70 Best Chicken Dinner Recipes So Good You'll Want To Make Them Every Day

Chicken has been a staple protein for a long, long time — and fortunately, we've come a long way in figuring out creative ways to get it to the dinner table. It wasn't that long ago that Grandma might have been leaning heavy on the chicken-and-green-bean casserole and the old standby of roast chicken, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with either of those. They're still downright delicious, as a matter of fact! But let's be honest, there are so many more options out there. 

Chicken is brilliant because it's so versatile, and it's well suited to being the star of all kinds of dishes with all kinds of flavor profiles, inspired by all kinds of cuisines. It's also handy to have around: It's easy to freeze into conveniently-sized portions, and we're huge fans of anything that makes cooking easier — because ultimately, that means it's more enjoyable.

So, let's get creative with chicken and talk about some new dishes to try, along with some ways to add a whole new element to old favorites.

Chicken francese sounds fancy, but it's absolutely not. True, it's an Italian-inspired dish, which might make it seem like it should be even more complicated, but it only takes a handful of ingredients that you probably already have, and yes, one of them is wine. From start to finish, our chicken francese recipe helps guarantee you'll be done in just half an hour, though, and the light lemon-forward flavor makes this perfect for those nights where you're not feeling like having something too heavy. It's also complemented nicely by literally any side veggie, and in short, it's definitely going to end up being regularly requested.

Recipe: Chicken Francese

Chicken is great when it comes to all kinds of flavor profiles, and there's a reason it's so often used in Chinese-inspired cuisine — it's versatile and oh so delicious! Even if you have your standard go-to ideas, you'll want to check out our chicken stir fry recipe for some tips, including how to use up some of those veggies that you might not normally think of using in a stir fry. We're huge fans of no waste, and if you have the odd pepper, onion, a few carrots, or even a zucchini left over that you're not sure what to do with, well, it's stir fry night!

Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

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Beer can chicken is the star of many summer barbecues, and now you can make one, too — it's easier than you think. Brine your chicken with a dry rub for up to 24 hours, then get your can of beer ready. Insert the opened can of beer inside the chicken and use it to make your bird stand up on the heated grill grates. (You can also buy an inexpensive beer can chicken stand to help with this.) Serve the smoky, spicy grilled chicken with barbecue sauce and sides like cole slaw or potato salad. 

Recipe: Beer Can Chicken

It doesn't matter how much you enjoy cooking — doing dishes afterward is the absolute worst. We're with you there, and that's why we love easy dinners like this one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice. That's right, all that in one pan! We won't give away too many secrets, but yes, after you sear off your chicken, everything else just goes in that one pan for minimal cleanup. There's more good news: If this Italian-inspired version is a win, we've also got a similar one-pan recipe for a dish that uses all Mexican flavors for a fast arroz con pollo that's sure to wow.

Recipe: One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken And Rice

Chicken Piccata is such a lovely dish that it's a no-brainer to serve for an intimate dinner party. But it comes together so fast, it should also become part of your weeknight dinner rotation. It's easy to slice chicken breasts in half to make thin pieces, or you can buy chicken that's pre-sliced into cutlets to save even more time. Sauté the floured cutlets, make a quick white wine, lemon, and caper sauce, and dinner is ready. Foods Guy recommends angel hair pasta or a salad to serve with alongside this dinner.

Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Some days, you're just in the mood for some old-school, classic comfort food, and there are few dishes that say comfort food better than a chicken casserole. And here's the thing — just because it's an old favorite, that doesn't mean it has to be dry and boring. Check out our chicken casserole recipe for a dish that's hearty, filling, and covered in a delicious, creamy sauce. Bonus? It's great for hiding vegetables in, and any meal that doesn't involve arguing with the kids is a win, right?

Recipe: Chicken Casserole

Pineapple might be a delicious snack when it's right out of the fridge, but warm pineapple can be pretty polarizing. Even if you're not a fan of it on a pizza, it's impossible to deny that sweet and sour chicken wouldn't be the same without it. It's a popular classic when it comes time to order take-out, but check out our recipe for a sweet and sour chicken that we'll stand by as being even better — and more affordable — than what you'd get delivered to your door. Plus, you get leftover pineapple for dessert!

Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

In addition to being packed with savory flavors, this slow cooker dish can be adapted to fit exactly what you need. It simmers away for eight hours while you work or run errands, or be cooked on high to finish in just four hours. You can stick with the chicken, or omit it and make a vegetarian curry with the addition of more vegetables and vegetable stock. Keep it mild or add more chili peppers or chili paste to make a fiery main dish. Serve it with cooked rice or flatbreads like naan.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Cashew Chicken

It's not certain exactly how long people have been serving up the hot, hearty dish that is chicken and dumplings, but there's one thing that's agreed on: It's been on dinner tables for a long, long time. While that might mean it's one of those meals that has a reputation as being old-fashioned and not at all anywhere on your regular rotation, giving our chicken and dumplings recipe a try might just completely change your mind. These aren't your grandmother's chicken and dumplings, but follow our recipe and you'll definitely make her proud.

Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Crispy fried chicken is such a delicious treat, but deep-frying is not necessarily a very healthy choice. This recipe solves that problem by oven-frying the pieces instead. Start with a buttermilk brine that adds tanginess and tenderizes the meat. Next, coat the pieces in a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, and spices, then place them on a rack-lined sheet pan. Bake the chicken for about an hour until cooked through, then serve with your favorite fried chicken sides like mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, buttered biscuits, or French fries. 

Recipe: Sheet Pan Fried Chicken

Chicken breasts are delicious and super versatile, but if you've ever had complaints that they've just come out too dry, you're not alone. Fortunately, we have a great way to help make sure your chicken breasts come out moist and succulent, and that's by using our stuffed chicken breast recipe. Instead of relying on a sauce or gravy, this dish fills each breast with a cream cheese and veggie mix that will absolutely prevent any complaints. Goodbye, dry birds!

Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast

Indian take-away restaurants are wildly popular in the West, and especially in the UK, but fortunately, we also have a brilliant and easy recipe for one of the most popular dishes — chicken tikka masala.

Even though you can definitely adjust the amount of seasonings for spiciness, this dish isn't for unadventurous types. It's filled with spices like paprika, curry, cumin, and ginger, and for the real thing, you'll definitely want to use some hot peppers. The end result is a creamy, spicy chicken dish that will absolutely warm you up right, from head to toes.

Recipe: Simple Chicken Tikka Masala

The name of our butter chicken recipe is a little deceiving, because while there is a dash of butter in there, it's actually so much more. Butter chicken is a mild but flavorful Indian dish that includes traditional seasonings like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, but it goes easy on the heat and calls for just a dash of chili powder or sprinkling of jalapeno, if you're so inclined. Otherwise, just give it a skip for a creamy and mild chicken dish that's sure to be a favorite.

Recipe: Butter Chicken

You might think that a stunning roast chicken sounds like a meal meant for Sundays or holidays, but a slow cooker version makes it easy to serve this impressive main dish any night of the week — just start it in the morning before work. Choose a whole chicken that fits in your slow cooker, and add veggies like carrots and onion. Fresh rosemary, lemon slices, and a spice rub for the meat will make a flavorful roast. A 5-pound chicken will feed six, or give you leftover chicken for other recipes.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Chicken breast doesn't have to be boring! Use your versatile air fryer to cook up chicken breasts that have a crisp exterior while still being juicy. In this recipe, the chicken gets flavor from a spice blend of oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme that's rubbed all over the surface. Once inside the air fryer, the chicken cooks through in only 20 minutes. Serve your chicken breasts as-is with a pasta and/or side salad, or use them to create any number of dishes: Fry up some Chicken Parmesan or shred the meat to fill tacos or sandwich rolls.   

Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Yes, it really is possible to make a copycat General Tso's chicken at home that tastes better and fresher than take out. This recipe uses chicken thighs, which are more likely to stay tender and juicy after cooking. Brown the cubed chicken in oil, then make the spicy and flavorful sauce using hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and chili flakes. Quickly cook the chicken in the sauce and it's ready to serve over rice. The whole recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes!

