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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Effortless Chicken Dinners That Cook While You Relax

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 9, 2025, updated July 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking chicken can be simple and stress-free, especially when you can let it cook while you unwind. These 22 easy chicken dinners are perfect for busy days, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From slow-cooked favorites to quick oven bakes, these recipes will help you enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

    Beergarita Chicken Tacos

    Beergarita Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Beerarita Chicken Tacos feature tender shredded chicken cooked in a delicious blend of beer and margarita flavors. This dish is perfect for a simple and tasty taco night. Just let the slow cooker do the work, and you'll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe features chicken thighs seasoned with a bright mix of lemon and pepper, delivering a refreshing flavor. With the help of a slow cooker, you can turn simple ingredients into a delicious and juicy dinner without much effort. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let it cook on its own while you take care of other things. It combines chicken, vegetables, and plenty of sauce, all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's a hearty meal that's simple to prepare, perfect for a cozy night in. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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    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 satisfying and easy option for a weeknight dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken

    Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This Hawaiian-inspired Huli Huli Chicken is slow-cooked to bring out its rich, island flavors. It's a simple dish that pairs perfectly with rice, making it a satisfying meal. The combination of sweet and savory tastes will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    This chicken dinner is warm, tasty, and super simple to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it handle the cooking for you. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a simple and tasty dinner option for busy weeknights. It features tender chicken and baby potatoes cooked in a light, zesty lemon sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The addition of briny kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese adds a burst of flavor without requiring much work.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are simple to prepare and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and three easy steps, you can have a tasty dinner ready without spending much time in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Slow Cooker).
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    This keto chicken bacon ranch casserole is a simple and tasty dinner option that you can prepare in your slow cooker. With just six ingredients, you can enjoy a creamy dish packed with the flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Each serving has only 4.3g of net carbs, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a low-carb meal.

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    Southern Baked Chicken Thighs

    SOUTHERN BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This chicken dish is simple and tasty, using just three ingredients to create a satisfying meal. It cooks up perfectly crispy, making it a great option for dinner. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Chicken enchilada pasta offers a tasty spin on a beloved classic. This dish features juicy chicken, spicy green chiles, and pasta, all covered in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a cozy meal that blends all the wonderful flavors you enjoy in chicken enchiladas.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is incredibly tender and requires very little effort. This simple dish is perfect for weeknights, whether served on a plate or in a bun. Just grab your CrockPot, toss in a few ingredients, and in about three hours, dinner is ready.

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    Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    The Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta is a simple dish that takes care of itself while you handle your day. With just a quick five minutes to put everything together, you can set it up before heading out to work. When you return home, a delicious dinner will be ready and waiting for you.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These sheet pan chicken fajitas are loaded with flavor but take just minutes to prep and bake. You'll have a hearty dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes with this foolproof recipe!

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This comforting chicken dinner is simple to prepare and really satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is a great addition to your dinner lineup. With a flavorful mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and vinegar, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice and steamed veggies. It's an easy way to bring something different to the table without putting in a lot of work.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is simple to make and perfect for a comforting meal. You can use frozen chicken breasts, so there's no need to thaw anything beforehand. It's a warm and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

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

    Hot honey brings a nice blend of sweetness and spice to this Hot Honey Garlic Chicken. It's simple to make, whether you choose to use an air fryer or bake it in the oven. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is a simple dish that uses just a handful of ingredients, including boneless skinless chicken breasts, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Penne pasta is also a key part of this meal. This easy pasta dish is perfect for busy nights and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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    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 will definitely satisfy your hunger. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

    Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Manila Spoon.

    Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings together a mix of spices and a touch of citrus for a satisfying meal. This recipe is straightforward and has been enjoyed by many, making it a great choice for your crockpot or slow cooker. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      14 Heavenly Cheesecakes That Are Worth Every Bite
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      21 Summer Crockpot Dinners That Are Perfect for Lazy Days

    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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