For those evenings when a heavy meal just doesn’t sound appealing, these 19 chicken recipes come to the rescue. They’re designed to satisfy the hunger for something delicious but won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend meal, these recipes show how easy it is to turn the humble chicken into something extraordinary.
Chicken Paprikash
Imagine a dish where tender chicken meets a creamy, paprika-infused sauce, and you’ve got Chicken Paprikash. This comforting meal is a staple for a reason, offering warmth and flavor in every spoonful. It’s a hearty yet light choice that’s bound to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Swapping pasta for zoodles in Chicken Zoodle Soup adds a fresh twist to the classic comfort dish. It’s packed with veggies and lean protein, making it a wholesome option for any day. This soup is light, tasty, and perfect for keeping you cozy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
Chicken Fried Rice
Lighten up your usual takeout with homemade Chicken Fried Rice. This dish includes plenty of veggies and chunks of chicken for a well-rounded meal. It’s a quick and easy way to satisfy those fried rice cravings without the extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
This isn’t your average chicken salad. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts mixes sweet, tart, and crunch for a delightful eating experience. It’s a refreshing take on a lunchtime classic, perfect for sandwiches or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs offer a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze that’s irresistible. Using an air fryer means less oil but all the flavor, making this dish a lighter option for dinner. They’re so good, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Chicken Tinga
For a dish that’s bursting with flavor, Chicken Tinga brings it all – a bit spicy, a touch smoky, and totally delicious. It’s a dish that packs a punch with its bold flavors, making your regular chicken dinner something to talk about. Whether you tuck it into tacos or serve it over rice, it’s a recipe that’s bound to shake up your meal routine in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
When you take a classic favorite like chicken al pastor and give it a smoky twist, you end up with Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. This dish marries the vibrant flavors of pineapple and chili with the deep, smoky notes of the grill, creating a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an exciting way to enjoy the traditional taste of al pastor with the added depth that only smoking can bring.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor
Italian Chicken
Italian Chicken is all about bringing the rich and aromatic flavors of Italy right to your table. This dish combines herbs like oregano and basil with garlic and tomatoes to bathe the chicken in a medley of flavors that sing of Mediterranean summers. It’s a simple yet utterly satisfying way to make dinner feel like a mini Italian getaway, perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but still light enough to keep you feeling great.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Load up crispy tostadas with Chicken Tinga, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s not only bursting with flavor but also fun to eat. Each bite of these Chicken Tinga Tostadas brings a combination of spicy chicken, fresh toppings, and a crunchy base. They’re a party on a plate that everyone will love diving into.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Imagine all the flavors of the Mediterranean packed into one delicious bake. The Mediterranean Chicken Bake does just that, combining olives, tomatoes, and herbs with juicy chicken. It’s a dish that’s simple to make but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, perfect for a hassle-free yet flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze are a treat for anyone who loves a bit of sweetness with their smoke. The glaze adds a sticky, spicy layer to the smoky legs, making each bite moreish. It’s a fantastic way to make dinner a little bit special without too much extra work.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and the 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is proof of that. This recipe is all about letting the flavors of chicken shine through with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you at home, making dinner time stress-free.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins mixes the warmth of curry with the sweetness of raisins for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s a great way to spice up your lunch routine, offering a dish that’s both nutritious and packed with flavor. It’s a salad that promises to keep your taste buds happy.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
On a cool day, nothing beats the comfort of a hot bowl of soup, and Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup is a smoky twist on the classic. With bits of tender smoked chicken and a broth that’s rich in flavors, it’s a soup that’s both hearty and comforting. Plus, the crispy tortilla strips on top add the perfect crunch.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Garlic Chicken Skillet
Grab your skillet, and get ready for Garlic Chicken Skillet, a dish that’s simple to prepare but big on taste. The garlic infuses the chicken with deep flavor, making each piece irresistibly good. It’s a weeknight favorite that’s quick, easy, and satisfying, ideal for when you need a tasty dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is the ultimate convenience food that doesn’t skimp on taste. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken speeds things up, while fresh veggies and pasta keep it light and fresh. It’s a salad that works hard to make your meal prep easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Dive into a bowl of Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken, and you’ll find a comforting and hearty meal that’s brimming with goodness. The kale adds a nutritious punch, while the tortellini and chicken make it satisfying. It’s a cozy soup that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Chicken Marsala Meatballs bring a classic Italian dish into snackable form. These meatballs are soaked in the rich, mushroomy flavors of Marsala wine, making them a hit whether you’re serving them up at dinner or as a fancy appetizer. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress with its depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Turn up the heat with Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas, a delicious twist on the traditional quesadilla. Stuffed with spicy, flavorful chicken al pastor and melted cheese, these quesadillas are anything but ordinary. They’re a mouthwatering option for anyone looking to spice up their mealtime routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas