Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Chicken is a versatile, affordable, and healthy protein that works well with a variety of flavors and cooking styles. Whether you’re looking for something fast after a busy day or want to whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort, these quick and easy chicken recipes for dinner are perfect for you. With simple ingredients and short prep times, you’ll have a tasty meal on the table in no time.
Why Choose Chicken for Dinner?
- Affordable: Chicken is budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for family meals.
- Quick to Cook: Compared to other proteins, chicken cooks faster, especially boneless cuts.
- Nutritious: High in protein and low in fat (especially skinless chicken), it’s a great option for a healthy diet.
- Versatile: Whether you prefer stir-fried, baked, grilled, or roasted dishes, chicken adapts beautifully to different cuisines and flavors.
Quick Tips for Cooking Chicken
- Use Thin Cuts or Pound the Meat: Thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly.
- Preheat Your Pan or Oven: This helps seal in the juices, keeping the chicken moist.
- Marinate for More Flavor: Even a quick 15-minute marinade can make a big difference in taste.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
For more chicken cooking tips, visit Food Network’s chicken cooking guide.
5 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts
This flavorful dish is ready in just 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the garlic butter. Garnish with parsley before serving.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
This quick stir-fry is sweet, savory, and packed with vegetables, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and pour in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
For more stir-fry ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s stir-fry collection.
3. Baked Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this baked chicken recipe is a winner for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of rice.
4. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Tuscan chicken dish feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
5. Spicy Grilled Chicken Tacos
These easy tacos are bursting with bold flavors and perfect for taco night.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and salsa
Instructions:
- Season the chicken strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Warm the tortillas and fill them with the grilled chicken and your favorite toppings.
For more taco inspiration, check out Serious Eats’ taco recipes.
Side Dishes to Pair with Chicken Dinners
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, they pair perfectly with baked or grilled chicken.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy Caesar dressing balances out richer chicken dishes.
- Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy, rice pilaf works well with stir-fried or saucy chicken recipes.
FAQs
1. How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?
To keep chicken breasts moist, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer and remove them from heat when they reach 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Can I meal prep these chicken recipes?
Yes, many of these recipes are perfect for meal prepping. Cook in advance, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
3. Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
With these quick and easy chicken recipes, dinner is no longer a stressful task. Whether you’re craving something hearty like baked lemon herb chicken thighs or want a light and flavorful option like spicy grilled chicken tacos, there’s a recipe here for every mood and occasion. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking—delicious chicken dinners await!