17 go-to chicken recipes for when you don’t know what to make

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These 17 chicken recipes are for the nights you don’t know what to make. With various flavors and ingredients, these straightforward dishes offer a quick solution for weeknight dinners. From casseroles to salads and everywhere in between, these recipes make dinner planning a breeze.

Whether you’re craving the comfort of Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake or a spicy kick with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole, this collection has you covered. Each recipe focuses on being delicious and filling without the fuss. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone looking to simplify their weekday dinners, these recipes provide variety and ease, ensuring you can enjoy a memorable homemade dinner without the stress.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake offers an easy way to elevate weeknight dinners. With marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, it’s a flavorful and satisfying family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Garlic Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is straightforward to make with chicken breasts and a white sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. The ingredients come together to create a flavorful and memorable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce creates an effortless weekday meal. The recipe showcases tender chicken in a luxurious mushroom sauce that is perfect on its own, with a side of vegetables, or with rice or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken will simplify your dinner prep. Crispy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety creamy sauce come together to offer a satisfying weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

These Shawarma Kebabs are packed with protein, they make for a fantastic weeknight dinner that’s both convenient and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats offer you a quick and easy meal. Featuring chicken salad made with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese, served in cucumber halves, it’s a light yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

For a hassle-free weekday dinner, try this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. It involves boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken provides you with the convenience of a quick and easy meal. Seasoned chicken is made with a creamy Dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon crumbles for a satisfying weekday dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Thai Chicken Salad

This Thai Chicken Salad is a wholesome main dish. Marinated chicken, arugula, spiralized cucumbers, and other ingredients come together for a straightforward weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Sticky Sauce Chicken

This Sticky Sauce Chicken features savory flavors. Glazed with sweet, tangy garlic-ginger sauce, it’s a satisfying option for a weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great chicken recipe when you want to make something for dinner tonight and to enjoy leftovers for lunch tomorrow. It stores really well, is packed with protein, and will keep you full for hours to come.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This Indian-inspired Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe features chicken thighs and is made in an Instant Pot. It can be prepped the night before or the day of and is cooked in under 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole offers you an impressive blend of flavors. Shredded seasoned chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños create a filling weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make and enjoy this recipe for Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Seared chicken thighs paired with a creamy sauce, artichoke hearts, and lemon juice provide a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken features chicken breasts with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella that are baked to perfection for a protein-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make the most of leftovers with this Green Chile Chicken featuring Shredded Chicken Thighs. Prepared in a skillet, it’s a convenient way to enjoy a flavorful meal on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo allows you to indulge in Filipino-inspired cuisine. Balancing sweetness, it’s a high-protein option ready to be served in 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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