Looking for quick and easy chicken recipes? You’ve come to the right place. This collection of 39 fast chicken dishes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
From stir-fries to skillet meals, you’ll find plenty of options to keep your family happy and well-fed.
Get ready to discover new favorites that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
This tasty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You can make it in less than 30 minutes.
Mix lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Pour this over chicken breasts or thighs.
Let the chicken sit in the mixture for at least an hour. If you have more time, you can leave it for up to 12 hours.
Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. Make sure it’s cooked through.
The result is juicy chicken with a bright, fresh flavor. Serve it with a side salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal.
2. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
Garlic butter baked chicken thighs are a tasty and simple meal. You can make them in about 30 minutes.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
Melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce over them.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F inside.
The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin and lots of garlic flavor. You can serve these thighs with potatoes, veggies, or a salad for a full meal.
3. Quick Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is a fast and tasty meal you can whip up in about 20-30 minutes. You’ll need chicken, vegetables, and a simple sauce.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop your favorite veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Heat oil in a pan or wok.
Cook the chicken first, then set it aside. Stir fry the veggies until crisp-tender.
Mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger for an easy sauce.
Add the chicken back to the pan with the sauce and heat through.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
This dish is versatile – use any veggies you have on hand.
4. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Chicken Alfredo pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking chicken pieces in a skillet until golden brown. Set the chicken aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Pour in cream and whisk until smooth. Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to create a creamy sauce.
Cook your pasta in a separate pot.
Once done, mix it with the sauce and sliced chicken. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated.
You can add extra Parmesan on top before serving. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious.
5. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Baked honey garlic chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It combines sweet and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing meal.
To make it, coat chicken breasts in panko bread crumbs for a crispy exterior. Then bake them in the oven until golden brown.
The sauce is the star of this recipe. Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce to create a sticky glaze.
Pour it over the chicken before serving.
You can customize this dish by adding sesame seeds or a dash of Sriracha for extra heat. Pair it with rice and veggies for a complete dinner.
6. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It features pan-seared chicken in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. The sauce also has spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
To make it, start by cooking chicken in a skillet. Then add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and paprika to create the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts.
Add spinach and let it wilt in the sauce. Some recipes also include sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
You can serve this over pasta if you like.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but delicious. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make for a satisfying dinner.
7. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make quickly. Start by coating chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Cook the breaded chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Bake the chicken in the oven until the cheese melts. The result is crispy chicken covered in gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan over pasta or with a side salad. It’s a filling meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
8. Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts
Lemon pepper chicken breasts are a tasty and simple meal you can make quickly. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning and salt on both sides of the chicken breasts. Place them in a baking dish and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
While the chicken bakes, you can prepare a lemon pepper sauce on the stove.
Once the chicken is done, add it to the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
This dish pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You’ll love the zesty flavor and juicy texture of this easy chicken recipe.
9. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki chicken skewers are a tasty and easy meal option. To make them, cut chicken into cubes and thread onto skewers with red onion and bell peppers.
Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning every 3-4 minutes.
Cook until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
While grilling, brush the skewers with extra teriyaki sauce. This adds more flavor and creates a nice glaze.
Serve your teriyaki chicken skewers hot off the grill. They’re great with rice or a side salad for a quick and delicious meal.
10. Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken tenders are a tasty twist on classic chicken strips. To make them, coat chicken tenders in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Fry the breaded tenders in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 3-4 minutes per side.
Once cooked, toss the tenders in buffalo sauce for that signature spicy flavor. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Serve these zesty tenders with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. They make a great appetizer or main dish.
11. Ginger Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ginger chicken lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy meal option. You can make them quickly for a light dinner or appetizer.
Start by cooking ground chicken with minced ginger, garlic, and green onions. Add water chestnuts for crunch and hoisin sauce for flavor.
Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Boston or iceberg lettuce work well as wraps. Top with extra green onions if you like.
These wraps are easy to customize. Try adding lime juice for a citrus kick or using ground turkey instead of chicken.
You can also serve the filling over salad or in tortillas for variety.
12. Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
You can make crispy chicken wings in your oven without deep frying. Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
Mix oil and your favorite seasonings in a bowl. Coat the wings evenly. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil.
Bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes. The exact time depends on wing size. Cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve your wings hot. You can eat them plain or toss them in sauce for extra flavor. These wings are perfect for game day or any time you want a tasty snack.
13. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Chicken and broccoli casserole is a quick and easy dinner option. You can make it in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Start by cooking pasta and broccoli together.
While that’s boiling, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth for the sauce.
Combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over everything and mix well.
Top with shredded cheese and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. The result is a warm, comforting meal your family will love.
You can customize this dish by adding different veggies or using rice instead of pasta. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
14. Sticky Soy Chicken Bites
These tasty chicken bites are quick to make and packed with flavor. Start by cutting chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Coat the chicken in cornstarch, then fry until golden brown.
For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar in a pan. Add minced garlic and simmer until it thickens.
Toss the crispy chicken in the sticky soy sauce. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Serve these bites hot as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying meal.
15. One-Pan Cajun Chicken
This quick and tasty dish packs a flavorful punch. You’ll need chicken, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and butter.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun spices and cook until browned on both sides.
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for a minute. Pour in some broth or white wine to deglaze.
Melt butter in the pan and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook until the chicken is done and the sauce thickens.
Serve your Cajun chicken hot with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
16. Milk Chicken with Dill
Milk Chicken with Dill is a tasty and simple dish you can whip up quickly. You’ll need chicken breasts, milk, fresh dill, and a few basic seasonings.
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it in a pan until golden brown on both sides.
Pour milk into the pan, covering the chicken halfway. Add chopped fresh dill and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
The milk will create a creamy sauce, while the dill adds a fresh, tangy flavor. Serve this dish with rice or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
17. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a tasty dish you can make in about 25 minutes. Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Coat them in cornstarch for a crispy texture.
Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Mix pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar. Add this to the pan with the cooked chicken.
Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. Let everything simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
Serve your sweet and sour chicken over rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
18. Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time. Start with crisp romaine lettuce as your base. Add grilled or pan-seared chicken breast for protein.
Toss in crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese. The creamy Caesar dressing ties it all together. You can make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
For extra flavor, season your chicken with herbs and spices before cooking. Serve with a slice of garlic bread on the side. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
19. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by pounding chicken breasts thin and coating them in flour.
Cook the chicken in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Make a sauce in the same pan using chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Let it simmer and thicken slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking in the sauce. The result is tender chicken with a tangy, flavorful coating.
Serve your chicken piccata over pasta or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
20. Mango Coconut Chicken
This tropical dish combines sweet mango with creamy coconut for a quick and tasty meal. Start by seasoning chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook them in a pan until golden brown.
In a blender, mix mango chunks, coconut milk, and curry powder.
Pour this sauce over the chicken and let it simmer. The flavors will blend as the chicken cooks through.
Serve the mango coconut chicken over rice.
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
21. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a quick and tasty Mexican-inspired meal you can make in about 30 minutes. Slice chicken breasts into strips and season them with a mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
Cook the chicken in a hot skillet with oil. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the same pan. The veggies should be slightly crisp when done.
Serve the chicken and veggie mixture in warm tortillas. Top with your choice of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese.
This easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without much fuss.
22. Sesame Chicken Bowls
Sesame chicken bowls are a tasty and quick meal option. You can make them in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking chicken pieces in a skillet until golden brown. Mix a sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it thicken. Add veggies like snow peas or bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
Serve your sesame chicken over rice or noodles. Top with sesame seeds and green onions for a finishing touch.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to cook.
23. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a tasty and quick meal you can make in about 15 minutes.
To start, heat oil in a pan and cook diced onions until soft. Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn white.
Stir in garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Let the spices cook for a minute to release their flavors.
Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Simmer the curry for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. You can add diced tomatoes or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serve your homemade chicken curry over rice for a filling dinner. It’s an easy way to bring some spice to your weeknight meals.
24. Mediterranean Chicken Bake
This tasty dish brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. You’ll need chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and bell pepper.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, and paprika. Place it in a baking dish with the vegetables and garlic.
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over everything. Bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
For extra flavor, top with crumbled feta cheese before serving. This colorful, flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
25. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. It features tender chicken pieces in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce.
To start, cut boneless chicken into cubes and marinate it. While it marinates, prepare the sauce with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Cook the chicken first, then set it aside. Make the sauce in the same pan. Add cream at the end for richness.
Combine the cooked chicken with the sauce and let it simmer. The result is a flavorful meal that’s quicker than takeout.
Serve your homemade chicken tikka masala with rice or naan bread. It’s a satisfying dinner option for busy weeknights.
26. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make in about 30 minutes.
Start by coating thin chicken breasts in seasoned flour. Cook the chicken in a pan with butter and oil until golden brown.
Remove the chicken and cook sliced mushrooms in the same pan. Add Marsala wine and broth to make a rich sauce.
Put the chicken back in to simmer for a few minutes.
Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s great for a quick weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
27. Moroccan Spiced Chicken
Moroccan spiced chicken brings exotic flavors to your dinner table.
Mix paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne to create a flavorful spice rub. Coat chicken thighs or breasts with the spice blend.
Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken on both sides. Add tomato paste and chicken broth to create a sauce.
Simmer covered for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
For a sheet pan version, toss chicken with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots. Coat everything in olive oil and spices. Roast at 425°F until the chicken is done and vegetables are caramelized.
28. Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a tasty Mexican dish you can make quickly at home.
Start by mixing shredded cooked chicken with enchilada sauce and seasonings. Warm corn tortillas in the microwave to make them pliable.
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll it up. Place the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish.
Pour more enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake the enchiladas at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken enchiladas.
29. Chicken Satay Skewers
Chicken satay skewers are a tasty and quick meal you can make at home.
