10 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day at work? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore a variety of quick and easy chicken recipes that will have dinner on the table in no time. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who wants to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious meals, these recipes are perfect for you.
Benefits of Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes
Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why quick
and easy chicken dinners are such a game-changer:
1. Time-saving: These recipes are designed to be prepared and cooked in 30 minutes or less.
2. Nutritious: Chicken is a lean protein source that can be paired with various vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
3. Versatile: Chicken can be cooked in countless ways, ensuring you never get bored with your meals.
5. Family-friendly: Most quick chicken recipes are
kid-approved and can be easily customized to suit different tastes.
Essential Ingredients for Quick Chicken Dinners
To make these recipes a breeze, keep your pantry and fridge
stocked with these staples:
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Dried herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
* Lemon juice
* Soy sauce
* Honey
* Dijon mustard
* Canned tomatoes
* Pasta
* Rice
* Frozen vegetables
Kitchen Tools for Efficient Cooking
Having the right tools can make a big difference in how
quickly you can prepare meals. Here are some essential items:
* Sharp chef's knife
* Cutting board
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Sheet pan
* Instant Pot or pressure cooker
* Grill pan or outdoor grill
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Kitchen timer
10 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter – the recipes!
Here are ten delicious and fast chicken dinners you can whip up in no time.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
This zesty dish is perfect for those nights when you want
something flavorful but don't want to deal with a sink full of dishes.
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lemon, juiced and zested
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions:
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Add garlic, lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
2. 15-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry
Stir fries are the ultimate quick dinner solution. This
recipe is customizable based on the vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 carrot, julienned
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
4. Add vegetables and garlic, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in sauce mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until
thickened.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This comforting pasta dish comes together in just 20 minutes
and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients:
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
8. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve.
4. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Perfect for summer evenings, these skewers can be prepared
in advance and grilled in minutes.
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetables for skewering (bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
Instructions:
2. Add chicken and marinate for 15 minutes (or longer if
time permits).
3. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is
cooked through.
6. Serve with rice or pita bread.
5. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when
you don't have time to stand over the stove.
Ingredients:
* 2 bell peppers, sliced
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 teaspoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Tortillas and toppings for serving
Instructions:
2. Toss chicken, peppers, and onion with oil and spices on a
sheet pan.
3. Spread in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes,
stirring halfway through.
4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita
toppings.
6. Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Utilize your Instant Pot for a quick and flavorful
Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup mirin
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
2. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
4. Remove chicken and slice.
5. Mix cornstarch and water, add to the sauce, and use the
sauté function to thicken.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and coat with sauce.
7. Serve over rice with steamed vegetables.
7. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
A healthier alternative to fried chicken that kids and
adults alike will love.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 2 eggs, beaten
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooking spray
Instructions:
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt,
and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb
mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spray chicken with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked
through.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
8. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A comforting soup that comes together quickly and can be
customized with any vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
* 1 onion, diced
* 2 carrots, sliced
* 2 celery stalks, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup egg noodles
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and chicken. Cook until the chicken is no longer
pink.
4. Pour in broth and add thyme. Bring to a boil.
5. Add noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
9. BBQ Chicken Sliders
These mini sandwiches are perfect for a quick dinner or game-day snack.
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
* 1/4 cup diced red onion
* 8 slider buns
* 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
2. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and red onion.
3. Split slider buns and place the bottom halves in a baking
dish.
4. Top with chicken mixture and replace top buns.
5. Brush buns with melted butter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and buns are
lightly toasted.
7. Top each slider with a spoonful of coleslaw before
serving.
10. Greek Chicken Salad
A light and refreshing option for warm evenings.
Ingredients:
* 1 cucumber, diced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice,
oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow
flavors to meld.
Tips for Making Quick Chicken Dinners
To make your quick chicken dinners even more efficient, try these tips:
1. Prep ingredients in advance: Chop vegetables and measure
out spices ahead of time.
2. Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover
grilled chicken can be a great time-saver.
3. Keep your pantry stocked: Having essential ingredients on
hand means you're always ready to cook.
4. Invest in time-saving tools: A good chef's knife or a
food processor can speed up prep work.
5. Clean as you go: Wash dishes and wipe down surfaces while
food is cooking to minimize post-dinner cleanup.
Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Weeknights
To make weeknight dinners even easier, consider these meal
prep ideas:
1. Marinate chicken in advance and freeze in portion-sized
bags.
2. Cook a large batch of chicken at the beginning of the
week to use in multiple recipes.
3. Chop vegetables for the week and store them in airtight
containers.
4. Prepare sauces and dressings in advance.
5. Cook grains like rice or quinoa in large batches to use
throughout the week.
Conclusion
With these quick and easy chicken recipes, you'll never have
to stress about dinner again. From one-pan wonders to Instant Pot miracles,
there's a recipe here for every taste and occasion. Remember, the key to quick
dinners is preparation and having a well-stocked kitchen. So, roll up your
sleeves, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy delicious, homemade meals in
no time!
FAQs
1. Q: How can I ensure my chicken is cooked through without
drying it out?
A: Use a meat
thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For
boneless chicken breasts, cook for about 5-6 minutes per side over medium-high
heat.
2. Q: Can I use frozen chicken for these recipes?
A: While fresh
chicken is ideal, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it
completely in the refrigerator before cooking, and adjust cooking times
accordingly.
3. Q: How long can I store cooked chicken in the
refrigerator?
A: Cooked chicken
can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
4. Q: What's the best way to reheat leftover chicken without
drying it out?
A: Add a splash of
water or broth to the chicken and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the
stovetop. Cover the dish to help retain moisture.
5. Q: Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarians?
A: Absolutely!
Most of these recipes can be made with plant-based chicken substitutes or by
replacing the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables.
