I’ve compiled 40+ amazing and delicious chicken dinner recipes that aren’t boring or bland. These easy chicken meals are simple to make, delicious, and full of healthy ingredients!
I know fixing something tasty and healthy for dinner can be a struggle, especially during busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
I know this way too well.
You can't go wrong with chicken. It’s one of the easiest options for busy weeknights. Chicken is a great source of protein. However, chicken dishes can be boring. And, when you want to eat healthily, chicken can become really, really boring.
It doesn’t have to be boring or bland, though. Chicken is so versatile, and there are many ways to prep it without getting tired.
In This Post You'll Find:
That’s why I decided to make this list of easy chicken dinners for you. I've even broken down the list into categories to make choosing a recipe simple. There’s something for everyone here. From crockpot chicken recipes to baked chicken, pizza (yes, healthy pizza!), soups, wraps, and more. TONS of dinner ideas for you in one place. All these chicken recipes are not boring or bland so you can have a tasty chicken dinner AND eat healthy with your family!
You can try them all or just the ones that speak to you. One thing is for sure though – your busy nights will taste delicious with these easy chicken recipes.
TIPS FOR MAKING CHICKEN MEALS EXTRA DELICIOUS
Chicken dishes often need a little extra something to make them as delicious as they can be. Extra something doesn’t mean a lot of effort or a complicated recipe. Sometimes, it only means adding extra spices, fresh herbs or anything that can brighten up the flavors of poultry.
Here are tips that will help you to bring your chicken dinner recipes to the next level.
- Make marinades: marinating chicken is a great way to make your chicken taste amazing. The more you marinate it, the better. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can marinate the chicken for a couple of hours. However, I highly recommend marinating the chicken overnight. It will make a big difference. Also, make sure you store the chicken in the fridge while it’s marinating.
- Season with different spices: don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs. Sure, use your favorites but every now and then try something new to keep things interesting. Think new fresh herbs, new spices, lemon zest, and even vinegar.
- Use fresh ingredients: you might be tempted to buy a mix of chicken spices and use them when you're making chicken recipes but, instead of doing that, you can make your own mix of spices.
- Don’t remove the chicken skin: when you cook a whole chicken, don’t remove the skin even if you don’t plan to eat it. Chicken skin will maintain the juices and flavors of the meat while cooking. You can remove the skin after cooking if you want.
- Don’t overcook chicken: this is so important. Overcooked chicken means dry chicken that doesn’t taste very good. Use a digital thermometer to test the temperature of the chicken. Chicken breast is cooked when the internal temperature is 165 degrees F. You can also pierce the chicken to test it. If the juices run clean, chicken is ready. If the juices are not clean, allow the chicken to cook for a few more minutes.
40 Easy Chicken Dinners
Alright, let's get started! I've broken down all my chicken recipes into categories to make it easier for you, starting off with Chicken Bowls.
CHICKEN BOWL RECIPES
What can be better than a bowl of super delicious food, with flavors that blend well and complement each other, too? Any one of these chicken bowls is sure to satisfy. They are easy to put together. They're good in any season – and they are a colorful addition to the table!
- High Protein Chicken Bowl With Cashew Lime Crema (pictured)
- Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl
- Instant Pot Quinoa Chicken Bowl
INTERNATIONAL CHICKEN RECIPES
Sometimes, it’s fun to try a dish outside of your normal repertoire. I love shredded chicken enchiladas and everything else Mexican (like perfect guacamole!). I’ve included the enchilada recipe here, among other favorites. Choose an Italian dish, or even Chinese (better than take-out!).
