87 Creative Chicken Recipes For Weeknights When You Don't Want To Think About Dinner

chicken breasts in a casserole dish baked over peppers and topped with cheese
87 Best Weeknight Chicken DinnersPHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

"Chicken: it's what's for dinner:" we've all heard it, and it’s true—chicken breasts, thighs (our favorite cut), or even a whole bird all have a spot on our kitchen table. Unfortunately, that can mean falling into a dinner rut much too easily for our liking. If you’re like us and just can’t bear to make your (or your family’s) old standbys for the umpteenth time, we’ve got you. Get inspired with our list of our 85 best chicken dinner recipes—you’ll be sure to find a new weeknight favorite.

We’ve got something here for everyone, whether you’re looking for tried-and-true classics or creative recipes the whole family will love. If you’re only ordering dishes like chicken Parmesan, chicken tikka masala, or cashew chicken when you’re out at a restaurant, consider this your kick in the pants to try your hand at making them at home. We’ve tested our recipes over and over to make sure they’re easy to follow, and will result in chef-worthy dinners (even if you’re only a novice in the kitchen).

Looking for something more outside the box? Take flavor combinations you love, then turn ‘em into a chicken dinner. We’ve included our jalapeño popper chicken skillet, our enchilada casserole, our chicken shawarma bowls, our tequila lime chicken thighs, and more here to get your creative juices flowing. Got an idea, but not sure how to execute it? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll see what we can do to help get you there.

And don’t forget about your grill! Now that the weather’s warming up, it’s time to dust yours (or just your indoor grill pan) off, and start enjoying your chicken dinners al fresco. Our spicy coconut grilled chicken, our paella-inspired party packs, and our bruschetta chicken are great places to start, then check out our best grilled chicken recipes for even more ideas. Don’t worry, we’ve got tons of sides for grilled chicken too, and all the potato salads, pasta salads, and summery salads you’ll need to serve alongside them all summer long.

Chicken & Broccoli

This fast and easy one-pot chicken and broccoli recipe is coated in a sweet and savory sauce with plenty of ginger and garlic for a weeknight dinner that beats take-out. This dish comes together in 20 minutes with minimal prep work too. Win win!

Get the Chicken & Broccoli recipe.

stir fried pieces of chicken and broccoli
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Grilled Chicken Salad

We stuffed this salad to the gills with some of our go-to toppings. Cucumbers, tomato, feta, olives, and avocado combine to create a Mediterranean-inspired salad that may just be your go-to light dinner from here on out.

Get the Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.

salad topped with sliced grilled chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Cheesy Chicken & Pepper Bake

In a rut with your weeknight chicken dinners? Spice things up but keep prep easy with this chicken recipe. You get the convenience of cooking the chicken and peppers in one dish, with the added flavor and fancy-ish feel from a thyme-cream cheese stuffing and colorful sweet peppers beneath.

Get the Cheesy Chicken & Pepper Bake recipe.

chicken breasts in a casserole dish baked over peppers and topped with cheese
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Creamy Cajun Stuffed Shells

Cajun chicken Alfredo is one of our top pasta dishes in the Delish Test Kitchen, but we might have to make space on our favorites list for these creamy Cajun stuffed shells, that feature a savory Cajun cream sauce and shells filled with andouille sausage and Cajun-seasoned chicken.

Get the Creamy Cajun Stuffed Shells recipe.

creamy cajun stuffed shells in a white baking dish
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Cacio E Pepe Chicken

This recipe starts like just like its inspiration—cacio e pepe—with pecorino Romano and black pepper, but here’s where it deviates: we wanted to create a saucy moment, so we chose to sear and braise succulent bone-in chicken thighs in an aromatic white wine broth until tender.

Get the Cacio E Pepe Chicken recipe.

cacio e pepe chicken thighs with lemon wedges
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLIST: BROOKE CAISON

Summer Bowtie Pasta & Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake

We believe that summer dinners should be both quick and easy, so this skillet pasta dinner requires just a handful of ingredients—bowtie pasta, marinara sauce, chicken sausage, zucchini, bell pepper, spinach—and is SO EASY to make.

Get the Summer Bowtie Pasta & Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake recipe.

summer bowtie pasta and chicken sausage skillet bake
Andrew bui

Chicken Tacos

We say the more toppings the merrier. We like our chicken tacos topped with red onion (pickled onions would be great too), avocado, cilantro, and cheese. Pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, or some crushed corn chips would also be delicious, so have fun with it!

Get the Chicken Tacos recipe.

flour tortillas on a plate filled with chicken, tomatoes, avocado and red onion
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pizza

Chicken Alfredo and pizza are two kings of the comfort food realm, so when they join forces, you get something truly magical. Creamy Alfredo sauce is topped with sliced chicken, broccoli, and oodles of gooey mozz for a rich, saucy pizza that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Get the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pizza recipe.

chicken broccoli alfredo pizza cut into slices on a black baking sheet
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STLYING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Chicken Florentine Pasta

If you're obsessed with chicken Florentine, then let us introduce you to your new favorite pasta dinner. Ready in under an hour, this is the weeknight dinner to make when you're craving something a bit special.

Get the Chicken Florentine Pasta recipe.

pasta in a pot topped with chicken slices and herbs
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles

Who can resist rice noodles bathed in an abundance of sweet and creamy peanut sauce? Not us! In this recipe, the prep actually takes longer than the cooking, so feel free to make some elements ahead. With all them behind you, the dish comes together in a snap.

Get the Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles recipe.

chicken with noodles and carrots in a creamy peanut lime sauce topped with peanuts
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken, Spinach, & Artichoke Lasagna

We love spinach–artichoke anything—the cheesy and veggie-packed combo is always a hit. While we’ve already paired these flavors with gnocchi, tortellini, pasta shells, and more, making a super-cheesy chicken, spinach, and artichoke lasagna just had to happen.

Get the Chicken, Spinach, & Artichoke Lasagna recipe.

chicken spinach artichoke lasagna vertical
Ethan Calabrese

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowls

The beauty about these grain bowls is that it's infinitely adaptable. You can roast just about any veggie, use any number of toppings, and it'll taste amazing in this recipe. The only thing we might insist you must keep on the bowl is the incredible peanut butter dressing.

Get the Peanut Chicken Protein Bowls recipe.

sliced chicken in a grain bowl with sweet potatoes, avocados, spinach and a peanut dressing
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Marry Me Chicken

If you're looking for a chicken dinner so good jaws will drop, this is the recipe for you. Chicken breasts are seared until golden, before being baked with a simple (but extremely satisfying) cream sauce. The result is a chicken dinner so good, you just might get a proposal by the last bite.

Get the Marry Me Chicken recipe.

marry me chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Orange Chicken

If you just can't get enough of the classic Panda Express dish, this copycat recipe will be a game-changer. Ready in under an hour with all of the same sweet and savory flavors you love, staying in for weeknight dinner has never been easier.

Get the Orange Chicken recipe.

orange chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs

We can’t think of a better reason to enjoy a margarita than with these tequila chicken thighs. With a sauce inspired by the classic cocktail (seriously), you’ll also have the ingredients on hand to mix one up while you cook and dine on this easy-to-make weeknight dinner.

Get the Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs recipe.

baked chicken thighs with lime wedges and jalapeno slices
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce

Our ever-popular Peruvian roast chicken will forever be one of our favorites…unless we need to get dinner on the table ASAP. If that's you too, lean on chicken thighs instead for that smoky, garlicky chicken with its crispy skin, in less than half the time.

Get the Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce recipe.

peruvian style chicken drizzled with green sauce and served with lime
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

When it comes to chicken breast recipes, it's hard to beat this one. The sauce is simple but so flavorful thanks to garlic, tomatoes, and most importantly, cream. It's bright and easy and just as good in the summer as it is in the winter, whether you're craving comfort food or a dinner fancy enough for guests.

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creamy tuscan chicken delishcom
Emily Hlavac Green

Butter Chicken

This chicken dinner uses deeply flavored chicken thighs, simmered in an ultra-silky and aromatic sauce of tomatoes, cream, and cashews. The cashews lend a buttery nuttiness and great texture to the sauce in this recipe, but blanched almonds would also work well. For the ultimate weeknight dinner, spoon this dish over steamed rice or serve with warm naan.

