• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Dump-and-Bake Chicken Meals for Busy Nights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 26, 2025, updated September 4, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When life gets busy, finding time to cook can be a challenge. These 21 dump-and-bake chicken meals are perfect for those hectic nights when you want something easy and satisfying. Just toss the ingredients together, pop them in the oven, and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

    Shake and Bake Chicken

    Shake and Bake Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Shake and Bake Chicken is a simple and tasty dinner option that features juicy chicken baked to perfection with a crunchy homemade seasoning. It's quick to prepare and will have everyone asking for seconds. Once you try this version, you might find yourself skipping the store-bought mixes altogether.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes, and it cooks in under an hour. It's packed with spicy buffalo sauce, has some hidden spinach, and is super cheesy. This dish is a tasty and simple option for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Ritz cracker chicken casserole features tender chicken in a creamy sauce, all topped with crunchy, buttery cracker crumbs. This simple dish comes together quickly and requires very little preparation. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

    Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes with this simple baked pesto mozzarella chicken. It's low in carbs, gluten-free, and uses easy-to-find ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    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 dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

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

    This easy sheet pan chicken dinner with vegetables is great for busy families looking to enjoy a healthy, warm meal. Just toss everything together, bake it, and serve. It's really simple and quick to prepare!

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    A serving of Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken enchilada casserole combines all the delicious flavors of enchiladas in a simple, layered dish. It features corn tortillas, lots of cheese, and rich red enchilada sauce, all baked together for a comforting meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice brings together flavorful spices, juicy chicken, and melted cheese in a dish that everyone will love. This casserole is packed with deliciousness and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It's a simple, comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Roasted Greek Chicken with Garlic Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Roasted Greek Chicken with Garlic Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Sheet Pan Roasted Greek Chicken with Garlic Potatoes is a simple and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. This dish combines juicy chicken with flavorful garlic potatoes, all cooked together on one pan. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Healthy Baked Chicken Fajitas

    Healthy Baked Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

    This Healthy Baked Chicken Fajita recipe is quick and simple, taking just 30 minutes and using only 8 easy-to-find ingredients. It's perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Inspired by the popular Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowl, this dish cooks in the oven, allowing you to relax while it bakes.

    Get the Recipe

    Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs

    Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This dish features crispy, juicy chicken thighs that are cooked to perfection. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip this up easily at home. It's a straightforward meal that fits well into your weekly dinner rotation.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Old Fashioned Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken baked on top of rice.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless favorite that never disappoints. The chicken and rice are well-seasoned, and the rice turns out just right every time. This dish is a simple and convenient option for dinner, making it a go-to for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is easy to prepare and ideal for a quick family dinner during the week, taking less than 45 minutes from start to finish. Just toss chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots together with a tasty marinade and roast them all at once.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    One pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes are a simple and satisfying dinner option for busy nights. The chicken is zesty and the potatoes come out perfectly roasted, creating a warm and comforting meal that isn't too filling. While everything bakes together, you can quickly whip up a fresh green salad, making it easy to enjoy a wholesome dinner in no time.

    Get the Recipe

    Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

    Hot Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garlic All Day.

    Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy flavor to this Hot Honey Garlic Chicken dish. It can be prepared easily in either an air fryer or an oven.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it's mostly hands-off and comes together easily. You'll have chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It's simple to prepare and will definitely fill you up, often leaving you with some tasty leftovers for later. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that doesn't require a lot of effort.

    Get the recipe

    Tuscan Chicken Bake

    Tuscan Chicken Bake.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    This Tuscan chicken bake is a creamy and cheesy dish that's full of flavor. It combines chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach with pasta, all baked together in a rich coconut milk and cheese sauce. This is a great option for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish combines the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the creamy goodness of broccoli chicken alfredo. It's a simple meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Monterey Chicken Casserole

    Monterey Chicken Casserole.
    Photo credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is simple and quick to prepare. With a mix of zesty BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Mustard chicken.
      22 Ideas for Easy Fall Dinners
    • Roasted vegetable soup.
      23 Hearty Soups You Can Make with Cheap Ingredients
    • Falafel bake.
      16 Fun Veggie Dishes That Will Make You the Potluck Star
    • 18 Dump-And-Go Slow Cooker Meals That Will Make You Love Cooking Again

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Hot honey garlic chicken.
      21 Dump-and-Bake Chicken Meals for Busy Nights
    • Baked Ravioli Casserole.
      23 Comforting Casseroles That Will Warm Your Heart
    • Beef stew.
      Simply Fall Flavors: 23 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Busy Weeknights
    • A plate with mashed potatoes and salisbury steak.
      27 Family Favorite Fall Meals That Are Easy and Cheap

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB