Grandma’s recipes are timeless, but it’s time to give them a modern makeover. With the help of today’s appliances — including the air fryer and a Crock Pot slow cooker — you can whip up chicken dinners that honor tradition while embracing convenience. Check out these 13 chicken dinners that bring Grandma’s recipes into the 21st century.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
My grandma’s speciality was fried chicken drumsticks and she would spend hours in the kitchen making them. She would have been thrilled to learn about making Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. These turn golden and juicy in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili with Cola
It might seem unusual to make chicken chili in the slow cooker with a can of cola, but once you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. The Coke brings a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the spice, allowing every flavor in this recipe to shine on your palate. This modern twist on grandma’s chili will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili with Cola
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut
When my grandma would make her version of chicken tenders, she would coat them in crushed corn flakes and bake them in the oven. Well, with this low carb version called Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut, I’m never go back to baking them in the oven. I’d like to believe my grandma would feel the same way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Parmesan and Shredded Coconut
Slow Cooker Caesar Chicken With Pasta
Caesar Chicken with Pasta in the Slow Cooker transforms Nonna’s recipe into a modern-day masterpiece. Best of all, you can turn it into several meals. The slow-cooked chicken works great over pasta tonight and makes killer sandwiches tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Caesar Chicken With Pasta
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Lemon-Rosemary Bone-In Chicken Thighs cooked in an air fryer is a modern take on grandma’s recipe. No need to save it for Sunday supper. It’s a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner as it cooks quickly and the air fryer ensures the chicken turns out crispy and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with Chicken
Normally, when my grandma would make French dip sandwiches, she would use beef or pot roast that she had to tend to all day long. This recipe, which you make in a slow cooker, creates delicious shredded chicken that would have freed up grandmother’s time from standing in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets deliver that golden crunch without the extra fat. The quick breadcrumb coating crisps up beautifully in just minutes. This modern twist on a family favorite from grandma will have everyone looking forward to mealtime.
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Sous Vide Chicken Breasts
Sous vide cooking would have blown my grandmother’s mind. She would never believe how this method means that you would never serve dry chicken again. In fact, this recipe for Sous Vide Chicken Breasts turns out perfectly every single time.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
As kids, whenever we would stay overnight at grandma and grandpa’s house, they would always treat us to tater tots cooked in the oven. I wish I could share this recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with them. It makes making comfort food so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken combines sweet and tangy flavors for a hassle-free meal that grandma might have taken hours to make. The cranberry sauce and seasonings elevate plain chicken while your slow cooker takes care of everything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Wings come out perfectly crispy without any oil, just like grandma used to make but with a modern twist. This updated version of a classic recipe will remind you of grandma’s cooking while making it easier than ever.
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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo brings those beloved restaurant flavors right into your kitchen. More importantly, it will remind you of grandma’s comforting meals while being quick and easy to prepare.
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Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie
My grandma was a genius with a whole chicken. She always amazed us at how many meals she could get out of a chicken that took her all day to make. I wish I could share this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Rotiesserie with her. She would have loved it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Supermarket Chicken Rotisserie