Get the Butter Chicken recipe.

butter chicken in a bowl with rice topped with cilantro
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: LAURA REGE

Enchilada Casserole

This casserole has all of the flavors of chicken enchiladas (with a few worthwhile additions), but eliminates the most tedious part of making them: all that rolling! In this recipe, you just layer all your components in a casserole dish, bake until melty and saucy, add your desired toppings, and serve.

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enchilada fillings in a casserole topped with avocado cubes
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Cajun-Stuffed Chicken

Say goodbye to boring chicken dinners—this Cajun-stuffed chicken is here to shake up your weeknight rotation. Spiced with peppers and cheese, this stuffed chicken is packed with flavor, but ready to be served in under an hour.

Get the Cajun-Stuffed Chicken recipe.

cajun stuffed chicken filled with peppers and onions
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken

If our creamy Tuscan chicken is a mainstay at your house, this recipe is going to be just the thing to shake up your weeknight dinner routine. We paired quick-cooking chicken cutlets with a spicy-sweet coconut milk sauce that’s out-of-this-world tasty.

Get the One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken recipe.

one pan coconut lime chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Perfect Chicken Alfredo

With a creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken breasts, this is the pasta dish we turn to time and time again when we're craving the ultimate comfort meal. If you've never made pasta sauce from scratch before—this is where you should start. Fair warning: No jarred pasta sauce may compare after you've made this.

Get the Perfect Chicken Alfredo recipe.

perfect chicken alfredo
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet

What isn’t pesto good in? It’s a sauce that turns any dish into kitchen gold, especially this totally comforting and delicious gnocchi and chicken bake. For the perfect pesto touch, stir a dollop into the tomato mixture to coat everything, then dollop the top with more right out of the oven for a fresh finish.

Get the Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet recipe.

creamy pesto baked gnocchi and chicken skillet
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Chicken Stir-Fry

You can practically throw any combination of protein, veggies, and sauce in a pan and call it good, but sometimes it’s helpful to have a basic formula to go off of. Enter: our chicken stir-fry recipe. Make it as is, or use it as a jumping-off point to create your own.

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chicken stir fry with broccoli, cashews, and red pepper
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken

Seasoned chicken breast gets pan-seared until golden brown, smothered in a strawberry chipotle sauce, and topped with fresh strawberry-jalapeño salsa to create this playful, bright dish. Sweet-and-spicy lovers, this is bound to become your go-to warm weather dinner.

Get the Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken recipe.

seared chicken breast smothered in smoky, spicy, chipotle jalapeño strawberry sauce and topped with strawberry jalapeño salsa
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Enchilada Stuffed Shells

We know what you may be thinking: enchiladas + pasta? Hear us out: Here, we swapped out the tortillas for jumbo pasta shells, and stuffed them full of rotisserie chicken, green chiles, and enchilada sauce, all topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of sour cream for the ultimate hearty, flavorful dinner.

Get the Enchilada Stuffed Shells recipe.

stuffed pasta shells with chicken, cheese, enchilada sauce, and a drizzle of sour cream
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

If you can't get enough of the flavor combo of saucy BBQ, tender chicken and creamy ranch, then you'll go crazy for this homemade copycat version. Our twist? We bake the pizza in an oven-safe skillet, resulting in an extra-crispy crust. It might seem a bit extra, but trust us—it's worth it.

Get the Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe.

bbq chicken skillet pizza
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken

This simple method works so well because the creamy layer (garlicky sour cream and mayonnaise) locks moisture into the chicken for a truly melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s also so easy to make six chicken breasts all at once, great for your hungry family for weeknight dinner or meal prepping.

Get the Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken recipe.

melt in your mouth chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Mexican Chicken Casserole

Filled with a creamy sauce, two kinds of cheese, and plenty of chicken, there’s something in this dish for everyone. While this is certainly not an authentic Mexican dish, it combines lots of flavors and ingredients that will remind you of tacos, enchiladas, and your favorite Mexican/Tex-Mex meals. Mmm.

