29 Chicken Recipes To Prove Simple Can Be Absolutely Stunning
Looking for something special to cook but want to stick to something easy? Got 29 chicken ideas that’ll show how keeping it simple can still be absolutely amazing. It’s all about mixing and matching what’s already in the kitchen to create something that looks good on the plate and tastes even better.

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Game nights or casual hangouts just got a whole lot tastier with Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. This dish layers crispy nachos with shredded buffalo chicken, cheese, and all your favorite nacho toppings. Every bite delivers a crunchy, spicy, and cheesy explosion of flavor. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic taste of buffalo chicken in a shareable form.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Raising Cane Tenders

Perfect for both kids and adults alike, Raising Cane Tenders are a crowd-pleaser. These tenders are known for their crispy exterior and juicy interior, making them irresistible. Whether you dip them in the signature sauce or enjoy them on their own, they’re a hit for any meal or snack time.
Get the Recipe: Raising Cane Tenders
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

For those evenings when you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner, Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe has got you covered. Sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard come together to create a delicious glaze over succulent chicken pieces. Vegetables roasted alongside the chicken finish off this balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Healthy Chicken Salad

Indulge in a lighter fare with Healthy Chicken Salad, a dish that’s as wholesome as it is refreshing. It’s proof that chicken can be the centerpiece of a dish that’s both light and fulfilling. Packed with nutrients and dressed in a light, refreshing sauce, it’s ideal for those who enjoy their meals health-conscious but bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Cashew Chicken

With its subtle nuttiness, Cashew Chicken is a beloved stir-fry that is all about balance. Tender chicken and crunchy cashews team up in a dish that’s both nourishing and easy to whip up. Enjoy the simple pleasure of home-cooked goodness with a dish that’s as straightforward as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Think of a cozy, golden-brown roll filled with the heat of buffalo chicken. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls are the ideal fusion of spicy, cheesy goodness wrapped up in a soft bread hug. Ideal for snacking or a casual meal, these stuffed rolls are straightforward goodness in every bite. Offer them at your next get-together and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Welcome to your new favorite lunchtime retreat, a recipe that combines the richness of chicken with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing take on chicken salad that’s as nutritious as it is wholesome. And it’s just as perfect for a quick midday bite as it is for a leisurely afternoon sit-down.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

There’s something about honey mustard that perfectly complements the golden crisp of Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. It’s a combination that’s hard to resist and easy to make, perfect for a fuss-free meal that still feels special. Serve them to friends and family for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Butter Chicken

A classic of Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken combines tender chicken pieces with a silky tomato-based sauce infused with gentle spices. It’s a comforting dish that lures you in with its creamy goodness and keeps things uncomplicated in preparation. Best enjoyed with rice or naan, it showcases how simple ingredients can create a dish overflowing with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken
Hot and Sour Soup

Take your senses on an exotic adventure with Hot and Sour Soup, balancing the heat of white pepper with the tang of vinegar. It’s a Chinese restaurant staple that you can recreate in the comfort of your own kitchen, with chicken adding a pleasing depth to the complex flavors. Perfect for days when you crave something spicy, sour, and utterly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup
Lemongrass Chicken

Brimming with fresh flavors, Lemongrass Chicken stands out for its unique aroma. The lemongrass provides a refreshing taste that lightens up the palate. Accompanied by juicy pieces of chicken that have soaked up all the marinate goodness, it’s a dish that sings of simplicity and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken
Marry Me Chicken

Rumor has it that Marry Me Chicken is so good, that it’ll have people popping the question just for another taste. Rich, creamy sauce envelopes tender chicken breasts, creating a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible. It’s the perfect dish for a special occasion or when you want to treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through a bed of pasta intertwined with strips of chicken kissed by a garlicky, wine-infused sauce. Bringing Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta into the comfort of your own dining area. It’s a dish that marries simplicity with elegance in a way only Italian-inspired dishes can.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Soup

