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    Home » Chicken

    41 Simple Chicken Dinners That Are Anything but Ordinary

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated June 3, 2026 · Published June 4, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Chicken is a go-to for many weeknight dinners, but it can sometimes feel repetitive. With a little creativity, you can turn simple chicken into exciting meals that everyone will love. From crispy chicken to comforting pastas, these recipes will bring new life to your dinner table.

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks + Legs
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This recipe features easy oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks that are great for a quick weeknight meal. With just five ingredients, including the chicken, you'll only need to clean one dish after cooking.

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    The Juiciest Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Patties make for a quick and tasty dinner. They're easy to prepare and full of flavor thanks to some simple powdered seasonings and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

    Easy 15-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    Air-fried chicken nuggets are a quick and tasty option for dinner. Thanks to a special ingredient, they come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Chicken

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

    This Mexican-inspired chicken brings a fun and tasty twist to your dinner routine. With a mix of zesty spices and bright citrus, it transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful dish that's sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Paella

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This paella is perfect for your next dinner gathering or just a cozy night in. With ingredients like saffron, white wine, shrimp, chicken, peas, and bell peppers, it's a delicious meal that works well for leftovers or serving a crowd.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken

    Oven baked BBQ chicken.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This easy oven recipe brings together barbecue sauce and chicken for a crispy and flavorful dinner. With just a few basic ingredients like olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can create a tasty glazed barbecue chicken that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

    Chicken bacon ranch pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken dish is full of great flavors and is sure to become a favorite for your weeknight dinners. It's easy to make and will keep things interesting on your dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. This creamy dish is packed with flavors from ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a mix of dried herbs, making it easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Chicken Couscous Soup

    Lemon Chicken Couscous Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    Lemon chicken couscous soup makes for a tasty and easy dinner that's perfect for a cozy night in. Making your own stock is a breeze with this recipe, and adds a nice touch to the meal.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets

    Air fried chicken cutlets.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer chicken cutlets are a great choice for a quick and satisfying dinner any night of the week. With their crispy outside and juicy inside, these cutlets are sure to become a favorite that you'll want to make often.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese

    Feta stuffed chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken dish features Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil, offering a tasty and exciting choice for dinner. It's a great way to enjoy a simple yet flavorful dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Chicken Wraps

    Chicken wraps.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    These BBQ Chicken Wraps are a quick and tasty option for a fun dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 10 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken enchiladas with green sauce require only 10 minutes of prep and make the perfect comfort food any night of the week. This flavor-packed dish features garlic-infused chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with melted cheese and the best green chile sauce. Make it all from scratch, or start halfway - your choice!

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is a comforting meal that you can whip up in just over an hour. With a creamy texture and a touch of spice, it's sure to warm you up and fill you up.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Rubbed Chicken Thighs

    Chili rubbed chicken.
    Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Broiled chili-rubbed chicken thighs are a great way to make a flavorful and juicy dinner with just a few simple ingredients from your pantry. This dish is easy to prepare and brings a nice kick to your meal.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Apricot Chicken

    Easy Baked Apricot Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Casual Foodist.

    Baked Apricot Chicken is a simple and delcious chicken dinner recipe with a sweet and savor glaze your family will love. With a handful of ingredients this Baked Apricot Chicken is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken and broccoli dish is filling and great for a cozy meal. It's also perfect for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again later.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make the best Lemon Chicken Marinade in just a few minutes with simple, healthy, ingredients. It's great for grilling, pan frying and oven baking. With olive oil, lemon & basil the chicken comes out so juicy, tender and loaded with flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Chicken Thighs

    Crispy chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    These chicken thighs are cooked in one pan, making dinner a breeze. With crispy skin and juicy meat, they go perfectly with a side of salad, rice, or steamed veggies.

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Massaman Chicken Curry is a tasty one-pot dish that comes together in just 45 minutes with the help of store-bought curry paste. It features a creamy and mildly sweet sauce, packed with chicken, potatoes, and peanuts for a unique flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    The Easiest 15 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    Air fryer chicken tenders are crispy and juicy, making them a great choice for dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    Fried spaghetti.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish mixes Thai curry with spaghetti for a tasty meal that you'll want to make again and again. It's a simple yet exciting way to enjoy chicken for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Peruvian Drumsticks

    Peruvian drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Jamil Ghar.

    Oven-baked drumsticks are marinated in vinegar and classic Peruvian spices like smoked paprika and cumin make for a flavorful dish. This quick meal is sure to bring some fun to your dinner table!

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Chicken Soup

    Spicy chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy chicken soup combines half a chicken with two kinds of chili for a warm and tasty meal. It's quick to make in under an hour and offers a great mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a low-carb dinner that's still extremely filling.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Southwest Salad

    Spicy Southwest Salad.
    Photo credit: The Oregon Dietitian.

    This grilled chicken salad features a zesty homemade spicy ranch dressing that adds a kick to your meal. It's a great option for a fun and flavorful dinner any night of the week!

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in under an hour. With the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese, it makes for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    chicken pesto pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Barley & Sage.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad is a quick and tasty option for a light meal. It combines creamy pesto with grilled chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all ready in under 20 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is made easy with rotisserie chicken, bringing together the bright flavor of lemon and the fragrant touch of rosemary. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on My Plate.

    This pasta salad is an easy family dinner that everyone will enjoy. It features juicy chicken, crunchy bacon, pasta, and fresh vegetables tossed in a creamy ranch dressing for a filling and tasty salad.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    finished pasta with chicken and feta cheese
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be a lot of fun with a tasty chicken and feta cheese pasta. This meal brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying and flavorful experience.

    Get the recipe

    Orange Chicken

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

    This Orange Chicken is a tasty alternative to takeout that's both healthier and easier on the wallet. With juicy air-fried chicken smothered in a zesty orange sauce, it comes together in under 30 minutes with very little hassle.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps

    Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    These wraps offer a fun take on chicken dinner, combining a rich peanut sauce with fresh, crunchy vegetables for a delicious Thai-inspired meal. They're a great way to enjoy chicken in a new and exciting way.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With a mix of spicy buffalo sauce, tangy blue cheese, pasta, and chicken, it makes for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    French Mustard Chicken

    French chicken in a sauce with bread in it.

    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Prepare to fall madly in love with this creamy Mustard Chicken! It's a classic French dish that tastes outstanding, and is surprisingly easy to make.

    Get the recipe

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a tasty and simple dish to prepare. It features a zesty base topped with crunchy peanuts, making it a great choice for a casual dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey Mustard Chicken in a stainless steel pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This Honey Mustard Chicken skillet meal is ready in just 30 minutes and is full of great flavors. The creamy honey mustard sauce goes well with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a simple yet satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that's great for a cozy evening at home. Packed with red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it's a meal you'll love to make over and over.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These drumsticks are quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes. Marinated in olive oil, lime juice, and spices, they come out tender on the inside with a nice crispy skin, perfect for any meal.

    Get the recipe

    20 Minute Mini Baked Chicken Tacos

    20 Minute Mini Baked Chicken Tacos
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These mini tacos are easy to whip up using simple ingredients. They're great for a gathering or a quick dinner, featuring taco-seasoned chicken and cheese wrapped in crispy corn tortillas.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

    Chicken noodle soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy Thai soup is full of great flavors and perfect for a cozy night at home. It's a simple dish that brings excitement to your dinner without much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    More Chicken Recipes

    • A spoonful of chicken fajita casserole.
      18 Comforting Chicken Casseroles You Can Prep in a Flash
    • Hot honey garlic chicken.
      22 Dump-and-Cook Chicken Dinners Practically Make Themselves
    • Chicken soup.
      35 Easy Chicken Meals That Are Actually Good for You
    • Air fryer chicken drumsticks.
      14 Must-Try Chicken Marinades for Grilling Season

    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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