Chicken is a versatile and popular protein that can be prepared in countless ways. From quick weeknight meals to impressive dinner party dishes, there’s a chicken recipe for every occasion.
You’ll find options ranging from comforting classics to exciting new flavor combinations.
These 35 chicken recipes will give you plenty of ideas to keep your meals interesting and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty casserole, a light soup, or a zesty grilled dish, you’ll discover new favorites to add to your cooking repertoire.
Get ready to explore tasty and easy ways to prepare chicken that will please your family and friends.
1. Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a quick and tasty dinner option you can make in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without much fuss.
To make this dish, you’ll pan-sear boneless chicken breasts and top them with a rich garlic butter sauce. The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
You can season the chicken with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other herbs to enhance the taste.
The result is a restaurant-quality meal that’s both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
This recipe is versatile, so you can adjust it to your liking. Try using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. You start by seasoning chicken breasts with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Next, sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown. Set it aside and make the sauce in the same pan.
The sauce combines heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Add spinach to wilt in the sauce, then return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken to finish.
This recipe creates a rich, flavorful meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough for company.
3. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey garlic chicken thighs are a tasty and simple dish you can make for dinner. You start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Next, sear the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
The sauce is what makes this dish special. Mix honey, soy sauce, water, and lemon juice. Pour this over the chicken in the pan.
Let everything cook together until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze.
4. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon herb grilled chicken is a tasty and easy meal. You’ll love the bright flavors of lemon and herbs in this dish.
To make it, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley. Add some minced garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
Put your chicken breasts in the marinade for at least 5 minutes. For more flavor, you can let them sit longer.
Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Make sure it’s cooked through before serving.
This chicken goes well with a side salad or grilled vegetables. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
5. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home. You start by cooking fettuccine noodles until they’re al dente.
While the pasta cooks, you prepare the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets and cook them in a skillet until golden brown.
For the sauce, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly.
Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy Alfredo sauce in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
Serve your homemade Chicken Alfredo pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like.
6. Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings are a classic favorite. You can make them crispy and delicious at home. Start by coating the wings in a mix of flour and spices.
Bake or fry the wings until they’re golden and crunchy. For the sauce, combine melted butter and hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to your liking.
Toss the cooked wings in the sauce until well-coated. Serve them hot with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.
These wings are perfect for game days, parties, or just a tasty meal. You can customize the flavors by adding garlic, honey, or other spices to the sauce.
7. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish that you can easily make at home. Start by marinating chicken pieces in yogurt and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin.
Cook the marinated chicken until golden, then set it aside. In the same pan, create a rich sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.
Add cream to the sauce for a smooth texture. Mix in the cooked chicken and let it simmer. The result is tender chicken in a flavorful, creamy sauce.
Serve your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala over rice for a satisfying meal. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
8. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Teriyaki chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up on busy weeknights. Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Mix in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce and honey. Cook until the vegetables are coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve your teriyaki chicken stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal. This dish is packed with protein and veggies, making it both delicious and nutritious.
9. Classic Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need chicken breasts, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Start by pounding the chicken breasts thin. Set up three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Fry the coated chicken until golden brown.
Place the fried chicken in a baking dish. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Serve your homemade Chicken Parmesan hot, perhaps with pasta or a side salad. You’ll love this crispy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
10. Maple Glazed Chicken
Maple glazed chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love how the maple syrup creates a rich, caramelized coating on the chicken.
To make this recipe, you’ll need chicken breasts, maple syrup, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger. Mix these ingredients to create a marinade for the chicken.
Let the chicken soak in the marinade for about 2 hours. This helps the flavors infuse into the meat. Then, cook the chicken on a grill pan or in the oven until it’s done.
The result is juicy chicken with a golden-brown glaze. You can serve it with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
11. Herb Roasted Chicken
Herb roasted chicken is a classic dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how the herbs infuse the meat with delicious aromas.
To prepare, mix softened butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the herb butter.
Carefully separate the chicken skin from the meat. Rub the herb butter mixture under the skin and all over the outside of the bird.
Place the chicken on a roasting pan or baking sheet. Cook it in a preheated 375°F oven for about 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The result is juicy chicken with crispy, herb-flavored skin. It’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
12. Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish you can make at home. It features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with vegetables in a bold sauce.
You’ll need chicken breast, veggies like bell peppers and onions, and a sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Sichuan peppercorns give it a unique numbing heat.
Cook the chicken first, then set it aside. Stir-fry the veggies next. Combine everything with the sauce and let it simmer briefly.
This meal comes together quickly, often in about 35 minutes. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner.
13. Mango Chicken Curry
Mango chicken curry blends sweet and savory flavors for a tasty meal. You’ll need chicken, mango, curry powder, coconut milk, and spices.
Start by cooking onions, garlic, and ginger in oil. Add the chicken and cook until white on the outside. Mix in curry powder and stir for a couple of minutes.
Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer and thicken. Add ripe mango chunks near the end of cooking.
Serve your mango chicken curry over rice. The dish combines creamy coconut, aromatic spices, and juicy mango for a delightful tropical twist on curry.
14. Korean BBQ Chicken
Korean BBQ chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavors in this recipe.
To make it, marinate chicken in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey. This gives the meat lots of flavor.
Cook the chicken on a grill or in a hot pan. The high heat helps create a nice char on the outside.
Serve your Korean BBQ chicken with rice and veggies. You can also add some kimchi on the side for extra flavor.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining friends.
15. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make at home. You’ll need chicken breasts, flour, butter, olive oil, mushrooms, and Marsala wine.
Start by coating thin chicken pieces in seasoned flour. Cook them in a mix of butter and oil until golden brown.
Add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Pour in Marsala wine and let it simmer. The sauce will thicken and become rich and flavorful.
Cook until the chicken is done and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Serve your Chicken Marsala hot with pasta or mashed potatoes.
16. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that will transport you to the Caribbean. The key is a marinade made with scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other herbs and spices.
To make jerk chicken, coat your chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for a few hours or overnight. You can grill the chicken for a smoky taste or bake it in the oven for an easier option.
Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crispiness, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end. Serve your jerk chicken with rice and beans or grilled pineapple for a tasty meal.
17. Mushroom Chicken Bake
This tasty dish combines tender chicken with savory mushrooms in a creamy sauce. To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts, mushrooms, and cream of mushroom soup.
Start by placing the chicken in a baking dish. Mix the soup with milk and pour it over the chicken. Add sliced mushrooms on top.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 30-45 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
For extra flavor, try adding some garlic powder, thyme, or lemon juice to the sauce. You can also sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
18. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make at home. It features thin chicken cutlets cooked in a tangy lemon-caper sauce.
To prepare, pound chicken breasts until they’re thin. Coat them in flour and cook in a pan with butter and oil until golden brown.
After cooking the chicken, make the sauce in the same pan. Add white wine, lemon juice, and capers. Let it simmer to blend the flavors.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve. It’s great with pasta or a side of vegetables. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.
19. Honey Soy Baked Chicken Breasts
Honey soy baked chicken breasts are a tasty and simple meal. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavor of this dish.
To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lime juice. Mix these ingredients to create a flavorful glaze.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Pour the glaze over the chicken in a baking dish.
Bake for about 25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. Baste it with the sauce a few times while cooking.
When done, the chicken will be golden brown with a sticky glaze. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.
20. Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is a tasty Italian dish that’s easy to make at home. You start by browning chicken pieces in a pan. Then you cook onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.
Next, add wine and let it reduce. Mix in tomatoes, herbs like oregano and thyme, and seasonings. Some recipes include olives or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce becomes rich and flavorful. You can serve this hearty meal over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
21. Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto chicken with cherry tomatoes is a tasty and simple meal. You can make it in about 30 minutes.
