The absolute best chicken dishes to prep for dinner tonight.
Are you woefully staring at that lone chicken breast you have tucked away in the freezer, wondering how you can possibly jazz up a protein you’ve eaten a million times? Sure, the bird is eternally popular because it’s relatively affordable and has a mild flavor. And it’s versatile: You can serve it fried, grilled, baked, or poached without breaking a sweat. But it’s also seen as an easy option that lacks pizzazz, the sort of meat that you won’t be shocked to find on any given restaurant menu. Don’t worry if you’ve fallen into the dreaded chicken rut, though — sometimes, a fresh new recipe is all you need to fall back in love with poultry. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy list of our favorite chicken dinners that you can make at home.
Sure, we’re willing to celebrate the classics; chicken soup is on this list not once, but twice, after all (though you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the two recipes address very different needs). But we’re also filling our plates with some fun new entrees and snacky appetizers that you’ll be able to seamlessly fold into your weeknight routines. From savory Thai flavors to game day-ready baked wings, you’ll find what you need for a scrumptious, home-cooked meal — or a special occasion crowd-pleaser (we’re looking at you, chicken pot pie).
Most of these picks count as quick, easy, beginner-friendly fare that’s absolutely perfect for meal prep. For more devoted cooks, however, we’ve thrown in a couple dishes that are a labor of love. Because your time is ultra-valuable after a hectic day, but we also love those cozy evenings when cooking for pleasure feels like its own reward. No matter your needs, your dinner plans are a click away.
10 Different, Delicious Ways To Cook Chicken
Jessie James Decker’s Chicken and Corn Rice Bowls
Craving something healthy while you’re low on time? Shortcuts can still be wholesome: These chicken and corn rice bowls come together quickly and easily thanks to rotisserie chicken. Simply pick one up when you swing by the grocery store, then season with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a hint of spice. Canned enchilada sauce and smoky roasted bell peppers add even extra depth.
Baked By Melissa’s Sesame Chicken Salad
We’re obsessed with this salad because it calls for a simple yet show-stopping creamy miso ginger dressing. But toasted sesame seeds and store-bought wonton strips add the extra texture to turn this salad into a workweek fave. Simply use whichever easy grilled chicken recipe you like — but trust us when we say this dish shines even with frozen strips.
Joanna Gaines’s Friendsgiving Casserole
We’d like to thank rotisserie chicken again for saving the day — this time in a hearty, holiday-ready casserole you can serve at your next potluck dinner. You’ll layer your shredded chicken with a decadent cream sauce before covering the dish with dried cubes of bread. After baking this in the oven, you’ll meet the no-fuss friendsgiving entree of your dreams.
Amanda Haas Thai Chicken Burger
We talk a lot about poultry breasts and thighs, but ground chicken is an absolute workhorse — and it doesn’t have to be boring. Case in point: This Thai chicken burger that calls for fun ingredients like lemongrass, green papaya, fish sauce, and coconut milk. While it’s out of the ordinary, it doesn’t require you to toil over the stove; you can throw this meal for four together in under an hour.
Kristin Johns’s Festive Pot Pie Recipe
Craving a culinary flex you can really sink your teeth into? Look no further than this tasty pot pie, which very much requires you to make your own crust from scratch. Is it work? Yes. Is the toil worth the finished product? Yes — when the glorious scent of savory baking begins to fill your kitchen, you’ll be convinced.
Al Roker’s Baked Chicken Wings
Getting ready for the game? During half-time, you’ll want to nosh on these healthy-ish baked wings (courtesy of our favorite weatherman, Al Roker). We love that they feature a spicy sauce made of honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and a bit of chili powder. Feel free to kick the heat up a notch by using hot honey — or dial back any of the peppery ingredients as needed.
Deborah’s Strawberry Grilled Chicken Salad
A couple of sweltering summers ago, our staff compiled a list of our go-to salads. The unofficial winner of this total non-contest was a strawberry grilled chicken salad that’s somehow crunchy, savory, sweet, and tangy. If you enjoy measuring with your heart (you can add as much of each topping as you like) then this one’s for you.
Kylie Mazon-Chambers Buffalo Chicken Dip
Not a big wing fan? You can still prep for the tailgate with these Superbowl-approved snacks — namely, the luscious cheesy buffalo chicken dip. Combine household ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch, and buffalo sauce with shredded chicken, and this stellar treat will come together in under 30 minutes.
Katie and John’s Carrot Noodle Chicken Soup
Ah, chicken noodle soup. A tried-and-true cure-all for cold weather ailments or frosty moods. Follow along while Katie and John teach you to make an innovative version that replaces pasta with spiralized carrot strips for an even healthier boost.
Jake Cohen’s Chicken and White Bean Soup
The world of chicken soup is so diverse that it feels foolish to only include one recipe. That’s why we’re also making this quick, one-pot, chicken and bean soup. The addition of white beans adds extra protein, while chopped Swiss chard and a garnish of dill contribute fresh flavor. And this dish comes together in under an hour, which means that last-minute soup plans are definitely in your future.