10 Simple Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Meals
When life gets busy having a repertoire of simple easy chicken dinner recipes can be a game-changer. Chicken is versatile affordable and quick to cook making it the perfect protein for stress-free weeknight meals.
In this guide we’ll share 10 foolproof chicken recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro looking for quick ideas these dishes will save you time and keep your family happy.
1. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs
Crispy skin juicy meat and a rich garlic butter sauce—this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels (this ensures crispy skin).
- Mix melted butter garlic paprika thyme salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush the mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: *For extra crispiness broil for the last 2-3 minutes.*
2. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Veggies
A complete meal with zero cleanup stress—just toss and bake!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups baby potatoes halved
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes carrots garlic olive oil and seasoning in a baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top and season with salt & pepper.
- Arrange lemon slices over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Pro Tip: Add asparagus or broccoli in the last 10 minutes for extra greens.
3. 15-Minute Honey Soy Chicken Stir-Fry
Sweet savory and ready in a flash—perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Whisk honey soy sauce sesame oil garlic and ginger in a bowl.
- Stir-fry chicken in a hot pan for 5-6 minutes until cooked.
- Add veggies and cook for 3-4 more minutes.
- Pour sauce over and toss to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken for 10 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor.
4. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Rich comforting and ready in 20 minutes—better than takeout!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté chicken in butter until golden then set aside.
- In the same pan cook garlic until fragrant.
- Add cream parmesan and seasoning simmer until thickened.
- Toss in chicken and pasta stir well.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of pasta water for a silkier sauce.
5. 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Sweet smoky and hands-off—minimal prep maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 2 cups green beans
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss potatoes and green beans with olive oil salt and pepper.
- Arrange chicken on the sheet pan brush with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes basting chicken halfway.
Pro Tip: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for caramelized BBQ glaze.
6. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
*Kid-friendly crunchy and ready in 10 minutes—no deep frying needed!*
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Mix breadcrumbs parmesan and garlic powder.
- Dip tenders in egg then coat in breadcrumb mix.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes flipping halfway.
Pro Tip: Serve with honey mustard or ranch for dipping.
7. Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Set it and forget it—this rich creamy dish cooks itself while you’re busy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Add garlic sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Shred chicken slightly then stir in cream parmesan and spinach until wilted.
- Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor sear the chicken in a pan before slow cooking.
8. 20-Minute Lemon Pepper Chicken Skillet
Bright zesty and ready in a flash—ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts sliced thin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper (coarse grind)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season chicken with lemon zest pepper garlic powder onion powder and salt.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken in the last minute of cooking.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with rice or a fresh salad.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of white wine to the pan for extra depth.
9. Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting all-in-one dish that’s creamy cheesy and family-approved.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix chicken rice broccoli soup sour cream milk and seasonings in a bowl.
- Transfer to a baking dish top with cheese (and breadcrumbs if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep!
10. Spicy Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Sweet tangy and a little spicy—this grilled chicken is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Whisk honey lime juice soy sauce chili flakes garlic and paprika in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Grill on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side basting with extra marinade.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with grilled veggies or rice.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a grill use a grill pan or broil in the oven.
Final Thoughts
With these 10 simple easy chicken dinner recipes you’ll never run out of quick delicious meal ideas. From one-pan wonders to air-fried favorites these dishes are designed for minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