Recipe: General Tso's Chicken

The benefit of using an Instant Pot to make a meal is that Individual components that needs sautéing or browning before being cooked can all be done right inside the appliance, which makes clean-up so much easier. This creamy chicken recipe is the perfect example: Brown the bone-in chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, followed by a quick sauté of the mushrooms and garlic. Once these steps are done, the chicken cooks up in the pot in just 15 minutes. Finish the dish by making an easy cream sauce, and serve the chicken with roasted potatoes or pasta. 

Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken

This chicken recipe has so much flavor, and is delicious served with cooked rice or warm pieces of naan. Pick up an inexpensive package of drumsticks, and begin by searing them in a pan to brown the outsides. After adding ingredients like stock, curry powder, and coconut milk, let the chicken simmer until tender. While the meat cooks, you'll have time to prepare the sides or have a pre-dinner drink. There might even be time for both!

Recipe: Chicken Curry

Being an adult is overrated, and the worst might be the look you get when you order chicken tenders off the menu at any restaurant. We never understood the stigma: Sure, kids love them, but that's because they're amazing! They're crispy in all the right places, and moist where it counts. Plus, there's no end to the sauces!

If you're an adult who loves chicken tenders but are sick of the restaurant eye-rolls, we have you covered with our easy chicken tenders recipe that's going to be better than anything you're going to get from any restaurant. Pro tip? Make extra, and use them on a sub for the next day's lunch sandwiches or salads.

Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Sure, some nights you just want take-out. But what about those nights when you want all the fun and delicious flavor of take-out, but you'd still like to spend some time in the kitchen, cooking and catching up on the day's events with family over a drink or two? Look no further than our sesame chicken recipe. No, really — sesame chicken might seem daunting, with a whole laundry list of ingredients and more than a few steps, but it's really not. And our recipe comes together in just around an hour, and that's just enough time to work up that appetite.

Recipe: Sesame Chicken

This is a great recipe to keep bookmarked for those nights where you want a creamy and comforting chicken dinner without much fuss, since you'll only dirty one pot when making it. Chop your veggies first (or use a food processor to speed things up) then sauté them with boneless chicken thighs. Add rice and broth, and simmer until done. The dish gets a luxurious finish with the addition of garlic butter, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese.   

Recipe: One Pot Chicken And Rice

Coming up with something good for dinner each and every day can be a real drag, but we have the perfect way to make that at least a little easier with Instant Pot chicken. Check out our recipe for the details, but the basics are that we're going to show you how to turn some boring old chicken into the basis for a delicious dinner. It'll only take around 10 minutes to do, and that'll give you plenty of time to figure out what else you're going to do with it. Whether you're serving it shredded with rice and vegetables or slathering on some BBQ sauce for sandwiches, it's a great place to start!

Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken

Some of the best dinners are the ones that aren't boring, so how about whipping up a massive batch of wings and putting them on the table for everyone to share? Chicken wings are absolutely brilliant, and there's good news: you don't have to feel guilty about eating them, because there are definitely ways to make them so they're not as unhealthy as what you might order alongside a pizza. For starters, give our baked chicken wings a look — and yes, we know how to get them crispy! If you're feeling a bit more like a traditionalist, we've also got a great recipe for Buffalo wings — complete with bleu cheese dip.

Recipe: Simple Buffalo Wings

What is chicken piccata? It's a noodle and chicken dish that's perfect for those nights when you're hungry... but not too hungry. Instead of hiding your chicken beneath a heavy sauce, this dish's white wine, lemon, and capers combine to make a sauce that accents the flavor of the chicken instead of hiding it, and it's an indulgent, elegant dish that won't leave you feeling like you overindulged at all.

Recipe: 20-Minute Chicken Piccata

We'd like to argue that a date night dinner doesn't have to just be about the eating, it can also be about sharing the meal prep — and a bottle of wine along the way. Sounds like more fun than sitting in front of the TV, right? We've even got the perfect recipe for socializing with our spicy chicken potstickers. Sure, it might take some time to prep the filling, make the dipping sauce, stuff the wonton wrappers, and fry them up, but that's part of the fun when you can share the process with someone special!

Recipe: Spicy Chicken Potstickers

Chicken pot pie might seem like one of those things that's easier to buy than it is to make, but gone are the days when you needed to make your own pie crust — and no, no one's going to judge you for using puff pastry, because that's exactly what our chicken pot pie recipe calls for. That makes it super simple, and then, add in the fact that this is a great way to use up those bags of vegetables that have just a little bit of bite left in them. We could all use more hearty yet easy recipes like this one, that's for sure.

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Having a busy few days doesn't mean you need to compromise and opt for something less-than-stellar for dinner. In fact, we'd argue that busy days are just when you need a good meal the most. We've got you covered with this 1-pot chicken teriyaki recipe: Not only does the single pan make cleanup a snap, even if you wait until the next morning to do it, but it only takes about 30 minutes to get a hot, flavorful and fresh meal on the table. Bonus? The leftovers will reheat well for an equally delicious lunch the next day.

Recipe: One-Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Sure, chicken parm is great, but it can be a pain in the backside to make. There's nothing more annoying than spending all that time cooking, only to have the breading fall off in the sauce, right? Well, we have a non-traditional fix for you in our one-pot chicken parm pasta recipe, and it'll capture the heart of a delicious chicken parm and none of the headache. We use bite-sized pieces of chicken covered in a scratch-made breading then piled on top of pasta and covered with parm. All the flavor with none of the mess!

Recipe: One-Pot Chicken Parm Pasta

It's safe to say that orange chicken is a fan favorite, whether it's from Panda Express or Trader Joe's. Now, it can be from your own kitchen, too, with a little guidance from our own orange chicken recipe. The secret? Fresh oranges, of course! That's the one thing you don't want to compromise on, after all — it's what gives orange chicken that distinctive mix of sweetness and zest, which comes from other traditional ingredients like soy and ginger. You might never order out for it again!

Recipe: Homemade Orange Chicken

There are a few things that everyone should have a go-to recipe for, and it's entirely possible that this BBQ chicken recipe will be one of those staples for you. There's absolutely nothing you won't love, from the 5-minute prep time to the versatility when it comes to picking sides (literally — what do you have in the fridge?). It'll also be pretty much perfect no matter what kind of BBQ sauce you decide to use, and it doesn't get much easier — or better — than that!

Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken

Don't be alarmed by the two-hours-or-longer prep time on this: that's the hands-off marinating process. And trust us — it's a step you don't want to skip. If there's anything that makes the perfect summer day even better, it's firing up the grill and cooking in the great outdoors. Drying out chicken on the grill can be pretty easy to do, but this recipe for grilled chicken is going to help you avoid all the potential pitfalls. Moist, juicy chicken breasts, right off the grill and onto a paper plate, alongside some grilled corn and cold potato salad? Yes, please!

Recipe: Grilled Chicken

This delicious recipe from Alex Guarnaschelli of "Iron Chef" and "Chopped" combines chicken tenders with peppers and peas in a rich and savory peanut sauce. We added a couple of twists to her recipe, starting with preparing it in an Instant Pot rather than on the stove top. This simple change makes it possible to get the dish to the table in less than 20 minutes, so it can be an easy weeknight dinner option. We also added coconut milk to the peanut sauce to make it creamy and even more flavorful. 

Recipe: Alex Guarnaschelli's Chicken Stir Fry With Spicy Peanut Sauce

According to Masterclass, spatchcocking a chicken shortens the overall cooking time and makes it possible to evenly cook both the white and dark meat parts of the bird. The backbone is removed so that the chicken can be flattened or butterflied. Our recipe, by Ksenia Prints, proves that it's easier than you might assume. The surface is covered with a flavorful herb rub and olive oil, and a 4-pound spatchcocked chicken takes only 45 minutes to roast. Not bad for a recipe that feeds up to eight people!

Recipe: Oven-Roasted Spatchcocked Chicken

According to The Kitchn, schnitzel is a type of German cooking where thin cuts of meat are breaded and lightly fried. This recipe transforms boneless, skinless chicken breasts into crisp chicken schnitzel. Traditional recipes call for pounding the meat until thin, but in this dish the chicken is sliced horizontally to make thinner cutlets. The breaded cutlets fry up on the stovetop, and the whole recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make. Serve your schnitzel with mashed potatoes or a warm German-style potato salad. 

Recipe: Chicken Schnitzel

This sweet and savory recipe gives plain chicken breasts some oomph thanks to minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce. The dish is ready in 30 minutes, and is very tasty paired with a light salad, cooked white or brown rice, or roasted potatoes. Be sure to bookmark this recipe so you can try the sauce with other dishes: Toss it with oven roasted root vegetables, or use it in a simple pork and vegetable stir fry.  

Recipe: Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken Divan is a delicious dinner dish that's been around since the 1950s, according to Paste Magazine. Once you try it, you'll understand why it's still such a hit. Start by preparing the individual parts of the dish: Steam the broccoli, sear the chicken breasts, and whisk together an easy, cheesy white sauce. Layer everything in a baking dish with breadcrumbs and more cheese, then bake until the chicken is done and the sauce is bubbling. Hearty and savory, it works equally as well as a family meal or to serve to guests at a dinner party. 

Recipe: Classic Chicken Divan 

Get out your cast iron skillet! Blackened chicken can be served over fluffy rice or with pasta, or sliced up to make fajitas and grilled chicken sandwiches. The trick is to char the surface of the chicken while still keeping it moist on the inside, and that's achieved here by marinating the chicken breasts in a zesty blend of Italian dressing and spices. Sear the marinated chicken on the stovetop in your trusty cast iron skillet, then move the pan to the oven to finish cooking.

Recipe: Blackened Chicken

Don't tell yourself that you don't have time to make a favorite take-out dish at home — This one takes only 30 minutes. Spicy Hunan Chicken really is that easy to make, and this recipe has the perfect ingredients to get that take-out flavor. (Or better!) Sauté diced chicken breast, then add the veggies, and then bring everything together in a spicy mixture that includes soy sauce, sambal oelek, and stock. Pro tip: Chop the veggies and slice the chicken in advance and have them waiting in the fridge to help get this meal to the table fast. 

Recipe: Spicy Hunan Chicken

Here's a dinner that will impress. It looks fancy, tastes amazing, and luckily for the chef, is actually really easy to put together. A savory mustard-cream cheese blend is stuffed inside chicken breasts, and this recipe tells you how to do it. Wrap the chicken breasts in strips of bacon and bake them up in only 25 minutes. They're delicious with roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables. The recipe calls for wholegrain mustard, but you can use a spicier version like Dijon or horseradish if you prefer.

Recipe: Mustard Stuffed Chicken

This is such a wonderful chicken recipe, not only because it's loaded with flavor and colorful vegetables, but because it's so easy to make. To start, whisk up a blend of olive oil and aromatics like garlic and oregano. Arrange sliced peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion wedges, and artichokes on a sheet pan with boneless chicken breasts nestled alongside. Toss everything with the herby oil and roast for 25 minutes. White rice is tasty as a side, or try folding the chicken and veggies inside soft pitas with tzatziki sauce. 

Recipe: Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

According to Allrecipes, cooking up a flavorful pot of arroz con pollo can take a couple of hours. Our recipe is a speedy version of this dish that you can prepare in a fraction of the time, making it an option for even the busiest weeknights. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and cubed chicken breast, and then simmer these in chicken stock with yellow rice, peas, tomatoes, and olives. This recipe makes enough to feed your whole family, or to have leftovers for workday lunches.

Recipe: Spanish Yellow Rice And Chicken

The seasonings and stock that go into the slow cooker with the chicken make it tasty and tender enough to be the star of your meal. Whether whole or cubed, the chicken breast cooks up in just four hours in the slow cooker. You can also prepare the chicken to incorporate it into other dishes. Stuff it into sandwiches, toss it with pasta, or use it as filling for tacos and enchiladas. 

Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

This chicken main dish has been around for over a century, and it's just as delicious today. It's also an impressive entrée to present to your family or friends, even though it's not hard to make. A pocket sliced into chicken breasts holds a parsley-garlic-butter filling, and then the breasts are coated in egg and panko breadcrumbs. Brown them, then bake them in the oven while you prepare sides like cooked rice or crusty bread. 

Recipe: Chicken Kiev

Roast chicken is a wonderful recipe to have in your repertoire. It's easy to make, flavorful, and versatile enough to serve as supper for the family or the main course at a dinner party. We started with a roast chicken recipe from the queen of entertaining and comforting dishes, Ina Garten, and made a few changes. The flavor profile for our chicken is orange and rosemary, which go inside the chicken along with garlic. The surface is coated with mayonnaise, an unexpected ingredient that creates a crispy, golden skin and juicy meat. Serve roast chicken with potatoes, fresh salad, and warm rolls. 

