Chicken dinners are a staple in many households, but it’s easy to fall into a routine of making the same few dishes over and over again. It’s time to break the monotony this week and bring some new flavors to your table. With these 18 dinner ideas, there’s something here to suit every taste and occasion. Gone are the days of bland or repetitive chicken meals; in their place, make these recipes that are worth every minute spent preparing them.
Spinach Chicken Bake
You know those nights when you just want something hearty but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen forever? This one’s a lifesaver. Just throw some chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a dish and let the oven do the rest. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your weekly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken Corn Soup
So, under an hour and dinner’s set. It’s a one-pot soup, chicken and veggies, done. It’s so simple, you can let it simmer while you help the kids with homework. You really can’t go wrong with this on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
If you have a skillet and less than an hour, this one’s for you. You cook chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, and it’s flexible—go with rice or maybe some green beans on the side. You won’t believe how easy it is until you try it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Got 20 minutes? Then you’ve got dinner. Chicken bites cooked in a quick garlic-butter sauce right on the stovetop. It’s a hit with the kids and, let’s be real, the adults too.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Creamy Dijon Chicken
If you’ve got a pan and a few simple ingredients like Dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon, you’re good to go. In less time than it takes for the
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
If you’re up for a bit of spice, this one’s a game-changer. Chicken, bacon, and jalapeños come together in a dressing that packs a punch. Pop it in the fridge for a bit, and it’s a whole new level of good. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll nail this one.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Fajita Baked Chicken
You get everything you love about fajitas but in a baked version. Chicken breasts, cream cheese, and mini sweet peppers all in one dish. The oven takes care of the heavy lifting, so you’re free to catch up on your day. It’s an easy win any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
You won’t believe how quickly this one comes together. Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all swimming in a creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal when you’re short on time but still want something that feels homey.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This one-pan dish pairs boneless chicken thighs with a sun-dried tomato sauce. The process involves browning the chicken and then simmering it in the sauce. It’s a straightforward way to introduce different flavors into your weekly chicken dinners. The steps are simple, and the cooking time is reasonable, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with garlic and Parmesan. Throw in some chicken breasts and you’ve got yourself a meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself reaching for, especially on those hectic weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Mix up your routine with this one. Seasoned chicken joins forces with bacon and jalapeños for a combo that’s hard to resist. The prep and cook time is just over an hour, so it’s totally doable on a weeknight. If you’re looking to spice up your chicken game, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
This recipe is a quick fix with canned chicken, bacon, and cheese in cucumber halves. Perfect for when you’re in a pinch but still want something good. Plus, it’s versatile. Serve it as a light lunch or use it as a snack at your next get-together.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Canned Chicken Patties
Twenty minutes and you’ve got these patties ready to go. They work well on their own, or you can throw them into a bun for a quick sandwich. The recipe uses canned chicken, making it a convenient option when you’re short on time but want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Pollo Asado
If you’re up for a bit of marinating, this one is worth the extra prep. Chicken thighs soak up cilantro, onion, and citrus flavors that really make the dish. Plus, you can cook it however you want — on an outdoor grill, on a grill pan, or baked in the oven. It’s a versatile option that can easily adapt to whatever your day looks like.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
One pan, and you’ve got a hearty meal that combines chicken thighs with artichokes in a creamy sauce. It’s something a little different but not too out there. Trust me, you’ll be glad you tried it and it might just become a regular in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Imagine bite-sized chicken and bacon with homemade ranch dressing — it’s as good as it sounds. These poppers are oven-baked, so you can get other things done while it cooks. Whether it’s a weeknight or you have friends over, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Keto Chicken Nuggets
In half an hour, you’ve got a low-carb take on chicken nuggets. They’re made with canned chicken and pork rinds for that keto-friendly touch. It’s an easy swap when you’re craving something familiar but still want to keep the carbs to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Sticky Sauce Chicken
This one’s all about the sauce. Chicken thighs get a serious upgrade with a garlic and ginger glaze. The steps are straightforward, and the result is something special without going overboard on effort.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken