sauce on a wooden table.
Homemade Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Overheat shot of chicken tikka masala in a green bowl on a white table.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned with a blend of spices that add a wonderful aroma. Serve this flavorful dish with rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s an easy recipe that works well for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

By using rotisserie chicken, these cheesy enchiladas become a quick and easy meal for busy evenings. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty dinner ready in no time. This recipe ensures a satisfying and delicious meal with minimal kitchen effort.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Orange Chicken

Image shows a Fork holding orange chicken with rice with the full bowl behind it.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken cooked with tangy citrus flavors offers a delightful alternative to takeout. Enjoy a flavorful dinner made at home, where you control the ingredients and taste. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Honey Bourbon Chicken

Overhead shot of honey bourbon chicken in a bowl on a black counter.
Honey Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey bourbon glaze makes for a simple yet delightful meal. This Instant Pot recipe provides a flavorful dinner with minimal effort, ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying and easy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken

Chicken Tenders

Image shows Hand dipping a corn flake crusted chicken tender into a bowl of sauce on a wooden table.
Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crispy chicken tenders with a cornflake coating are a hit with kids and fun to make. These homemade tenders surpass store-bought versions, offering a quick and tasty meal for any night. This recipe is perfect for a speedy and enjoyable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Kefir Marinated chicken on a blue plate with sides.
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A kefir marinade adds a tangy twist to this juicy chicken, making it both healthy and delicious. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, providing a flavorful meal with minimal prep time. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken

Chicken Curry

Image shows a Bite of chicken curry on a fork with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Instant Pot chicken curry features tender chicken in a creamy, spice-rich sauce, offering a comforting meal with minimal preparation. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy flavorful Indian cuisine during busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry

Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Coated in a sweet, sticky honey glaze, this chicken dish is both quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Ideal for busy nights, it offers a tasty and satisfying meal when served with your favorite sides. This easy recipe delivers a burst of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Southwest Tortilla Pie

Image shows a slice of a Southwest Tortilla Pie sitting on a white plate.
Southwest Tortilla Pie. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A savory tortilla pie layered with chicken, black beans, corn, and spices, topped with melted cheese, makes for a hearty family meal. This recipe is great for busy evenings, providing a flavorful and satisfying main dish.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tortilla Pie

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform leftover chicken into smoky, sweet BBQ with this Instant Pot recipe. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a baked potato topping, offering a versatile and tasty option for any meal. This easy recipe brings a burst of BBQ flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Grilled Chicken Foil Packets

Grilled chicken foil packet with a fork holding a serving.
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These foil packets, perfect for the grill, combine tender chicken with colorful vegetables, cooking in their own juices for a flavorful meal. This simple recipe is great for busy nights, providing a delicious and satisfying chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy all the flavors of an egg roll without the greasy wrapper in this quick stir-fry. It’s an ideal choice for a busy weeknight when you need a flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dinner. This recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Use the Instant Pot to prepare this lemon garlic chicken, which offers a flavorful and aromatic meal in no time. The combination of lemon and garlic enhances the chicken, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Enjoy a satisfying and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken Paprikash

Image shows Bite of chicken paprikash on a fork sitting on a glass plate on a wooden table.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Hungarian dish features tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce that’s both comforting and rich. The vibrant orange sauce hints at the deep flavors, making it a wonderful choice for an easy and satisfying meal. Enjoy a hearty chicken dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Image shows an overhead shot of puff pastry Chicken Empanadas on a white tray.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaky crusts filled with savory chicken make these empanadas a great option for quick and delicious meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a party snack, they offer a tasty option that everyone will love. Easy to make, these empanadas are sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas

Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background.
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken and fluffy orzo are mixed in a creamy feta sauce, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and special. This recipe adds a touch of sophistication to busy nights, providing a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A zesty lime marinade infuses this grilled chicken with flavor, making it juicy and delicious. Skip the takeout and fire up the grill for a simple and tasty meal that’s easy to prepare. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Chicken and Dumplings

Image shows Chicken and dumplings on a spoon with more in the backgroumd.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Use leftover chicken to make a comforting dish featuring fluffy dumplings in a savory broth. This recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to busy nights, offering a hearty meal that’s both quick and fulfilling. Enjoy a dinner that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Tamale Pot Pies

Image shows a Tamale pot pie on a glass plate with guacamole sitting next to it.
Tamale Pot Pies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredded chicken and corn are wrapped in a savory masa crust, blending the flavors of tamales and pot pies into a unique dish. This easy recipe creates a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a delightful dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables are tossed in a tangy dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and flavorful chicken dish. Enjoy a healthy and tasty meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This no-cook chicken salad, featuring canned chicken and cool greens, is a light and refreshing option for lunch or a sandwich. It’s ideal for warm days and offers a quick and easy meal that keeps you cool and satisfied. Enjoy a simple, tasty salad all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Image shows an overhead shot of Chicken stew with biscuits in a blue ceramic enameled pot.
Chicken Stew with Biscuits. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken and vegetables simmer in a rich broth, topped with fluffy homemade biscuits for a comforting dish. This hearty recipe provides warmth and satisfaction, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. Enjoy a meal that feels both homey and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits

Chicken Fried Rice

Images shows a white Bowl of chicken fried rice.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Turn leftover chicken into a vibrant stir-fry with this easy fried rice recipe. Ready in minutes, it offers a quick and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and simple. Ideal for busy nights when you need a speedy and delicious chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Cashew Chicken

Image shows Cashew chicken on a white plate garnished with carrots and snow peas.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken pieces and crunchy cashews are combined in a savory sauce, making this dish both satisfying and flavorful. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights, offering a quick and tasty meal that will become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Chicken Taco Wraps

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform leftover chicken into flavorful wraps, making them a quick and satisfying meal. These wraps are easy to prepare and packed with taste, ideal for busy nights. This simple chicken recipe ensures a tasty dinner that’s enjoyable for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Leave a Comment

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