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35 Easy Chicken Dishes for Dinner Tonight

Chicken is the weeknight MVP for a reason: it’s affordable, cooks quickly, and plays nicely with just about any flavor you throw at it. The downside? It’s really easy to get stuck in a boring rotation of the same dry grilled chicken every few days.

This roundup gives you 35 easy chicken dishes that are big on flavor and low on fuss—mostly made with simple ingredients, minimal prep, and just one or two pans. Mix and match them through the month and you’ll never be stuck staring into the fridge at 6 p.m. again.

Chicken Basics (Read This Once)

  • Best cuts for quick dinners
    • Breasts: lean, cook fast, great for cutlets, stir-fries, and creamy skillets
    • Thighs: juicier and more forgiving; ideal for baking, braises, and sheet pans
    • Rotisserie or leftover chicken: shortcut hero for soups, casseroles, and wraps
  • Flavor boosters to always have around
    • Garlic and onions
    • Lemons and limes
    • Soy sauce, hot sauce, and mustard
    • Dried herbs (Italian blend, paprika, cumin, chili powder)
    • Olive oil and butter

If you can cook chicken in a pan, on a sheet tray, and in a pot, you can make almost everything below.

Baked & Sheet-Pan Chicken Dishes

1. Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breasts

Why it works: Simple, juicy, and endlessly pairable with rice, potatoes, or salad.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice/zest, garlic, and seasonings.
  3. Place chicken in a baking dish and coat with the mixture on all sides.
  4. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
  2. Toss broccoli with half the oil, half the garlic, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper; spread on one side.
  3. Place chicken on the other side; drizzle with remaining oil, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Bake 20–25 minutes, tossing broccoli once, until chicken is cooked through and broccoli is browned at the edges.

3. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Whisk Dijon, honey, whole grain mustard, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pat chicken dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, then arrange in a baking dish.
  4. Brush sauce all over the chicken.
  5. Bake 35–40 minutes, until skin is crisp and juices run clear.

4. Crispy “Oven-Fried” Chicken Tenders

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb chicken tenders or breast strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray or oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
  2. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly oil.
  3. Combine panko, Parmesan, and seasonings in a shallow dish.
  4. Dredge chicken in crumb mixture, pressing to coat.
  5. Arrange on tray; mist tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil.
  6. Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.

5. One-Pan Baked Chicken Ratatouille

Chicken baked over a bed of garlicky summer vegetables.

You’ll need

  • Chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • Chopped zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and tomato
  • Olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper

How to make

  1. Toss vegetables with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
  2. Nestle seasoned chicken pieces on top.
  3. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, until chicken is cooked and veg are soft and saucy.

Skillet & One-Pot Chicken Dishes

6. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts or 6 small thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Spinach or chopped kale (optional handful at the end)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in oil over medium-high heat 4–5 minutes per side; remove to a plate.
  2. Lower heat, add butter and garlic, and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
  4. Add cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning; simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Return chicken to pan; simmer 5–8 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Stir in spinach at the end, if using, until wilted.

Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

7. Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp oil (neutral)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Stir together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok; stir-fry chicken until just cooked; remove.
  3. Add remaining oil and vegetables; cook until crisp-tender.
  4. Return chicken and pour in sauce; cook 2–3 minutes until glossy.
  5. Serve over rice or noodles.

8. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Cozy, simple, and minimal dishes to wash.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Brown chicken in oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven; remove.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  4. Stir in rice, thyme, and a pinch of salt; toast 1–2 minutes.
  5. Add broth, stir, then nestle chicken on top.
  6. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low 20 minutes.
  7. Turn off heat and let sit, covered, 5–10 minutes before serving.

9. Lemon Butter Chicken Piccata

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, halved horizontally (4 cutlets)
  • Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup flour for dredging
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2–3 tbsp capers, drained
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Season chicken and dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium; cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  3. Add broth, lemon juice, and capers; simmer a few minutes, scraping up bits.
  4. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter.
  5. Return chicken to pan to warm, spooning sauce over top.
  6. Garnish with parsley.

Cozy, Saucy & Comforting Chicken Dishes

10. Chicken Alfredo Bake

Serves: 6

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, etc.)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted water until very al dente; drain.
  2. In a pot, melt butter and sauté garlic briefly. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk; simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a baking dish, combine pasta, chicken, and sauce. Stir to coat.
  6. Top with mozzarella and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

11. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Season chicken; sear in oil until browned and cooked through; remove.
  2. Add mushrooms and onion; cook until browned and soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
  4. Add broth, cream, and Dijon; simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Return chicken to pan; spoon sauce over and heat through.
  6. Garnish with herbs.

