17 Easy Chicken Recipes For Dinner With Few Ingredients

That feeling hits around 4 PM: “What’s for dinner tonight?” The thought of chopping a mountain of vegetables, juggling multiple pans, and facing a sink full of dishes is enough to make you reach for the takeout menu. It feels like every recipe you find calls for a dozen ingredients you don’t have and takes an hour you can’t spare.

You just want a simple, delicious meal that doesn’t add more stress to your already busy day. You need recipes that are quick, rely on pantry staples, and won’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone. We’ve tested countless quick-fix meals, and these 17 recipes are our go-to favorites for getting a delicious, stress-free dinner on the table, fast.

The simplest way to cook chicken for a quick dinner is by using minimal ingredients and a high-heat method like pan-searing or baking. A classic 3-ingredient approach involves chicken breasts, a sauce like BBQ or salsa, and a binder, baked until cooked through. This collection is your ultimate solution to the weeknight dinner dilemma.

17 Easy Chicken Recipes For Dinner With Few Ingredients (Updated for 2025)

Ready to find your new favorite weeknight meal? This curated collection is based on top-rated recipes and reader favorites, ensuring every option is both simple and delicious. We’ve broken down our list into helpful categories so you can find exactly what you need right now, whether it’s an ultra-simple 3-ingredient bake or a lightning-fast skillet meal.

1. 3-Ingredient Baked BBQ Chicken

Save this 3-ingredient wonder to your ‘Easy Weeknight Dinners’ board!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Pro-Tip: For a stickier glaze, baste the chicken with extra sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking and broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.

2. 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Pin this speedy skillet recipe for your next busy night!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture over the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken.

Pro-Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in two batches if necessary to ensure it gets a beautiful golden-brown sear instead of steaming.

3. 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts

Add this family-friendly favorite to your ‘Go-To Dinners’ board!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place chicken in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over all sides of the chicken.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Lesson Learned: For extra crispy chicken, you can add 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs to the ranch and Parmesan mixture before coating.

4. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Save this minimal cleanup meal to your ‘One-Pot Dinners’ board!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 chicken thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pot.
  2. Add onion and cook until softened. Add rice and stir for 1 minute until lightly toasted.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil.
  4. Return chicken to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice and serving.

Pro-Tip: Using chicken thighs (especially bone-in) will result in more flavorful rice as they render fat and flavor into the broth while cooking.

5. Easy Salsa Verde Chicken

Pin this versatile recipe for tacos, bowls, and salads!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde
  • 1 tsp cumin (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over the chicken. Sprinkle with cumin if using.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the salsa in the crockpot and stir to combine.

Lesson Learned: This recipe is a meal-prep powerhouse. Make a big batch on Sunday and use it for tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or salads all week long.

6. Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets

Save this elegant 20-minute meal to your ‘Quick & Fancy Dinners’ board!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 thin-sliced chicken cutlets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, combine diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
  4. Top each cutlet with the tomato mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  5. Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Pro-Tip: You can buy pre-made bruschetta topping from the deli section of most grocery stores to make this recipe even faster.

7. 4-Ingredient Chicken Parmesan

Pin this classic comfort food hack for an easy Italian night!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 frozen breaded chicken patties/cutlets
  • 1.5 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange frozen chicken patties in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each patty.
  4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Lesson Learned: Using frozen pre-breaded chicken patties is the ultimate time-saving hack. It skips all the messy dredging and frying but still delivers a delicious result.

8. Skillet Chicken Divan

Save this comforting skillet casserole for a chilly evening!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk or mayonnaise
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, combine the cream of chicken soup and milk (or mayo) over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is heated through.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the buttered panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. For a crispier top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Pro-Tip: Swap panko for crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) mixed with melted butter for an even richer, more savory topping.

9. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Pin this super fast and cheesy recipe for your next game night!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Butter or oil for the pan
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well-coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter one side of a tortilla and place it butter-side down in the pan.
  3. Sprinkle half of the tortilla with cheese, top with the buffalo chicken mixture, then add more cheese.
  4. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Lesson Learned: For a creamier filling, mix a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or ranch dressing into the chicken and buffalo sauce mixture before building the quesadillas.

10. 3-Ingredient Lemon Chicken

Save this light and zesty recipe for a simple, elegant dinner!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large lemons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Zest one lemon and juice both lemons into a bowl. Whisk in the olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the lemon-oil mixture over it, turning to coat.
  4. Slice the remaining lemon rind (after juicing) and tuck the slices around the chicken.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Pro-Tip: For a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon, whisk a teaspoon of honey into the lemon juice and olive oil mixture before pouring it over the chicken.

