10 Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner

Best 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

 

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.

4. Budget-friendly: Chicken is often more affordable than other meats, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious cooks.

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

 

Essential Ingredients for Quick Chicken Dinners

To make these recipes a breeze, keep your pantry and fridge stocked with these staples:

 
* Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

* 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

 

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

 

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:

 * 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* 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:

 1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.

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:

 * 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

* 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:

 1. Mix soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl.

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:

 * 8 oz fettuccine pasta

* 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:

 1. Cook pasta according to package 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 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

* 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:

 1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

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:

 * 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

* 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:

 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

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 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

* 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:

 1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot.

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 pound chicken tenderloins

* 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:

 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

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 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

* 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:

 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

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:

 * 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

* 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:

 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

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:

 * 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast

* 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:

 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta.

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.

 

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