29 Chicken Recipes That Turn Meal Prep Into A Time-saving Hack

Meal prep becomes easy with the right chicken recipes. Simple spices, quick cooking methods, and tasty sauces help save time. Lunches, dinners, and even snacks stay full of flavor all week. With 29 smart chicken recipes, every plan feels smoother and every meal stays ready to go.

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those times when comfort food is on the agenda but time isn’t on your side, Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos is a perfect choice. They assemble quickly and disappear even quicker. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a get-together with friends. And, you’ll still have time to relax and enjoy the fun.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

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.

When you try Marry Me Chicken, you’ll see why it’s got its name. It’s about as easy as it gets, yet the flavors are so right, every time. Whip it up for a stress-free dinner that you can count on to be quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan

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

If you value efficiency, Maple Chicken Sheet Pan is a lifesaver. Just toss everything on one pan and let the oven do the heavy lifting. In no time, you have a meal ready to go. Let’s not forget how cleanup is just a breeze with this one!
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Close-up of sweet and sour chicken with bell peppers and pineapple chunks in a thick sauce.
Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you crave something a little bit sweet and a tiny bit tangy, Sweet and Sour Chicken is your go-to. In a snap, you’ll transport your kitchen into a world of vibrant flavors. It’s about adding a little oomph to your dinner routine without the extra stress. So sit back, relax, and let your skillet do the magic.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour 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.

Fancy a little twist on the classic? Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas are a breeze to make and even easier to customize. You layer, you cook, you flip, and there you have it—a fusion of flavors without the fuss. It’s about gathering around, sharing a meal, and making memories without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Marry Me Chicken Casserole is your weekday savior. With minimal prep and cooking all in one dish, it leaves you with more time to unwind. Watch it become a regular request from friends and family!
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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.

Turn to Sesame Chicken when you want something quick yet flavorful. It’s perfect for those times when you’re crunched for time but need a filling meal. Prep, cook, done — all swift!
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

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.

Every forkful of Marry Me Chicken Orzo brings you closer to a perfectly balanced meal. It’s swiftly done without multiple pots and pans, making your kitchen routine as smooth as possible.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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.

Talk about a midweek marvel—Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry tosses together quick-cooking goodness with a splash of scrumptious sauce. You’re flipping, you’re stirring, you’re creating a little sizzle, and in almost no time, it’s chopsticks ready. It’s about finding joy in the swift sizzle of a well-made stir fry.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

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.

Seven Layer Salad is like a celebration in a bowl, perfect for those days when a simple chicken dish just won’t do. Layer upon layer, it all comes together for a meal that’s as fun to build as it is to eat. Whip it up in no time, then pop it in the fridge—it’s that easy. When everyone’s hustling on their own schedules, a quick scoop of this salad keeps mealtime light and cheerful.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Close-up of crispy, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs and served with a lemon wedge. The pieces are placed on a parchment-lined surface.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dinner doesn’t have to be a big production, right? Picture some juicy chicken with a golden cheese crust, and Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken has got you covered. Just one pan, a handful of fuss-free steps, and voilà, dinner is served. It’s about making your life easier, while still keeping it totally tasty.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

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

Feeling like takeout but not the wait? Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken can be made right in your kitchen. Less time cooking, more time enjoying — it’s as simple as that.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

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.

Nothing beats a quick and hearty meal like Marry Me Chicken Soup. Ready before you are, it hugs you from the inside out. It’s practically hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

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.

Simplicity is sometimes the key to the most comforting meals, so let’s talk about Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it—that’s the kind of “doing less” we’re aiming for. By the time you walk back through the door, you’re greeted with the divine aroma of dinner ready to enchant your evening.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

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.

Brighten up your meal routine with Orange Chicken. You’ll get everything done while it simmers. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing — bonus, right?
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken

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

Ready to try something delightfully fresh without any hassle? Lemongrass Chicken offers a tantalizing flavor with minimal effort. It’s quick to prepare, making your evening smoother. And the result? A beautiful meal that feels far more complex than it was to make.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Raising Cane Tenders

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.

When it’s one of those hectic days, Raising Cane Tenders come to the rescue. They are fuss-free and oh so yum. Pop them in and get ready to munch in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Raising Cane Tenders

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.

Mix up something special tonight with Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s crafted to cut down on your time in the kitchen but not on taste. Just what you need after a long day!
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes, all you need is a comforting soup that’s rich in flavor but not in prep time. Hot and Sour Soup does just that. Whether you’re looking to warm up a chilly evening or simply need a quick meal solution, this soup whirls together fast. And it’s always ready to nourish and warm everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

When you’re craving something both spicy and sweet, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that jazzes up your mealtime with minimal effort. Whip it up in no time, and watch the bowls come back empty. It’s simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

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

Imagine whipping up a meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser without spending hours in the kitchen. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are just the ticket. They’re quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from plates. It’s a fun way to satisfy the gang without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No one likes to get stuck in the kitchen for too long. With Easy Chicken Tenders, you won’t have to. They’re a snap to make on those busy evenings. Plus, everyone from toddlers to grandparents will be smiling at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Now, if you’re in the mood for some spice and everything nice, then Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings have your name all over them. Get ready to treat yourself to a finger-licking favorite that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. It’s chicken wings done right—a little kick, a lot of care, and no stress at all.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

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.

For those days when time and health are both of the essence, Healthy Chicken Salad is your go-to. It’s fresh, filling, and on the table in minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it keeps well, which means easy meals for tomorrow!
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.

Go ahead, put on some cozy tunes, and whip up a batch of Chicken Alfredo to make any night feel a bit more special. It’s creamy, comforting, and the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring the family together and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

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.

Spicing up the dinner routine can be as simple as trying Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. They’re loaded with flavor and ready in no time. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a casual gathering, these skewers offer a quick, flavorful escape. And they’re endlessly customizable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

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.

When you’re aiming to bring a little excitement into your dinner menu without the extra work, Kung Pao Chicken stands out. It’s a vibrant dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is easy to make. Serving up a meal that’s both delicious and quick to table is always a win. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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.

After a hectic day, a flavorful dish like Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta can be a real lifesaver. It blends heat and comfort into each bite. And the best part? It all comes together before you can finish a chapter of your book.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cozy and full of flavor, this chili is a great add to your meal prep. White Chicken Chili is easy to prepare and provides a wholesome meal any day of the week. Perfect for lunches or dinners, it simplifies your cooking routine. Just heat and enjoy, making those busy days a little easier. You’ll love having it ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

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.

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