These 29 Chicken Recipes Saved Me When I Had No Plan At All

ByMandy Applegate

Dinner panic hits hardest when everyone’s hungry and nothing’s decided. Having 29 chicken recipes ready means the problem pretty much solves itself. Each one feels like a quick win without extra effort. Turns out, the easiest way to look organized is just being prepared with plenty of options.

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

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.

Dinner gets easier when only a crowd-pleaser will do in a hurry. Marry Me Chicken covers every plate with sauce that goes fast at both parties and regular meals. Seconds are always chased after the first bite. Weeknights run smoother when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled meat ribs garnished with chopped herbs and garlic, served on a white platter with fresh parsley in the background.
Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick cooking means lunch or dinner comes together before anyone complains about being hungry. Grilled Chicken Thighs always please guests who like simple plates. Family picnics pack up a lot faster. No piece gets left behind at meal’s end.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Restaurant favorites are nice to have at home for busy families who want easy meals with no surprises. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta gets kids lingering at the table for another scoop. It works for both casual meals and special occasions. All leftovers get claimed early.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

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.

New flavors show up at the table when there’s no grocery plan but people want something different. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers work for both lunchboxes and quick dinners. Friends often ask when these will come back. Extra skewers vanish before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Grab-and-go dinners make a difference when schedules get tight and hands are full. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap keeps things light but filling for both kids and adults. No mess lands on the table with this pick. Quick leftovers get packed up for work or school.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Game days and last-minute parties turn out better when snacks work with both chips and bread. Buffalo Chicken Dip keeps guests hovering around the bowl until it’s empty. Extra plates get filled up even after the main dishes are cleared. This one always goes first.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers with red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onions are served on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Skewers lined up on the plate feel special at any weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. Grilled Chicken Kabobs help eaters try new things without any stress. Cleanup moves fast with these. Often it’s the first item to disappear at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi with pieces of chicken, wilted spinach, and a creamy sauce, garnished with black pepper.
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Soft bites in a quick meal make dinner a breeze after a long day without planning. Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi combines hearty and creamy so even picky eaters smile. Leftovers do not last long in any fridge. Extra servings always seem to vanish before morning.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

Chicken Tikka Masala

A close-up of chicken tikka masala served on rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, with lime wedges and naan on the side.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Home meals get more excitement when quick dinners look and feel like restaurant takeout. Chicken Tikka Masala works for group meals that need a little more flavor. Guests stay for seconds before heading home. Weeknights become less stressful after making this meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate.
Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sandwiches win over dinner when family members ask for something hand-held that feels special. Blackened Chicken Clubs give everyone a little spice with their crunch. Plates are empty before anyone can argue. These sandwiches are a top pick at last-minute get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A bowl of rice topped with grilled chicken, creamy sauce, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and red onion slices.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fast bowls fix both dinner and lunch when schedules are full. Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings all the right flavors together in one scoop. No one asks for anything extra. This bowl also often gets repeated by request.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Lunch becomes easier when a spread fills up bread without extra mess. Chicken Salad Sandwich gets bagged up ahead of time or handed out on picnic days. Everyone likes a good sandwich. People keep coming back for more at parties and school events.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chicken Divan Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy casserole topped with chopped parsley and crumbly bits, featuring melted cheese and a creamy texture.
Chicken Divan Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family favorites show up as an easy dish serves a full table with no extra steps. Chicken Divan Casserole stretches to cover lunch the next day as well. Ask around and there are never any leftovers. Extra pans get requested for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan Casserole

Chicken Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with minced meat, spinach, sliced scallions, half a soft-boiled egg, and noodles in broth, garnished with sesame seeds and pepper.
Chicken Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Noodle bowls help out when time is tight but everyone wants a warm dinner without takeout. Chicken Ramen fills up hungry kids fast. Bowls often get scraped clean even on busy nights. Extra toppings let everyone make it their own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ramen

Balti Chicken

A bowl of traditional balti chicken garnished with cilantro, served next to naan bread on a blue tablecloth.
Balti Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Flavors stand out at the table on evenings when new meals feel fresh and different. Balti Chicken lights up the table and finishes fast. Friends enjoy sauces that add a little surprise to each meal. No one asks for anything else after this comes out.
Get the Recipe: Balti Chicken

Chicken Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Classic salads make lunch and dinner easy for last-minute planning. Chicken Caesar Salad finds its spot at parties or quick solo days at home. Even picky eaters dig in when this comes out. Plates always come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

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.

One-pot dinners mean fewer dishes and an easier cleanup on busy weeknights. Butter Chicken packs comfort with a familiar, creamy bite. Dinner stays stress-free with only one pan to clean. Requests roll in when this hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick bites feel bright and light after a busy day when something simple is needed. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken makes a meal fresh and easy. Everyone finishes serving before reaching for snacks. Lunches pack easily for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

A close-up of a chicken and broccoli casserole featuring browned cheese, herbs, and green leafy garnish on top, displayed in a rectangular baking dish.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Family dinners fill up fast when easy layers come out hot from the oven. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole pleases everyone around the table. Even little ones take second scoops. Nothing is left behind for the next meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Close-up of a cheeseburger with a sesame bun, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and beef patty.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sandwiches fix dinner by offering variety with hardly any effort. Grilled Chicken Sandwich piles up on a plate for a night in or a backyard cookout. Each one gets picked up fast. Next-day lunches become simple with just a quick reheat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Chicken Soup

A pot of soup with sliced carrots, potatoes, and herbs floating in a seasoned broth.
Chicken Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bowls line up on the counter when easy comfort is needed for a busy day. Chicken Soup always finds a spot at the top of family dinner lists. Spoons scrape the bottom every time. Somebody usually asks for more before serving anything else.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick snacks fill up plates as dinner runs late or kids get home hungry early. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs work for both parties and school lunches. Skewers fly off their trays when handed out. Families always want more than one round.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Close-up of chicken bacon ranch sliders with grilled chicken, bacon, and melted cheese inside a golden bun, garnished with herbs.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini sandwiches solve hungry nights when sit-down meals are not possible. Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders pop up at big family get-togethers where everyone likes finger food. Lunches pack easily for the next day. These sliders never last until the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

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.

Quick meals in a bowl turn into favorites for both kids and adults. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry mixes sweet and savory every time. Bowls empty out before anyone thinks about seconds. Weeknights run smoother when this is an option.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Sliced breaded chicken rolls filled with ham and cheese, topped with creamy sauce and garnished with chopped parsley on a plate.
Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner gets a bit fancier with little extra work when surprise guests stop by. Chicken Cordon Bleu pleases even the pickiest eaters with its classic touch. Everyone cleans their plate. Meal rotation usually brings this back soon after.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

Spoons dig in fast when easy soups help people wind down after long days. Marry Me Chicken Soup gets rave reviews in both kids’ and adults’ lunchboxes. Every serving disappears before anyone can ask for seconds. This soup shows up again and again by request.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Greek Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers topped with a creamy white sauce and chopped herbs, served on a plate with sliced vegetables.
Greek Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Skewers fresh from the grill make for easy lunches or party food with little prep. Greek Chicken Kabobs are simple to share when there’s no plan. They get picked clean off the tray each time. Guests want these for the next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Kabobs

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.

Weeknights cool off fast with a bite that mixes sweet and sharp, so families eat more greens. Hot Honey Chicken Salad turns a salad into something craveable. Kids ask for seconds even though it’s salad. Lunches become quicker with this on hand.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Easy Chicken Tenders

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

Kids ask for these whenever snacks are needed after school or when friends come over. Easy Chicken Tenders make dinner a sure thing on nights when nothing else sounds right. Crunch keeps everyone happy at the table. Leftovers pack well for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken 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.

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