You’ll need chicken breast, coconut milk, red curry paste, and a few other ingredients. Cut the chicken into strips and marinate it in coconut milk and spices. This helps make the meat tender and flavorful.
You can cook these skewers in the oven or on a grill. They only take about 15-20 minutes to cook through.
Serve your chicken satay with a zesty peanut sauce for dipping. You can make this sauce easily with peanut butter, lime juice, and some seasonings.
This dish works great as an appetizer or main course. It’s perfect for parties or a fun weeknight dinner.
30. Chicken with Mustard Sauce
You can make this tasty dish in under 30 minutes.
Start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in a pan until golden brown on both sides.
For the sauce, mix Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, and chicken broth in the same pan. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
Add the chicken back to the pan and coat it with the creamy mustard sauce.
Serve your chicken with mustard sauce over rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete dinner.
31. Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
Lemon butter chicken thighs are a delicious and easy meal you can make in about 45 minutes.
Start by seasoning bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and lemon pepper. Sear the chicken in a Dutch oven for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Then bake the thighs in the oven at 400°F.
While the chicken cooks, prepare a lemon-garlic butter sauce. This sauce adds rich flavor and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Serve your lemon butter chicken thighs with your favorite sides for a tasty weeknight dinner. The dish is low carb and keto-friendly too.
32. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
You can make tasty teriyaki chicken thighs in just 30 minutes. This dish uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful results.
Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Then cook the thighs in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
Pour the remaining marinade into the pan and let it simmer until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
Add some steamed broccoli or other veggies to make it a complete meal. Serve your teriyaki chicken thighs over rice for a quick and satisfying dinner. This recipe is easy to make ahead and reheat later if needed.
33. Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Honey mustard grilled chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home.
Mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and spices to create a flavorful marinade. Coat your chicken in the mixture and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s cooked through.
For extra flavor, set aside some marinade before adding the chicken. Use this to baste the meat while it cooks or as a dipping sauce.
This recipe works well with chicken breasts, but you can use other cuts too. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
34. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
You can make this tasty Thai dish in just 25 minutes.
Start by cooking minced chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes. Next, add garlic, shallots, and chilies. Stir-fry until they soften and start to brown.
Mix in sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce for flavor. Add some chicken broth to create a sauce.
Toss in fresh Thai basil leaves at the end. They’ll wilt quickly and add a distinctive taste.
Serve your spicy Thai basil chicken over jasmine rice. For extra richness, top it with a fried egg.
35. Maple-Dijon Roasted Chicken
Maple-Dijon roasted chicken is a tasty meal you can make quickly.
You’ll need chicken, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and some basic spices. Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard to make a flavorful sauce. Add salt, pepper, and garlic for extra taste. Coat your chicken with this mixture.
Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F. It usually takes about 20-25 minutes to cook through. The outside will get crispy and golden.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables. You can cook them on the same pan as the chicken for an easy one-pan meal.
36. Lemon Thyme Chicken Breasts
Lemon thyme chicken breasts are a tasty and simple dish you can make quickly.
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bag. Add the chicken and let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the chicken in a skillet or baking dish, skin side down. Cook it in the oven until it’s done.
For a stovetop version, coat the chicken in flour and salt. Brown it in a pan with butter and oil. Then add broth and lemon slices, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
37. Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Caprese stuffed chicken is a tasty twist on classic Italian flavors. You’ll need chicken breasts, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Start by cutting a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff them with sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves. Secure with toothpicks to keep the filling in place.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook in a skillet for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
Finish baking the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. This ensures it’s cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
38. Chicken Kiev
Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that’s easier to make than you might think.
You start with a boneless chicken breast and stuff it with garlic-herb butter. Roll the chicken around the butter, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Some recipes use cornflakes for extra crunch.
Bake the chicken at 425°F for about 30 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
When you cut into the crispy chicken, a stream of hot, flavored butter will flow out. This creates a delicious sauce for the meat.
Serve your homemade Chicken Kiev with your favorite sides for an impressive meal.
39. Easy Coconut Lime Chicken
This tasty dish combines zesty lime and creamy coconut flavors for a quick weeknight meal.
Start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add coconut milk, lime juice, and zest to create a flavorful sauce.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. The result is tender chicken infused with tropical flavors.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. You can pair this dish with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying cooks chicken fast in a hot pan or wok. Cut chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook faster.
Heat oil until it shimmers. Add chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
Stir often to brown all sides.
Add veggies that cook quickly, like peppers or snap peas.
Toss in a sauce at the end.
Try a cashew chicken stir-fry. Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic for the sauce. Toss in cashews at the end for crunch.
Baking
Baking works well for hands-off cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F for faster results.
Use a baking sheet or shallow dish.
Season chicken with herbs and spices. Brush with oil or melted butter. This helps it brown and stay moist.
Bake boneless breasts for 20-30 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F.
Try baked chicken tenders. Coat in breadcrumbs for a crispy outside. Serve with dipping sauces for a quick meal.
For extra flavor, stuff chicken breasts with cheese and spinach before baking.