Get the Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe.

mexican chicken casserole topped with diced tomatoes, jalapenos and avocado
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

French Onion Chicken Meatballs

We’ll be honest: we’re a little obsessed with French onion soup. The melty cheese, jammy caramelized onions, and rich broth is a flavor combination we just can’t get enough of, so we're taking it from soup season to summer in the form of these flavorful chicken meatballs.

Get the French Onion Chicken Meatballs recipe.

chicken meatballs in a skillet with onions and melty cheese
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Chicken Riggies

Aside from a name that's a hoot to utter, Chicken Riggies (aka Utica, New York’s pasta pride and joy) has a lot more going for it, namely that it's a slightly creamy, spicy, and a bit-sweet pleasure to eat. It’s so good, it might just become a new go-to weeknight dinner for you and your family.

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chicken riggies dusted with parmesan cheese
PHOTO & FOOD STYLING: LUCY SCHAEFFER

Garlicky Greek Chicken

All it takes is a few basic ingredients (that you most likely already have on hand) to transform chicken thighs into an herby, garlicky dream. We paired this one-pan meal with roasted zucchini and asparagus, but you can can switch it up with whatever is in season that you have on hand.

Get the Garlicky Greek Chicken recipe.

garlicky greek chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Calling all garlic lovers! If you’re the type to use a whole head of garlic when a recipe only calls for one or two cloves, this is the chicken dinner for you. The best part? This whole recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, all in one pot.

Get the Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.

creamy garlic chicken with garlic pieces
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken Parmesan

Though we’ve made many versions (hi hello, chicken nugget Parm casserole), this classic recipe is the chosen one, the holy grail. It has everything you want in chicken Parm, full stop—fried cutlets shrieking with crispiness, a perfect blend of mozzarella and Parm, and a sauce that is full of life with basil and just enough sweetness.

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chicken parmesan with melted cheese and fresh herbs
chicken parmesan with melted cheese and fresh herbs

Creamy Balsamic Chicken

If you love chicken piccata or our creamy Tuscan chicken, you know that for some chicken dishes, it’s ALL about the sauce. This recipe is no different. It's a touch sweet, a little tangy, and super-delicious; we can’t believe we didn’t think of it sooner!

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creamy balsamic chicken in a skillet with bacon and mushrooms
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Grilled Persian Chicken

This Persian-spiced grilled chicken with tomatoes and lemons, served with tons of fresh herbs over fluffy jasmine rice is our new favorite al fresco meal. It's packed with flavor and texture for days.

Get the Grilled Persian Chicken recipe.

grilled chicken with grilled lemon wedges, tomatoes topped with parsley and mint
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Chicken Chowder Stuffed Zucchini

Using cooked rotisserie chicken, frozen corn, and sweet cherry tomatoes, you can have a summer chowder in under an hour, served in a crispy-tender zucchini boat. While bacon isn’t totally crucial in this dish, rendering it provides a salty, flavorful fat you can use to make this stuffed zucchini extra delicious.

Get the Chicken Chowder Stuffed Zucchini recipe.

chicken chowder stuffed zucchini boats
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

One-Pan Lemon Chicken & Orzo

Here, chicken, orzo, spinach, and feta come together into a complete meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight, but beautiful enough to serve to friends at a dinner party. It’s easy and delicious and, best of all, won’t load up your sink with a ton of dishes.

Get the One-Pan Lemon Chicken & Orzo recipe.

one pan lemon chicken and orzo with feta and herbs
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Here, we tossed crispy bacon, spinach, chicken breasts, and spaghetti in our creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce for a hearty chicken pasta dinner that's just as perfect for date night as it is for a simple and quick weeknight dinner.

Get the Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe.

angel hair pasta with sliced chicken, tomatoes and basil
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Chicken Fried Rice

This dish started as way to use leftover rice that has dried out some and may not be great on its own, but is still perfectly edible. The addition of oil and soy sauce and veggies and meat spruce up the rice for a delicious meal.

Get the Chicken Fried Rice recipe.

fried rice with chicken, egg, peas, carrots, and green onion
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Chicken Enchiladas

When the craving for satisfying comfort food meets the need for a straightforward dinner, chicken enchiladas are a guaranteed winner. They’re easy, filling, and take less than an hour to prepare from start to finish.

