These 29 Chicken Recipes Helped Us Get Through The Dinner Slump

Somehow, 29 chicken recipes fixed the dinner rut faster than takeout could load on a slow Wi-Fi night. They made weeknights easier and kept things from falling into the usual repeat cycle. No one asked, “This again?” which felt like a small miracle. Even the picky ones showed up with a plate.

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce. — Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

When you need something easy but still full of flavor, Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe has your back. Toss everything on one pan and let the oven do its thing. It’s the kind of dish that makes clean-up a breeze and keeps everyone coming back for more. Quick, simple, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

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.

Grilled Chicken Thighs are your answer to a filling meal with hardly any effort. They cook up with crispy skin and tender meat, making every bite count. Perfect for those nights when you want a tasty dinner without spending too much time. You can trust this recipe to come through when you need it most.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Easy Chicken Tenders

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

With Easy Chicken Tenders, you’ve got a go-to recipe that’s simple yet fulfilling. This dish is a hit for both kids and adults, bringing that crispy crunch every time. You can’t go wrong with this one when you’re in need of a quick, reliable meal. Everyone will love it, no matter how picky they are.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

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.

Marry Me Chicken lives up to its name, offering rich, savory goodness that’s hard to resist. It’s creamy, tender, and feels like a special meal even when you’re just having a regular night in. This one’s a crowd-pleaser, so don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly favorite. A simple dish that feels anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me 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.

If you want something with a little kick, Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta is a solid choice. This dish has the right balance of heat without overpowering the meal. It’s perfect for those days when you need to spice things up. A great option to keep dinner exciting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

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.

Need something lighter? Healthy Chicken Salad is your answer. It’s a refreshing and filling meal that doesn’t leave you feeling stuffed. This recipe packs in flavor without sacrificing your health goals. Great for meal prep or a quick, nutritious lunch.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

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.

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers bring a little taste of something different to the table. The grill gives them that perfect char while the marinade adds just the right amount of flavor. It’s a fun, easy way to switch up your usual dinner routine. You’ll find yourself making this one more often than you think.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Lemongrass Chicken

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

This dish is light yet packed with flavor, making it a solid choice for any night of the week. The fragrance of lemongrass adds something unique to your chicken. Lemongrass Chicken is a dish that feels a little fancy, but doesn’t require much effort. Ideal for when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

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.

If you’re looking to spice things up, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is the way to go. The combination of heat and sweetness adds a whole new layer to your usual salad. It’s a fresh, fulfilling dish that hits all the right notes. Perfect for when you want something different but easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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.

If you’re tired of the same old dinner, Homemade KFC Zinger Burger brings some much-needed excitement. This burger is a game-changer when you’re craving something with a kick. It’s quick, easy, and will definitely get you through the dinner grind. Everyone will want a second helping of this tasty sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Crack Chicken Dip

Cracker with creamy dip featuring bacon bits and green onions being lifted from a dish. — Crack Chicken Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When it’s time to shake up your dinner routine, Crack Chicken Dip is the answer. It’s perfect for nights when you want something easy and fulfilling, with just the right amount of creaminess. This dip will keep you coming back for more, no matter the occasion. Plus, it pairs well with pretty much anything.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Dip

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

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

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution when you need dinner fast. They’re crunchy, tender, and have the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you dip them or enjoy them as is, they’ll hit the spot every time. These are the kind of tenders that can be whipped up without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

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.

When you want to impress with minimal effort, Marry Me Chicken Casserole has you covered. It’s an easy dish that’s comforting and full of flavor. Perfect for when you need something that feels a bit special but doesn’t take forever to make. This casserole will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the answer to those busy nights when you want to keep things simple. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers big on taste with minimal cleanup. The crunchy crust and juicy chicken are just the right combo. This is a go-to meal for easy, weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Want something different? Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos are the way to go. They’re packed with all the right flavors and make for a fun twist on your usual dinner. Perfect for nights when you’re craving something bold and filling. This dish brings the heat and will easily become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

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.

A good sandwich can save the day, and Grilled Chicken Sandwich is here to do just that. It’s a quick, easy, and fulfilling choice when you need dinner in a flash. With perfectly grilled chicken, it hits all the right notes without being over the top. It’s simple but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

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.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is perfect for those evenings when you want something cozy and filling. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, with the right balance of ingredients. This dish is a great way to switch up your dinner routine. It’ll become a regular on your meal plan in no time.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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 dinner needs to be quick and flavorful, Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas are the way to go. They’re loaded with flavor and come together easily, perfect for those busy nights. Whether you’re making them for one or the whole family, they won’t last long. These quesadillas are all about bold bites.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Hot and Sour Soup

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Hot and Sour Soup is just what you need. It’s perfect when you’re looking for something warm, tangy, and full of depth. This soup has just the right mix of heat and sourness to keep you coming back. It’s a comforting option that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

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.

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the kind of meal that’ll grab your attention in the best way. This dish is fresh, savory, and packs a punch without being too much. It’s simple to throw together and fulfilling enough to feel like a full meal. It’s the perfect choice when you need something quick but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

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.

When you want something crispy and flavorful, Sesame Chicken won’t let you down. The sweet and savory coating is just the right mix, and it’s a meal that everyone will love. This dish is perfect when you need something comforting but still a little different. It’s an easy win for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for a lighter dinner option? Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing change of pace. It’s easy to throw together and gives you a balance of flavors that won’t leave you feeling heavy. This salad is perfect when you want something light but filling enough to count as dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs. — Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On nights when you need to feed the family fast, Easy Chicken Casserole is the answer. It’s simple, filling, and comes together in no time. This dish is everything you want when you’re trying to get a hearty meal on the table quickly. Plus, it’s one of those comfort foods that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of folded tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and herbs, garnished with cilantro. — Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas bring the heat in the best way. They’re cheesy, spicy, and have just the right amount of crunch. This is the kind of meal that’s perfect for when you want something that’s quick but doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s an easy, go-to option for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

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.

When you’re looking for a comforting, quick meal, this dish has got your back. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta is rich, creamy, and perfect for any weeknight. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to change things up without any stress. Plus, everyone will keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

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.

Kung Pao Chicken is a great way to bring some heat to your dinner table. It’s bold, packed with flavor, and super easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is a winner. If you’re tired of the same old meals, give this one a try.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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.

Sometimes, you just need something fresh and crunchy. Seven Layer Salad is a great way to mix things up while keeping it simple. It’s layered with flavor and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy evenings. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to put together.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

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.

If you’re all about convenience, then Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken is a must-try. This dish does most of the work for you while you go about your day. You’ll love how it comes out tender and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to customize for your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Looking for something filling but not too complicated? Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta brings a great balance of creaminess and texture. It’s quick enough for a busy night and always hits the spot. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

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.