12 Chicken Dinners That Let You Cook Less and Enjoy More

Busy weeknights don’t have to mean ordering takeout. You can make quick, tasty chicken dinners with less effort and more time to relax. These recipes are designed to simplify your cooking while still delivering great meals. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for easy dinner ideas, these chicken dishes will make your evenings smoother. They’re perfect for anyone who wants a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

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.

Honey mustard chicken is a classic dish that combines savory and sweet flavors perfectly. The tangy Dijon mustard and sweet honey create a marinade that makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. This meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

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.

These sticky wings are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a caramelized finish. Whether you’re hosting a game night or serving dinner, this recipe will become a favorite. The sauce coats the wings just right, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

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 simple one-pan meal that packs in bold flavors. With tender chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a dinner everyone will enjoy. Plus, the skillet makes clean-up a breeze. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

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 a crispy panko breadcrumb coating with the sharp, nutty flavor of Romano cheese. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner with a touch of elegance. The crispy crust makes this chicken dinner both simple and satisfying. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

This sheet pan chicken teriyaki and vegetables dish makes dinner easy and flavorful. The chicken caramelizes perfectly alongside crisp-tender vegetables, all drizzled with homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious dinner that’s great for busy nights. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken

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

Roasted red pepper chicken is packed with vibrant flavors and easy to make. The tender chicken thighs are paired with roasted red peppers and a tangy salsa, making it a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. It’s a meal that’s both healthy and full of taste. Get the recipe: Roasted Red Pepper 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 a one-pan dish that’s as delicious as it is simple. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp asparagus, all covered in a creamy lemon sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner for any night of the week. 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 drumsticks bring bright, bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. The tangy lemon and aromatic oregano make for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues. It’s a meal that never goes out of style. Get the recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken

Sticky Chicken

Sticky chicken is a flavorful dish that balances savory and sweet with a hint of spice. The rich, slightly sweet sauce makes each bite irresistible. It’s a go-to recipe that’s always a hit with family and friends. Get the recipe: Sticky Chicken

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.

This spaghetti squash casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make. The tender squash combines with savory chicken and creamy ricotta, creating a satisfying texture and taste. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Get the recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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.

Instant pot chicken paprika is a quick and flavorful dish that delivers on taste without the fuss. The creamy garlic sauce and tender chicken thighs make it a great meal for busy nights. It’s a comforting dish with a hint of cheesy goodness. Get the recipe: Chicken Paprika

Pecan Crusted Chicken

This pecan-crusted chicken is a standout dish with its crunchy, nutty crust. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of savory and nutty flavors that’s sure to impress. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion or a simple dinner. Get the recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken