Ditch delivery: 33 chicken dishes that outshine takeout

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Sure, you love the convenience of chicken takeout, but what if you could make something even better right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost? We’ve curated a list of 33 chicken dishes that give your go-to delivery options a run for their money. From spicy to savory, and everything in between, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and maybe even introduce you to some new favorites.

Chicken shawarma with harissa paste and veggies.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

low angle shot of bowls of chicken korma.
Instant Pot Chicken Korma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This creamy and rich korma bypasses hours of slow cooking but doesn’t compromise on flavor, thanks to the Instant Pot. It offers an Indian dish that’s better than local takeout.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These deep-fried fritters incorporate chickpea flour and spices. They offer a satisfying crunch you often seek in takeout appetizers, but without the wait time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Instant Pot version is quick without sacrificing taste. The blend of chicken, beans, and spices will make you reconsider ordering Mexican takeout.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Using an Air Fryer, this sesame chicken is a lighter take on the sweet and savory classic. It proves that homemade Asian dishes can surpass restaurant offerings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Overhead shot of two white bowls with chicken hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This soup offers a perfect blend of spicy, sour, and umami flavors. It’s a comforting option that rivals any Chinese restaurant’s hot and sour soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Gochujang Chicken

overhead shot of gochujang chicken with herbs and lettuce.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Infused with Korean chili paste, this chicken offers a spicy, satisfying alternative to typical barbecue chicken. It can replace the need for international takeout.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

A bowl of pad kee mao with chicken shot from above.
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Also known as “Drunken Noodles,” this Thai dish has a spicy kick and wide noodles. It adds an authentic twist to your chicken recipe repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

Tandoori Chicken

A plate of tandoori chicken with a side dish of cooked rice, shot from a low angle.
Tandoori Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With its yogurt-based marinade and spices, this grilled chicken brings the flavors of an Indian clay oven to your home. It’s a dish that rivals your local Indian restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Chicken Biryani

friend chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

A one-pot dish with layers of marinated chicken and aromatic rice. Making it at home can yield results as satisfying as any takeout biryani.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Air Fryer recipe offers crisp fried chicken without the extra oil. It provides a healthier yet still flavorful twist on the fast-food option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Offering a balance of heat, sweetness, and tang, this dish is a Chinese takeout classic. Making it at home proves you can replicate and even improve upon takeout dishes.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Middle Eastern dish adapts well to the Instant Pot. You control the spices and heat, tailoring the chicken shawarma to your preference.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This simple yet satisfying dish uses an Air Fryer to reduce oil without sacrificing texture. It’s a healthier take on a classic Chinese dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken

Mongolian Chicken

fried salt and pepper chicken in a black bowl lined with parchment paper.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Offering both sweet and savory notes, Mongolian Chicken is a quick fix for takeout cravings. The homemade version often tastes better without added preservatives.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Filipino dish in the Instant Pot becomes a quick weeknight meal. The balance of soy, vinegar, and garlic makes you forget about ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Chicken Curry Laksa

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Chicken Curry Laksa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Malaysian noodle soup blends spicy curry and creamy coconut milk. It’s a unique dish that eliminates the need to search local takeout menus.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

Thai Chicken Satay

Overhead shot of a striped bowl with kung pao chicken.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Skewered and grilled, this dish offers a burst of flavors in each bite. Paired with peanut sauce, it makes ordering appetizers from a restaurant seem like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Chicken Tikka Wrap

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Tikka Wrap. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This portable wrap version of grilled marinated chicken is ideal for a grab-and-go lunch. It offers a less messy, equally flavorful alternative to traditional chicken tikka.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.
Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These wings bring together simple seasoning to create addictive results. They make for a perfect snack or meal that proves simplicity often trumps complexity.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Swapping deep frying for the Air Fryer, this dish achieves a balanced citrus glaze. It shows that homemade American-Chinese dishes can be better than restaurant versions.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Thai Chicken Curry

low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish uses a blend of Thai herbs and spices to elevate the chicken curry. It’s an aromatic alternative to Thai restaurant offerings.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Using rice flour for its distinctive coating, this Hawaiian dish offers a fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian flavors. It replaces the need for island-themed takeout.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Double frying ensures the chicken stays crispy. It balances heat and sweetness, providing a compelling reason to skip ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Korean Fried Chicken

Pancit Bihon

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Pancit Bihon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Filipino noodle dish uses chicken, vegetables, and thin rice noodles. It shows that international comfort food can be equally good when made at home.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These rolls combine Indian spices and wrap convenience. Ideal for a quick dinner, they eliminate the appeal of fast-food Indian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Pancit noodles on a plate with veggies and chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The Instant Pot cuts cooking time significantly for this complex Indian dish. It’s a quick and flavorful version that makes cooking at home more appealing.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These wraps offer Middle Eastern flavors in a portable form. The Air Fryer ensures the chicken is juicy and crisp, outshining many shawarma takeout spots.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Japanese fried chicken features a soy-ginger marinade. It offers a unique twist on standard fried chicken recipes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Air Fryer Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Filled with chicken and cheese, these taquitos offer crunch without the grease. They make for a quick and easy Mexican meal, no delivery needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos

Chicken 65

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This South Indian dish features deep-fried chicken in a fiery red sauce. It’s an appetizer that proves homemade fare can easily rival restaurant spice levels.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead shot of chicken curry laksa in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Using the Air Fryer, this dish reduces the oil content while maintaining classic flavors. It offers a healthier rendition of this popular Chinese-American dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Pollo Pibil

low angle shot of pollo pibil taco on a grey plate.
Pollo Pibil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Yucatecan dish incorporates achiote and citrus for its unique flavor profile. It shows that regional Mexican cuisine can be well-executed in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Pibil

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Low angle shot of a bowl of chicken pot pie soup with ingredients scattered around and an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Instant Pot soup captures the essence of chicken pot pie without the heavy crust. It provides all the comfort you’d seek from a homestyle meal, making takeout less tempting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

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