21 simple chicken recipes to elevate your meal plan

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Explore the world of effortless cooking with these 21 simple chicken recipes that bring together ease and taste. These dishes are designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable and straightforward, offering a no-fuss approach to crafting flavorful meals. From busy weeknights to relaxed gatherings, these uncomplicated chicken recipes ensure you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your creations.

Simple Oven BBQ Chicken

Oven BBQ chicken in a tray with a salad.
Oven BBQ Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

When grilling isn’t an option due to the weather, turn to the oven for this speedy and straightforward BBQ chicken recipe that saves the day! Start with an easy homemade rub and finish it off with a bbq glaze in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska .

Quick and easy, this creamy garlic chicken dish is a family favorite! Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Or use it over bread for an old-fashioned open-faced sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Quick Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts lined up in a baking dish.
Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These succulent cheesy spinach-stuffed chicken breasts bake up in the oven in no time at all. They look so fancy, yet they’re just so easy to make! Impressively fancy yet surprisingly easy to prepare, just how it should be.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Olive Garden Dupe Chicken Piccata

A skillet with chicken piccata in it on a wooden board on a white back ground.
Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Enjoy the simplicity of this chicken piccata, a delightful Olive Garden dupe that your family will adore! What’s even better? It comes together effortlessly on the stovetop in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Monterey Chicken

Chicken dish with vegetables in a square pot.
Monterey Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Indulge in the irresistible combination of juicy, tender chicken breast adorned with tangy sauce, bacon, cheese, and green onions. No need to resist – grab a fork and dive right into this delectable feast!
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken

Effortless Creamy Ranch Chicken

Ranch chicken in a cream sauce in a blue skillet.
Creamy Ranch Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creating a culinary sensation, this quick and easy creamy ranch chicken is a recipe your kids will eagerly ask for again and again, making dinnertime a delightful affair! Serve it over rice, potatoes, pasta or even bread for a delicious, simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience the satisfaction of savoring big, meaty chicken thighs cooked to perfection with onions and garlic, creating a wholesome and delightful dish. And let’s talk about that gravy – it’s truly incredible, capable of transforming even the simplest ingredients into a masterpiece. It’s best enjoyed atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes!
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga.Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Packed with flavor and so good in burritos and tacos or loaded onto nachos, Chicken Tinga is the perfect Instant Pot recipe when you’re craving big and bold flavors! And talk about easy the Instant Pot does all the work!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Leftover BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Bacon, Onion and BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas. Photo credit: xoxoBella.
Bacon, Onion and BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a hassle-free dinner recipe that requires minimal prep? Try this delicious BBQ chicken flatbread that bakes in the oven for a crispy crust and melty toppings! With a pre-made flatbread base and simple BBQ chicken toppings, this recipe is both easy and satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin, a mouthwatering spice rub and tender, juicy meat, you will love this easy dinner! These make and easy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air Fryer Drumsticks

Crispy chicken drumsticks on a plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These easy air fryer chicken legs are crispy outside and juicy inside for an irresistible and inexpensive family favorite meal! Get golden brown crispy drumsticks without the effort of making fried chicken. Simple but delicious!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

plate of chicken fajitas with chicken, red bell peppers and onion.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer fajitas are an easy, versatile, affordable meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken combines with pepper, onions and spices for a delicious dinner that can be made with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Italian Chicken Cutlets with lemon slices on black plate with fork
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Discover the joy of simplicity with these Italian Chicken Cutlets – effortless, speedy, and wonderfully versatile. Indulge in the satisfaction of their salty, crispy, and savory goodness, the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Quick Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken pastina soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Pastina Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This comforting and healthy savory Chicken Pastina Soup features tiny star-shaped pasta, vegetables, lemon, and dill. It’s an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup

Simple Crispy Chicken Salad

A crispy chicken salad in a wide bowl with lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, and salad dressing.
Crispy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This crispy chicken salad is so easy to make! Just crisp up some premade chicken strips, make a salad, and add your favorite dressing. And dinner is done!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience simple culinary excellence with this Cast Iron Chicken, a masterpiece ready in under 30 minutes. Its irresistibly crisp, savory, and salty exterior envelops a tender, juicy interior that’s truly unmatched in flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Fast Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast

Sliced air fryer blackened chicken breast on a white plate.
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Easy Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breasts are flavorful and juicy. So quick and easy to make! Blackened chicken breast in the air fryer is great for meal prep too!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast

air fryer teriyaki chicken breast in a bowl with vegetables and rice
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

You’ll love this juicy and easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast. It’s made with a simple homemade teriyaki sauce, that even the kids will love! Serve this teriyaki chicken breast with rice and teriyaki vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Breast

Pan Seared Chicken Thighs

Pan Seared Chicken Thighs in skillet with rosemary
Pan Seared Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These simple Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. With juicy meat and crispy golden brown skin, this thigh recipe is a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

air fryer small chicken breasts sliced on a white plate
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Simplify your meal prep routine with these chicken breasts – a convenient option that’s both effortless to prepare and yields incredibly juicy and flavorful results. Enjoy the ease of cooking while ensuring your dishes remain packed with deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Fast Chicken Fajita Casserole

A plate of chicken fajita casserole with a fork and limes on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Embrace the speed and simplicity of this chicken fajita recipe, becoming your go-to solution whenever the age-old “what’s for dinner?” question arises. With its quick preparation, you’ll find yourself relying on it time and time again for a hassle-free and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

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