These 30 easy and delicious chicken dinner ideas will get dinner on the table quickly! Healthy weeknight meals with lots of variety, and ideas for dinner tonight!
If you're in a rut with eating the same meals on repeat - it's time to switch things up with these delicious chicken dinner ideas and our healthy 30-minute dinner ideas!
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Chicken is one of our go-to protein choices for weeknight meals as it's versatile, easy to cook, and loved by everyone in the family! There's nothing like a classic chicken dinner, but sometimes it's good to switch things up. Turn to these recipes when you need something quick, easy, healthy, and innovative!
These chicken dinner ideas include one-pot and sheet pan meals, slow cooker recipes, salads, and tacos - you'll definitely be able to find some NEW dinner inspiration here.
reasons you'll love these recipes
- they're healthy, delicious and easy
- there's something for everyone here - from tacos, to curry, stir fry, one pot meals, pasta, and more!
- they use simple, affordable and accessible ingredients including pantry staples
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Tips for Cooking Chicken
Here are some tips for getting the juiciest, most delicious chicken:
- Cook high and quickly- boneless skinless chicken breasts benefit from high and fast cooking- check out my perfect baked chicken breast here!
- Use a rack - for bone-in chicken thighs, use a rack and convection heat for perfect, crispy skin. Check out my perfect baked chicken thighs here!
- Slice when cool - when cooking chicken for salads, let it cool completely before slicing. This helps seal all the juices in.
- 4 days max - after cooking, you can store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in marinade - one of our favorite meal prep tips that went totally viral in 2016 was this post with 7 chicken marinades you can freeze. So much flavor and makes dinner a total breeze!
FAQ
Can these chicken dinners be used for meal prep?
Yes - many of these recipes can be used for meal prep (be sure to check each post for specific and more details). Get all our tips for how to meal prep chicken here.
How long can I store leftovers for?
Leftover cooked chicken is safe to eat up to 4 days after cooking. We recommend getting the chicken into the fridge quickly after cooking (ie: don't leave it on the counter for hours).
What sides go well with these recipes?
You can't go wrong with our staple kale salad, Instant Pot broccoli, kale caesar salad, or golden air fryer roasted potatoes!
Easy Curry Chicken Recipe
This quick chicken curry gets dinner on the table quickly and has the most delicious creamy coconut curry sauce. Works great for meal prep and leftovers can be frozen!
Check out this recipe
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Cashew chicken stir fry is a simple yet flavorful weeknight meal that works great for reheat meal prep lunches! Made with a hoisin sesame sauce and served with broccoli and rice.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These air fryer chicken wings are the CRISPIEST homemade wings you have ever tried! Cook a whole batch in your air fryer with four simple ingredients. These chicken wings are keto, paleo, and gluten-free!
Check out this recipe
Baked Bruschetta Chicken
Baked bruschetta chicken made with havarti cheese, cherry tomato bruschetta, and drizzled with balsamic reduction! Ready in just 45 minutes, it's meal prep friendly, low carb and gluten-free!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This air fryer chicken parmesan is nice and crispy, and is ready in under 30 minutes! An easy and crowd-pleasing meal.
Check out this recipe
Kale Chicken Pasta Salad
This kale chicken pasta salad is made with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. A healthy meal that works great for meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe
Crockpot Salsa Chicken (4 ingredients!)
Fall apart tender and perfectly seasoned, crockpot salsa chicken is a 4 ingredient recipe that is perfect for busy nights! Use it up in tacos, burrito bowls, or enjoy as is.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts
Instant Pot creamy lemon chicken breasts get a restaurant- quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy lemon parmesan cream sauce. Low carb and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Juicy + Tender!)
Fall apart tender, juicy and so flavorful, this crockpot BBQ chicken is perfect served on sandwiches, in wraps, or even on pizza. Just 5 simple ingredients required!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is a party in your mouth, but is so simple to prepare! You can even assemble ahead and freeze as a freezer Instant Pot meal. Low carb, dairy-free and delish.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Slow cooker lemon garlic chicken thighs are simmered in a buttery sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice and vegetables. Low carb and gluten-free. Assemble ahead and freeze as a freezer crockpot meal!
