50 Best Chicken Recipes for Any Occasion

Tasty, kid-approved, and budget-friendly, these chicken recipes are ideal for families.

They’re simple and quick enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough for dinner parties, too.

Chicken is a universally loved protein you can always rely on come dinnertime.

It’s available in so many shapes and sizes, and its mild, meaty flavor means it pairs well with pretty much everything.

I’m talking spicy, sweet, nutty, fruity, cheesy, and more.

So if you need new chicken recipes for dinner, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s get to it!

50 Easy Chicken Dinners To Put On Repeat

1. Garlic Butter Chicken

Level up your usual garlic butter chicken with a splash of white wine! 

While garlic and butter are already more than enough to flavor any recipe, adding wine makes it so much more indulgent.

It doesn’t just lend sweetness and savoriness to the dish but also makes the chicken extra moist and juicy.

2. Chicken Schnitzel with Noodles

Chicken schnitzel is an Austrian dish your American heart will fall for. 

It’s breaded and fried chicken on a bed of buttered egg noodles. So obviously, it’s to die for.

The great thing about this dish is that it’s already a full meal. There’s no need to worry about making appetizers or sides! 

3. Creamy Herb Chicken

Running short on time but want something hearty and delicious? Try this insanely simple creamy chicken recipe!

Featuring juicy chicken breasts in a creamy, garlicky herb sauce, it’s so good you won’t want to share.

This dish is my go-to when I’m busy because it calls for just a few ingredients and is on the table in a flash.

4. Poached Chicken

I know what you’re thinking: that chicken doesn’t look particularly appetizing.

But while it’s a bit bland on the surface, it’s insanely juicy and perfect for all kinds of other recipes.

Make a batch of this at the start of the week, then add it to salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more.

5. King Ranch Chicken Casserole 

Need something to feed a hungry crowd? This King Ranch chicken casserole is more than enough to satisfy and will not disappoint.

With eleven whopping layers that include chicken, corn tortillas, white sauce, and cheese, it’s more than enough for a group of hungry mouths.

6. Chicken Divan

If your kids are picky eaters who refuse to eat vegetables, this recipe’s for you.

Chicken Divan combines chicken and broccoli bathed in a creamy bechamel sauce. 

Covered with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs, then baked until crunchy, melty, and perfect, no picky eater can resist.

7. Chicken Piccata

While it sounds intimidating to make, chicken piccata is a simple 20-minute dish to add to your list of go-to chicken dinners.

Flavored with butter, lemon, and white wine, it’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.

The capers give the tender chicken a crunchy contrast, to boot.

8. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi 

If you’re a fan of gnocchi but want to cut back on carbs, you’ve got to give this dish a whirl.

You’ll smother homemade cauliflower gnocchi, chicken, and kale leaves in a creamy sauce. So it’s super rich and delicious, but way more nutritious.

9. Shake and Bake Chicken

Nothing beats crispy fried chicken.

It’s golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and tastes phenomenal through and through.

It’s not the easiest dish to cook, though.

From dredging the meat to breading and deep-frying, the process can be very tedious – not to mention messy!

But thanks to this simple shake-and-bake recipe, you get delicious fried chicken with a fraction of the effort.

10. Creamy Chicken Florentine

Pan-fried chicken and spinach dressed in a creamy white wine sauce is just as tasty as it sounds.  

Better yet, this Italian dish only takes 30 minutes to make.

11. Moo Shu Chicken

Instead of ordering take-out, why not challenge yourself and make moo shu chicken at home?

It’s a straightforward stir fry that’s overflowing with flavor.

The umami-rich sauce is a heavenly mix of sesame oil, hoisin, soy, and oyster sauces. So it’s deeply flavorful and coats every bite.

12. Lemon Chicken with Orzo

Chicken with lemon, spinach, and tomatoes is bright, light, and delicious any time of day.

Add the orzo, and it’s super hearty and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

This one-pan will delight your taste buds with bright Mediterranean flavors, and it’s easy to modify too.

So feel free to add your choice of vegetables for a more nutritious dish.

13. Bang Bang Chicken

The name should tell you everything you need to know about this chicken recipe.

The sauce is banging, the meat is banging, and the dish as a whole is bang-bang bombastic!

And seriously, that sauce is a thing of beauty!

A blend of Japanese red peppers, Korean hot pepper paste, sweet chili sauce, and more, it’s the ultimate Asian dressing!

14. Lemon Chicken Recipe

While extravagant dishes are great, sometimes simple flavors are best.

So if you want something easy and comforting, this humble lemon chicken is just the ticket.

You’ll coat pan-fried Parmesan chicken in a spectacular sauce of lemon, butter, and garlic.

Sound simples. Taste incredible!

15. Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne

This copycat recipe will make the best chicken penne à la Applebee’s in just one hour.

