Who needs Easter ham when you have these 15 chicken recipes?

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Easter’s right around the corner, and while ham usually steals the show, it’s time to give these chicken recipes a shot. They’re packed with flavor and are super easy to whip up, making your holiday meal prep a breeze. These dishes are great for any Easter get-together, big or small.

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

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes cook together in one skillet with garlic and broth for big flavor from just a few ingredients. Quick stovetop preparation with easy cleanup afterward. Serve this saucy chicken over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Add sliced olives, capers or red pepper flakes to customize the flavors to your taste. Forget fussing over ham; this chicken dish feels extra special without too much hassle 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 hearty, broth-based soup comes together in 40 minutes on the stovetop with chicken, cheese tortellini pasta, carrots and fresh spinach. All you need are simple ingredients for a nutritious, delicious meal. Serve with grated Parmesan and crusty bread for a comforting soup that makes great leftovers, too. Feel free to add other veggies you have on hand. Say goodbye to Easter hams and hello to this memorable, soul-warming soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Ditch the ham and go for this creamy chicken and mushroom dish. It’s a one-pan recipe where you sear chicken breasts and then make a sauce with mushrooms, garlic, broth and cream. Simple ingredients and easy stovetop cooking. Serve this hearty chicken and creamy mushroom sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich flavor. For variation, try using chicken thighs and add fresh herbs like thyme. This dish gives you all the hearty flavors of Easter without being stuck in the kitchen all day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado is a great pick if you’re ditching the ham this Easter. Marinate your chicken with ingredients like cilantro, onion, and orange juice for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you grill, pan-sear, or bake it, this dish is a winner. Serve with tortillas or rice and some avocado slices on the side. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat to your liking. It’s simple, flexible, and absolutely delicious. It’s a meal that’s perfect for welcoming the spring season.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Try this chicken in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce for Easter. Pan-fry the chicken, then make the velvety sauce right in the same skillet with mustard, broth, cream, and spinach. It’s a quick one-pan prep. Serve the creamy mustard chicken over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all that flavor. If you prefer, substitute kale or arugula for the spinach.
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.

Get the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie in this rustic, veggie-packed soup made on the stovetop. It’s loaded with chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas and herbs in a creamy broth. Hearty and delicious but so easy to make. You’re sure to enjoy a laid-back Easter dinner prep. Serve with flaky biscuits or crusty bread for dipping so that you can enjoy more of the broth. You’ll never miss the Easter ham when you have this wholesome soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Make Easter dinner simple with this easy spinach chicken bake. Layer chicken thighs, frozen spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella and seasonings in a baking dish, then bake until bubbly. Just a few basic ingredients and hands-off oven time. Serve this cheesy, baked chicken and spinach casserole with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. No more boring Easter ham — this crowd-pleasing comfort food comes together effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken and sun-dried tomatoes cook in a garlic cream sauce on the stovetop. This restaurant-quality chicken tastes gourmet but uses simple ingredients. Pair the creamy chicken with pasta, zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes or crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the decadent sauce. Stir in drained capers or olives for a briny pop of flavor. No dry Easter ham here — just rich, rustic flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Bake chicken breasts topped with a tangy fajita-style mixture of cream cheese, bell peppers, onions and shredded cheese. This dish is easy to prep with minimal ingredients and hands-off baking. Serve this cheesy baked chicken over white rice or cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Add extras like salsa, avocado or beans on the side. Spice up your Easter dinner with flavors more exciting than just baked ham.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

Chicken thighs and artichoke hearts simmer together in one skillet with a cream sauce. Such a flavorful but easy chicken dinner using basic ingredients. Serve the rich, creamy chicken and artichoke sauce over pasta, or keep it low-carb with a salad or roasted veggies on the side. Brighten it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let this elegant skillet chicken replace your Easter ham for a gourmet yet effortless holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma kebabs are a fun and delicious Easter meal option that’s sure to stand out. Marinate chicken pieces, skewer, and bake for a dish that’s full of flavor. They’re great with rice, salad, or tucked into pita bread with some yogurt sauce. They reheat well, keeping those edges crispy.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Short on time, but still want something special for Easter? These garlic butter chicken bites are ready in 20 minutes and will leave everyone impressed. They’re tender, golden, and just the right amount of garlicky. Serve them over rice or with some roasted veggies and potatoes on the side. If you like a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. They’re so good no one will guess how easy they were to make. Unlike the often time-consuming preparation of ham, these chicken bites are perfect for those seeking to impress without the stress.
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.

If you’re after something comforting and easy for Easter, this chicken corn soup is the way to go. It’s simple to make and perfect for getting cozy. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. If you want it creamier, just add some cream. It’s a welcoming dish that’s great for adding veggies to your meal, making everyone feel at home. This soup is a heartwarming alternative to the usual ham. You get a lighter yet equally flavorful option that can easily become a new Easter tradition.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

If you’re looking to switch things up from the usual Easter ham, try this creamy garlic chicken. It’s loaded with garlic, Parmesan, cream, and herbs, making it super flavorful and a hit for Easter. Plus, it’s quick to make. Serve it with rice or veggies, and maybe throw in some mushrooms for an extra kick. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday. And if you have leftovers, they’re easy to reheat with a bit of milk or broth. Unlike ham, this dish has a comforting creaminess and versatility that can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, making your Easter gathering even more inclusive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Green Chile Chicken

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

This Green Chile Chicken recipe is perfect for an Easter meal with a bit of spice. Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to whip up something incredible with cheese, cream cheese, green chilies, and jalapeno. It’s easy to make and goes great with tortillas or rice. Choose mild green chilies if you’re not a fan of too much spice. It’s a smart choice for a festive meal and a great way to use leftovers efficiently. Take a break from traditional ham and make this quick chicken recipe instead.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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