- Shredded Chicken Enchiladas (pictured)
- Chicken Tacos
- One Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- Healthy Chicken Parmesan
- Tandoori Chicken
- Easy Orange Chicken
- Healthy General Tso Chicken
- Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
- Easy Chicken Marsala
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken & Hummus Greek Wrap
MEAL PREP CHICKEN RECIPES
Meal prepping allows you the luxury of not cooking dinner at dinnertime. This means you’ll never have to cook when you’re hungry or don’t feel like cooking. Learning how to meal prep chicken will save you time and energy, and it will make your chicken dinners taste better because you’ll cook when you’re in the mood for cooking, not when you really have to. That’s the secret of delicious meals.
Meal prep is just the best ←-healthy meals ready and waiting! Chicken works well for meal prep because it’s a great lean protein and works so well with marinades and all kinds of flavors.
- How to Meal Prep Chicken (pictured)
- Healthy Chicken Fajitas Meal Prep
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Meal Prep
- Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Meal Prep
- Healthy Chicken Parm Meal Prep
- Mini Freezer Chicken Pot Pies
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RECIPES
During cold fall or winter nights, people tend to turn to hearty and comforting chicken dishes. But even in the spring or summer, the slow cooker can come in handy. Throwing a meal in the slow cooker in the morning, and then enjoying it for dinner is just awesome. My days are busy and knowing I don’t have to cook is a reward at the end of the day. Talk about an easy chicken dinner idea – it’s right here, my friends!
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cauliflower Curry
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
- Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
LUNCH CHICKEN RECIPES
I love an easy lunch, especially when I’ve got to head out the door for an activity with one of the kids or to run errands. Yummy and quick, not to mention, kid-friendly! All the recipes here are favorites in my house. We're on the go, living an active and healthy lifestyle and these quick-to-make recipes fit the bill for everyone!
- Kid-Friendly Cheddar Crusted Baked Chicken Strips (pictured)
- Almond-Crusted Baked Chicken Strips With Homemade Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Chicken and Rice
- Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Nashville Hot Chicken
- Cauliflower Crust Pizza
- Easy Chicken Picatta
- Chicken Cobb Mason Jar Salad
- How to Grill Chicken
- One Pan Chicken Bruschetta
MARINADES FOR CHICKEN
Marinating chicken is the best way to make juicy chicken. I promised you marinades, and here they are. Chicken is versatile in that the flavors can be easily blended, changed, and varied with a marinade, and all without sacrificing taste! In fact, they'll make your easy chicken meals juicy, tender, and super flavorful.
APPETIZER CHICKEN RECIPES
I have good news for you. With these recipes, you get to enjoy your favorite appetizers, made with chicken, and in just minutes. All your favorite flavors are present, too. Looking for an appetizer for the next barbecue get together or family gathering? Anything made with chicken is so good and perfect as appetizers for BBQs and parties. These appetizers are company-worthy and easy to make. Plus flavorful and amazing, of course.
CHICKEN ENTREE RECIPES
What’s for dinner tonight? Any one of these chicken dinner ideas will provide you with a clean-eating, healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. Whether it's soup you're in the mood for, or a meal of baked chicken alongside a serving of fresh vegetables, these easy chicken dinner ideas will help you put a delicious meal on the table. Easy peasy.
- Dijon-Roasted Chicken and Carrots (pictured)
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 25 Minute Chicken Cauliflower Rice
- Healthy Chicken Meatballs With Sautéed Zucchini
- Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Panko Baked Chicken Thighs
- Easy Roasted Chicken
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
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Noreen
That’s how I am right now. Nothing stays down, sometines yogurt and fruit, but not even that stays down on all of the day. I’ve tried crackers, ginger and 7up, some days they help, but they din’t work entirely. Im trying to eat other things too, but only the above and bean and cheese burritos sometimes work, but it gets boring. I keep trying to broaden the food items, but anything cooked is out of the question and nuts for the most parts disgust me and oils do too. Even raw vegetables have become hard to eat. As each day passes, my options get more and more limited. At least though Im toward the end of my 3rd trimester, but my WIC counselor said I’m loosing weight too fast, but my ob/gyn said its in the 2nd and 3rd trimester I’ll need to gain weight.