Get the Chicken Enchiladas recipe.

chicken enchiladas
PHOTO: KATE JORDAN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Mediterranean Chicken

This one-pot recipe is the perfect way to spruce up healthy chicken breasts with bright Mediterranean flavors without dirtying all the pots and pans in your kitchen. Feel free to add in whatever you've got in your fridge too—olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes—this recipe can take it all.

Get the Mediterranean Chicken recipe.

mediterranean chicken
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Meal prepping doesn’t need to be complicated, and these chicken shawarma bowls prove that. Top it with a simple yogurt sauce and your favorite store-bought or homemade hummus. The bowls are great on their own or served with some warmed pits to scoop up all of the components.

Get the Chicken Shawarma Bowls recipe.

chicken shawarma bowls
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING BARRETT WASHBURNE

Lemony Chicken & Potatoes With Feta

Freshen up a classic dish, lemon chicken & potatoes, by spooning a wildly flavorful olive, almond, and parsley sauce over top. The best part? This entire recipe is made in just one dish (including the sauce!), making dinner (and cleanup) easier than ever.

Get the Lemony Chicken & Potatoes With Feta recipe.

sheetpan roasted lemony chicken and potatoes with olivealmond sauce
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

When we want a tried-and-true perfect meal, we always go back to Chipotle's chicken burrito bowl. It’s classic, reliable, and, best of all, completely customizable depending on our mood. We’ve included recipes here for all our favorite toppings, but feel free to swap them in and out for yours.

Get the Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl recipe.

copycat chipotle burrito bowl
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING BARRETT WASHBURNE

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet

If you’re looking for ways to jazz up your average rotisserie chicken and get your family excited about mealtime, look no further than this skillet recipe. With all the flavors of the beloved bar appetizer, it can take a boring roasted bird to new levels of deliciousness.

Get the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet recipe.

chicken in a skillet covered in cheese with jalapeños
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Tandoori Chicken

Though traditionally the chicken here is grilled in a clay tandoor grill (hence the name), it’s possible to make it at home in your oven. The real standout in this timeless recipe is the use of a masala-yogurt marinade that coats the chicken throughout the cooking process, making it exceedingly juicy and extra flavorful.

Get the Tandoori Chicken recipe.

tandoori chicken
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Red Curry Chicken Thighs & Rice

In this one-pan wonder, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs get seasoned with garam masala and pan-seared, then smothered in a creamy, slightly spicy red curry sauce before being served over rice with a wedge of lime.

Get the Red Curry Chicken Thighs & Rice recipe.

garam masala seasoned and seared chicken thighs smothered in spicy, creamy red curry sauce
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Bruschetta Chicken

This bruschetta grilled chicken is one of our favorite ways to celebrate fresh summer flavors all season long. When you've got extra homemade bruschetta on hand, try using it as an extra-flavorful boost to your main course—starting with this cheesy, fresh dish.

Get the Bruschetta Chicken recipe.

bruschetta grilled chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Sheet-Pan Tikka Masala

Our sheet-pan tikka masala is a fun way to enjoy a classic Indian dish, chicken tikka masala, at home in a slightly new (and easier!) way. It’s a foolproof way to get a whole dinner on the table using just a sheet pan.

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chicken thighs covered in a tikka masala sauce with pickled red onions and jalapenos on a sheet pan
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Chicken Taco Tortas

Mexican tortas are hearty enough to be special dinner-worthy, and none more so than these. Since this iteration is inspired by Americanized hard-shell chicken tacos, we completed it with shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and some crunchy tortilla chips. Feel free to top with your own faves to make it your own!

Get the Chicken Taco Tortas recipe.

shredded chicken, veggies, and tortilla chips between two slices of bread
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Chicken Spaghetti

If you didn’t grow up with this comfort food, allow us to introduce you to your new favorite easy weeknight dinner. Chicken, spaghetti, and veggies combine with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a baked and bubbling casserole that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for parties.

