Busy weeknights call for simple, satisfying meals.
These top ten chicken dinner ideas are quick, tasty, and family-approved.
From skillet meals to oven bakes, there’s something for everyone.
Turn that boring bird into a weeknight win!
10 Easy Chicken Dinners You’ll Want On Repeat
Here are ten easy chicken dinner recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
They’re of high quality, full of flavour, and always hit the spot.
Here’s a handy table with the preparation time, cooking time, and servings for each dish.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Marry Me Chicken Pasta | 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 |
| 2. Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma | 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 |
| 3. 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken | 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 4. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chilli | 10 mins | 6 hrs (low) | 6 |
| 5. Lemon and Garlic Chicken With Cherry Tomatoes | 10 mins | 25 mins | 4 |
| 6. Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders | 15 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 7. Chicken Pot Pie With Tater Tot Topping | 15 mins | 35 mins | 6 |
| 8. Chicken Pasta Primavera | 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 9. Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos | 5 mins | 6 hrs (low) | 6 |
| 10. Chicken Broccoli Casserole | 15 mins | 30 mins | 6 |
Recipe 1 – Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A creamy, dreamy pasta dish so good, it might spark a proposal!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp thyme
- ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dust it in flour, shaking off excess flour.
Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken (4-5 minutes per side) until golden and cooked through. Move to a plate and cover.
Step 4: In the skillet, cook garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken stock to loosen.
Step 5: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. Mix 2 minutes.
Step 6: Add chilli flakes, thyme, oregano, and sundried tomatoes.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and mix until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to coat with the sauce.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Chef’s Tip: Save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Recipe 2 – Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma
Middle Eastern flavours made easy on one pan. Perfect for a healthy dinner aesthetic!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For serving: pita, yoghurt sauce, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F.
Step 2: Mix olive oil, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, turmeric, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Toss chicken and onions in the spice mix.
Step 4: Spread chicken and onions evenly on a sheet pan.
Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the onions have caramelised.
Step 6: Serve in warm pitas with yoghurt sauce, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Chef’s Tip: Double the spice mix and store it for quick future meals.
Recipe 3 – 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and fast. A top pick for chicken, easy, healthy recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- For the sauce: ¼ cup tamari, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, two cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp chilli paste, two green onions chopped, 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2: Toss chicken with garlic powder, pepper, chilli flakes, and flour.
Step 3: Add olive oil, toss again, and spread on one side of the sheet pan.
Step 4: Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread it out on the other side.
Step 5: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Step 7: Remove the broccoli, pour the sauce over the chicken, toss, and bake for an extra 5 minutes.
Step 8: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Chef’s Tip: Swap broccoli for asparagus for a fresh twist.
Recipe 4 – Slow Cooker White Chicken Chilli
Cosy up with this creamy chilli!
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained
- 1 can of pinto beans, drained
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 jar salsa verde
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Toss in beans, cumin, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salsa verde.
Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, stir, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Step 4: Shred chicken, mash some beans to thicken, and mix well.
Step 5: Serve with toppings like cheese, cilantro, or avocado.
Chef’s Tip: Skip the jalapeño and use mild salsa verde for a gentler flavour.
Recipe 5 – Lemon And Garlic Chicken With Cherry Tomatoes
Bright, fresh, and zesty. A healthy dinner aesthetic dream!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Pinch of sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry, pound it to ¼ inch thick, season it, and dredge it in flour.
Step 3: Cook in hot grapeseed oil 1½ minutes per side, then keep warm.
Step 4: Scrape the pan with wine, add tomatoes and sugar, and cook until the tomatoes have softened.
Step 5: Top chicken with tomatoes, parsley, and Parmesan.
Chef’s Tip: Pound the chicken ahead and store it between plastic wrap for speedy prep.
Recipe 6 – Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Crunchy and fun, great for all ages, and a twist on easy, healthy chicken recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ cup flour
- Cooking spray
- For dipping sauce: ¼ cup mayo, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ⅛ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°f and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix dipping sauce ingredients and set aside.
Step 3: Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Set up stations: flour, egg with water, pretzel crumbs.
Step 5: Coat the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally in pretzels. Place on a sheet and spray with cooking spray.
Step 6: Bake for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
Step 7: Serve with dipping sauce.
Chef’s Tip: Use leftover pretzels for extra crunch and zero waste!
Recipe 7 – Chicken Pot Pie With Tater Tot Topping
A playful spin on comfort food!
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 tbsp Montreal chicken seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 32 oz Tater Tots™ (trademarked brand name)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°f and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a saucepan, then cook the onions with seasoning and thyme for 4-6 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the flour, cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the broth. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
Step 4: Remove from heat, then melt in cream cheese. Add the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Pour into a dish, top with Tater Tots, and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Step 6: Sprinkle with cheddar and bake for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Chef’s Tip: Grab a rotisserie chicken to cut prep time!
Recipe 8 – Chicken Pasta Primavera
Colourful and veggie-packed. A recipe for pasta delight!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup frozen peas
Instructions
Step 1: Pound the chicken evenly, then season it with half of the oregano, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the chicken in olive oil until golden, then set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the pasta firm, then drain it and reserve some of the cooking water.
Step 4: Melt butter in a skillet, then fry the garlic. Add the tomatoes and zucchini, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the broth, cream, parmesan, peas, and remaining seasonings. Mix until the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Toss the pasta in the sauce, slice the chicken, and serve it on top.
Chef’s Tip: Try bowtie pasta for a fun look.
Recipe 9 – Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Taco night made effortless with this easy, healthy chicken recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4.5 oz can diced green chiles
- ½ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Tortillas and toppings
Instructions
Step 1: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
Step 2: Add the onion, tomatoes, and green chiles on top (do not stir).
Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Step 4: Shred the chicken and mix in the cilantro.
Step 5: Serve in tortillas with your favourite toppings.
Chef’s Tip: Freeze extras for a quick meal later.
Recipe 10 – Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy and cosy. A classic with a healthy dinner aesthetic twist!
Ingredients
- 1 package (6 oz) chicken stuffing mix
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed
- 1 can (10-3/4 oz) condensed broccoli cheese soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare the stuffing with 1 1/2 cups of water.
Step 2: Mix the chicken, broccoli, and soup; pour the mixture into a greased 11×7-inch dish.
Step 3: Top with stuffing, sprinkle with cheese.
Step 4: Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more.
Chef’s Tip: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a fast fix.
