17 dishes to make with a pound of chicken

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Got a pound of chicken and not sure what to whip up? No worries! Chicken is super versatile, so you’ve got loads of options. It’s like that one friend who gets along with everyone—it fits in no matter where you put it. You could go fancy or keep it super simple, and either way, you’ll end up with something tasty.

The cool part about cooking with chicken is that it’s hard to mess up. You can bake it, fry it, or simmer it, and it’ll still be your meal’s MVP. And it’s not just you who’ll be happy; chicken’s a crowd-pleaser, so your family or friends will be pretty chuffed, too.

Now, here’s the fun bit: with just a pound of chicken, you can explore up to seventeen different dishes. Yeah, you heard that right—17! That’s a whole lot of variety from just one ingredient. So, even though I’m not naming dishes, just know that you’re all set for a bunch of meals. How cool is that?

Chicken Marsala Meatballs in a black dish.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Paprikash

Comfort food, anyone? Get your pound of chicken and gear up to make this Hungarian classic. Heartwarming, rich, and infused with savory paprika, it’s perfect for those chilly nights when only a homely dish will do.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

With your pound of chicken, let’s indulge in a flavorful, easy-to-make dish. Get the goodness of honey and garlic with deliciously cooked chicken thighs, thanks to the air fryer. It’s a recipe that invites you to taste simplicity at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Fried Rice

Got a pound of chicken and yearning for some Asian-inspired fare? This protein-filled dish is not just a side; it can stand proud as a main meal. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a healthy dose of veggies make it a firm end-of-the-day favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

How about a refreshing and tangy twist on your pound of chicken? Try this salad. It combines chicken with cranberries and walnuts to give you a dish with a unique blend of flavors. It’s a taste adventure that’s hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

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

Chicken Zoodle Soup

Turn your pound of chicken into something light and healthy. This soup not only offers the warmth of a home-cooked meal but also the goodness of zucchini noodles. When you need a soothing, nourishing dish, this one’s your best bet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Italian Chicken

Why not take your pound of chicken on a kitchen trip to Italy? This dish will teleport your taste buds straight to an Italian grandma’s kitchen. Simple but far from bland, it’s just the thing for a family gathering or a romantic dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga

Let’s take a pound of chicken on a flavor ride to Mexico. This slow-cooked dish merges shredded chicken with tomatoes, onions, and chipotle peppers. Ideal for when you want a break from the routine and crave something spicy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Fan of Chicken Tinga? You’ll definitely want to try it in tostada form. Use your pound of chicken to juggle fun textures: the crunch of tostadas and the tender, smoky chicken. Perfect for a laid-back dinner or a movie night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Why not cook that pound of chicken differently? These smoked chicken legs offer a twist on the standard roast. With a smoky taste, complemented with a red pepper glaze, you’re set for a tasty BBQ or a memorable Sunday lunch.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Looking for a lighter way to utilize a pound of chicken? You’ve got to try this pasta salad. Crisp veggies, pasta, and shredded rotisserie chicken combine in a dish that’s perfect for days when you want something simple yet tasty.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

For soup lovers, use your pound of chicken to whip up this dish. Hearty kale and comforting tortellini put a spin on traditional chicken soup. It’s your perfect companion for breezy nights when you need something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Want to spin your pound of chicken into something warm and comforting? This soup unites smoky chicken, veggies, and crispy tortilla strips in one hearty bowl. It’s a comforting hero on colder days and a must-try for anyone at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Got a pound of chicken and a slow cooker? You’re in for a treat. With just four ingredients, this dish gives you a comforting meal without the hassle. It’s perfect for those busy weekdays when easy prep and delicious results are a priority.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken Scampi

Why not go Italian with your pound of chicken? This dish, inspired by shrimp scampi, treats your palate to a set of robust flavors. It’s a solid choice for pasta lovers, and for a family dinner, it’s all kinds of right.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Have you thought about transforming your pound of chicken into a smoky delight? Our dish should be on your list. It gives you a taste of the traditional Mexican Al Pastor, but with a smoky twist. It’s exactly what you need for a backyard BBQ meet-up.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Ever thought about transforming a pound of chicken into something spectacular? Look no further than these amazing meatballs. Get the depth of Chicken Marsala, but in a new format. These can easily amp up a weeknight dinner or be the talk of your next party.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Can’t get enough of the Chicken Al Pastor? Why not spin it into a quesadilla? Use your pound of chicken, and don’t mind the oozing cheese and the crisp tortilla. It’s a clear win for a lazy weekend brunch or casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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