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11 Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
We’ve all been there. It’s 5 PM, the day has been a whirlwind of work, errands, and family logistics. Everyone is starting to get hungry, and that familiar, dreaded question hangs in the air: “What’s for dinner?” The thought of tackling a complicated recipe with a mountain of dishes feels completely overwhelming.
That daily dinner dilemma is a real source of stress for so many of us. You want to provide a delicious, wholesome meal for your family, but your time and energy are completely tapped out. The temptation to grab expensive takeout or resort to the same boring meal for the third time this week is strong. It’s a frustrating cycle that can take the joy out of cooking.
But here’s the deal: for busy weeknights, the best easy chicken dinners are quick, use minimal ingredients, and often require only one pot or pan. By leaning on versatile recipes like skillet stir-fries, sheet pan meals, and Instant Pot creations, you can get a fantastic, family-pleasing meal on the table in under 30 minutes with very little cleanup. This guide will walk you through 11 of our go-to, kitchen-tested favorites that will solve the “what’s for dinner” problem for good.
Tired of Asking “What’s for Dinner?” Every Night?
For busy weeknights, the best chicken dinners are quick, use minimal ingredients, and often require only one pot or pan. Recipes like skillet stir-fries, sheet pan meals, and Instant Pot creations can deliver a delicious, complete meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
We’ve all been there—it’s 5 PM, everyone’s hungry, and the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. The daily grind can leave you feeling completely uninspired in the kitchen. That’s precisely why chicken is the weeknight dinner hero. It’s affordable, versatile, and cooks up incredibly fast.
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or spend hours in the kitchen to make something amazing. This list is packed with foolproof recipes that solve the weeknight dinner problem. From a 15-minute skillet meal to a 3-ingredient baked dinner, these are our own go-to, kitchen-tested favorites designed to save you time and stress.
11 Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes to Save Your Busy Weeknights
The best easy chicken dinner recipes include 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, and 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts. These meals prioritize speed and simplicity, utilizing skillets, sheet pans, and pressure cookers to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
In my experience, having a reliable rotation of simple chicken recipes is the ultimate weeknight superpower. The key is variety in both flavor and cooking method. This list has it all. We’ve hand-picked these 11 recipes for their reliability, straightforward instructions, and consistently delicious results. They are perfect for cooks of any skill level and are guaranteed to get a rave review from the family.
1. 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
- Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional slurry).
- Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
- Serve immediately over rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
Pro-Tip: For the best texture, pat the chicken cubes completely dry with a paper towel before adding them to the hot pan. This helps them get a nice golden-brown sear instead of just steaming.
Pin this 15-minute meal for your next crazy weeknight!
2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
- Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, 1 cup quick-cooking rice (like Minute Rice), 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas and carrots work well), 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the chicken on both sides until lightly golden. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the rice and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
- Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for the time specified on the rice package, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Pro-Tip: Using quick-cooking rice is key here. Traditional long-grain rice takes too long to cook and can result in dry, overcooked chicken. Stick to the instant variety for perfect results every time.
Save this one-pot wonder for an easy cleanup night!
3. 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts
- Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 (1-ounce) packet of ranch seasoning mix, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup ranch dressing for serving (optional).
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a baking dish.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over all sides, rubbing it in.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted potatoes and broccoli, drizzled with extra ranch dressing if desired.
Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the olive oil! It helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensures the outside gets nicely browned and flavorful instead of drying out in the oven.
Need a simple dinner? Pin this 4-ingredient recipe now!
4. Easy Chicken Lo Mein
- Ingredients: 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti, 1 lb boneless skinless chicken (thinly sliced), 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, bell peppers), 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 cloves garlic (minced).
- Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While noodles cook, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and garlic for the sauce.
- In a large wok or skillet, stir-fry the sliced chicken over high heat until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the same skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and the sauce.
- Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and well-coated. Serve immediately.
Pro-Tip: For the best stir-fry results, have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you turn on the heat. Stir-frying happens very quickly, so you won’t have time to prep as you cook.
Skip the takeout and save this easy Lo Mein recipe!
5. Ground Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
- Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 packet taco seasoning, 2/3 cup water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 8-10 taco shells.
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the drained black beans and cook for another minute until heated through.
- Serve the chicken and bean mixture in taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa.
Pro-Tip: This filling is perfect for batch cooking. Make a double batch, let it cool completely, and freeze it in a zip-top bag for a future meal. It thaws quickly for an ultra-fast dinner.
Make it a taco night! Pin this easy recipe.
6. 3-Ingredient Baked BBQ Chicken
- Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks), 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry and arrange them in the baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and brush the chicken generously on all sides with BBQ sauce.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
Lesson Learned: For the best sticky, caramelized sauce, apply it in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. If you add it at the beginning, the sugars in the sauce can burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
The easiest BBQ chicken ever! Save this recipe for later.
7. Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus Skillet
- Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), 4 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish).
- Instructions:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Pro-Tip: Don’t overcook the asparagus. It should be bright green and have a slight snap to it. If you prefer it softer, you can add a tablespoon of water to the pan and cover it for a minute to steam it.
Pin this 20-minute one-pan dinner!
8. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Pro-Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained) instead of or in addition to the fresh cherry tomatoes. They add a delicious, tangy depth to the creamy sauce.
Create a restaurant-worthy meal! Save this Tuscan Chicken recipe.
9. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
- Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered), 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with half the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
- While potatoes roast, toss the chicken thighs with the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Push the potatoes to the sides and add the chicken thighs to the center of the pan.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden and tender.
Lesson Learned: Give the potatoes a head start in the oven. They take longer to cook than the chicken thighs, so roasting them for 15 minutes first ensures that everything will be perfectly cooked and ready at the same time.
Love one-pan meals? Pin this sheet pan dinner idea!
10. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Ingredients: 2 lbs frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of your favorite salsa, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup chicken broth or water.
- Instructions:
- Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the frozen chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour the salsa over everything. Do not stir.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 20-25 minutes (depending on thickness).
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss with the salsa-infused liquid.
Pro-Tip: The liquid (broth or water) at the bottom is crucial. It helps the Instant Pot come to pressure without triggering a “burn” notice, especially when using thick salsa.
Forgot to thaw dinner? Pin this Instant Pot lifesaver!
11. Classic 10-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into small bite-sized pieces, 3-4 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snow peas), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp ginger paste.
- Instructions:
- Whisk sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the small chicken pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
- Add the vegetables to the wok and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to coat everything evenly and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce slightly thickens. Serve immediately.
Lesson Learned: The secret to a non-soggy stir-fry is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Cutting the chicken into very small pieces is key to the 10-minute cook time.
Pin this go-to stir-fry for a quick and healthy meal!
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Easy Chicken Dinners
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Here’s a quick summary of the smartest strategies for getting a delicious chicken dinner on the table, fast.
- Embrace One-Pan Wonders: Sheet pan, one-pot, and skillet meals like Garlic Butter Chicken or Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs dramatically reduce cleanup time.
- Prep Smart: Cut chicken and veggies ahead of time. Recipes like Chicken Lo Mein and Stir-Fries come together in minutes if the ingredients are ready to go.
- Lean on Your Appliances: Use an Instant Pot for “dump-and-go” meals like Salsa Chicken, even with frozen meat.
- Fewer Ingredients, Big Flavor: Don’t underestimate the power of recipes with 3 or 4 ingredients, like Ranch Chicken or BBQ Chicken. A good sauce or seasoning packet does all the work.
- Size Matters for Speed: Cutting chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces (like in the 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken) is the fastest way to reduce cooking time.
People Also Ask About Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
What can I make with a chicken for dinner?
Chicken is incredibly versatile for an easy dinner; you can bake it with a simple seasoning like ranch or BBQ sauce, stir-fry it with vegetables for Lo Mein, cook it in one pot with rice for a complete meal, or shred it after pressure cooking with salsa for tacos and burrito bowls. The best choice depends on how much time you have and what ingredients you have on hand.
What chicken dishes are easy to make with few ingredients?
Some of the easiest chicken dishes use just a few pantry staples, like 3-Ingredient Baked BBQ Chicken (chicken, BBQ sauce, oil) and 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken. Similarly, Instant Pot Salsa Chicken only requires chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning. These recipes rely on flavorful sauces and seasonings to minimize the ingredient list while maximizing taste.
What can I eat with chicken for dinner?
Great side dishes for chicken include quick-cooking options like steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and potatoes. Many vegetables can be cooked on the same sheet pan as the chicken for easy cleanup. For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect accompaniment.
Final Thoughts
A delicious, stress-free, home-cooked chicken dinner is completely achievable, even on the most hectic of nights. You don’t need a pantry full of specialty ingredients or hours to spare. All you need is a plan. With these 11 simple, fast, and flavorful recipes in your back pocket, you are more than equipped to beat the “what’s for dinner” fatigue and bring the joy back to your weeknight meals.
Which of these easy chicken recipes will you be trying first? Let us know in the comments below