20 Chicken Dinners You Can Always Count On

Chicken is one of those ingredients that works for just about any dinner you can think of. These recipes cover everything from quick stovetop meals to slow cooker favorites, all using simple steps and regular ingredients. Whether you need something fast on a busy night or want to put together a dish that feels a little more special, chicken has you covered. It cooks fast and takes on whatever flavors you throw at it, which makes it a solid go-to any time.

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Easy Blackened Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces on a plate, garnished with chopped herbs and lemon wedges, make for one of the ideal meal prep recipes. A fork holds up a slice, revealing its juicy, cooked interior with a slightly charred exterior. — Easy Blackened Chicken. Photo by Rich and Delish

A spicy crust forms on the outside of this Easy Blackened Chicken when cooked in a very hot pan. It might look a little burnt but tastes amazing, with smoky flavor and just the right heat.
Get the recipe: Easy Blackened Chicken

Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas de pollo tacos served on a large white plate next to limes and tomato salsa. — Chicken Fajitas. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Sizzling chicken and peppers come with warm tortillas on the side for these Chicken Fajitas. It is a fun meal that lets everyone build their own with toppings like guacamole and sour cream.
Get the recipe: Chicken Fajitas

Pollo a la Coca Cola (Coca Cola Chicken)

A plate with two pieces of cooked chicken in a brown sauce, garnished with green herbs, is served alongside a portion of white rice. In the background, there are bowls of more white rice and additional green herbs on a wooden surface. A fork rests on the plate. — Pollo a la Coca Cola. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Coke creates a sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes on the chicken as it cooks for this Pollo a la Coca Cola. It sounds unusual but tastes amazing, especially with rice to soak up the sauce.
Get the recipe: Pollo a la Coca

Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker

A plate of apricot chicken served on white rice, accompanied by a fresh green salad with mixed leaves and cherry tomatoes. Apricots and a woven basket are visible in the background, and a gold fork is placed on the right side. — Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker. Photo by Peters Food Adventures.

Chicken, apricot jam, and spices go into the slow cooker for this Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker meal. It comes out tender with a sweet and savory sauce that is great poured over rice.
Get the recipe: Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker

Grilled Achiote Chicken

A plate with two grilled chicken thighs covered in a thick, dark glaze, garnished with chopped herbs. Beside the chicken is a serving of refried beans and two lime halves on the side. The plate has a blue and white pattern, and rests on a wooden surface with sprigs of cilantro. — Grilled Achiote Chicken. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Bright orange achiote paste gives this Grilled Achiote Chicken a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that is really good. Grill it until the edges get crispy but the inside stays super moist.
Get the recipe: Grilled Achiote Chicken

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of chipotle pasta served with a spoon and sitting on a marble surface. — Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A creamy sauce with a spicy kick coats every piece of pasta and chicken in this Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. The heat builds slowly, so it is full of flavor without being overwhelming.
Get the recipe: Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Saucy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)

A close-up of glazed chicken drumsticks, cooked to a golden brown, topped with a rich, glossy sauce and garnished with finely chopped green herbs. The drumsticks are placed in a white dish. The vibrant colors highlight the delicious and appetizing appearance. — Saucy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks). Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

A honey mustard sauce bakes right onto the chicken for these Saucy Baked Chicken Legs, creating a sticky-sweet coating. The oven does all the work, making it a simple, hands-off dinner.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Baked Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)

Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Enchiladas Verdes served on a decorative clay plate and topped with cheese and cilantro. — Enchiladas Verdes. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Shredded chicken rolls inside tortillas with cheese, then gets covered in a tangy green sauce for these Chicken Enchiladas Verdes. It is warm and comforting, and tastes fancier than it actually is to make.
Get the recipe: Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

A chicken tinga tostada topped with green lettuce and sitting on a cutting board. — Tinga. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s KItchen

Shredded chicken simmers in a smoky chipotle sauce until it is full of flavor for these Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Pile it on crispy tortillas with your favorite toppings for a fun meal everyone can make their own.
Get the recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Creamy Pesto Rigatoni

A plate of rigatoni pasta topped with a creamy green pesto sauce and grated cheese. A fork is placed beside the pasta on the plate, and a few fresh basil leaves are displayed next to the plate on the white surface. — Creamy Pesto Rigatoni. Photo credit: Cup of Flour.