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chicken, spaghetti, and red peppers covered in cheese in a casserole
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken Curry

Looking for an easy, weeknight-friendly curry? This chicken version is IT. It’s rich, saucy, and perfectly spiced (but not too hot!), is made up of simple ingredients you might already have at home, and comes together in less than an hour.

Get the Chicken Curry recipe.

creamy chicken curry in a pan served with rice
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Chicken, & Gnocchi

We might seem gnocchi-crazed here at Delish, but can you blame us? In this simple one-pot supper, the gnocchi is cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and paired with chicken thighs. What more could you want?

Get the One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Chicken, & Gnocchi recipe.

one pan creamy sundried tomato chicken gnocchi
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

If your chicken dinner rotation is starting to feel too basic, let us introduce you to one of our faves: Caprese-stuffed chicken. Spinach, melty mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes all get stuffed into chicken breasts for a cheesy, flavorful dinner that's fancy enough for date night, but easy enough for busy weeknights.

Get the Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe.

chicken breasts sliced and stuffed with mozzarella cheese, sun dried tomatoes and spinach
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Whether you're trying to go low-carb or simply love cooking spaghetti squash, this chicken Alfredo-inspired recipe is a worthwhile weeknight chicken dinner you should add to your rotation.

Get the Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe.

spaghetti squash baked with alfredo sauce and cheese
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: LAURA REGE

Buffalo Chicken Parm

What happens when you give chicken Parm the Buffalo treatment? You get this: a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken cutlet smothered in spicy sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. (Plus a drizzle of ranch, if that’s how you like your wings.) 😍

Get the Buffalo Chicken Parm recipe.

crispy chicken pieces covered in mozzarella and buffalo sauce
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

Tomato butter works wonders on roast chicken—not only does it keep the bird moist, but the healthy dose of tomato paste brings a slightly sweet, umami acidity to the whole dish. Plus, there are no better veggies than ones that have been roasted underneath a chicken, collecting all of that flavor-packed schmaltz.

Get the Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken recipe.

tomato butter roast chicken
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Hawaiian Chicken Foil Packs

Everything you need for dinner is inside these easy foil packs, including super tender chicken, pineapple, and veggies, plus a tangy BBQ sauce. Simply bring the edges of the foil together in the middle and crimp so that no steam can escape (the key to ultra juicy chicken).

Get the Hawaiian Chicken Foil Packs recipe.

hawaiian pineapple chicken foil pack
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Pesto Chicken

Ready in under an hour, this chicken breast recipe gets a flavorful upgrade with homemade pesto and melty cheese. This dish is extremely versatile with what’s in season and your desired effort level, making it a staple weeknight dinner (or fancy occasion specialty) you can come back to again and again.

Get the Pesto Chicken recipe.

pesto chicken
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Cashew Chicken

The OG cashew chicken recipe consisted of chicken that was fried and tossed in a sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken stock. Ours instead utilizes hoisin sauce and lots of garlic so every bite is filled with slightly sweet, coated chicken and roasted cashews.

Get the Cashew Chicken recipe.

photographer erik bernstein food stylistspencer richards
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken

Get these spicy coconut chicken thighs on the grill ASAP, you won’t regret it. They're wildly tender and flavorful, thanks to a tasty duo of coconut milk and tenderizing pineapple juice in the marinade. Bonus: The marinade is easy to prepare and can be used as a sauce on top too!

Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.

spicy coconut grilled chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Caprese Chicken Foil Packs

This recipe combines three things we love—Caprese, chicken, and foil packets—for a SUPER-easy and bright chicken dinner that only takes about 30 minutes to make. Whether you're throwing a BBQ or having a chill family meal, everyone will love them!

Get the Caprese Chicken Foil Packs recipe.

caprese chicken foil packs
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Chicken Parm-Stuffed Peppers

We added all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan into these stuffed peppers, creating a two-in-one dinner that truly is the best of both worlds. Ready in a little over an hour, this cheesy recipe is the best way to upgrade your stuffed pepper game.

Get the Chicken Parm-Stuffed Peppers recipe.

baked bell peppers stuffed with chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Paella-Inspired Party Packs

Filled with Spanish rice, chicken thighs, chorizo, frozen peas, and roasted red peppers, these packs take inspiration (with many creative liberties) from one of our favorite centerpiece meals—paella. If you're craving the classic meal but need something more hands-off, then these foil packs are here for you.

Get the Paella-Inspired Party Packs recipe.

foil packs filled with rice, peas, pepperonis, and peppers
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

The salty goodness of crisped pork belly transfers over to the leaner white meat. Toasting our panko in that same pan leads to an even more flavorful bread crumb topping, complete with a slightly spicy, Italian-seasoned everything bagel spice addition.

Get the Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe.

chicken parmesan pasta topped with everything bagel seasoning
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Chicken Tikka Masala

This classic Indian dish is our go-to when we order takeout, but it's actually so easy to make at home. The only ingredient you might not have already have in your pantry is garam masala, but you'll want to add it to everything once you've got a jar on hand. Serve this chicken tikka masala with homemade naan and basmati rice for the perfect meal.

Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.

chicken tikka masala
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken Tikka Alfredo

This recipe marries two of our favorite creamy comfort foods, spicy chicken tikka masala and rich, garlicky fettuccine Alfredo. Weirdly enough, Parmesan and curry are a pretty unbelievable pairing!

Get the Chicken Tikka Alfredo recipe.

chicken tikka alfredo
ERIK BERNSTEIN

Za'atar Sheet-Pan Chicken

This sheet-pan dinner is our newest fave: Bone-in chicken thighs, baby potatoes, broccoli, and red onion are all tossed in a simple olive oil, lemon juice, and za’atar marinade, then roasted to crispy, schmaltzy perfection. To kick it up another notch, we’re drizzling it all in a creamy tahini sauce. 😍

Get the Za'atar Sheet-Pan Chicken recipe.

za'atar sheet pan chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

One-Pan Green Chile Chicken & Rice

This quick and easy one-pan dish is a great meal when you're feeling lazy but craving something cozy and flavorful. The cheesy and creamy rice reminds us of the perfect filling for a burrito, and the green chiles add a slight pickled flavor that makes the whole thing bright and kind of tangy.

Get the One-Pan Green Chile Chicken & Rice recipe.

one pan green chile chicken and rice
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

One Skillet Creamy Thai Basil Chicken

This totally delicious mashup of coconut rice and Thai basil chicken gets dinner done in one skillet. It brings all the flavors of Thai cuisine you crave into your home with ingredients you can find in most grocery stores. Weeknight dinner win!

Get the One Skillet Creamy Thai Basil Chicken recipe.

one skillet creamy thai basil chicken
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Green Chile Chicken Skillet Enchiladas

Craving homemade enchiladas and being in a hurry aren't really compatible since the classic Mexican dish requires many steps and a fair amount of time. Enter this recipe, a quick take on the dish that comes together in just one skillet.

Get the Green Chile Chicken Skillet Enchiladas recipe.

green chile chicken skillet enchiladas
ERIK BERNSTEIN

Chicken Caesar Salad

“Decadent” doesn’t usually come to mind when you think of salad, but this one definitely is. With a rich, tangy dressing, tender, roasted chicken thighs, crunchy croutons, and a snowfall of freshly grated Parm, this Caesar salad is more voluptuous than virtuous.

Get the Chicken Caesar Salad recipe.

chicken caesar salad
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER, FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Chicken Quesadillas

You don't really need a recipe to make this insanely popular Mexican dish. But if you're looking for some guidance, especially in cooking up some quick and easy chicken to stuff inside, this recipe won't let you down.

Get the Chicken Quesadillas recipe.

chicken quesadilla
Ethan Calabrese

Sheet-Pan Harissa Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

We love when a dish’s prep is simple and fast; this sheet-pan meal the perfect example. If you roast the sweet potatoes as indicated, your gift = creamy centers and crispy edges, enhanced by jammy red onions. Using bone-in thighs pretty much guarantees super-tender chicken too!

Get the Sheet-Pan Harissa Chicken & Sweet Potatoes recipe.

sheet pan harissa chicken and sweet potatoes
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Primavera-Stuffed Chicken

Each piece of this stuffed chicken looks like a rainbow! Feel free to use your fave veggies here, as long as you slice them thin and keep them colorful.

