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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Dump-and-Go Chicken Dinners That Save You Time and Clean-Up

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 1, 2025, updated June 1, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Preparing dinner can be a hassle, especially after a long day. These 19 chicken recipes are perfect for those busy nights when you want something easy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything in one pot or slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    Lemon and rosemary come together to create a fresh and inviting flavor in these slow cooker chicken thighs. This dish is perfect for any night of the week, bringing a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to relax while dinner cooks. With minimal cleanup, it’s a great option for busy evenings. This is a simple yet satisfying meal that will please the whole family.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This meal is simple to prepare and cooks on its own. It features tender chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and a mix of Indian spices. The combination creates a dish that’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various diets. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    Cajun chicken casserole is simple to prepare because there's no need to boil pasta. As it bakes, a creamy sauce develops that adds great flavor to the dish. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a comforting option that everyone will love. You'll find yourself wanting to make it over and over.

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    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    Chicken drumsticks and potatoes come together on a baking sheet for a simple and healthy dinner. With a zesty lemon garlic seasoning, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy to prepare. Just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing. It's a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

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    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs are easy to make and highlight crispy, golden chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful garlic and white wine sauce with tender mushrooms. This dish is great for a weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. It combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying dinner without a lot of work. The rich flavors come together nicely, making it a comforting choice. You'll appreciate how quickly it comes together, leaving you more time to relax.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines chicken, broccoli, and plenty of pasta, creating a hearty meal for dinner. It's a great choice for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. Plus, there's usually enough left over for lunch the next day. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s an easy option for any night. Enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy sheet-pan dinner simplifies weeknight meals. All you need to do is chop up some vegetables and chicken, mix them with your favorite sauce, and let the oven do the cooking. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks on one pan. This is a perfect option for busy nights when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

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    Chicken & Veggie Traybake

    Chicken & Veggie Traybake.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This chicken traybake is simple and delicious, combining juicy chicken thighs with colorful vegetables, all mixed with a tasty Mediterranean dressing. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. You can easily change up the ingredients to suit what you like or have on hand. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This casserole takes a classic Italian dish and simplifies it into a one-pan meal. It features tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella. This is a good dinner option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everything cooks together, making clean-up a breeze. Enjoy a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

    This slow cooker honey mustard chicken is an easy option for a weeknight meal. It cooks in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce that everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for busy days when you want something simple and satisfying. It's gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with dietary restrictions. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for family dinners.

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    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Million dollar casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Shredded chicken is mixed with cream cheese and cream of chicken soup, then topped with crunchy Ritz crackers. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It offers a comforting and filling meal without requiring much effort. The combination of flavors and textures makes it enjoyable for everyone at the table. It's a great option when you want something quick and tasty.

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    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken and potato meal is easy to whip up in the Instant Pot, taking under 45 minutes from start to finish. It features a tasty tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple and satisfying. You can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great option for those evenings when you need a quick and delicious meal.

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    Ranch Chicken & Potato Casserole

    Ranch potato bake.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    This casserole brings together chicken, potatoes, broccoli, bacon, and cheese in one dish for an easy weeknight dinner. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and filling. Everything cooks together, so there's minimal cleanup afterward. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pan Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

    This one-pan dinner is all about juicy roasted chicken paired with tender potatoes, garlic, and mushrooms. It’s a simple meal that doesn’t require much work. You can have everything ready and in the oven in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to clean up afterward. Enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a simple and tasty take on a classic dish. You just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The flavors blend together beautifully as it cooks, making a satisfying meal. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a simple and comforting meal that comes together quickly. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just mix everything together and let it bake while you relax. This dish is filling and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal clean-up.

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    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

    Sheet pan with chicken and veggies.
    Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

    This sheet pan chicken dinner with veggies is perfect for busy families looking for a simple meal. Everything goes on one pan, so there's minimal cleanup afterward. Just mix it all together, put it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time. It’s a great way to get a wholesome meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a stress-free evening with this easy recipe.

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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

    King ranch chicken casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This dish is a classic comfort food from the South that everyone loves. It combines chicken, cheese, and a touch of southwestern spice for a delicious meal. Preparing this casserole is simple and doesn’t require much effort. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is simple to make and only takes 10 minutes of your time to get started. Once you set it up, the pot does all the work for you. In less than 45 minutes, you'll have a filling meal loaded with vegetables. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dish with minimal effort.

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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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