Skip the Easter ham and go for one of these 15 chicken recipes

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If you’re thinking of skipping the traditional Easter ham this year, why not try one of these 15 chicken recipes instead? Chicken is a versatile protein that can be dressed up for any occasion, and Easter is no exception. These recipes are perfect for a family gathering or a special Sunday meal. They’re not only great alternatives to ham, but they also might just become new favorites at your holiday table.

Chicken thighs in cream sauce with artichoke hearts in a pan with a spoon.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. 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.

Skip the ham this Easter and make this chicken with creamy mushroom sauce instead. You just need chicken, mushrooms, cream, and a few simple seasonings. It all comes together quickly in one pan, so there’s no stress. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something delicious and impressive for your holiday table. Serve it over rice or pasta to soak up all that creamy sauce. Your guests will love the rich flavors and the fact that you didn’t spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

This easy spinach chicken bake is perfect for simplifying your Easter dinner. Just put chicken thighs, frozen spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Pop it in the oven and let it do the work for you. You’ll have a creamy and cheesy meal that’s a nice change from the usual ham. Serve it with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite and take the stress out of holiday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe makes dinner easy with chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes, all cooked in one pan. It’s quick to prepare and brings a lot of flavor to your table. It’s much simpler than ordering in and keeps cleaning up to a minimum. Serving suggestion? Goes great with pasta or bread. Try adding some olives or capers for variety. It’s a perfect choice for making Easter dinner exciting. Plus, this dish is a fantastic way to impress your guests without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken tortellini soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes. You’ll need chicken broth, chicken breasts, frozen tortellini, and some veggies like carrots and spinach. It’s a filling and nutritious choice for a comforting Easter dinner without spending all day in the kitchen. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. Beyond the Easter celebrations, this soup is perfect for those chilly spring days when you want something cozy to share with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Imagine cooking chicken with Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s simple, quick, and adds a new flavor to your Easter dinner. Great for impressing your guests or just making your meal a bit special. Serve this with some rice or bread to soak up the sauce. You can also switch up the greens—try kale or arugula for a different taste. This chicken dish is a fantastic way to mix up the traditional Easter menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup brings all the cozy vibes of chicken pot pie, but without the need to bake. Just simmer potatoes, chicken, cream, and spices. It’s an easy, comforting choice for Easter dinner with family. Serve this with a side of crusty bread to dip in. You could also add different veggies like carrots or peas to keep it interesting. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in, making your Easter feel extra special with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Try baking chicken with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella when you need something easy and delicious. It’s perfect for busy evenings and makes everyone happy. Serve it with tortillas or over rice to turn it into a full meal. Feel free to mix in other veggies like onions or mushrooms for more variety. This dish is a crowd-pleaser on any occasion, but most especially during Easter dinner. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until hot throughout. The texture is best when eaten fresh, but it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

Enjoy a filling dinner with chicken thighs and artichokes in a savory sauce, all in one pan. It’s straightforward and perfect for a filling meal at home. Good with a side salad or bread. A bit of lemon can add a fresh touch. This dish is great for Easter dinner and also works well for meal prep. Its one-pan approach simplifies cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the holiday. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan chicken combines chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a dish that feels a bit fancy but is easy to make. It’s about 40 minutes from start to finish and perfect for sprucing up dinner. Pair it with pasta or bread to complete the meal. You can also try adding olives or capers for an extra pop of flavor. Switching from ham to this chicken recipe could make your Easter meal stand out and be remembered. It’s also a sneaky way to get more veggies onto your plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Prepare a dish with chicken breasts, garlic, Parmesan, cream, and a mix of herbs. It’s fast to cook and a lot better than waiting for any delivery. It can be eaten with rice or veggies. Adding mushrooms could give it another layer of flavor. This garlic chicken will likely be a hit at your Easter meal. Its easy and quick prep means you can spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken; gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore its smooth texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pollo Asado

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

Marinate chicken in cilantro, onion, and citrus, then grill, pan-sear, or bake. This dish is flexible, fast, and full of great taste. It’s especially good with tortillas or rice and avocado slices. Adjusting the chili can change the heat level. A solid choice for a no-stress, flavorful Easter dinner. The versatility of this dish also makes it a great option for any day, fitting perfectly into your meal rotation with different cooking methods to keep it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Use leftover chicken to create a meal with cheese, cream cheese, green chilies, and jalapeno. It’s quick and easy, and adds a lot of flavor to your dinner. Good with tortillas or over rice. For less spice, choose mild green chilies. A smart pick for Easter, especially if you’re looking to add a bit of spice and use leftovers smartly. This recipe is also perfect for those who want to reduce food waste and make the most of their groceries, aligning with more sustainable eating habits.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These garlic butter chicken bites are a quick and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and cook them in a garlic butter sauce until they’re tender and golden brown. They’re perfect for a special Easter feast when time is short. Serve them over rice or with some roasted potatoes and veggies on the side. You can even add some red pepper flakes for a little kick. These garlicky bites are sure to be a hit with everyone at your holiday table, and they’ll never guess how easy they were to make.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Corn Soup

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

This soup is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Choose your stock and mix in the ingredients for a hearty soup that’s ready in no time. It pairs well with crusty bread. For an extra creamy soup, add some cream. This soup adds a comforting touch to your Easter dinner, making everyone feel welcome. It’s also an excellent way to introduce more veggies into your meals, making it a hit for health-conscious guests or family members.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate, skewer, and bake chicken for these shawarma kebabs. They’re straightforward, packed with protein, and bring a lot of flavor to your weeknights. They’re great with rice or a salad. Wrapping them in pita bread with yogurt sauce is another great way to serve them. These kebabs are a fun and different option for Easter that will make meals stand out. As a hands-on dining experience, they can make your Easter celebration more interactive and memorable. Kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or on a grill to keep the edges crispy.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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