Around here, we think chicken is the unsung hero of main courses.
Sure, it may not conjure the same “oohs” and “aahs” as a perfectly cooked roast or expertly seared piece of fish, but it’s a tried-and-true option that is endlessly versatile.
And while there are practically hundreds of ways to cook chicken, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite recipes that are perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Check them out below.
Hungry for more? Explore our library of recipes for ideas and inspo for your next meal or celebration.
Apple cider is one of those flavors that just makes you feel comforted from the inside out. That’s why it’s the perfect pairing for this warming, weeknight sheet pan dinner.
The brine takes between 6–12 hours, so this is a dish that can be prepped in the morning and pulled out of the refrigerator when you’re ready to start cooking. And since it only takes 30 minutes in the oven, this is a quick, hearty, delicious dinner that’s sure to impress and please.
We love a good one-pan meal, and this cast iron chicken dish might just become one of your family’s new favorites!
The potatoes and chicken all cook together in one pan, and it’s topped with a “so easy you’ll think it’s store-bought” chimichurri that’s packed with flavor. Serve it alongside some grilled asparagus for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Cast-Iron Skillet Chicken with Fingerling Potatoes recipe!
Roast chicken probably sounds like a labor-intensive undertaking, but once you pop it in the oven, you can sit back with a glass of wine and let the magic happen.
Once it’s finished cooking, you’ll enjoy tangy, savory flavors from lemons and herbs that mingle with the shallots and parsnips.
Serve the chicken alongside some classic mashed potatoes for a weeknight dinner that’s endlessly comforting.
Few things conjure up images of breezy Mexican beaches quite like tequila and lime. So, of course, we had to take those South-of-the-Border flavors and turn them into a quick, lip-smacking weeknight meal.
Jalapeño and paprika give this recipe a touch of that classic Mexican heat, while the lime and tequila add some brightness to this dish’s flavor profile. We love this as our protein for tacos on Tuesdays, but it also makes a great meal prep option.
Add it to a storage container with rice, sour cream, salsa and your favorite toppings for a grab-and-go burrito bowl.
We love a good skewer meal—they’re relatively easy and you can customize the veggies and protein to satisfy whatever you’re craving! And this Japanese-inspired recipe is no exception.
The garlicky yuzu and orange glaze is the real star here and gives the dish those classic sweet and tangy flavors. These can be enjoyed on their own as a simple chicken and veggie dinner; or, turn it into a bowl meal by adding rice and topping with sesame seeds.
Get the Grilled Chicken Yakitori with Yuzu and Orange Glaze recipe!
We love tacos, but that’s probably because we love any excuse to chow down on spicy food topped with avocado, sour cream and any other toppings our hearts desire.
Brimming with warm, tongue-tingling flavors of chili powder, cumin and a touch of tangy lime, these fajitas get a refreshing brightness from the bell peppers. Top with whatever your heart desires.
Yes, you can use an actual brick for this recipe (wrapped in foil for sanitation purposes, of course), or you could snag a grill press.
Whatever method you choose, the goal is to get the chicken as flat as possible to ensure evening browning on the skin. Once the chicken thighs have reached desired crispiness, pop them into the oven until they reach an internal temp of 165°F, about 15 minutes.
Pair it with your favorite pasta tossed with sautéed spinach, olive oil and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for an ultra-satisfying dinner.
Bright, colorful and brimming with classic Thai flavors, this one pan dinner will whisk your taste buds away on a global adventure.
The lemongrass imparts a brightness to this dish that helps cut through the earthy, umami flavors of the mushrooms and fish sauce, while the Thai bird chiles round out the profile with a kick of heat. Serve it atop jasmine rice for a fully immersive flavor experience.
Get the Wok Fried Chicken and Vegetables with Ginger and Lemongrass recipe!
If we’re being honest, kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy breaded chicken tenders, which is why we love this grown-up version.
The chicken is dredged in egg and flour and coated with crispy Panko, giving that golden brown crunch we know and love. This dish comes together with a side of roasted Yukon gold potatoes and Brussels sprouts that are cooked in bacon and topped with a tangy balsamic glaze (the only way to eat them, if you ask us).
Got leftovers? This recipe makes for a great grab-and-go lunch option.
When we can make juicy, crispy chicken and an herby sauce all in one pan, that’s a “winner winner chicken dinner” in our books (okay, okay but we couldn’t write a chicken dinner article without at least one pun).
Using pan drippings and only a few ingredients, this dish is savory, light and endlessly flavorful. And while you could serve this atop your favorite pasta, we think you should give these crispy, lemony, herby potato wedges a try.
The lemon in the potatoes pairs well with the white wine in the sauce, and the heartiness of the potatoes offers a perfect base. Bon appétit, anyone?
Get the Pan Roasted Chicken Breasts with White Wine Herb Sauce recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our library of recipes for ideas and inspo for your next meal or celebration.
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