Dinner Recipes

By Taryn Chavez

20 Delicious Chicken Recipes for Every Occasion

When it comes to cooking, few ingredients are as versatile and crowd-pleasing as chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, there’s a chicken recipe out there to suit your needs. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired flavors, the possibilities are endless.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 20 mouthwatering chicken recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy and savory or light and lemony, there’s a recipe on this list that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these delicious recipes, from garlic butter chicken bites to grilled chimichurri chicken and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find inspiration for your next chicken dish among these tried-and-true favorites.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and savory Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, perfect for a quick indulgence or party appetizer. Tender chicken strips are coated in a rich garlic butter mixture and baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken pieces into the garlic butter mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
4. Place chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken

Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken
Sweet and savory, this crispy chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser! With the perfect balance of honey, mustard, and spices, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Dip each chicken breast in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Moist and flavorful chicken breasts are infused with the brightness of lemon and the pungency of garlic, making this slow cooker recipe a weeknight winner. Perfect for busy days when you need a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
2. Add chicken breasts to the cooker, spooning some of the lemon mixture over each breast.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Spicy Mango Chicken Skewers

Spicy Mango Chicken Skewers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these vibrant and flavorful skewers, perfect for a summer gathering or quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to desired level of spiciness)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread chicken, mango, and any remaining marinade onto skewers.
4. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as rice or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This rich and creamy pasta dish is a perfect blend of Italian flavors, featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a velvety sauce. It’s an ideal meal for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with vegetables. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This classic Italian-inspired recipe yields crispy, flavorful chicken breasts coated with a crunchy parmesan crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this easy-to-make dish is sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate dish, whisk together egg and a pinch of salt.
4. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Thai Coconut Curry Chicken

Thai Coconut Curry Chicken
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Thailand with the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this curry is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in curry paste, fish sauce (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over rice or noodles.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Casserole

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting and convenient recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep. This one-pan wonder combines flavorful chicken, creamy rice, and savory vegetables in a single dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked rice, frozen vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional chicken glaze, this Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken recipe combines the warmth of sriracha sauce with the richness of honey, resulting in a sticky and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add garlic and whisk until smooth.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each breast.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Grilled Chimichurri Chicken

Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
This Argentine-inspired dish combines the brightness of chimichurri sauce with the smokiness of grilled chicken. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with chimichurri sauce.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe: Brighten up your snack game with this tangy and savory recipe!

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic until well combined.
4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creative twist on traditional stuffed shells. Tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together in a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken-Alfredo mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Top stuffed shells with Parmesan cheese and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Elevate your chicken tender game with this sweet and smoky recipe that combines the crispiest bacon with juicy, flavorful chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked paprika.
3. Wrap each chicken strip with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the BBQ glaze over the tenders, making sure they’re all coated.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tagine

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tagine
This hearty and aromatic Moroccan dish is a staple of North African cuisine, with the rich flavors of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon perfectly balanced to warm your senses. A slow-cooked tagine is a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
3. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Quick Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Quick Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Quick Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Whip up a flavorful and nutritious meal in no time with this simple recipe!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the garlic and broccoli to the pan; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce and black pepper.
5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt to taste.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip
Get ready to score a touchdown with this addictive Buffalo chicken dip! This creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious appetizer is perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients:

– 1 (16 ounce) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
3. Stir in ranch dressing and hot sauce until well combined.
4. Add cooked chicken and mix until coated with the buffalo mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions.
8. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Buttery Herb Roasted Chicken

Buttery Herb Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of butter and herbs for a mouthwatering result.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture under the chicken’s skin, making sure to spread evenly.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour in chicken broth.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes during cooking.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Experience the bold flavors of Greece with these succulent chicken kebabs marinated in a tangy yogurt mixture, perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for your next outdoor gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, mixing well to coat.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Chicken Piccata with Capers

Chicken Piccata with Capers
This recipe brings together the flavors of Italy with a simple and elegant dish featuring chicken breast, capers, and a tangy lemon sauce. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic, and capers. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: A Quick and Delicious Mexican-Inspired Dish

Get ready for a flavorful and effortless meal with this Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe! With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and warm tortillas in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into fajita-style strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, and garlic; toss to coat with spice mixture.
4. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper; arrange the chicken mixture in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with olive oil; bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
7. Assemble fajitas by slicing cooked chicken and vegetables, and serving with warm tortillas and desired toppings.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Summary

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with these 20 mouth-watering recipes! From appetizers to main courses, and from sweet to savory, there’s something for every occasion. Discover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken, Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken, and many more delicious creations that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering, these recipes are sure to please.

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