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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Homemade Chicken Dishes That Beat Takeout Every Time

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 18, 2025, updated May 7, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into countless delicious dishes right in your own kitchen. From delicious teriyaki o spicy stir-fries, these 18 homemade chicken recipes are sure to impress and satisfy. With a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can create meals that are not only better than takeout but also made with love.

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    You can use frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer for this dish. Just throw in the ingredients, cook for 30 minutes, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.

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    Thai Chicken and Rice

    Thai Chicken and Rice (One Pan)
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This flavorful chicken and rice dish is simple to prepare in just one pan. It's a great option for busy days when you want a homemade meal without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Homemade Thai Basil Chicken is a delicious dish featuring chicken, beans, and Thai basil in a savory sauce. This quick meal can be on your table in about 15 minutes using ground chicken.

    Get the recipe

    Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

    Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Enjoy tender chicken coated in a tasty ginger sauce. Serve it with rice and steamed broccoli for a fulfilling meal any night.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

    A plate full of quesadillas.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cheesy quesadillas are quick and simple to whip up in the air fryer. They’re a great option for a fast meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a quick and delicious meal that you'll enjoy making regularly. It features classic Thai flavors and is topped with crunchy peanuts.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

    Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This quick meal combines instant ramen noodles with peanut sauce, and you can have it on the table in under 20 minutes. It's a simple and satisfying option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Yaki Udon

    Yaki Udon (Stir Fried Udon Noodles) on a white bowl.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    Yaki udon with ground chicken and veggies is a quick and tasty dinner ready in just 20 minutes. This stir-fried noodle dish features soft udon noodles mixed with savory ground chicken, baby bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This popular takeout dish is packed with chicken and veggies, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. You can whip it up in just 35 minutes, making it a quick and tasty meal option.

    Get the recipe

    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

    Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This ginger chicken stir-fry is packed with juicy chicken and a tasty ginger garlic sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Chicken

    Sticky Cashew Chicken.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Enjoy a tasty mix of sweet and savory sauce over tender chicken and crunchy cashews for a quick meal. This is a satisfying option when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Kung Pao Spaghetti

    Kung Pao Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This Kung Pao Spaghetti is a quick and tasty way to enjoy your favorite Chinese takeout at home. With pasta, chicken, veggies, and a homemade kung pao sauce topped with peanuts and spring onions, you can have a satisfying family meal ready in under 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

    Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Love and Other Spices.

    Chicken fried rice is a simple and delicious dinner that you can prepare quickly. It's a great way to turn leftover rice into a meal that everyone will love.

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    Pad See Ew

    Pad See Ew.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Thai stir-fry features wide rice noodles tossed in a flavorful brown sauce. It's a simple and satisfying homemade Pad See Ew that you'll enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Sesame Chicken

    Sesame chicken served over rice.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Sesame Chicken is a go-to dish that never disappoints. It's simple to prepare and packed with comforting flavors, making it a great choice for any day.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Chicken

    Air fryer orange chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This homemade orange chicken is a simple and delicious alternative to takeout. With crispy air-fried chicken and a tasty orange sauce, you can have it ready in under 30 minutes with little effort.

    Get the recipe

    Kung Pao Chicken

    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This chicken takeout dish is full of flavor and easy to make. It's a healthier alternative to your favorite takeout, combining salty and sweet tastes for a satisfying meal at home.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish mixes Thai curry with spaghetti for a delicious meal you'll want to have often. It's a quick and satisfying option that brings a unique twist to your dinner routine.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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