17 must-try easy chicken recipes even beginner cooks will ace

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If you’re searching for must-try easy chicken recipes, you’re in the right place. These 17 recipes are straightforward, convenient, and designed for beginners and busy cooks. The recipes here don’t just taste great; they also come with the added benefit of easy cleanup and quick cooking times. So, if you’re new to cooking or just short on time, these recipes have got you covered.

A bowl of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cook and clean up with ease using just one skillet for this chicken dish. It’s a great entry point if you’re new to cooking chicken, and it’s flexible — pair it with your choice of rice or veggies. The simple steps are easy to follow, so it’s ideal for weeknight meals. One pan does it all, saving you time for other activities. This is a practical must-try chicken dish, especially for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Switch up your chicken dinner routine with this casserole that blends seasoned chicken, bacon, and jalapeños. You’ll be using both the oven and the stove, but don’t worry—everything ends up in one dish for easy cleanup. The cooking time clocks in just over an hour, so it fits into a busy schedule. It’s an excellent way to explore different flavors while keeping the cooking process manageable. It’s straightforward, making it another must-try chicken recipe that even new cooks can manage.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

One dish is all you need for both cooking and cleaning this chicken and spinach bake. It’s designed with time-saving in mind, requiring minimal hands-on prep. You can focus on other tasks while the oven does the work. It pairs marinated chicken thighs with cream cheese and mozzarella, making it filling without complicating your evening. Ideal for beginners, this is a straightforward and effective recipe you’ll likely add to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a soup that delivers hearty flavors in under an hour, all from a single pot. It combines chicken and veggies into a unified, flavorful broth. The preparation is simple and quick, freeing you to focus on other things. This is perfect if you’re in a rush but still want a complete, home-cooked meal. An easy must-try chicken dish, it’s ideal for those just starting to experiment in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A quick assembly of canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, scooped into cucumber halves, makes this recipe a speedy option. It works great as a light lunch or a party snack and comes together without any hassle. The ease of preparation and minimal cooking time make it very accessible. Cleanup is a breeze, adding to its convenience. For beginners, it’s a must-try easy chicken recipe that comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan recipe balances Dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon crumbles for a flavorful meal that comes together quickly. You’ll have a home-cooked dish ready in less time than it takes to order takeout. It’s practical not just for cooking but also for cleaning. Its straightforward steps make it a must-try for those new to cooking chicken dishes. This is a reliable recipe you’ll find yourself turning to regularly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked chicken teams up with bacon and jalapeños, mixed into a spicy dressing. The oven does most of the heavy lifting here, leaving you with just one mixing bowl to clean. Once it’s mixed, a brief chill time allows the flavors to fully develop. It’s a simple process, and the end result is far from basic. Even beginner cooks will find this an easy chicken recipe worth trying frequently.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe uses one baking dish to minimize both preparation time and cleaning. It combines chicken breasts with cream cheese and mini sweet peppers for a filling meal. Your oven will take care of most of the work, allowing you to attend to other tasks. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for any night of the week. Its ease makes it another must-try for those just starting out in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With this recipe, a fulfilling dinner featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach can be ready in under 40 minutes. Cooking and cleaning are simplified thanks to a single pan. It’s designed for those evenings when time is scarce, but you still want something homemade. Its straightforward nature makes it approachable for novice cooks. The convenience and time-saving elements make it a repeatable option for any dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Boneless chicken thighs are cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in this one-pan meal. Cleanup is easy, and the recipe is a good fit for those with tight schedules. The dish is simple to prepare, offering an effective way to diversify your dinner menu. Given its unique flavors and straightforward preparation, you’ll likely find it becoming a go-to option. For those new to cooking, this is an easy and must-try chicken recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepared in just 20 minutes, these patties can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a meal. The recipe is straightforward, calling for canned chicken and a simple cooking process. It’s an ideal choice for quick dinners or as a ready-to-go lunch. Cleanup is minimal, allowing you more free time. It’s a great starting point for beginner cooks looking for simple yet effective chicken recipes.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In this one-pan recipe, chicken breasts are coated in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce. Quick to prepare, you can have a fulfilling dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Single-pan cooking also means less time spent cleaning up. New cooks will find the steps straightforward and manageable. The recipe’s practical features make it a strong contender for regular dinner planning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken thighs marinate in a mix of cilantro, onion, and citrus, making for a flavorful outcome. The flexibility of cooking methods — grilling, pan-searing, or baking — lets you adapt to your schedule. It’s an uncomplicated recipe, well-suited for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Cleanup varies based on your cooking method but remains manageable. Its adaptability and ease make it a go-to chicken recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish combines chicken thighs with a creamy sauce and artichoke hearts. It’s a hearty meal you can prepare without excessive time in the kitchen. Cleanup is simple, reinforcing the recipe’s convenience. It’s an accessible option for those new to cooking chicken, combining ease with unique flavors. You’ll likely find yourself adding this to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe delivers flavorful chicken and bacon poppers complemented by homemade ranch dressing. Everything is oven-baked, making preparation and cooking a smooth process. Cleanup is minimal and the dish is ready in under an hour, fitting neatly into a busy schedule. Even if you’re new to cooking, the straightforward steps make this an easy, must-try chicken dish. It’s a fun option for either a weeknight dinner or a social gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe produces crispy, tender chicken nuggets without a lot of hassle. Made with canned chicken and breaded in crushed pork rinds, these nuggets are both quick and keto-friendly. Baking in the oven means less time spent hands-on, freeing you up for other tasks. Cleanup is minimal, adding to the convenience factor. It’s an easy option for those looking for a healthier chicken nugget alternative.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken thighs are glazed with a garlic and ginger sauce, adding unique flavor without complicating the process. One pan is all it takes for both cooking and serving, keeping your kitchen duties light. The cooking time is short, fitting well into a busy lifestyle. The steps are clear and easy to follow, making it approachable for anyone. Given the minimal effort and standout flavor, this dish will likely find its way into your regular menu.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

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