If you’ve had it before, you know just how addictive this pasta dish is. Thankfully, it’s easy to replicate.

And call me biased, but I think this is much better than the original. 

16. Chicken Tinga Tacos

Take taco Tuesday to a whole new level with these insanely scrummy chicken tinga tacos.

I love tacos of all kinds, but these definitely make it to my top five. 

With juicy shredded chicken, chipotle, avocado, and a ton of other tasty extras, they’re simply divine.

17. Blackened Chicken

This chicken isn’t black because it’s burnt. Instead, it’s coated in a dry rub of herbs and spices that turn into a yummy crust once cooked over high heat.

A blend of cumin, thyme, and paprika, the dry rub imparts salty, smoky, and earthy flavors to the otherwise bland meat.

18. Garlic Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken And Potatoes 

Chicken and potatoes are always a winner. And this combination is a fun one!

Charred peppers, zucchini, and onions join in, too, for an even heartier, tastier, and healthier dish.

Cooked in garlic, lemon, and herbs, this dish bursts with lovely Mediterranean flavors.

19. Chipotle Chicken

This easy Chipotle chicken recipe lets you enjoy the chain’s signature dish without leaving your home.

Adjust the seasonings according to what your heart tells you. For example, I like a squeeze of lime to brighten it up.

20. Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is the kind of dish no one can resist. Seriously, I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t love it. 

And with the layers of juicy chicken, Swiss cheese, and ham covered in a crispy golden batter, it’s clear why.

If it’s your first time making it, don’t worry. This fool-proof recipe has you covered.

21. Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon chicken is a ridiculously tasty dish of tender meat drenched in a glaze of apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce.

Don’t be fooled by its name, though. This dish contains no alcohol, so it’s 100% safe for kids!

22. Chicken Flautas

These flautas are loaded with shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa, all wrapped up in crunchy flour tortillas.

Besides being addictive, I love that you can choose how to cook them.

And whether they’re Air Fried, deep-fried, or oven-baked, they’ll turn out the same way: unbelievably delicious.

23. Yakitori

Yakitori is a Japanese dish of grilled chicken skewers covered in a sweet glaze.

It doesn’t take a genius to see why it’s popular worldwide – just look at those skewers glistening! 

Yakitori is often served at Japanese pubs. So grab a beer and dig in!

24. Paula Deen Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are comfort food for the soul. And it’s my go-to soup for cold, rainy days.

Like a giant hug, one spoonful can make an aching heart feel better and turn a frown upside down.

25. One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta 

This simplified version of classic chicken parm has all the same amazing flavors. It’s just a little easier to whip up on busy weeknights.

The combination of pasta, marinara sauce, chicken, and Parmesan cheese makes this dish a must-try.

Oh, and did I mention it only takes 30 minutes to make? That’s half the time it takes to make traditional chicken parm!

26. Marry Me Chicken

With this phenomenal dish, you’ll always say, “I do… want a second serving.”

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy pasta dish topped with chicken, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes.

It’s similar to Sicilian chicken, with the exception of the sun-dried tomatoes. 

And if you ask me, this dish tastes so much better. The sweet, tart and chewy tomatoes make it so.

27. Chicken Quesadillas

These are more than just your average chicken quesadillas, folks.

While the shredded chicken and melty cheese are the stars of this dish, the sauce is the secret weapon that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Don’t worry, it’s nothing too complicated. Just mix mayo, taco seasoning, and hot sauce!

Trust me, it makes all the difference.

28. Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings

Having friends over for the big game? Then it must be time to whip up some buffalo wings! 

They’re perfectly crunchy on the outside and covered with the most drool-worthy buffalo sauce.

Serve these wings with your favorite dip and watch them disappear in minutes.

29. Buffalo Chicken Chili

Take your game-day snacks to a whole new level by combining two classic favorites!

To say that this mash-up of buffalo wings and chili is addictive is an understatement.

Serve it with tortilla chips, blue cheese, and sour cream for the ultimate Super Bowl treat.

30. Beer Can Chicken

Nope, your eyes aren’t fooling you. It really is a whole chicken held upright by a can of beer.

Beer can chicken is a unique dish where the bird is placed over a can of beer and cooked over indirect heat. 

As it cooks, the beer will turn to steam and seep into the meat, infusing so much incredible flavor and moisture.

Try it with any soda or canned beverage you like.

31. Ground Chicken Burgers

Traditional burgers are fantastic, but that doesn’t mean chicken burgers aren’t worth the try, too.

You can always count on chicken if you’re looking for a leaner version of fatty, greasy beef patties.

This recipe makes burgers that are just as tender, juicy, and delicious but not as sinful. What more could you ask for?

32. Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls

Here’s another Chinese dish you can totally make at home!

These chicken balls are bathed in a delectable sweet and sour sauce, but they’re still deliciously crispy.

Like any saucy dish, this one is best served over a bed of white rice.

