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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    50+ Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas

    Published: May 2, 2021 / Updated: Aug 17, 2021 / 2 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Wondering what's for dinner? You're covered with this roundup of 50+ of the best chicken dinner ideas. We've got everything from easy chicken breast recipes to chicken thigh recipes, chicken soup recipes, chicken pasta recipes, and more!

    Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
    Creamy Tuscan Chicken

    Chicken recipes for dinner is a no-brainer. There's something for every chicken lover on this list! I hope you'll find something new in here to add to your dinner rotation. These recipes are family-friendly, simple to make, and use everyday ingredients for big flavor and minimal effort.

    collage with chicken piccata and chicken parmesan
    Chicken Piccata and Chicken Parmesan

    Restaurant Favorite Chicken Recipes:

    Try making these restaurant classics at home! It's easier than you think, and you may just want to stay in tonight. 

    • Easy Chicken Piccata - the lemon and caper butter sauce is irresistible! 
    • Chicken Parmesan - my version is crispy, cheesy, and has plenty of marinara.
    • Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini - thinly pounded chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
    • Easy Chicken Marsala - it's all about that mushroom marsala sauce. 
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken - you may have tried this mega popular sun-dried tomato/garlic/spinach combo at the Olive Garden.
     
    collage with chicken fettuccine Alfredo and creamy spinach chicken pasta
    Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

    Chicken Pasta Recipes:

    A steaming bowl of pasta is the ultimate comfort food! 

    • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo - this is the best Chicken Alfredo recipe with a not-so-secret ingredient that makes the sauce incredible. 
    • Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta - this comforting dish can be on your table in about 30 minutes.
    • Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta - this pasta is fresh, healthy, and simple to make.
    • Chicken Penne Pasta - bacon and tomatoes nestled in a creamy sauce make this pasta soo good.
    • Spicy Chicken Pasta - easy to make, has a nice kick, and it's fairly healthy too!
    collage with lemon chicken orzo and chicken bacon gnocchi
    Lemon Chicken Orzo and Chicken Bacon Gnocchi

    One Pot Chicken Dinner Recipes:

    Use only one pot (or pan) and dinner's ready with minimal clean-up.

    • Lemon Chicken Orzo - this one pot wonder is similar to risotto but easier to make.
    • Chicken Bacon Gnocchi - this creamy combo is a reader favorite.
    • Easy Chicken Stew - chicken breasts, potatoes, and carrots become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
    • Lemon Chicken Gnocchi - pan-fried chicken breasts are seasoned with lemon pepper and served with gnocchi in a creamy lemon sauce. All done in one skillet!
    • One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta - it's creamy but lightened up a bit. A family favorite. 
     
    collage with creamy garlic chicken and creamy honey mustard chicken
    Creamy Garlic Chicken and Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Creamy Chicken Recipes:

    Tender chicken breasts + cream sauce = the perfect comfort food dinner. These are easy enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining! Your skillet is your best friend for these recipes.

    • Creamy Garlic Chicken - with over 1,000 comments, this is my most popular chicken recipe. Whole garlic cloves take this dish to the next level.
    • Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken - this grown-up take on honey mustard is incredibly delicious.
    • Creamy Chicken Florentine - you'll love the pan-fried chicken coated in a creamy spinach sauce.
    • Creamy Bacon Chicken - bacon makes everything better. Trust me.
    • Creamy Chicken in White Wine Sauce - this recipe is so simple yet so good.
    • Creamy Herb Chicken - use fresh or dried herbs and it'll come out perfect every time.
    • Creamy Chicken Stroganoff - this Russian classic is sure to be on repeat in your meal rotation. 
    collage with lemon chicken orzo soup and buffalo chicken soup
    Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup and Buffalo Chicken Soup

    Chicken Soup Recipes:

    What's more comforting than a bowl of chicken soup? These will warm you up! 

    • Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup - orzo is fantastic in soup, and the lemon juice brightens up this reader favorite.
    • Buffalo Chicken Soup - love wings and Frank's Red Hot sauce? You're gonna love this soup.
    • Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup - a hug in a bowl.
    • Easy Chicken Taco Soup - that Rotel tomato and cream cheese broth will have everyone asking for seconds.
    • Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup - a fun twist on chicken noodle soup.
    • Easy Chicken and Corn Chowder - this delicious chowder will stick to your ribs.
     
    collage with creamy white chicken chili and Santa Fe chicken skillet
    Creamy White Chicken Chili and Santa Fe Chicken

    Tex-Mex Chicken Recipes:

    Who can resist delicious Tex-Mex flavors for dinner?

