12 Chicken Dinners That Skip the Fancy Ingredients but Deliver

Sometimes, simple is best, especially when it comes to making chicken dinners. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to create meals that are both easy to prepare and delicious. Whether you’re short on time or just prefer straightforward cooking, these chicken dinner recipes make the most of basic ingredients. They are quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal. No need for complicated techniques or expensive extras—just real, great-tasting food that everyone will love.

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions on a blue plate. The wings appear crispy and are coated in a brown, sticky sauce, creating an appetizing presentation. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Sticky wings offer the ideal balance of sweet and savory with a sticky, caramelized glaze. These wings are perfect for game day or a fun family dinner, providing full flavor in every bite. You won’t want to miss out on this simple yet tasty dish. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Chicken teriyaki and vegetables are an easy sheet-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The chicken becomes wonderfully caramelized while the vegetables remain crisp and flavorful, all coated in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s great for any day of the week. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Honey Mustard Chicken

A plate with four pieces of glazed, seasoned roasted chicken thighs garnished with fresh green leaves. The plate is on a woven mat with utensils nearby, creating a rustic table setting. — Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This honey mustard chicken strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The Dijon mustard and honey create a flavorful marinade for the chicken thighs. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

Crusted Chicken Romano

A breaded and fried chicken cutlet is garnished with parsley and served on a white plate, placed on a patterned tablecloth. — Crusted Chicken Romano. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Crusted chicken Romano brings together crispy panko breadcrumbs with the nutty flavor of Romano cheese for a satisfying meal. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner when you want something crispy and full of flavor. You’ll love the texture and the easy prep for this weeknight favorite. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

A skillet filled with a dish topped with melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, chopped cilantro, and a red sauce. There are colorful bell peppers and diced onions mixed with quinoa beneath the toppings. — Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This cheesy chicken enchilada skillet is a one-pan wonder full of bold, vibrant flavors. Tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese all combine in a simple, easy-to-make dish. It’s a perfect dinner solution when you want something delicious without a lot of cleanup. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken

Red Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Roasted red pepper chicken is a flavorful, low-effort meal that’s great for busy evenings. The sweet, roasted red bell peppers pair beautifully with the tender chicken, while the tangy salsa base adds a delicious kick. This simple dish makes for an easy dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying. Get the recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Chicken

Sticky Chicken

Sticky chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish with a sticky glaze that makes every bite irresistible. The sauce adds a wonderful caramelized finish to the chicken, creating a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. It’s a simple yet satisfying choice for any dinner. Get the recipe: Sticky Chicken

Pan Fried Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

A skillet containing three pan-seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with black pepper. Fresh asparagus spears are nestled between the chicken pieces, all coated in the rich sauce. The dish is presented on a white surface. — Lemon Chicken and Asparagus. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Pan-fried lemon chicken and asparagus is an easy one-pan dish that combines fresh, zesty lemon with tender chicken and crisp asparagus. The lemon sauce gives everything a burst of flavor, making this meal both light and tasty. It’s a perfect option when you want a healthy and delicious dinner with minimal effort. Get the recipe: Pan Fried Lemon Chicken and Asparagus

Lemon Oregano Chicken

A person places a platter of roasted chicken drumsticks garnished with lemon slices and herbs on a wooden table. A wooden spoon and a checkered cloth are in the background. — Lemon Oregano Chicken. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project

Lemon oregano chicken features juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a bright blend of tangy lemon and fragrant oregano. This dish is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend get-togethers. Its bold flavors will make this recipe a hit at your table. Get the recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan-crusted chicken is a crunchy, nutty twist on a classic chicken dinner. The pecan crust gives the chicken a flavorful crunch while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. Get the recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Chicken Paprika

A white bowl filled with creamy orange stew, garnished with a small green herb sprig. A light-colored fabric napkin is placed nearby, with greenery blurred in the background. — Paprika Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken paprika is a rich, flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s an easy, quick recipe that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and full of flavor. This dish is sure to become a go-to for any weeknight dinner. Get the recipe: Chicken Paprika

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

A bowl of baked cheesy dish with a wooden spoon, garnished with herbs, on a wooden table. A white and black checkered cloth is next to the bowl, along with stacked white plates and forks. — Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Spaghetti squash casserole is a comforting dish made with savory chicken and creamy ricotta cheese. The spaghetti squash takes the place of traditional pasta, offering a light yet satisfying texture. This casserole is an easy, flavorful meal for anyone looking for something hearty but simple. Get the recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole