10+ Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes for Quick and Tasty Weeknight Meals

If you want quick and simple meals, easy chicken dinner recipes are a solid choice. Chicken cooks fast and pairs well with all sorts of flavors.

That makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or those nights when you really don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.

Easy chicken dinners help you get a home-cooked meal on the table without a ton of hassle. Whether you’re craving something healthy, spicy, or just plain comforting, there’s plenty you can try.

Ingredients

• Chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• Basic spices (garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven or stove to the recommended temperature.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices.
3. Cook the chicken in a pan, oven, or slow cooker until it hits 165°F/74°C inside.
4. Serve with your favorite sides.

1) 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

You can whip up honey garlic chicken in about 30 minutes. This dish has crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and just-a-bit-spicy honey garlic sauce.

It’s great with veggies like broccoli or asparagus. The sauce only needs a few ingredients, so you’ll get bold flavor without much effort.

If you want a homemade dinner that’s faster than takeout, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Honey
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens up.
7. Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce.
8. Serve hot with your favorite veggies.

You can find more details on this quick recipe at 30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken.

2) Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Tuscan chicken is a simple, flavorful dinner you can pull together any night. You cook chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.

The sauce is rich but not fussy—just a few steps and you’re done. It feels a little special, but you don’t have to work hard for it.

Usually, this comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes. Creamy, tangy, savory—it’s got a bit of everything.

It’s especially good over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread. Want more details? Check Downshiftology’s creamy Tuscan chicken page.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Let sauce simmer until thickened.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce. Heat through. Serve warm.

3) Instant Pot Lemon Frozen Chicken with Orzo

This recipe uses frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer. No need to thaw, so it’s a real time-saver.

The lemon brings a bright, fresh flavor that works really well with creamy orzo. You toss in mushrooms, shallots, and thyme for extra depth.

Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot. The orzo soaks up those lemony juices and turns out super flavorful.

You end up with tender chicken and creamy orzo, all in one go.

Ingredients

• 2 frozen chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
• 1 cup orzo
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add mushrooms, shallots, thyme, orzo, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Place frozen chicken breasts on top of the orzo mixture.
3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma

Sheet pan chicken shawarma brings bold Middle Eastern flavors with hardly any work. You marinate chicken with spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, then roast it all with onions on one pan.

Cleanup is easy, and the chicken cooks evenly. Serve it with pita, rice, or just a pile of fresh veggies.

Greek yogurt in the marinade keeps the chicken juicy. Cooking at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-40 minutes gives you crispy edges.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs, cut in strips
• Greek yogurt
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Red onion, sliced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix yogurt, olive oil, and spices in a bowl.
3. Toss chicken and onions in the marinade.
4. Spread everything on a sheet pan in one layer.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

You can find more about this recipe at Chicken Shawarma Sheet Pan Dinner | The Modern Proper.

5) Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are a lifesaver when you want crispy skin and juicy meat with almost no effort. Just season with your favorite spices—paprika, garlic, oregano, whatever you like.

The air fryer cooks them fast and gets that skin nice and crisp. Start skin side down for the best results.

After about 12 minutes at 400°F (204°C), flip them so the skin crisps up even more. If you pat the skin dry before cooking, you’ll get extra crunch.

You can marinate the thighs in honey and soy sauce if you want a sweet-savory vibe. The air fryer caramelizes the marinade while keeping the chicken moist.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) 2 tbsp honey
• (Optional) 2 tbsp soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with spices, salt, and pepper.
3. If using marinade, mix honey and soy sauce and coat the thighs.
4. Place chicken skin side down in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip skin side up.
6. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until skin is crispy and internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

For more details, check out this air fryer chicken thighs recipe.

6) Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are perfect when you want tasty comfort food but don’t want to fuss. Just fill corn or flour tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and maybe beans or green chiles.

Top with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until bubbly. If you’ve got leftover or pre-cooked chicken, it comes together even faster.

The sauce soaks into the tortillas and gives the whole dish a punch of flavor. You can swap in whatever filling you’ve got on hand.

Try making these when you want something warm and cheesy. If you want a step-by-step, check this easy chicken enchilada recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• ½ cup cooked beans (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped green chiles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix chicken, half the cheese, beans, and green chiles in a bowl.
3. Spread a little sauce in a baking dish.
4. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mix, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the dish.
5. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7) Chicken Florentine Style

Chicken Florentine is a creamy, quick dinner that’s hard not to love. You cook tender chicken breasts in a mild garlic and white wine sauce.

Fresh spinach and a splash of cream make the sauce smooth and rich. It looks fancy, but it’s honestly pretty easy.

You only need a handful of ingredients, so it’s ideal for busy nights. The sauce goes great with rice, pasta, or just some crusty bread.

If you like a little zing, squeeze in some lemon at the end. This one’s cozy and comforting but won’t keep you in the kitchen too long.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken in flour, shake off extra.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Cook chicken until golden and done, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
5. Add garlic to the pan and cook 1 minute.
6. Pour in white wine, scraping up any bits.
7. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
8. Add cream and lemon juice, simmer to thicken.
9. Return chicken to the pan and cook 2 more minutes.
10. Serve warm with your favorite side.

8) Sazón Chicken Breasts

Sazón chicken breasts are a simple way to bring bold flavor to your dinner table. Just marinate the chicken in garlic, orange juice, olive oil, and sazón seasoning.

This combo gives the chicken a bright, slightly tangy vibe. Cooking it in a skillet or oven keeps the meat juicy and tender.

It’s a quick recipe—perfect for nights when you want something tasty but don’t want to fuss too much. I usually serve it with rice or whatever veggies I’ve got on hand.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sazón seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss garlic, orange juice, olive oil, sazón, salt, and pepper in a small food processor or bowl.
2. Coat the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until it hits 165°F (74°C) inside.
5. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

For more details, check out the Sazón Chicken Breasts Recipe.

9) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

Garlic butter chicken tenders are a lifesaver on busy nights. You can have them on the table in about 10 to 20 minutes.

The garlic and butter make the chicken juicy and packed with flavor. I like serving this with rice or a crisp salad—nothing fancy, just good.

You don’t need a lot of ingredients, and the steps are super simple. If you want a quick guide, take a look at this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken tenders, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
3. Set the chicken aside.
4. Melt the rest of the butter in the pan and add garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing.
5. Pour the garlic butter over the chicken tenders.
6. Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve.

10) Creamy Lemon Chicken

Creamy lemon chicken is one of those recipes that just feels right when you want something fresh and comforting. You cook the chicken in a buttery lemon sauce that turns rich and creamy.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight. I like to serve it with pasta, rice, or sometimes mashed cauliflower if I’m feeling low-carb.

The sauce comes together fast and keeps the chicken juicy. You’ll have dinner ready in about 20 to 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken.

2. Heat up some butter in a skillet—medium heat works best.

3. Toss in the chicken. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want it golden and cooked through.

4. Take the chicken out and set it aside for now.

5. Throw some garlic into the same pan. Let it sizzle for a minute.

6. Pour in lemon juice and lemon zest, then add half-and-half.

7. Let that mixture simmer for a few minutes, maybe 3 to 5, until it thickens up a bit.

8. Put the chicken back in the pan and spoon the sauce all over it.

9. Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes, just to heat it through.

10. Serve while it’s warm, and pick whatever side dish you like.

For more details, check this easy creamy lemon chicken recipe.