For those chilly days or when you’re in need of a cozy meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. This soup takes the beloved flavors of Marry Me Chicken and transforms them into a comforting, soothing broth. It’s a bowl of goodness that makes everything feel a bit brighter.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’ve got a hankering for some fast-food favorites at home, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a must-try. This homemade version replicates the well-loved restaurant dish, offering tender chicken coated in a sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up and brings the fast-food experience right to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Orange Chicken

Anyone craving a sweet and tangy treat will fall in love with Orange Chicken. Juicy chicken pieces are drenched in a glossy orange sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of spice. It’s a delicious juxtaposition of flavors that dances on your palate. Often served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a dish that promises to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Bite into Hot Honey Chicken Salad, a dish that combines the gentle warmth of honey with just the right kick of spice. It’s a unique dish that turns up the heat on your typical chicken salad. With an array of textures and flavors, it’s an ideal meal for those who enjoy a bit of excitement with their greens. Whip it up in no time for a lunch that’s as vibrant as it is delectable.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Sesame Chicken

Coated in a sweet and slightly tangy glaze, crispy Sesame Chicken is a dish that makes comfort food special yet keeps it straightforward. Each bite offers a crunch that pairs perfectly with the sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Gather around the table for a meal that proves simplicity can be deeply pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Envision a plateful of creamy pasta that folds in the sweetness of corn with the hearty texture of chicken. Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta bring an indulgent and hearty dish that’s an all-season comfort dish. It’s straightforward to prepare and a joy to devour. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side or stand tall as the main event.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Let your palate travel to the vibrant streets of Thailand with Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that packs a punch without overwhelming. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, making them perfect for a quick meal. Serve them up with some tangy sauce and you’ve got a dish that turns any meal into a flavorful journey.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Get ready to experience the crunch and zing at home, with Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Juicy chicken with a kick of spice makes each bite an adventure in texture and taste. It’s the kind of home treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. And best of all, you control the heat, so every burger is made to order just the way you like it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger
Kung Pao Chicken

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, then look no further. Kung Pao Chicken combines spicy, sweet, and sour flavors for an unforgettable meal. Tender chunks of chicken are mixed with crunchy peanuts and a variety of veggies. It’s a classic dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, Chick-fil-A Nuggets are the snack you just can’t resist. They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser you can now recreate at home without needing a fancy ingredient list. Perfect for dipping or just by themselves, these nuggets are a testament to how pure flavors win every time. Simple to make, impossible to resist, they’re a staple that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Taking comfort food to the next level, Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines the rich, creamy goodness of Marry Me Chicken with hearty pasta. Each forkful is a delicious blend of flavors and textures, marrying the pasta and chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s a dish designed to impress, making any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Balti Chicken

Experience the bold spices and comforting warmth of Balti Chicken, a dish celebrated for its aromatic gravy and tender chunks of meat. It’s like taking a journey through traditional flavors in the comfort of your own home. Pair it with fluffy rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal that’s simple to prepare, yet complex in taste.
Get the Recipe: Balti Chicken
Seven Layer Salad

With layers of crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, sharp onions, and more, Seven Layer Salad is a colorful spin on the classic green salad. This recipe is all about texture and contrast, stacking vibrant veggies and a creamy dressing in one bowl. Whether it’s a side dish or the main event, its eye appeal equates to its taste.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad

When spice meets crunch, Buffalo Chicken Salad is what you get. This lively dish combines the kick of buffalo sauce with the coolness of fresh greens and veggies. It’s a complete meal that brings a bold twist to your typical salad fare, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Picture a cozy evening as you sit down to a warm, comforting bowl filled with tender chicken and soft dumplings. It brings Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings right to your own kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside and reminds you of visits to grandma’s house.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Chipotle Grilled Chicken

A smoky, slightly spicy kick is what defines Chipotle Grilled Chicken. This recipe brings excitement to your meal without overwhelming your palate. Fire up your grill for a dish that’s uncomplicated yet teeming with taste. This chicken is proof that you can achieve a world of flavor with straightforward grilling techniques.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken
About the Author

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.