11. Crockpot Italian Chicken

Pin this set-it-and-forget-it recipe for your busiest days!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet dry Italian salad dressing mix
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over the chicken.
  3. Place the block of cream cheese on top and pour the chicken broth around the sides.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  5. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir everything together until a creamy sauce forms. Serve over pasta or rice.

Pro-Tip: Don’t stir during cooking! Let the cream cheese slowly melt over the chicken to create the perfect creamy sauce when you shred and mix at the end.

12. Easy Chicken Lo Mein

Save this takeout favorite that you can make faster at home!

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., shredded carrots, snow peas, sliced cabbage)
• Instructions:
  1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While noodles cook, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
  3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Lesson Learned: You can use any quick-cooking vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms are all great additions. This recipe is perfect for cleaning out the veggie drawer.

13. Three-Ingredient Baked Chicken Breasts

Pin this foundational recipe for perfectly juicy baked chicken every time!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  3. Pour melted butter over the chicken, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Bake for 22-28 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro-Tip: The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness for perfect results every time.

14. Easy Chicken Cobbler

Save this ultimate comfort food recipe that uses leftover chicken!

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1.5 cups biscuit baking mix
  • 1/2 cup milk (for topping)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, soup, 1 cup of milk, and thawed vegetables. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk until a soft dough forms.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the chicken mixture.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overmix the biscuit topping! Stir just until combined to ensure it bakes up light and fluffy, not tough.

15. Jalapeño-Lime Chicken Drumsticks

Pin this spicy and zesty recipe for your next BBQ!

• Ingredients:
  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1/2 cup jalapeño jelly
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill for medium heat.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the jalapeño jelly over low heat. Whisk in the lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic until smooth.
  3. Pat chicken drumsticks dry and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil or on the grill.
  4. Bake or grill for 25-35 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze generously over the drumsticks on all sides. Continue cooking until the glaze is caramelized and the chicken is cooked through.

Pro-Tip: Reserve some of the glaze before you start brushing it on the raw chicken. You can use the reserved, uncontaminated glaze for dipping at the table.

16. Ground Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

Save this easy and healthy taco night idea for a fun family dinner!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup salsa or water
  • Taco shells and your favorite toppings
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix.
  3. Add the black beans and salsa (or water). Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  4. Serve warm in taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream.

Lesson Learned: The cooked chicken and bean mixture freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half for an even faster dinner on a future night.

17. No-Peek Chicken

Pin this magical, foolproof one-dish dinner!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
  • 2 cups water
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water. Stir well.
  3. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
  5. Bake for 1 hour. Do NOT peek or remove the foil during this time.
  6. After 1 hour, remove from the oven and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: The “no-peek” rule is serious! Resisting the urge to open the foil is crucial. This traps the steam inside, which cooks the rice perfectly and keeps the chicken incredibly moist.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Easy Chicken Recipes

• Embrace Simplicity: You don’t need a long list of ingredients for a delicious meal. Recipes with 3-5 pantry staples like BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, or salsa verde can be incredibly flavorful.
• Use Your Scraps: Leftover or rotisserie chicken is your best friend for ultra-fast meals like Chicken Cobbler, quesadillas, or skillet casseroles.
• One-Pot is King: Minimize cleanup by choosing one-pot, one-skillet, or one-dish bake recipes like Chicken and Rice or No-Peek Chicken.
• Don’t Overcook: The key to juicy chicken, especially breasts, is to cook it until it just reaches 165°F. A meat thermometer is a cheap and invaluable tool.
• Prep for Speed: Simple actions like cubing chicken for a stir-fry (like Honey Garlic Chicken) or using thin cutlets drastically reduce cooking time.

People Also Ask About Easy Chicken Recipes

What are the easy 3 ingredient chicken breast recipes with few ingredients?

Some of the easiest 3-ingredient chicken breast recipes include Baked BBQ Chicken (chicken, BBQ sauce, oil), Lemon Chicken (chicken, lemons, olive oil), and a super-simple baked chicken using only chicken breasts, melted butter, and salt. These recipes rely on one powerful flavor ingredient to do all the work, making dinner incredibly simple.

What is the simplest way to cook chicken?

The simplest way to cook chicken is to bake it. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish, coat them with a little oil or butter, and season generously with salt and pepper (or a seasoning mix). Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. This hands-off method is foolproof and produces consistently juicy results.

What easy dishes to make with chicken?

Easy dishes to make with chicken include one-pot meals like chicken and rice, quick skillet stir-fries like honey garlic chicken, baked dishes like ranch chicken, and slow cooker recipes like salsa verde chicken for tacos. Quesadillas, simple pastas, and sheet pan dinners with chicken and veggies are also excellent, easy options for weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Dinner doesn’t have to be a source of stress. With these simple recipes, you’re always just a few ingredients away from a satisfying meal. Which one of these easy chicken recipes are you excited to try first for your family? Let us know in the comments below