Chicken is the new beef tenderloin: 15 ways to jazz it up for dinner

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Ready to switch up your dinner menu? Chicken offers so many versatile and delicious options. With these 15 recipes, you’ll find plenty of ways to jazz it up for dinner. Each dish is designed to be easy to follow and packed with flavor, making your meals more enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these chicken recipes are sure to please. Enjoy the variety and deliciousness these chicken dishes bring to your table.

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A person holding a bowl of chicken and zucchini soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Sometimes you just need a warm hug in a bowl. For those cooler evenings or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather, Chicken Zoodle Soup has got your back. It’s a refreshing take on the classic chicken noodle, swapping in zoodles for a lighter touch. Packed with flavor and warmth, it’s comfort food without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a way to impress at your next dinner without spending hours in the kitchen? Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu might just be your new secret weapon. It’s a classic made simple and healthier with the air fryer, offering a crispy exterior with a juicy, cheesy center. It’s a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Monterey Chicken for One

Chicken dish with vegetables in a square pot.
Monterey Chicken for One. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says cooking for one can’t be exciting? Monterey Chicken for One is here to change that mindset with a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. It’s a single-serving delight that doesn’t skimp on taste, combining chicken with rich, savory toppings. Ideal for a solo night in which you still want a meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken for One

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine settling in for dinner with a plate that’s both hearty and low in carbs. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy brings you a comforting feel with every bite. It keeps things simple yet flavorful, allowing you to enjoy a traditional favorite without the carb load. Perfect for a family meal, this dish will keep everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Two skillets filled with chicken and vegetables on a white background.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Casseroles have a way of making dinner feel like a cozy gathering, no matter the size of your crowd. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole mixes the salty, savory flavors of bacon and ranch with tender chicken in a dish that’s a breeze to put together. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds. This one’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

A Traeger smoked spatchcock chicken on a slate board next to a carving knife and fork.
Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re up for a little adventure in your cooking, Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock offers a fun twist on the usual grilled chicken. Smoking the chicken spatchcock style not only cooks it evenly but also infuses it with incredible smoky flavors. It’s a dining experience that feels like a backyard BBQ no matter where you are. Enjoy the smokiness with every tender bite.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

Chicken Scampi

A white plate with Chicken Scampi and green beans resting in the center.
Chicken Scampi. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Craving something with a bit of an Italian flair? Chicken Scampi is the answer, combining the simplicity of garlic, oil, and herbs with chicken in a way that sings. It’s light, packed with flavor, and perfect for a night when pasta seems like a good idea but you want to keep it on the lighter side. This dish is all about bringing a touch of Italy to your dinner table with minimum fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those days when you’re after something a little different, why not take a culinary trip across the pond? Coronation Chicken Salad is a British classic that combines tender chicken with a mildly spiced, creamy sauce. It’s a refreshing change of pace from your typical chicken dishes, perfect for a unique sandwich filling or atop your favorite greens. A delightful nod to royal cuisine without the need for a ticket to the UK.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

White Chicken Chili

Two cast iron bowls filled with White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you think chili, beef might be the first thing that comes to mind, but White Chicken Chili is here to shake things up. This dish offers a lighter take on the classic, with a creamy base and plenty of spice to keep things interesting. It’s a bowl that warms you up from the inside, making it perfect for chilly days or when you’re in the mood for something comforting yet different.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

King Ranch Casserole

A skillet full of chicken and vegetables in a pan.
King Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Dive into the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine without leaving your kitchen with King Ranch Casserole. It layers flavors and textures for a cheesy, creamy dish that’s hard to resist. Packed with chicken, cheese, and a unique sauce, it’s a casserole that stands out in the crowd. This is a dish that brings the family together, serving up smiles with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: King Ranch Casserole

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking to add a bit of elegance to your dinner routine without too much hassle, Chicken Piccata might be just what the chef ordered. With a balance of tart and savory notes, this dish offers a taste that’s both refined and comforting. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to treat yourself to something a little special. Simple, yet sophisticated, it’s a dish that impresses.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken proves you can have a flavorful, well-rounded meal with minimal cleanup. The bright notes of lemon and the earthiness of rosemary make for a delightful combination that’s not only tasty but also easy to get on the table. This is weeknight cooking at its best, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fire up the grill and get ready for a meal that feels like a mini vacation. Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs are all about bringing the zesty, herby flavors of the Mediterranean right to your backyard. They’re perfect for those nights when you want something a bit different but utterly delicious. Grab your skewers, and let’s make dinner feel like an escape.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Need a quick, vibrant dish that packs a punch? Chicken Stir Fry is your go-to for a speedy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a colorful mix of veggies and chicken, all tossed in a sauce that ties it all together. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner on the table, pronto, but still want something that’s a joy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Two lettuce wraps with chicken and spinach on a cutting board.
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re craving classic Italian flavors but are looking for a lighter touch, Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps hit the spot. These wraps take the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan and present them in a fresh, crisp lettuce leaf. It’s a fun, hands-on eating experience that doesn’t weigh you down. Ideal for a light dinner or a novel appetizer, these wraps bring a creative twist to traditional taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

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