    • Creamy White Chicken Chili - possibly the best chicken chili ever.
    • Santa Fe Chicken Skillet - a family favorite with plenty of melty cheese, black beans, and corn.
    • Skillet Salsa Chicken - turn a jar of salsa and some mozzarella into one delicious chicken dinner.
    • Easy Baked Chicken Tacos - these are assembled fast (using rotisserie chicken), popped in the oven, and kids will love topping them.
    collage of baked chicken thighs and honey baked chicken drumsticks
    Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs and Honey Baked Drumsticks

    Baked Chicken Recipes:

    Sometimes simple is best! These will go with any number of different side dishes.

    • Easy Baked Chicken Thighs - these are easy to prep and versatile... enjoy them hot or cold (like in a salad the next day).
    • Honey Baked Drumsticks - take a few minutes to throw them in a ZipLoc with the tasty marinade, and you're well on the way to having tomorrow's dinner ready.
    • Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks - a foolproof method for cooking drumsticks. They're easy and affordable!
     
    collage with Chicken Gloria and Chicken Divan
    Chicken Gloria and Chicken Divan

    Chicken Casserole Dinners:

    These chicken casseroles are hearty, filling, and feed a crowd (or make great leftovers). 

    • Chicken Gloria - this classic has an amazing sherry & mushroom cream sauce and melty Muenster cheese on top. Glorious.
    • Cheesy Chicken Divan - you can't go wrong with the cheesy cheddar and broccoli sauce!
    • Creamy Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini - this chicken pasta bake will never go out of style. 
    • Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole - chicken and rice are a dream team. The tangy ranch rice is pure goodness.
    collage with teriyaki chicken stir fry and pineapple chicken
    Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry and Pineapple Chicken

    Takeout-Inspired Chicken Dinner Recipes:

    Save money and make dinner a little healthier with these winners.

    • Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry - tender chicken stir fried with plenty of veggies in a sticky sauce is delicious served over rice.
    • Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style) - it's sweet, tangy, and readers love it. 
    • Honey Chicken (Asian Style) - crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sticky honey sauce is sure to please the pickiest of eaters.
    • Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe - similar to the stir fry above but without the veggies.
    collage with ground chicken burger and chicken patties
    The Best Ground Chicken Burgers and Chicken Patties

    Ground Chicken Recipes:

    Ground chicken is inexpensive and underrated.

    • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - they're coated in a spicy sour cream sauce and taste incredible with mashed potatoes or rice.
    • Chicken Patties - they're packed with flavor and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
    • Chicken and Spinach Meatballs - healthy, flavorful, and they can be used in a variety of dishes.
    • Ground Chicken Burgers - take my word for it - these are the best chicken burgers (moist and never dry!).
    collage with chicken and cabbage and tomato spinach white wine chicken
    Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry and Tomato Spinach White Wine Chicken

    Healthy(ish) Chicken Dinners:

    These chicken dinners are a bit lighter on the calories than some of the other options here!

    • Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry - sautéed cabbage is amazing if you haven't tried it before! Perfect for low-carb diets.
    • Tomato Spinach White Wine Chicken - the lighter pan sauce doesn't lack any flavor.
    • Easy Chicken Caprese - tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and spinach come together to treat your tastebuds. A summer favorite!
    • Chicken Cacciatore - the classic hunter stew has a rich tomato sauce and is simple to make.
     
    collage with chicken salad sandwich and chicken Caesar pasta salad
    The Best Chicken Salad Sandwich and Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

    Chicken Salad Recipes:

    These chicken salad recipes are anything but boring! Perfect for warmer weather or when you're simply not in the mood for a hot dinner.

    • Easy Chicken Salad - seriously the best chicken salad sandwich.
    • Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - this fun take on Caesar salad is great for summer gatherings. You'll love the easy homemade dressing too.
    • Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing - a fresh and delicious Thai-inspired salad.
    • Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken - this healthy salad is packed with goodness and can be made ahead too!
    • Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad - chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and pasta... don't mind if I do.
    collage with easy skillet chicken and gravy and Instant Pot chicken and gravy
    Chicken and Gravy (stovetop version) and Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy

    Last but Not Least... Chicken with Gravy Recipes:

    Chicken and gravy are a match made in heaven. 

    • Easy Chicken and Gravy - this is a quick stovetop dinner that will hit the spot!
    • Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy - you can also make chicken and gravy in your electric pressure cooker!
    • Crockpot Chicken and Gravy - or make it in your slow cooker!
    • Easy Ranch Chicken - you may want to drink that sauce.

    Winner winner chicken dinner! Which is your favorite out of these chicken dinner recipes?

    « Easy Chicken Caprese
    Cheesy Broccoli Casserole »

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    1. Wendy says

      May 9, 2021 at 9:55 AM

      I love your recipes. I’ve made so many and loved them all.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 9, 2021 at 10:10 AM

        Aww thank you so much, Wendy! 🙂

        Reply

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