33. One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Everyone should have a recipe for chicken Alfredo in their back pocket.

It’s the kind of classic dish you can serve to kids and adults and always get back clean plates.

If you don’t have a go-to, I highly suggest this recipe! And I even have a post of what to serve with chicken Alfredo! You’re welcome.

34. Chicken Marinade

The secret to perfectly flavored grilled chicken is in the marinade. 

But don’t rely on jars and bottles! That stuff is full of salt, sugar, and preservative.

Instead, make one at home in a matter of minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. It’s easy and costs much less.

35. Crisco Fried Chicken

While it’s more common to use oil to fry chicken, I highly suggest you try Crisco! 

It adds such a richness to this simple dish, and I find the coating gets extra crispy!

Also, if you’re afraid of frying chicken, don’t be! It’s so much easier than you think.

36. Old Fashioned Chicken Stew

Loaded with tender chicken, chunky potatoes, and a rich broth, this stew will be your new favorite winter soup.

It’s hearty and meaty, and the broth is just *chef’s kiss.* 

I love how it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also light enough to pair with other sides.

It’s a must-try with French bread or rice!

37. No-Peek Chicken

A combination of long-grain wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken, this four-ingredient casserole is pretty simple.

But it’s outrageously delicious.

And no matter how heavenly it smells, resist the urge to open the oven door! No-peek chicken tastes best when it’s given enough time to bake in the oven.

38. Caramel Chicken

Caramel in a savory dish? It may seem a bit strange, but believe me, it works.

In fact, this dish is so fantastic, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Tender, juicy chicken thighs covered in a glaze made of brown sugar, soy sauce, broth, and vinegar are just what you need after a long day.

39. Ritz Cracker Chicken

Ritz crackers aren’t just for snacking, you know! They make for a terrific breading, too. 

Here, chicken cutlets are dredged in crushed Ritz crackers and topped with butter for the most wonderful flavor and texture.

40. Coca-Cola Chicken

If you think Coke is only for drinking, think again.

These wings are covered in a sweet glaze that’s made of, as you may have guessed, Coca-Cola.

The soda gives the chicken a wonderfully sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and spices. Plus, it makes the chicken extra moist.

41. Filipino Chicken Adobo

Filipino cuisine is highly underrated. But one bite of this chicken adobo, and I’m sure you’ll think it deserves at least one Michelin star.

It’s seared chicken marinated and cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves, and peppercorn.

With its bold, savory flavors, this dish is best chased with white rice.

42. Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

Another favorite of mine at Applebee’s is their fiesta lime chicken.

With its layers of corn chips, chicken, mayo dressing, and melty cheese, this one truly is a feast!

The chicken is marinated in teriyaki sauce, lime juice, tequila, liquid smoke, garlic, and ginger. So even just on its own, it’s pretty epic. 

43. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This dish is a must-try if you like Olive Garden’s Tuscan garlic chicken.

It uses similar components – thinly sliced chicken, spinach, and creamy sauce. But this version calls for sun-dried tomatoes.

They offer a sweet and chewy contrast to the creamy and savory dish. Yum!

44. Yakisoba Chicken

This Japanese stir-fry mixes fat noodles, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables coated in a sweet and umami-rich sauce.

Authentic yakisoba requires more ingredients and a much more complicated recipe.

But this one keeps it nice and simple – with all the flavors and textures you love!

45. Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

I’m not exaggerating when I say this chicken literally melts in your mouth.

If that’s the kind of texture you want in your protein, bookmark this recipe right now.

The secret? Top chicken breasts with mayonnaise and Parmesan. That’s it!

46. Chicken Primavera

Chicken Primavera is a colorful and hearty dish filled with penne, vegetables, chicken, and a scrumptious garlic and Parmesan sauce.

Complete with carbs, protein, vegetables, and fat, this dish is a complete meal on its own.

But of course, you have to serve it with garlic bread. It’s a crime not to.

47. Chicken Pot Pie

Everybody loves chicken pot pie, but not everyone has the energy to make it from scratch.

Thanks to this recipe, you can whip up the perfect homemade chicken pot pie in no time!

And all you’ll need are six basic ingredients. How awesome is that?

48. Wingstop Garlic Parmesan Wings

Want to make garlic and Parmesan wings just like the ones at Wingstop? I’ve got you covered.

I know I’m tooting my own horn here, but these copycat wings truly are the stuff of legends.

Try these and see for yourself!

49. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions join forces to make one colorful and flavorful Mexican treat!

Serve them with flour tortillas, rice, or enjoy them on their own.

My suggestion? Stuff them all into a fluffy baked sweet potato!

50. Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Get ready to try grilled chicken tenders at their best! 

The chicken is marinated for an hour in a mix of Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice.

And yes, that’s more than enough time for the meat to absorb the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Grill them for 8-10 minutes, and voila. They’re ready for devouring!