Start by spreading pesto on chicken breasts. Place them in a baking dish with cherry tomatoes around them.
Roast everything for about 20-25 minutes at 400°F. The chicken will cook through and the tomatoes will burst and get sweet.
Some recipes add extras like olives or capers for more flavor.
You can use store-bought pesto or make your own. Either way, it will taste great.
The dish comes out colorful and smells amazing. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you have guests.
22. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 25 minutes. This recipe combines tender chicken with fragrant basil and spicy chilies.
To start, cook minced chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes. Add garlic, shallots, and chilies to create a flavorful base.
Mix in soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar for balance. Toss in fresh Thai basil leaves at the end for an aromatic finish.
Serve your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal. You can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of chilies used.
23. Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry
This quick and easy dish combines tender chicken with crisp asparagus in a flavorful sauce.
Start by marinating sliced chicken in a mix of water, cornstarch, oil, and oyster sauce for 15-30 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Add asparagus and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
For extra flavor, toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir in a sauce made from chicken stock, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Cook everything together until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve your chicken and asparagus stir fry over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. You can easily customize this recipe by adding other quick-cooking vegetables you enjoy.
24. Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Balsamic glazed chicken is a tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. You start by cooking chicken in a pan until it’s golden brown.
Next, you make a glaze with balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices. The glaze gets poured over the chicken and simmers until it thickens.
The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy coating. You can serve it with rice, potatoes, or a salad for a quick meal.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but easy.
25. Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
Lemon pepper chicken drumsticks are a tasty and easy meal. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning in a bowl. Coat the chicken drumsticks with this mixture. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy your zesty lemon pepper chicken drumsticks!
26. Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a tasty dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This gives it a classic Greek flavor. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill them until they’re cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve your souvlaki with tzatziki sauce, a cool and creamy cucumber-yogurt dip. Add some pita bread and a Greek salad on the side for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner. You can even make extra to enjoy as leftovers for a few days.
27. Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You can make it easily in a skillet or slow cooker.
To start, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic for the sauce.
Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until browned. Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
You can serve bourbon chicken over rice. Garnish with green onions if you like.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and flavorful.
28. Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Caprese stuffed chicken breast combines classic Italian flavors with juicy chicken. You’ll stuff chicken breasts with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
To make this dish, cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Fill it with sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Pan-sear the stuffed breasts until golden. Then bake them in the oven to cook through. For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.
This recipe offers a tasty twist on plain chicken. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests too.
29. Harissa Spiced Grilled Chicken
Harissa spiced grilled chicken is a tasty North African-inspired dish. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by mixing harissa paste with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. This creates a flavorful marinade for your chicken.
Coat your chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to soak in.
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s cooked through. The result is juicy chicken with a spicy kick from the harissa.
Serve your harissa chicken with extra yogurt sauce on the side. It’s great paired with grilled vegetables or couscous for a complete meal.
30. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a tasty Chinese-American dish you can easily make at home. It features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce.
To make it, you’ll bread chicken chunks and fry them until golden brown. The sauce combines soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices for a bold flavor.
You can whip up this dish in about 35 minutes.
Serve it with steamed broccoli and white rice for a complete meal.
This recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality General Tso’s Chicken without leaving your kitchen. Give it a try for a delicious twist on your usual chicken dinner.
31. Romesco Roasted Chicken
Romesco roasted chicken brings Spanish flair to your dinner table. You’ll love the mix of smoky and tangy flavors in this dish.
Start by roasting chicken breasts in the oven with olive oil. While they cook, make the romesco sauce. Blend roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and spices in a food processor.
Once the chicken is done, spread the romesco sauce over it. The warm chicken will soak up the rich flavors.
Pair your romesco chicken with grilled onions for extra taste. This meal is both easy to make and impressive to serve.
32. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a tasty and easy Mexican dish you can make at home.