A creamy pesto sauce coats every noodle and piece of chicken in this Creamy Pesto Rigatoni dish. The sauce is full of flavor and clings to the rigatoni perfectly for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Rigatoni

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Tostadas

A tostada topped with shredded chicken, cream sauce, and sliced avocado sits on a blue and white patterned plate. A lime half and a dish of rice are in the background on a wooden table. — Creamy Chipotle Chicken Tostadas. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Rich, flavorful chicken gets piled onto a crunchy tortilla for these Creamy Chipotle Chicken Tostadas. This Mexican dish is hard not to love and will win over everyone at the table.
Get Recipe: Creamy Chipotle Chicken Tostadas

Ensalada de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Salad)

A plate of shredded chicken in creamy sauce, inspired by Mexican chicken recipes, surrounded by tortilla chips. Garnished with a pickle and a slice of carrot on the side, all served on a rustic wooden surface. — Ensalada de Pollo. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

A creamy dressing with lime and spices makes this Ensalada de Pollo extra tasty, nothing like regular chicken salad. Pile it on crackers or in sandwiches for a lunch that is anything but boring.
Get the recipe: Ensalada de Pollo

Wild Rice Chicken Salad with Grapes and Cashews

A bowl of chicken salad containing pieces of chicken, green grapes, chopped nuts, and a creamy dressing. The mixture is garnished with herbs and placed in a white bowl on a wooden surface. — Wild Rice Chicken Salad with Grapes and Cashews. Photo by Fox Farm Home

Chewy rice, juicy chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy nuts come together in this Wild Rice Chicken Salad that is actually filling. It is a great make-ahead option for easy lunches all week.
Get the recipe: Wild Rice Chicken Salad with Grapes and Cashews

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Leftover chicken mixes with wild rice and a creamy sauce in this comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. A crispy topping makes it extra special and wonderful for a simple family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Greek Chicken Skewers

A plate of food with chicken skewers drizzled with white sauce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus, and rice, garnished with herbs. Pita bread is on the side. A bowl of dipping sauce and a container with lemons are nearby. — Greek Chicken Skewers. Photo by Cook Dinner Tonight

Lemon and herbs soak into the chicken for these Greek Chicken Skewers, which grill up juicy with slightly crispy edges. They are perfect with warm pita bread or a bed of rice for a full meal.
Get the recipe: Greek Chicken Skewers

Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley. The chicken has char marks and a seasoned crust. Parsley sprigs are scattered on top and around the plate. — Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs. Photo by: The Short Order Cook

A simple spice rub keeps these Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs juicy and full of flavor on the grill. They cook fast and work great in salads, tacos, or just about anywhere you need chicken.
Get the recipe: Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

A white oval dish filled with several roasted chicken drumsticks garnished with small green herb pieces. The drumsticks have a slightly crispy and glazed exterior. The text "FLAVORFULEATS.COM" is visible at the bottom of the image. — Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

These Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks get coated in a glaze that turns sticky and delicious in the oven. They are cheap, hard to overcook, and fun to eat with your hands for a messy meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers with red and green bell peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of herbs on a white rectangular plate. A small bowl of creamy dipping sauce is in the center. Lemon slices and green garnish are visible in the background. — Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs. Photo by Evolving Table

Chicken and vegetables go on a stick with a garlicky marinade for these Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs. The grill gives everything a nice smoky flavor while keeping the chicken tender inside.
Get the recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken Kabobs

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

A white pot filled with bowtie pasta, creamy sauce, and broccoli florets. A wooden spoon rests in the pot, and a striped cloth is visible beside it. The meal appears freshly cooked and ready to serve. — Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Chicken, broccoli, and pasta all cook together in one pot with a creamy sauce for this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. It is comforting, includes some veggies, and makes a filling dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Honey Garlic Smoked Fried Drumsticks

Close-up of a breaded chicken drumstick drizzled with a rich, dark sauce on a white plate. In the background, there is a portion of a mixed vegetable side dish, slightly out of focus. — Honey Garlic Smoked Fried Drumsticks. Photo credit: Out Grlling.

Smoky flavor from the grill and a sweet garlic glaze make these Honey Garlic Smoked Fried Drumsticks messy but worth it. They have crispy skin and sticky sauce, totally impressive for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Smoked Fried Drumsticks