Our favorite protein source is tastier than ever!
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dish for those busy weeknights, chicken might be one of the first ingredients that come to mind. It’s a beloved classic and so easy to throw in the oven or in a pan and serve with rice or veggies. But it can be tough to find easy chicken recipes that still keep excitement and variety in your diet. Not to worry–we’ve compiled a list of our best chicken recipes for an easy dinner!
Is Chicken a Healthy Dinner?
Yes, chicken is so good for you! Fresh, unprocessed chicken is packed with lean protein which is essential for building muscle tissue. Not to mention, chicken offers a serving of nutrients like vitamin B12, choline, zinc, iron, copper, and even tryptophan, which is linked to a boost in the happy chemical serotonin. Chicken is relatively low in calories, and quick and easy to prepare compared to other meats like steak or turkey. It’s no wonder chicken breasts and chicken thighs are such a classic American family dinner.
Our 21 Best Chicken Recipes for an Easy Dinner
All of these delicious chicken recipes are ready in under 30 minutes! With so many benefits to offer, they’re sure to become family-favorite weeknight dinners.
1. Honey Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
A yummy combination of salty and sweet, this stir-fry is packed with protein and veggies. The honey ginger sauce pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken breasts. It makes the perfect easy dinner with ingredients you might already have on hand.
2. Chicken Caprese Salad
Everyone loves a Caprese appetizer, made with fresh mozzarella and tomato. Adding chicken makes it a whole meal– nostalgic flavor included! This delightful dinnertime option is a no-brainer!
3. Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowl
This sweet and spicy chicken bowl serves four and is ready in just 25 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to venture beyond the typical salad, but still pack in lots of veggies! If you end up with leftovers, this dish makes an excellent lunch the next day! BONUS!
4. Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a Chinese takeout classic. But making your own version at home is a good idea for several reasons! First, it will save you money. If you’re on a budget, preparing your own meals is a must! That leads us to our second point: cooking at home is better for your waistline and health, too. It allows you to control the additives and quality of ingredients. And then there’s the most obvious reason to make this general Tso’s chicken…it tastes amazing! With so many benefits, this one is a must-try!
5. Thai Chicken Wraps
This Thai chicken wraps recipe is another one that is delicious for both dinner and lunch the next day. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your craving for Thai-inspired flavors in a more nutritious way!
6. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This simple chicken and broccoli stir fry is ready in minutes. Sometimes, the best and most flavorful dinners happen when you go back to the basics! Don’t believe us? See for yourself!
7. Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
This chicken pesto pasta is so easy and requires minimal cleanup. It’s a great way to elevate your quick, go-to meal with some extra protein! Indulge in the flavors of a fancy Italian restaurant from the comfort of your own kitchen! Don’t forget to top it off with a little freshly grated parmesan cheese!
8. Moroccan Chicken Salad Kale Wraps
These low-carb kale wraps are the perfect way to get your greens in. Seasoned with Moroccan-inspired spices and garnished with fresh cilantro, they’re bursting with flavor and nutrients!
9. Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken
This creamy sundried tomato chicken will satisfy your comfort food craving while still packing in essential nutrients. Garnished with fresh basil, it will elevate your next weeknight meal! A high-class dinner in less than 30 minutes? Yes, please!
10. Six-Ingredient Orange Chicken
This 6-ingredient orange chicken is so quick and easy, there’s no excuse to order takeout. It’s sweet, tangy, and the perfect complement to some fresh vegetables. Plus, it’s a great source of vitamin C! Orange chicken lovers, rejoice! This is the perfect healthy takeout alternative.
11. Moo Shu Chicken Skillet
This moo shu chicken skillet is a healthier take on a classic Chinese food staple. It’s packed with veggies and ready in just 20 minutes! Can you tell that we love our Asian-inspired dishes?
12. Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwich
This pesto chicken salad sandwich is incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s a great source of protein, too. It’s like pesto pasta and your favorite chicken salad sandwich combined!
13. Easy Three-Ingredient Chicken Tacos
All you need to make these delicious tacos is chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning. That said, adding a little sour cream, cheese, and fresh lettuce to your tacos makes them even tastier! This is one of the recipes that prove meals don’t need to be complicated to be delicious! Throw the filling in taco shells, and you can use any leftovers for a quesadilla, burrito bowl, or taco salad!
14. Chicken Zucchini Roll-Ups
Kid-friendly and delicious for adults too, these chicken zucchini roll-ups are a fun way to sneak in some extra greens. They’re great to bring on the go or store in the fridge for lunch tomorrow!
15. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Sometimes, you just need a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup for dinner. This healthy, instant pot version is sure to hit the spot (and so much better than any canned soup you’d purchase at the grocery store!) It’s definitely healthier than pre-packaged versions too as it contains less sodium and is free of preservatives!
16. Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad
This simple grilled chicken and zucchini salad offers a variety of complementary flavors. With fruit, nuts, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s the perfect light and wholesome dinner.
17. Easy Chicken Pasta Primavera
This easy, light pasta dish is the perfect family dinner. It’s a fantastic way to indulge your pasta craving while still getting in a healthy and balanced meal! When you need a tasty way to get the kids to eat more veggies, keep this chicken pasta primavera in mind!
18. Skinny Buffalo Chicken Tacos
These healthy tacos have a nice kick to them. It’s the perfect fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors with an American classic condiment. The chicken in this recipe is fantastic leftover and can be used in wraps, on top of nachos, or in a salad!
19. Mediterranean Chicken Kofta Wrap
This kofta wrap is quick and easy to make and the perfect way to switch things up mid-week. The fresh herbs offer a delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavor!
20. Instant Pot Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken
This salsa verde chicken is simple and budget-friendly! The awesome spicy flavor combined with the creamy texture makes this one of our favorite weeknight recipes! Not to mention, it’s ready in your instant pot in just 30 minutes! Enjoy it on its own or stuff it into taco shells, lettuce wraps, or whip up some chicken quesadillas!
21. Moroccan Chicken Salad with Chimichurri Dressing
This colorful, veggie-packed option is super easy to make and quite filling for a salad. The zesty, garlic-packed dressing is versatile and sure to become a new favorite!
Which of these quick and easy chicken dinner recipes was your favorite to try? Let us know below!
If you enjoy easy chicken recipes, you will definitely want to try our Shredded Slow Cooker Chicken. It’s one of the most versatile recipes on the site and is perfect for lunch or dinner!
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