Get the Primavera-Stuffed Chicken recipe.

primavera stuffed chicken vertical
Ethan Calabrese

One-Pan Lemon Parm Chicken Gnocchi

This dish is warm and comforting, but still simple and fresh. The lemon brightens the sauce and makes this a feel-good weeknight dinner everyone will love. Served with a simple Caesar salad, it becomes the perfect meal.

Get the One-Pan Lemon Parm Chicken Gnocchi recipe.

skillt with creamy lemon parm gnocchi and chicken breast
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Chicken Scallopini

We departed from the piccata herd and went instead for tender mushrooms and a hint of wine, lemon, and broth, capped off with a dash of rich cream: scaloppine ai funghi. Cheers to a perfectly light yet hearty weeknight meal!

Get the Chicken Scallopini recipe.

chicken scallopini
PARKER FEIERBACH

Char Siu Chicken Sandwiches

Every culture has its own uniquely delicious BBQ sauce, but Chinese char siu sauce is one of our favorites. Classically used to marinate pork belly for steamed buns, this sticky-sweet, umami-packed sauce is absolutely irresistible, no matter what you pour it over—including these sandwiches!

Get the Char Siu Chicken Sandwiches recipe.

char siu chicken sandwich
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

We LOVE hot honey and put it on everything, from pizza to avocado toast. Now we have this entire dinner centered around it! The chicken gets tossed in a hot honey you make yourself (which means you can adjust the heat if you want!) and becomes perfectly sweet and spicy.

Get the Hot Honey Chicken Bowls recipe.

hot honey chicken bowls
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD

Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Extra crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these tacos are so much fun to make and eat. Putting cheese directly in your skillet might sound wrong, but it works! Once off heat, the cheese starts to harden and crisps up, giving the texture of a crunchy taco shell, but extra cheesy.

Get the Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos recipe.

crispy chipotle chicken tacos
Andrew bui

One-Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke & Chicken Pasta

If spinach artichoke is one of your favorite dips, then this easy one-pot pasta is for you. It’s so simple to throw together (the pasta cooks right in the pot with everything else!) and is perfectly cheesy.

Get the One-Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke & Chicken Pasta recipe.

one pot creamy spinach artichoke and chicken pasta
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Typically deep- or pan-fried in oil, the option to air fry orange chicken instead saves a ton of calories and fat. This dish is great over rice or over simple air fried vegetables, letting them soak up the extra sauce in place of grains.

Get the Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe.

air fryer orange chicken
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: HADLEY SUI

One-Pot Shawarma Chicken Orzo Skillet

The flavors in this recipe take their cues from shawarma, the popular Levantine dish that features thin cuts of seasoned meat. The spice mix here is a shortcut to those delicious flavors. Each bite of flavorful chicken is nicely balanced by the tomato-cucumber-feta salad and chewy orzo.

Get the One-Pot Shawarma Chicken Orzo Skillet recipe.

onepot shawarma chicken orzo skillet
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: LAURA REGE

Chicken Biryani

For this recipe, we were inspired by the Hyderabadi style of biryani, where rice and a curry filled with veggies and/or a protein are cooked separately, then layered and baked into an aromatic, harmonious and hearty dish.

Get the Chicken Biryani recipe.

food, dish, cuisine, ingredient, vegetarian food, produce, american food, recipe, snack, stuffing,
Parker feierbach

Chicken Dijon

In the vein of chicken scallopini and our fan fave one-pan chicken & gnocchi, this dish is an ultra-creamy affair with simple seasoning, best served over cooked rice, angel hair pasta, or crusty sourdough bread so that you have something to soak up every last bit of deliciousness.

Get the Chicken Dijon recipe.

chicken dijon with carrots and peas
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

One-Pan Chicken & Quinoa

Here’s a quick and easy dinner that’s high in protein and takes very little effort. We love the Tex-Mex spices here; the chili powder and cayenne add a nice kick that the avocado and sour cream perfectly offset. Of course, feel free to use a little less of either spice if you prefer.

Get the One-Pan Chicken & Quinoa recipe.

one pan chicken and quinoa
ERIK BERNSTEIN - Hearst Owned

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