Check out this recipe
Spicy Instant Pot Thai Chicken Curry
This Instant Pot Thai curry has a creamy, spicy and flavorful sauce, and comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner. Rich, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake
Chicken caprese pasta bake is an easy freezer-friendly meal that can be baked up fresh, or from frozen! A weeknight dinner that bakes up in 40 minutes, and whole family will enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Tacos
Cilantro lime chicken tacos are full of simple, bright flavors: cilantro, lime juice, garlic and a touch of honey! No sauteeing required (just 15 min prep!), and easy to meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Make Ahead Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Gnocchi
This lemon chicken baked gnocchi has brussels sprouts, broccoli and feta cheese for the ultimate sheet pan dinner! Works great for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
Pesto Chicken Pita Recipe
This easy pesto chicken pita recipe is classic and delicious. Roasted vegetables and chicken, tossed in pesto, and served in a pita pocket! A family favorite recipe that works great meal prep!
Check out this recipe
Chicken Satay Salad
This chicken satay salad has fresh, crunchy vegetables and grilled chicken tossed in a spicy peanut-ginger sauce. An easy, fresh dinner.
Check out this recipe
Maple Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir Fry (30 Minutes)
A simple cashew chicken stir fry packed with veggies, sprinkled with cashews, and tossed in a sticky maple ginger stir fry sauce. Works great for an easy weeknight dinner or for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with Sweet Potato
Slow cooker chicken korma with sweet potatoes is made with warm spices like garam masala, almonds and a creamy coconut milk. Kid-friendly and works great for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
Air fryer chicken and broccoli are tossed in a savory lemon pepper seasoning. Low carb, yet simple and flavorful, it cooks through in 10 minutes!
Check out this recipe
The Best Dang Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This crock pot teriyaki chicken recipe is seriously the BEST! With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a sticky sauce that is better than your favorite take out. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
Delicious meets easy with this Instant Pot honey sesame chicken breast. You will love the sticky honey sesame sauce that is perfect for drizzling over rice and vegetables! Ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple pantry spices.
Check out this recipe
Barbecue Chicken Lettuce Wraps
5 simple ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to make these barbecue chicken lettuce wraps! Light, full of flavor, and a real crowd pleaser.
Check out this recipe
Freezer to Grill Fajita Chicken Skewers
Freezer to grill fajita chicken skewers that can be assembled ahead, frozen, and go straight on the grill when you're ready to cook. An easy, healthy, and seriously delicious meal prep dinner recipe!
Check out this recipe
Meal Prep Chicken Fajitas (Sheet Pan)
Sheet pan chicken fajitas with tender and juicy chicken, bell peppers, and onions tossed in a delicious homemade fajita seasoning. Ideal for meal prep or for a simple weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet
This Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet recipe is a healthy one pan dinner recipe that works great for meal prep. GF, vegan- and paleo-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Balsamic One Pan Chicken and Veggies
This balsamic one pan chicken and veggies has a ton of flavor from a tangy balsamic vinegar gravy, salty feta cheese and sweet pomegranates. Cooks up in one pan in just 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Low Carb Indian Chicken Skillet
This low carb Indian chicken skillet has incredible flavor with spiced cauliflower rice, chicken thighs and green beans. Easy to prep ahead for grab and go lunches.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
This lemon sesame chicken stir fry has bright citrus and soy flavors. It comes together in under 30 minutes, is loaded with veggies, and makes for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep recipe.
Check out this recipe
Balsamic Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes and Tarragon
Chicken, potatoes and veggies are cooked up in a delicious sauce flavored with balsamic vinegar and tarragon in this easy balsamic chicken skillet. Don't forget a big chunk of bread to sop up every last drop!
Check out this recipe
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Rebecca OTTERNESS says
They all look great! I'm recently diagnosed needing low Fodmap foods. Many of these look like they will be suitable.
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Rebecca, amazing! So glad we could give you some healthy meal inspiration. Enjoy!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
I don't know what I'd do if I didn't meal plan! I usually just plan two dinners to cook each week, and then we have two nights of leftovers, and the other three nights are easy things like a simple homemade pizza, breakfast for dinner, etc. That way I'm not overwhelmed by trying to choose a recipe for each night of the week!
