29 Chicken Recipes That Make Weeknights Taste Amazing

Busy evenings need meals that are easy to make and full of flavor. Simple ingredients and tasty seasonings create dishes that bring comfort and joy. Cooking with different herbs and spices makes each meal special and exciting. Taste the 29 chicken recipes will make weeknights taste amazing with every bite.

A breaded and golden-brown fried chicken tender being dipped into a white sauce in a bowl, with more chicken tenders in the background. — Raising Cane Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls. — Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Craving a new twist for your chicken dinner, try something different with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. These rolls are a fun and easy way to enjoy buffalo chicken without the mess. They’re great for keeping everyone’s hands clean and are filled with flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables. — Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Make your weeknight meals easy with a simple yet delicious option. Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe makes dinner straightforward with minimal cleanup. It combines juicy chicken and a just-right flavor combo in one pan. A time-saver for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. Your family will thank you for it.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise. — Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking to add variety to your dinner, Seven Layer Salad is filled with layers of flavor and texture. This meal is colorful, nutritious, and includes juicy chicken. A quick and fresh option for a perfect meal after a hectic day. Each bite offers something different to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and black pepper, served with spaghetti on a plate, with a fork on the side. — Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re after a comforting dish, give this a try. Marry Me Chicken has gained quite a name for its unforgettable taste. People can’t resist its easy-to-make yet rich flavors. Great for a cozy dinner that feels a bit special. It’s a meal worth eating again and again.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas filled with rice, beans, and chicken, topped with sour cream and cilantro. Sliced tomato and jalapeño are on the side. — Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you want something quick, go for quesadillas. Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas are filled with seasoned chicken and melted cheese. They’re easy to whip up and fun to eat. Add a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flair. Perfect for any busy night in.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. — Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you wish for that takeout feel, try this. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe delivers those familiar flavors in the comfort of your home. With a sweet and tasty sauce over tender chicken, it’s a treat. Quick to prepare and cure your cravings without leaving home. Surely, it will become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Hot and Sour Soup

Yearning for something warm and rich in flavors, Hot and Sour Soup with chicken hits the spot every time. It offers a hearty mix that’s perfect for staying in. Its flavors are bold and soothing after a long day. Great for adding a little comfort to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A skillet with creamy chicken pasta featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated cheese, stirred with a wooden spoon. — Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Need a dish that’s easy and delicious, Marry Me Chicken Orzo combines tender chicken with pasta for a delicious meal. It’s simple to cook and perfect to eat. Perfect for unwinding after a busy day with a tasty meal. You’ll find yourself coming back to it often.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl. — Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner time can be a breeze when it’s ready and waiting. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken makes it possible with minimal effort. The flavors meld perfectly while you’re away. It’s a stress-free meal that’s ready when you are. Everyone can enjoy without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate. — Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Searching for a meal that’s sure to win everyone over, try Marry Me Chicken Pasta, an instant hit at the dinner table. Combining tender chicken with pasta, it’s an easy weeknight fix. It turns regular nights into something more special. A delicious and reliable go-to choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Sweet and Sour Chicken

All it takes is a bit of time to create a dish that brings a mix of tangy and sweet flavors to your kitchen. Sweet and Sour Chicken combines a colorful array of familiar components. Experience a mealtime with a dish that’s both crunchy and enjoyable to eat. Let it take you on a flavor-filled ride that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Cashew Chicken

When you’re craving a bit of crunch and a touch of richness, considering Cashew Chicken is a great idea. Balancing tender pieces of chicken with the nutty goodness of cashews brings unique flavors together. In no time, you’ll find it hard not to appreciate how it adds interest to a usual dinner. There’s something special about mixing simple yet tasty ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread. — Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bringing restaurant-quality taste to the comfort of your home can be fun and simple. Butter Chicken is your go-to when it’s time for something bold and delicious. You’re met with a dish that highlights a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Everything you’re hoping for in a comforting dinner is right here.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Making things easy without compromising on taste seems perfect for a busy evening. Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers a crunch with every bite. It’s as easy as placing everything on one sheet and letting it do all the work. When you finally sit down to it, there’s little else to do but enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

