15 recipes that’ll make you rethink chicken dinner!

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Ditch the dinnertime blues and the same old boring chicken! This post is your weeknight dinnertime hero, packed with 15 chicken recipes that’ll completely transform your perspective on this versatile protein.

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring a burst of lively flavors to your table with this Chicken Tortilla Soup, reminiscent of Chick-fil-A’s popular recipe. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight meal that promises to be anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform your dinner with these slow cooker chicken thighs that simmer to perfection, creating a flavorful and juicy main course. It’s a hands-off approach to a dynamic evening meal that will keep the dinner routine exciting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot orange chicken rivals the flavors found in popular Asian restaurants, offering a zesty and sweet profile. It’s a great option for those evenings when you crave something special but are pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the smoky taste of barbecue with this air fryer BBQ chicken, a dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The air fryer ensures each bite is infused with classic BBQ flavor, making your weeknight dinners stand out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine the sweetness of waffles with the savory taste of chicken in this innovative casserole. This dish is not only simple to prepare with just five ingredients but also turns the traditional chicken dinner into an exciting mealtime event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the essence of an Italian restaurant to your home with this Olive Garden-inspired chicken pasta, slow-cooked to creamy, cheesy excellence. It’s a hearty choice that adds a touch of indulgence to your regular chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Kung Pao chicken from the air fryer delivers a crispy texture and a rich taste that’s sure to spice up your dinner routine. This dish is a convenient and healthier alternative for a weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a slow cooker dish that’s a nod to Olive Garden’s beloved recipe. It’s an effortless way to serve up a soothing meal that’s rich in taste and perfect for any dinner occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Quick and crispy, these air fryer chicken thighs are a lifesaver for last-minute meals. In just half an hour, you can serve a dinner that’s seasoned to impress, ensuring your weeknights are never dull.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken Riggies

Chicken riggies in a bowl topped with Parmesan and green onion.
Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the creamy and slightly spicy world of Chicken Riggies, a dish that pairs pasta with a flavorful sauce and tender chicken. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that brings excitement to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Riggies

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this Cajun Chicken Pasta, a dish that’s teeming with creamy spice and tender chicken. It’s a celebration of Southern flavors that makes for an irresistible weeknight dinner without the complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

Chicken legs in the air fryer.
Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks in the slow cooker are a fuss-free dinner option, offering a golden, cheesy crust that’s bound to please. They’re a straightforward and delicious choice for any night, especially when you’re looking for something with a bit of flair.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Drumsticks

Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Instant Pot turns Honey Garlic Chicken into a fast and flavorful weeknight staple. In roughly 30 minutes, this dish provides a fabulous balance of sweetness and garlic, ensuring a meal that’s far from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo tenders with blue cheese and celery.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are made healthier in the air fryer, giving you a spicy and crunchy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight. They offer a lighter alternative to the traditional fried tenders, delivering bold flavors without the extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Come home to the rich aromas of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken, a dish that combines a mix of spices and a velvety sauce. This meal is the definition of comfort, requiring little prep for a result that seems like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

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