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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Lazy Day Set-It-and-Forget-It Chicken Meals That Require Almost Zero Effort

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 24, 2025, updated June 12, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, especially on those lazy days when you just want to relax. These 20 chicken meals are perfect for those moments, requiring minimal effort and letting you set everything up and walk away. With simple ingredients and easy prep, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines cheesy chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a comforting meal. It's an easy option that doesn't require much work but still feels like a treat. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Hawaiian Pineapple chicken is super tender and packed with flavor. After a bit of prep, your slow cooker or instant pot will handle everything else for you. This dish is perfect for a laid-back meal that doesn't require much effort.

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    Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

    Chicken broccoli bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: From Valerie's Kitchen.

    This chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole is super easy to prepare and everything cooks together in one dish. It's perfect for days when you're short on time but still want a hearty meal. Just mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken tortillas soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    Chicken tortilla soup is a family favorite that's both tasty and good for you. It's perfect for preparing in advance and can be frozen for later use.

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    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta combines the delicious flavors of Tuscan chicken with an easy, hands-off approach. This dish features tender chicken, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and your choice of pasta all cooked together in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a complete meal that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights.

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    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a delicious mix of shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

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    Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
    Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    Slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a simple dish that works well for busy days or game nights. It brings together basic ingredients to create a tasty blend of chili and spicy buffalo chicken flavors. This meal is all about convenience, allowing you to enjoy a hearty bowl without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili

    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meal is quick and simple, taking only 30 minutes to prepare with very little effort. It keeps warm in the pot, which is perfect for busy nights when everyone can help themselves whenever they’re ready to eat.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is simple to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time, it takes care of itself while cooking. In less than 45 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal filled with vegetables.

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    Mississippi Chicken

    Mississippi Chicken
    Photo Credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Mississippi Chicken is a simple dish that you can prepare in your slow cooker using just five ingredients. This meal is easy to make and pairs well with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. It's perfect for a laid-back dinner when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This Italian chicken dish is full of flavor and perfect for a simple dinner any night. Just let it cook slowly, and you can serve it over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    This chicken dish combines chicken breasts with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey for a flavorful meal. After cooking, the chicken is shredded and mixed with the sauce, creating a delicious topping for rice. It's a simple and satisfying option that requires minimal effort.

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    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken tray bake is ideal for quick family dinners on busy nights, needing less than 45 minutes from start to finish. You just roast chicken thighs with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots in a tasty marinade. It's an easy way to get a delicious meal on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This dish features tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, creating a satisfying and healthy meal. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something easy that everyone will love.

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    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Foil packets with boneless chicken thighs, peppers, and onions are a simple way to enjoy a delicious meal. Seasoned with Cajun spices, these packets cook quickly and help keep your kitchen clean. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without putting in a lot of work.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is packed with chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty option that's great for meals later in the week. It's simple to prepare and offers a satisfying combination of flavors. Perfect for busy days, this meal can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta bake is simple to prepare and can be ready in under an hour. It combines buffalo sauce, spinach, and lots of cheese for a tasty meal. It's a great choice for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying 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 simple sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy evenings. With minimal prep, you can combine chicken, vegetables, and sauce all in one pan for a delicious meal. It's a straightforward way to enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

    Chicken alfredo on a plate.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    This chicken and penne pasta dish is simple to prepare and takes very little effort. You can enjoy a tasty Alfredo pasta without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Salsa Chicken

    A bowl of salsa chicken.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a simple dish that allows you to focus on your day while it cooks. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Beet pasta.
      20 Best Pasta Recipes to Make This Summer
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      16 Slow Cooker Summer Dinners Made for Busy Weeknights
    • 27 Cheap & Easy Meal Prep Recipes You’ll Love
    • Taco pasta.
      21 Easy Crockpot Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Nights

    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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