Chicken is a versatile and quick protein choice for a busy weeknight dinner, and there’s no shortage of delicious recipes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something savory, spicy, or comforting, these chicken dishes can be whipped up in no time, satisfying both your hunger and your craving for flavor. From buttery garlic bites to spicy Cajun pasta, chicken offers the flexibility to create meals that are both quick and hearty.
Natasha of Salt & Lavender shares her Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, which come together in about 30 minutes and pair wonderfully with her Garlic Mashed Potatoes—another easy side to make in just 40 minutes. If you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavor, Jenn from Once Upon a Chef offers a make-ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe that can be prepped ahead of time and heated when needed.
For a little more spice, Ree Drummond’s Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, fast meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes, with the pasta and veggies cooking while you prepare the chicken. Another quick chicken favorite comes from The Kitchn with their Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a simple, flavorful dish that takes under an hour to make—serve them with basmati rice for a complete meal.
A cast iron skillet is perfect for making easy, delicious chicken dinners. Its ability to retain heat ensures a beautiful, golden sear that locks in juicy flavor. Whether you’re pan-searing chicken breasts, cooking thighs to crispy perfection, or finishing a dish in the oven, this versatile pan delivers great results every time. Plus, it only gets better with use.
Who doesn’t love a cozy Chicken Pot Pie? Melissa Stadler of Modern Honey has made this classic comfort food more accessible with her Skillet Chicken Pot Pie recipe, which comes together in under an hour using puff pastry for a flaky top. It’s delicious enough for a casual dinner or to impress guests!
One way to save time during the week is to pick up a rotisserie chicken over the weekend, debone it, and use it for quick meals later. Laura Fuentes has a Rotisserie Chicken Pasta recipe that she says comes together in just 20 minutes. Personally, I’d stretch that to around 30-40 minutes, but the ingredient list is short and includes pantry staples you likely already have. It’s a great go-to for busy nights.
Asian-inspired dishes are typically quick to prepare, and chicken works wonderfully in many recipes. April King’s Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl takes less than 30 minutes and is made with ingredients I usually have on hand. If you’re in the mood for stir fry, Erin Clarke’s Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is another fast and customizable option where you can swap in your favorite veggies.
With so many quick and flavorful options, why not make chicken your go-to weeknight protein? Which recipe will you try first?
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