12. Easy Chicken Pot Pie Skillet (Biscuit Topping)

Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, corn, green beans)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuits or homemade drop biscuits

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In an oven-safe skillet, melt butter; stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
  3. Whisk in broth and milk; simmer until thickened.
  4. Stir in chicken, veggies, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Arrange biscuit dough on top.
  6. Bake 15–20 minutes until biscuits are golden and filling bubbles.

Global-Inspired Chicken Dishes

13. Easy Butter Chicken-Style Curry

Quick, simplified take you can do on a weeknight.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb chicken breast or thigh, cubed
  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2–3 tbsp mild curry powder or garam masala (to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup cream or coconut milk
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt butter in a large pan; sauté onion until soft.
  3. Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder; cook 1–2 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomatoes; simmer 5 minutes.
  5. Add cream and sugar; season to taste.
  6. Add chicken and simmer gently 10–15 minutes until cooked through and sauce is creamy.
  7. Serve with rice and naan; top with cilantro.

14. Quick Chicken Fajitas

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 2–3 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Tortillas, lime, and toppings

Instructions

  1. Toss chicken with half the oil and spices, plus salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large pan; cook chicken until browned and cooked through; remove.
  3. Add remaining oil, peppers, and onion; cook until soft and charred in spots.
  4. Return chicken, toss together, and squeeze lime over the top.
  5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

15. Simple Greek Lemon-Oregano Chicken

Serve with rice, potatoes, or a big salad.

  • Marinate chicken thighs or breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
  • Grill or roast until cooked through.
  • Finish with extra lemon and a sprinkle of oregano.

16. Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

  • Pan-sear bite-size chicken pieces.
  • Add a quick teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch).
  • Simmer until glossy and thick.
  • Serve over rice with steamed broccoli and sesame seeds.

17. Chicken Shawarma-Style Tray Bake

  • Toss chicken thighs with yogurt, lemon, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon.
  • Roast on a sheet pan with sliced onions until browned and juicy.
  • Serve in pitas with tomatoes, cucumbers, and garlic sauce or tahini.

Soups, Salads & Lighter Chicken Dishes

18. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in a pot.
  • Add garlic, broth, thyme, and bay leaf; simmer.
  • Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender.
  • Add shredded cooked chicken at the end and warm through.
  • Season and finish with parsley.

19. Greek Chicken Salad Bowls

  • Toss chopped romaine with cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta.
  • Add sliced grilled or roasted lemon-oregano chicken.
  • Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

20. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Bake sweet potatoes until tender.
  • Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and warm.
  • Split potatoes and stuff with BBQ chicken.
  • Top with Greek yogurt or sour cream, green onions, and a little cheese if you like.

21. Chicken, Veggie & Quinoa Bowls

  • Cook quinoa in broth for extra flavor.
  • Top with roasted or sautéed vegetables and sliced cooked chicken.
  • Drizzle with a lemon-tahini or yogurt herb sauce.

14 More Quick Chicken Dish Ideas (No Exact Recipe Needed)

Use cooked or rotisserie chicken to make these even faster:

  1. Chicken Fried Rice – Leftover rice stir-fried with veggies, soy sauce, egg, and diced chicken.
  2. Chicken Caesar Wraps – Romaine, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and sliced chicken in a tortilla.
  3. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – Short pasta, steamed broccoli, chicken, and a light garlic-Parmesan olive oil sauce.
  4. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, served in lettuce cups with ranch or blue cheese.
  5. Chicken Pesto Flatbreads – Flatbread topped with pesto, chicken, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes, baked until bubbly.
  6. Chicken Tacos – Shredded chicken warmed with taco seasoning or salsa, stuffed into tortillas with your favorite toppings.
  7. Chicken Enchilada Skillet – Torn tortillas, chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese all baked together in one pan.
  8. Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry Noodles – Noodles tossed with chicken, mixed vegetables, soy, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil.
  9. Chicken Cobb Salad – Greens topped with chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomato, blue cheese, and vinaigrette.
  10. Chicken Parmesan Subs – Breaded chicken cutlets or tenders in rolls with marinara and mozzarella, toasted.
  11. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells – Ricotta, spinach, chopped chicken stuffed into pasta shells, baked in marinara with cheese.
  12. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – Brothy soup with orzo, chicken, carrot, celery, and a big squeeze of lemon.
  13. Chicken, Apple & Cheddar Panini – Sliced chicken, sharp cheddar, and thin apple slices grilled between bread.
  14. Chicken “Snack Plate” Dinner – Sliced chicken, hummus, pita, raw veggies, olives, and cheese on a big board for everyone to pick from.

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