March 2018 • A Sweet Pea Chef

I’m sharing with you a list of my top 35 Easy Chicken Recipes that you can fall back on whenever you’re in need of a healthy, easy-to-prep weekday meal that will still be nutritious and family-approved! Is there anything better than chicken? Nope, don’t think so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaW1xVRYb-w&list=PLQ5c-6vkgU2nYg4IYVQ0ZnldSgwOCacOG There’s no meat, no ingredient more versatile than chicken. Just think about it, really. It’s perfect in a sandwich, goes well with pasta, tastes amazing in a risotto and don’t even get me started on the healing powers of a bowl of steaming hot homemade chicken noodle soup. Throw it on the grill or stir it in a stew, saute it on a hot skillet or cover it with an almond-crusted batter and bake it. Chicken is one of the staples of pretty much all cuisines for a reason. It goes perfectly with pretty much any seasoning of your choice and, most importantly, it’s very easy to cook. Whether you roast it whole or go for just the breasts or thighs, you cannot go wrong, really. That’s one of the reasons why I love chicken so much. It pairs up perfectly with pretty much any sauce there is, like these marinades! Whether you like it spicy or prefer the milder, more subtle flavor. There are numerous of really easy chicken recipes you can follow or just make up your own thing as you go. Why is Chicken Healthy? Besides it being so easy to cook, chicken is also incredibly good for you. Chicken is full of essential nutrients that your body needs. It packs a lot of protein while being relatively low on saturated fats, especially in comparison to other protein alternatives. Are Chicken Thighs Better Than Breasts? Ok, this is a tough one and I must say there’s no one correct answer to this. If you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle and are eating clean, opting for chicken breasts over thighs is something you most likely do very often. While chicken breasts are leaner, I find chicken thighs to be more flavorful so I try to combine the two whenever possible, as you’ll see in most of my Easy Chicken Recipes I’ve selected and listed out for you below. Many people find that, when they cook chicken breasts, they can be a little tough and dry, which is such a shame. So I’ve picked out my favorite easy chicken breast recipes and shared them below to help you avoid dry, chewy chicken. I'm also sharing some tips on how to cook chicken breasts so they turn up perfectly moist and tender every single time. How Long To Cook Chicken A serving size of chicken is 3 ounces which is roughly the same size as the palm of your hand or a deck of playing cards. Generally speaking, one chicken breast yields about two servings, but the size of chicken breasts can vary. The cook time will vary slightly with the size of the chicken, but there are some basic guidelines you can follow. The major point when cooking chicken is that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit so that it is safe to eat. We want it at 165 — no lower (eww) and, preferably, no higher so that it’s not dry and chewy. You’ll want to cook the chicken until the juices are clear when you cut into the thickest part of the breast. On the Stovetop (Pan-Fried/Sauteed): Approximately 4-6 minutes per side when sautéing at medium-high. In the Oven (Baked/Roasted): Approximately 20-30 minutes at 375 degrees F for baking or 18-20 minutes at 425 degrees F for roasting. On the Grill: Approximately 4-6 minutes per side over direct heat, 10 to 12 minutes per side over indirect heat. If you don’t have a digital thermometer (LOVE), here are some tips for how to know when chicken is cooked. 35 Easy Chicken Recipes + How to Cook Perfect Chicken If you’re ever in doubt or run out of easy chicken recipes, all you have to do is refer to this selection of my 35 easy chicken recipes. Follow one of my easy chicken breast recipes for a healthy, nutritious dinner or lunch ready in no time. If you don’t have all the ingredients in your pantry already, follow the tips on how to cook perfect chicken and pair it up with pretty much whatever you want. If you're looking for easy chicken breast recipes, these chicken breast recipes are very helpful. Below, I’ve shared my go-to list of 35 easy chicken recipes that will make you fall in love with this tasty and healthy protein all over again. And that’s a promise! Chicken Protein Bowl with Cashew Lime Crema This chicken protein bowl is packed full of protein, including spicy chicken, savory sweet potatoes, black beans, toasted pumpkin seeds, and then drizzled with a cashew lime crema. Tasty, nutritious, and so good for you! [GET THE RECIPE.] Shredded Chicken Enchiladas My Shredded Chicken Enchiladas recipe is my absolute favorite enchilada recipe by far. Tips for how to make the best chicken enchiladas ever, how to shred chicken, and a handy 10 minute enchilada sauce are all included! [GET THE RECIPE.] How to Meal Prep Chicken (7 Meals Under 5$) I’m sharing with you my tips on How to Meal Prep Chicken for the entire week, including an easy chicken breast recipe, all for under $5 per meal! Cook once and eat all week! [GET THE RECIPE.] One Pan Chicken Bruschetta This One Pan Chicken Bruschetta is fresh, flavorful, healthy, and ready in less than 25 minutes! Perfect weekday dinner? I vote yes! [GET THE RECIPE.] Slow Cooker Chicken Cauliflower Curry Learn how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Cauliflower Curry that is easy, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner and freezes well, too! This is a paleo, gluten-free, and clean eating recipe. [GET THE RECIPE.] 25 Minute Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice Cut the carbs and greasy take-out and still get your chicken fried rice fix with this 25 Minute Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe. Cauliflower fried rice is a delicious, easy, and healthy fried rice substitute! [GET THE RECIPE.] Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Yes, you can make chicken tortilla soup in a crock pot! Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup healthy! Yes, it’s amazingly easy, delicious AND it freezes well, too! [GET THE RECIPE.] Healthy Chicken Meatballs With Sautéed Zucchini These Healthy Chicken Meatballs With Sautéed Zucchini make a great weeknight meal. Follow this recipe and make these easy baked chicken meatballs that are gluten-free (no breadcrumbs) and paleo! [GET THE RECIPE.] Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is made with zucchini noodles for a healthier, gluten-free, and low-carb soup recipe. [GET THE RECIPE.] Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken This easy Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is quick to prep, better than takeout, and way healthier for you, too! Perfect for easy weeknight dinner and kid approved! [GET THE RECIPE.] Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Learn how to make Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas healthy and delicious! These shredded chicken enchiladas verdes are easy to make and freeze well, too. [GET THE RECIPE.] Cilantro Lime Chicken My easy Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is quick to make and has tons of flavor. Perfect chicken marinade for grilling, baking, or sautéing and freezes well, too. [GET THE RECIPE.] 13. Kid-Friendly Cheddar Crusted Baked Chicken Strips This Kid-Friendly Cheddar Crusted Baked Chicken Strips meal using is perfect for those busy back to school weeknights. You’ll love it and your kids will devour it. [GET THE RECIPE.] 14. Instant Pot Quinoa Chicken Bowl What would you say if I told you that 30 minutes from now you could be holding this amazing Instant Pot Quinoa Chicken Bowl in your hand? And yes, delicious clementine basil dressing prep time included. [GET THE RECIPE.] 15. Easy Chicken Picatta This Easy Chicken Picatta has ALL the same flavors, fragrances, and textures of your favorite comfort food, but without all those ingredients that aren’t good for us. It is also super fast and easy to make even on a weekday. [GET THE RECIPE.] 16. Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl Healthy, easy to make ahead of time and flavorsome - what’s not to love, right? This Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl makes a perfect grab and go lunch. [GET THE RECIPE.] 17. Chicken & Hummus Greek Wrap One bite into my Chicken & Hummus Greek Wrap and you’ll immediately feel like you’re in the Mediterranean. It’s time to wrap up all your favorite ingredients and dig in! [GET THE RECIPE.] 18. Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup Make the healthier version of your favorite comfort food in a form of a soup with a little help from your crock pot. Are you ready to enjoy this rich and savory take on slow cooker enchiladas completely guilt-free? [GET THE RECIPE.] 19. Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade Honey mustard anything rocks. So, if you're tired of the same old chicken recipe all day every day, try this super tasty and easy Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade to change things up. [GET THE RECIPE.] 20. Healthy General Tso’s Chicken Swap the heavy oils and refined carbs for olive oil and high fiber flour to make the healthier version of your favorite Chinese take-out order at home. [GET THE RECIPE.] 21. Grilled Chicken Wings With Yogurt Ranch Dip Once you try this Grilled Chicken Wings With Yogurt Ranch Dip, you’ll never again question what to serve at the big game. Not only do they taste great, but they are also very simple to make. [GET THE RECIPE.] 22. Chicken Cobb Mason Jar Salad (With A Clean Ranch Dressing!) It's time to layer up! This Chicken Cobb Mason Jar Salad is the easiest grab and go lunch that you can make ahead and devour for the rest of the week, topped with gallops of the healthier, clean version of ranch dressing. Yum! [GET THE RECIPE.] 23. Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan Enjoy this all-time favorite completely guilt-free. My Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is not only tender and absolutely delicious but also high in fiber and protein, so you can continue living your awesome clean lifestyle. [GET THE RECIPE.] 24. Panko Baked Chicken Thighs Get that get that yummy, crunchy fried chicken fix in a healthier, less oily way. You’re less than an hour away from a delicious and nutritious dinner. [GET THE RECIPE.] 25. Dijon-Roasted Chicken And Carrots This family-pleasing Dijon-Roasted Chicken And Carrots make a perfect weekday dinner. This easy-to-make meal contains 28 grams of protein and just 253 calories per serving. [GET THE RECIPE.] 26. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls Can you still have burritos while sticking to your clean eating plan? I say yes! It’s time to say farewell to your tortillas and white rice and spice things up the healthy way by making my Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls. [GET THE RECIPE.] 27. Almond-Crusted Baked Chicken Strips with Homemade Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Start your dinner party off right! These baked chicken strips are the healthier, and dare I say, yummier version of the popular appetizer. Just pure, clean, simple goodness..in chicken strip form! [GET THE RECIPE.] 28. Chicken Tacos Let’s taco ‘bout these Chicken Tacos! Deliciously-flavored chicken, topped with fresh and vibrant sauces, and then wrapped in the perfect corn tortilla - and you can gobble on them without feeling any guilt! [GET THE RECIPE.] 29. Easy Chicken Marsala What’s not to love about a delicious, seasoned, and well-browned chicken breast smothered in savory juices along with yellow onions and sliced mushrooms? This Easy Chicken Marsala takes less than 40 minutes to make! [GET THE RECIPE.] 30. Chicken and Rice Make a healthier version of this all-time favorite classic. Super yummy and makes lots of left-overs. What’s not to love? [GET THE RECIPE.] Make a healthier version of this all-time favorite classic. Super yummy and makes lots of left-overs. What’s not to love? [GET THE RECIPE.] 31. Easy Roasted Chicken This Easy Roasted Chicken recipe really couldn’t be any easier. And the result is flavorful, crispy skin and moist, tender meat. All in about an hour. Every. Single. Time. [GET THE RECIPE.] 32. One Pot Chicken Cacciatore This meal is so simple to make and creates such a complex balance of flavors. And the best thing about it you need only one pot to make it! [GET THE RECIPE.] 33. Tandoori Chicken Spice things up with my all-time favorite Tandoori Chicken recipe. Find out how you can easily make it if you don’t have an outdoor grill. [GET THE RECIPE.] 34. Easy Orange Chicken Follow this healthy Chinese recipe and make very fresh, light and vibrant Easy Orange Chicken for dinner in no time! [GET THE RECIPE.] 35. Marinated Chicken Fajitas These Marinated Chicken Fajitas pack a flavorsome punch. Follow my recipe for grilled and Marinated Chicken Fajitas that is super versatile and flavorful. [GET THE RECIPE.] This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.