Start by marinating chicken in a mix of oil, lime juice, and spices like chili powder and cumin.
While the chicken marinates, slice bell peppers and onions.
Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until done, then set it aside and slice it.
In the same skillet, cook the peppers and onions until tender. Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and mix everything together.
Serve your fajitas with warm tortillas and toppings like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends.
33. Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Moroccan chicken tagine is a flavorful dish that will transport you to North Africa. This slow-cooked meal combines tender chicken with a blend of aromatic spices.
To make it, you’ll need bone-in chicken pieces, preferably thighs.
Season them with a mix of cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and ginger.
Brown the chicken in a tagine or heavy pot. Then add onions, garlic, and preserved lemon for an authentic touch. Olives are also a common addition.
Let the dish simmer slowly until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
The result is a fragrant, savory meal that’s perfect served over couscous.
You can make this dish even without a traditional tagine pot. A Dutch oven works well too.
34. Chimichurri Chicken
Chimichurri chicken is a tasty dish that pairs juicy chicken with a zesty herb sauce. You can make it with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
The star of this recipe is the chimichurri sauce. It’s a mix of fresh herbs, garlic, oil, and vinegar. This sauce gives the chicken a bright, tangy flavor.
You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken. Marinate it in some of the sauce before cooking for extra flavor.
Serve the cooked chicken with more chimichurri on top.
This dish goes well with rice, potatoes, or beans. It’s a great choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
35. Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Make a sauce with orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar. Add some vinegar, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor. Cook the sauce until it thickens.
Coat the chicken in cornstarch and egg whites. Fry it until golden brown.
Pour the orange sauce over the crispy chicken and stir to coat.
Serve your homemade orange chicken over rice. It’s a tasty meal that’s easier to make than you might think.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is a nutritious food that can be part of a healthy diet. It provides important nutrients and is a good source of lean protein.
Nutritional Profile
Chicken contains many essential vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in B vitamins, especially niacin, which helps your body turn food into energy.
Chicken also provides selenium, an antioxidant that supports your immune system.
You’ll get phosphorus from chicken, which is important for strong bones and teeth. It also contains zinc, which aids in wound healing and supports your sense of taste and smell.
Chicken liver is especially nutrient-dense. It’s high in vitamin A, folate, and iron. These nutrients support eye health, cell growth, and oxygen transport in your blood.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast provides about 26 grams of protein.
Protein is crucial for:
- Building and repairing tissues
- Making enzymes and hormones
- Maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and skin
Chicken has less saturated fat than many red meats, making it a heart-healthy choice. Removing the skin further reduces fat content.
Eating chicken can help you feel full and satisfied. This may aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken
Mastering chicken preparation involves key techniques and tools. You can elevate your dishes with the right approach to marinating and essential kitchen equipment.
Marinating Techniques
Marinating adds flavor and moisture to chicken. Mix oil, acid, herbs, and spices for a basic marinade.
Use about 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of chicken.
Marinate boneless pieces for 2-4 hours. Bone-in cuts can marinate for up to 12 hours. Don’t marinate longer, as acid can make the meat mushy.
For crispy skin, pat chicken dry before cooking. This removes excess moisture. Season with salt just before cooking to keep the meat juicy.
Try buttermilk for tender, flavorful chicken. Its mild acidity tenderizes without making meat tough.
Soak chicken in buttermilk for 4-8 hours before cooking.
Essential Cooking Tools
A meat thermometer is crucial for perfect chicken. Insert it into the thickest part, away from bone.
Chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).
Use a cast-iron skillet for crispy skin. It heats evenly and retains heat well.
Preheat the pan before adding chicken for a nice sear.
Tongs help flip chicken without piercing the meat. This keeps juices inside for moist results.
Choose tongs with silicone tips to protect non-stick surfaces.
A roasting pan with a rack lifts chicken above drippings. This allows air to circulate, cooking the bird evenly.
It’s ideal for whole chickens or larger cuts.