I love this roundup! I'm definitely getting inspired for next week's meal planning! Thanks for including my bbq chicken salad!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
I always need new chicken ideas and I am so guilty for the dinnertime freak-out so this round-up is perfect! Love all these recipes, they look amazing!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
We all need more chicken dinner ideas in our lives, but who would have thought they could be as beautiful as these? They are all so gorgeous!
To actually make, though, I love the idea of that chicken skillet parmesan ... mmmm!
Denise says
Thanks, Helen! I have so much dinner inspiration now, I don't know where to start!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
I have a bad habit lately of doing the dinnertime freak out -- these will help! Thanks for including me!
Denise says
Oh man, I am so bad for the dinnertime freak-out! I am so disorganized ๐ Your chicken parm looks delish!
Sam @ Sugar Spun Run says
What a great compilation! Thanks for this, I'm a big chicken eater myself so I'll definitely be trying out some of these. Love that they're easy, too!
Denise says
Thanks, Sam! I have a few I need to try out, too!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
LOVE all of the recipes here, Denise!! Because, when it comes to chicken, you need to have flavor and all of these look so good!! WOW, those Chicken Skewers with Satay-Style Peanut Sauce . . oh my gawd. . . I'm dying. . want those now!!
Denise says
I need to try those chicken skewers! I am down for anything peanut/satay sauce. Thanks, Alice!
marcie says
I just had chicken for dinner tonight and now I want more! These recipes look scrumptious, and you did such a phenomenal job on this round up!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
This roundup is AWESOME! I need more chicken ideas - thanks for including me! Pinned!
Denise says
Thanks, Taylor! I love the looks of your tacos, they are so creative, and strawberries + balsamic is just to die for ๐
Oriana @ Mommyhood's Diary says
Love this collection! We eat lots of chicken too so this is very helpful. I 'm so glad I found your blog trough a fellow blogger's site.
Denise says
Thanks for stopping by, Oriana! Chicken is so amazingly versatile, isn't it? I can't decide which to try first!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
We eat a lot of chicken at our house too. It's our main protein. Great roundup!
Annie @Maebells says
This is SUCH a good round up! I am always clueless when it comes to chicken, this gives me so much inspiration!
Denise says
Chicken is such a blank canvas that sometimes I'm just stumped! Thanks, Annie!
Danielle says
We always buy a huge bag of chicken each week and eat it all during the week. This roundup is great inspiration! Thanks for including me, Denise!
Denise says
I have to try your avocado chicken salad, Danielle! It looks like such an easy and delicious dinner ๐
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a fantastic collection, Denise! My husband and I eat chicken all the time, so I'm always looking for new dishes to make. I definitely have to try your chipotle waffles! Pinning a bunch!
Denise says
Thanks, Gayle! I find I have my 'go-to' chicken recipes and they tend to get a bit boring over time. I have so much inspiration now!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Yes, yes, YES to unboring chicken dinners! I think this round-up has given me enough inspiration to pull me through meal planning for the next month! Thanks for including my chicken fajita bowls and chicken curry, Denise! ๐
Denise says
You have so many great chicken recipes, Sarah, and of course they are all so pretty, I had a hard time choosing! Can't wait to try them!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Oh yum. Everything looks so good. I'm especially drooling over those thai french bread pizza's. And thanks for the chicken dinner love! XO
Denise says
Me too, Liz! Love that you don't need to make a crust! And your salad looks delish, too, that peanut lime dressing sounds to die for!
Bri | Bites of Bri says
Meal planning saves all of our meals...especially during the week! If I hadn't been thinking of what I'd be making come 5pm, I'd often flake out and go for takeout because cooking after work is hard some days! These are some awesome chicken recipes to add to my mix. Thanks for including my Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole ๐
Denise says
I need to get onto that meal planning bandwagon, seriously! I am organized in many aspects of life but NOT dinner ๐ Your Casserole looks delicious, Bri! Can't wait to try it!