Are you tired of serving the same old boring chicken dishes at every meal? Look no further! Chicken is a staple protein that can be cooked in countless ways, and we’re here to help you spice up your dinner game. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a formal feast, we’ve got 20 delicious chicken recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure.
From classic comfort foods like baked chicken thighs and creamy pasta dishes, to bold international flavors like Korean fried chicken and Jamaican jerk chicken, there’s something for everyone in this collection of mouth-watering recipes. And the best part? Each dish is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can focus on the fun stuff – like enjoying a meal with your loved ones.
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with these flavorful and aromatic garlic butter baked chicken thighs. This simple recipe yields juicy, succulent chicken that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This rich and flavorful pasta dish is inspired by the classic flavors of Tuscany, with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a hint of Italian herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz. penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet; stir until smooth.
6. Stir in dried basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Slice cooked chicken into strips and toss with pasta, sauce, and chopped fresh parsley (optional).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of sriracha. Perfect for game day gatherings or movie nights, these sticky wings are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss until fully coated with the glaze.
4. Arrange wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers: A bright and citrusy twist on traditional grilled chicken, perfect for a summer dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated.
4. Thread 3-4 chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
Get ready to spice up your fried chicken game with this bold and crispy Korean-inspired recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until coated with the spice mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro (if using).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo
Creamy, flavorful, and effortless – this one-pan wonder is a weeknight dinner dream come true! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a rich and satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic powder to the pan; cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream; stir in Parmesan cheese and flour to thicken.
5. Return chicken to the pan; simmer until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Satisfy your craving for tender, flavorful chicken sandwiches with this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in barbecue sauce and stir until chicken is coated.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Split hamburger buns and spoon shredded chicken onto each bun.
6. Serve with coleslaw or pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches!
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Elevate your chicken tender game with this easy-to-make recipe that yields crispy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup
This creamy and aromatic soup combines the flavors of Thailand with the comfort of a warm bowl of chicken soup. With its rich coconut milk base, spicy curry paste, and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and curry paste; cook for an additional minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk, broth, water, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the savory flavors of chicken fajitas with bell peppers for a delicious and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of fajita seasoning
– 8 oz cooked rice
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Add fajita seasoning and stir to combine.
5. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of rice.
6. Cover with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines juicy breast meat with crispy bacon and savory stuffing. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together shredded cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, and garlic.
3. Lay each chicken breast flat and make a horizontal incision to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the cheese mixture.
4. Wrap each stuffed breast with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if needed.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce
This quick and flavorful stir-fry is a perfect solution for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. With the combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and aromatic garlic sauce, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and sugar. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to combine with the garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this mouthwatering recipe that combines spicy jerk chicken with a sweet and tangy mango salsa. Perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering!
Ingredients:
For the Jerk Chicken:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the jerk mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Serve jerk chicken with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce
This classic Italian dish combines the tender taste of chicken with the brightness of lemon and the tanginess of capers. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by pounding each breast to an even thickness.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip in beaten eggs and then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add garlic and capers; cook for 1 minute.
8. Stir in lemon juice and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
9. Serve the chicken with the Lemon Caper Sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken and Olive Tagine
Discover the flavors of Morocco with this aromatic and savory chicken tagine, infused with the rich taste of olives, apricots, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or tagine over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, olives, apricots, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken and stir to coat with the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your snack game with this creamy Buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potato recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken (Buffalo-style)
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, chicken, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Slice open the sweet potatoes lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to make room for filling.
5. Stuff each sweet potato with the Buffalo chicken mixture and top with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (sweet potato) + 5-10 minutes (assembly)
Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Elevate your street food game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines juicy chicken, crispy pita bread, and a tangy garlic yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp coriander
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pita breads
– Garlic Yogurt Sauce (see below)
Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them on the grill for a few minutes.
4. Assemble the shawarma by placing the cooked chicken onto the pita bread, then drizzle with Garlic Yogurt Sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Flatbread
This flavorful flatbread combines the creaminess of pesto with the savory taste of chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, making it a perfect appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Place on a floured surface and let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
5. Spread pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Top with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
This recipe combines the classic comfort of stuffed shells with the added flavors of chicken and spinach, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the chicken-spinach mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this smoky and flavorful chicken recipe that combines the boldness of chipotle peppers with the richness of grilled chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and cumin.
3. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with sliced grilled chicken, radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavors with these 20 delicious chicken recipes! From Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs to Spicy Korean Fried Chicken, and from Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta to Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like One-Pan Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo or something bold like Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