There’s a certain thrill in combining spicy, cheesy, and crunchy into one exciting meal. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos will quickly become a favorite for any weeknight dinner. Layers of flavors build up one after the other to bring instant satisfaction. Reimagine what dinner can be with these rich, fulfilling nachos.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds. — Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes a bit of spice is just what you need to liven up your dinner routine. Kung Pao Chicken delivers heat alongside a combination of crispy and tender morsels. It’s an adventure for your meal without stepping outside home’s comfort. Find yourself investing in each bite as simple components create something worthwhile.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes. — Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Something about combining sweet and tangy notes makes a dinner more enjoyable. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders hits that spot easily with minimal fuss. Each tender carries bold flavors, pairing beautifully with familiar sides. Consider making these when time is tight but great taste is still on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Lemongrass Chicken

Grilled chicken with herbs on white rice, garnished with shredded carrots and cabbage. — Lemongrass Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes all you need is a hint of freshness to enrich your dining experience. Lemongrass Chicken brings aromatic delight with a simple yet powerful touch. Each bite will make you appreciate its distinct flavor profile. It’s a way to make dinner not just about eating but enjoying new tastes.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice. — Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A slight crunch mixed with subtle flavors offers a nice surprise at mealtime. Sesame Chicken combines these aspects effortlessly in a home-cooked meal. It’s easy to create and wonderful to taste, taking little time from your day. Deciding on this dish turns any normal dinner into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background. — Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A familiar favorite reimagined for your kitchen is here. Homemade KFC Zinger Burger takes that well-loved taste to a new level with familiar, simple ingredients. It’s perfect for those nights when eating something delicious feels essential. Making it yourself means you control every aspect to fit your preferences.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs. — Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm up your weeknight with a comforting bowl that will have everyone asking for more. Marry Me Chicken Soup has a rich broth combined with tender chicken that makes every spoonful a joy. You’ll find it both hearty and inviting, making it perfect for a family dinner. It’s the kind of meal that’s quick to prepare but tastes like it took hours.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley. — Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn an ordinary dinner into a feast packed with flavor. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta brings a hint of heat and a lot of taste to your table. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something bold and easy to whip up. This dish mixes creamy pasta with perfectly cooked chicken for an unforgettable combination.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce. — Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Enjoy a takeout favorite in the comfort of your home with a delicious twist. Orange Chicken is crispy, juicy, and covered in a tangy sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. It’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. The balance of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience. Surprise your family with this tasty homemade alternative.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Thai chicken skewers topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs and peanuts, served over a bed of white rice. — Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add some excitement to your dinner rotation with a dish inspired by Thai street food. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are easy to prepare and pack a punch of flavor. The marinade ensures the chicken is juicy, tender, and infused with delicious spices. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens. — Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Make your weeknight meals both tasty and nutritious with a meal that feels light but fills you up. Healthy Chicken Salad combines fresh ingredients with deliciously seasoned chicken for a meal that’s as good for the body as it is for the palate. It’s quick to put together and ideal for a busy evening. Each bite is refreshing and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Chicken Alfredo

A plate of bowtie pasta with creamy sauce topped with cooked chicken pieces and garnished with parsley, with a black fork on the side. — Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving something rich and creamy? Let Chicken Alfredo be your go-to comfort food. This dish pairs perfectly cooked chicken with a luscious Alfredo sauce and pasta, making it a hit every time. It’s straightforward to make and feels indulgent. Perfect for those nights when you need a little extra indulgence in your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side. — Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Save time without missing out on flavor with this quick and delicious meal. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a go-to for busy weeknights with its sweet and tasty sauce coating tender chicken and crisp vegetables. It’s a balanced dish that brings excitement to your dinner table. Easy to prepare, it makes for a great choice when you want something tasty fast.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing. — Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your mealtime with a combination that’s both sweet and spicy. Hot Honey Chicken Salad offers a unique twist by blending tender chicken with a hot honey glaze. It’s a fun way to enjoy a salad that’s anything but ordinary. Quick to put together and full of interesting flavors, it’s a sure way to please your taste.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Raising Cane Tenders

Switch up your regular dinner routine with crispy, delicious tenders. Raising Cane Tenders are perfect for when you crave something crunchy and flavorful. They’re easy to cook and hit all the right spots in terms of satisfaction. These tenders are great for dipping and pair wonderfully with different sauces.
Get the Recipe: Raising Cane Tenders

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.