Recipe: Ina Garten's Roast Chicken

This recipe is further proof that your favorite take-out food can be made at home — and taste even more delicious. The pan-fried chicken pieces (thighs or boneless breast, your choice) get a crispy texture thanks to a coating of corn starch and rice flour. The easy sauce includes orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili-garlic paste. Making your own sesame chicken also means that you can adjust the flavors to your liking, tweaking ingredients for more (or less) sweetness and spice. 

Recipe: 20-Minute Sesame Chicken

This is one of the most versatile recipes we've seen, and perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food. An easy chicken stew that takes only five minutes to prep and a half hour to cook, it can be served over rice or used as a filling for burritos and tacos. Add some canned hominy and serve it as a thick pozole-style soup with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, and sliced avocado. This recipe is on the mild side, but you can always amp the spice factor up with diced chili peppers or hot sauce.

Recipe: Mexican Chicken Stew

The adobo sauce in this recipe is a tantalizing blend of coconut milk, soy sauce, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves. Inexpensive chicken drumsticks simmer over low heat in this sauce, soaking up all the flavor while the meat stays tender and moist. It has the comforting feel of a braised dish that's been cooking away all day, and yet this recipe is ready in a little over a half hour, which makes it a unique and tasty option for weeknight dinners as well as weekends. Serve your chicken adobo with rice, bulgur wheat, or roasted potatoes. 

Recipe: Chicken Adobo

This dish is a favorite in northern India, featuring marinated chicken served in a rich, spiced sauce made with ingredients like butter, tomatoes, and ginger. Traditionally, this dish has lengthy steps, including marinating the chicken, sautéing it, and simmering the composed dish. Our recipe makes matters easier by putting the chicken thighs and everything else together in a slow cooker. It's ready in just four hours, and since it's hands-off, you're free to prepare sides of rice, flatbreads, and chutneys. 

Recipe: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Folks who don't have a deep fryer at home may feel like they're missing out on delicious, homemade fried chicken. The good news is that with this recipe you can still get juicy chicken with a crispy coating made right in your oven. Bone-in chicken thighs are the secret to meat that stays tender and juicy after baking. The pieces are dredged in coatings of seasoned flour, a spicy egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs and then get a little drizzle of melted butter. They bake up golden brown and delightfully crispy.

Recipe: Southern Oven Fried Chicken

If there's one chicken recipe that everyone from kids to grandparents will love, it's a classic chicken Parmesan. Thin chicken breasts get dredged in breadcrumbs and oven-baked until crispy, then they're layered in a cast iron skillet or baking dish with your favorite spaghetti sauce and thick slices of mozzarella. Give the dish a quick flash in the broiler to melt the cheese, and dinner is ready. Serve this hearty, comforting Italian dish with buttery slices of garlic bread and a side of pasta.

Recipe: Chicken Parmesan

It's easy to make tantalizing Tandoori chicken at home: all you need is your oven. The recipe begins with marinating boneless chicken thighs in a creamy mixture of yogurt, garlic, and spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. This step can take as little as two hours, or let the chicken marinate overnight so that it's ready to prepare for dinnertime. Once the chicken is baked, serve this colorful spiced dish with rice, lemon slices, and diced cilantro.

Recipe: Tandoori Chicken 

While the exact origin of Bourbon Chicken is tricky to pin down, what is clear is that the sweet and spicy chicken dish is a take-out favorite. And now you can create your own bourbon chicken at home using diced, boneless chicken thighs and ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry. Cook the cubed chicken first, then mix and cook the sauce made from ingredients like ketchup, garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. A simple cornstarch slurry thickens the sweet and sticky sauce so that it really coats the chicken and whatever side you serve it with, whether it's cooked rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Recipe: Sweet Bourbon Chicken 

You may not think of cinnamon as a spice for savory dishes, but as The Seattle Times points out, cinnamon really is that versatile. It's especially delicious in recipes where the cinnamon flavors become more intense when combined with fats from meats like pork and chicken. Here, chicken drumsticks rest overnight in a marinade of cinnamon, apple juice, honey, and garlic, which infuses flavor into the meat. The drumsticks are first seared, then baked until fully cooked. The result is fall-apart tender meat in a rich, aromatic sauce. Pair this dish with mashed potatoes or cooked carrots. 

Recipe: Baked Chicken With Cinnamon

When you stash a store-bought rotisserie chicken in the fridge, it's easy to put together a speedy dinner dish that everyone will love — like these chicken enchiladas. Shred the chicken, then make an easy, homemade enchilada sauce on the stovetop. (Homemade is way more delicious, and can be as spicy or mild as you like.) Fill tortillas with chicken, sauce, and onion, then roll them up and tuck them in a baking dish. Topped with more sauce, they bake up in less than 30 minutes. Serve your enchiladas with seasoned rice, refried beans, and cold Mexican beer for a festive, satisfying meal. 

Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

If you've never heard of mochiko, Masterclass explains that it's a type of rice flour made from dried grains of mochigome rice. Mochiko is used to make candies and desserts (like mochi ice cream), but it's also used to make a crispy batter-coating for meats. In our recipe, marinated, cubed chicken are tossed in a blend of mochiko, flour, and cornstarch, then spread on an oiled baking sheet. As the chicken bakes, a delicious, crispy coating forms on the outside while the meat inside stays tender. Serve mochiko chicken with white rice, or with noodles like soba and ramen. 

Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

This dish has a tantalizing play of textures, color, and flavor, and best of all? It only takes 15 minutes to cook up, so it's an easy, go-to dinner any night of the week. You can save time on some of the prep work by chopping your scallions and peppers ahead of time, and by purchasing already-sliced chicken tenders. The browned chicken and toasted cashews are tossed with a blend of soy sauce, hoisin, chicken stock, and honey. Serve it with steamed rice or freshly-made scallion pancakes. 

Recipe: 15-Minute Cashew Chicken

Here is another fantastic sheet pan dinner that's easy to assemble and bakes up in about 30 minutes. Meals like this are a life-saver on busy nights, or when you want to be free to do other stuff while your dinner cooks. Arrange fingerling potatoes (or larger potatoes sliced into chunks) on a sheet pan along with inexpensive chicken thighs, oil, and herbs. You could also add veggies if you want, like sliced carrots, onions, or broccoli. Serve this dish with slices of crusty bread and softened butter, and glasses of crisp chilled Chardonnay.

Recipe: Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs 

This hearty chicken dish is a Southern favorite, frequently appearing on family dinner tables and in local cookbooks, according to Southern Living. Chicken is simmered in a tomato-based sauce with veggies and spices like curry and pepper. Our recipe for Country Captain Chicken utilizes the slow cooker, so it's almost completely hands-off. You can brown the chicken breasts beforehand in oil or bacon grease if you'd like, or to keep it simple just add them to the slow cooker as is. Serve the chicken and sauce with rice.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Captain Chicken

Saveur shares that vindaloo is an Indian-by-way-of-Portugal dish consisting of marinated meat that's simmered in a sauce of chilies and spices. Our recipe starts by marinating chicken thighs in red wine vinegar and salt for as little as two hours or as long as overnight. Make the sauce using ingredients like chilies, onions, garlic, and dry mustard, then heat it in a skillet to awaken the flavors. Once these steps are done, everything (plus some chopped potatoes) goes into a slow cooker for a low and slow simmer that makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Serve chicken vindaloo with rice, warm naan, or both. 

Recipe: Chicken Vindaloo

Put away the take-out menu and make your own, infinitely better-tasting Szechuan chicken at home. As with all home cooking, you'll know exactly what's going into your dish and can tweak flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Cubed chicken breast gets browned and cooked first, followed by chopped onions, peppers, and broccoli. Then everything gets cooked together in a simple sauce — that's it! Serve Szechuan chicken with rice noodles, fried rice, or white rice.

Recipe: Szechuan Chicken

Wings make an excellent dinner, especially when paired with a cold beer and crispy fries or fresh biscuits. And if you're a fan of fiery Nashville Hot Chicken, then you'll really love this recipe. Coat inexpensive chicken wings with an egg mixture that includes Tabasco sauce and flour dusted with black pepper. Fry the wings in a Dutch oven on your stovetop or using a deep fryer. Once they're done, brush them with cayenne pepper-spiked melted butter. Whether served hot, at room temperature, or cold as leftovers, they'll pack a punch.

Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken Wings

It's easier than you think to make the traditional Hungarian dish known as paprikash. Start by browning the surface of bone-in chicken pieces in a Dutch oven, then cook chopped onions and garlic in a little oil. Stir in paprika, tomatoes, and stock, then simmer until the chicken is done. A dollop of sour cream stirred in at the end makes a rich, creamy sauce. Use sweet paprika or the spicier Hungarian paprika — just be sure that your paprika is really fresh so that the flavor is vibrant. Serve paprikash with egg noodles or even mashed potatoes. 

Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

For all you spicy food lovers out there, it's jerk chicken! Start by coating bone-in chicken pieces with a blend of allspice, pepper, ginger, and brown sugar, followed by a fiery marinade that includes Scotch bonnet peppers, onions, garlic, and lime juice. The chicken needs to marinate for at least an hour, but you can also let it sit overnight so that the chicken can be cooked in time for dinner. Bake it in the oven, then serve with Jamaican rice and beans or cole slaw. 

Recipe: Jerk Chicken

Do you have picky kids — or adults — who won't budge from their beloved boxed mac n' cheese? It's time to introduce them to a delicious, grown-up mac n' cheese: pasta alfredo. Because this recipe takes only a half hour to cook, it's a good one to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. This recipe combines a creamy garlic-Parmesan cheese sauce with fettucine and sliced chicken. (Save even more time by cooking the chicken in advance, or using meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken.)

Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Make this 30-minute recipe to feed your family, feed your friends, or to give yourself some tasty leftovers to enjoy the next day. Broil sliced onions and peppers on a sheet pan until they're tender and charred. Then, broil thin-sliced strips of chicken until they're cooked through. Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro. Spanish rice or tortilla chips with queso would make delicious sides. 

Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Coronation Chicken Salad is a creamy mixture of diced chicken, curry, chopped apricots, and almonds. This is a perfect recipe to make with leftover cooked chicken or meat from a rotisserie chicken, because the rest of the recipe only takes about three minutes to assemble. While we love this salad in a sandwich (and sandwiches are perfectly fine for dinner) you can also pair it with cooked pasta or with steamed rice to make a heartier meal. Add a little heat to this salad if you'd like by using a spicy curry blend or a little cayenne pepper. 

Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Your family will love the bright and tangy flavor of lemon chicken for dinner, and it's an easy meal to prepare. Chicken drumsticks are coated with olive oil and a blend of diced garlic and Italian seasonings, and placed in a baking dish with fresh lemon juice and lemon slices. Once you pop it in the oven, it's hands off as the chicken bakes for an hour. That gives you time to prepare some buttered fingerling potatoes, rice pilaf, or other sides to have alongside. 

Recipe: Baked Lemon Chicken

Masterclass shares that the traditional flavors of Italian bruschetta are olive oil, garlic, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil. Here, those flavors are combined with chicken breast and pasta to make a flavorful meal that's really beautiful on the plate. While the chicken bakes, sauté onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes and then add cooked pasta to the pan so it can soak it all up. Serve the finished chicken over the pasta and sauce with basil, balsamic vinegar, and a big glass of wine.

Recipe: Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Smoking takes more time than other cooking methods, but it's worth it. The smoking process creates meats that are smoky, tender, and absolutely delicious. Make these smoked chicken thighs for your next cookout or for a weekend dinner. They're marinated overnight in a brine of Vermouth, garlic, shallots, and herbs, and this step helps ensure that the chicken will be super moist. Smoke the thighs low and slow for about two hours, then serve with potatoes, grilled veggies, or pasta salad. 

Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Chicken Marsala is a classic dish that gets its name from a sauce made with Marsala sweet fortified wine, along with cream and sliced mushrooms. Served with pasta or a green salad, it's a meal with an elegant feel, and yet only takes a half hour to prepare. Make for a weeknight dinner or as the main course of your next dinner party. If you can't find marsala wine, you can use Medeira or pinot noir wines or a nonalcoholic substitute of grape juice and sherry vinegar blended together. 

Recipe: Chicken Marsala