10+ Quick Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

10+ Quick Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Quick chicken recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a tasty meal in a rush. These dishes are simple to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them great for any skill level in the kitchen. Whether you have 15 minutes or 30, you can whip up delicious chicken meals that satisfy your cravings.

A chef quickly stir-frying chicken and vegetables in a sizzling pan on a stovetop

From stir-fries to oven-baked options, there are plenty of ways to enjoy chicken without spending hours cooking. Easy recipes not only save you time but also bring flavor and variety to your table. Get ready to explore simple methods that will make dinner a breeze!

1) 30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

A sizzling skillet of honey garlic chicken with steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice on a wooden table

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner. You can have delicious chicken ready in just 30 minutes. The honey garlic sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will enjoy.

You will need boneless chicken breasts. Coat them in a mix of honey, garlic, and soy sauce for that tasty glaze. You can serve it with steamed asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 grams) boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  3. Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce in a bowl.
  4. Pour the sauce over chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with your favorite veggies.

2) 5-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A sizzling skillet of teriyaki chicken stir fry with colorful vegetables and a glossy glaze

This quick 5-ingredient teriyaki chicken stir fry is perfect for a busy night. You can have a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.

For this recipe, you will need chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and fresh vegetables like bell peppers. You can also add pineapple for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (about 600 g) mixed bell peppers and onions

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and add vegetables.
  6. Cook until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Enjoy!

3) Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders

A sizzling skillet with golden-brown chicken tenders coated in garlic butter, surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. These tenders are juicy and flavorful, thanks to a rich garlic butter sauce.

You can have them ready in just 10 to 20 minutes. Serve them with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenderloins
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the butter and let it melt.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the chicken tenderloins to the skillet.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  7. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

4) 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

A sizzling skillet with honey garlic chicken, surrounded by fresh herbs and colorful vegetables

This 15-minute honey garlic chicken is a quick and tasty option for dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. The sweet and savory sauce makes it a favorite for busy nights.

To make it, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cubes. Sauté them in a skillet with some oil until they’re golden. Then, mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce for a delicious glaze.

Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it and let it simmer briefly. This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) neutral oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.

5) Quick Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole

A sizzling skillet of chicken, peppers, and melted cheese, bubbling in the oven. On a wooden table, surrounded by tortillas and fresh toppings

This Quick Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole is a delicious and easy meal you can whip up any night of the week. It uses simple ingredients and is packed with flavor. You’ll love the combination of juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese.

Start by cooking the chicken with fajita seasoning. Then, mix in bell peppers and onion for extra taste. Layer everything in a baking dish and top it with cream cheese and shredded cheese. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden.

This dish is perfect for busy evenings. Serve it with rice or tortillas for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup (150 g) bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) onion, sliced
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a pan, cook the chicken with fajita seasoning until heated.
  3. Add sliced peppers and onion, cooking until soft.
  4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
  5. Top with cream cheese and shredded cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

6) Creamy Lemon Chicken in 20 Minutes

A sizzling skillet with golden-brown chicken breasts simmering in a creamy lemon sauce, surrounded by fresh herbs and sliced lemons

This creamy lemon chicken is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The chicken is tender and packed with flavor from the lemon and garlic.

To start, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown. Then, combine cream, lemon juice, and garlic in the pan for a rich sauce.

Serve this dish with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a family-friendly recipe that everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices if desired.

7) One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

A sizzling skillet with golden-brown chicken breasts glazed in honey garlic sauce, surrounded by colorful vegetables and herbs

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a simple and tasty meal. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s easy to prepare and requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

To start, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same pan, cook them until golden brown. Then, add garlic and honey, letting the flavors meld together.

Add some vegetables like broccoli or carrots for an extra boost of nutrition. Cook everything until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Optional: vegetables like broccoli or carrots

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. In a pan, cook the chicken until golden brown.
  4. Add garlic, honey, and soy sauce to the pan.
  5. Stir in any vegetables you like.
  6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

8) Simple Chicken Scampi

A sizzling skillet of chicken, garlic, and herbs in a buttery sauce with a side of pasta and a sprinkle of parsley

Simple Chicken Scampi is a quick and delicious meal. It combines tender chicken with a flavorful garlic and butter sauce. This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

You can enjoy it with pasta, or serve it with rice or vegetables. The fresh ingredients in this recipe create a light and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (455 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (113 g) butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
  3. Cook chicken until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet. Add parsley, basil, and lemon juice if desired.
  7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with your choice of pasta or rice.

9) Last-Minute Juicy Chicken Thighs

A sizzling skillet of juicy chicken thighs with herbs and spices, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils

If you need a quick dinner, try making juicy chicken thighs. They cook fast and taste amazing. You can have them ready in less than 20 minutes!

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also sprinkle some onion powder for extra flavor.

Place the chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until they are browned and crispy. Flip them over and cook for another 5-6 minutes.

You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). Enjoy your delicious chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes!

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tsps garlic powder
  • 1½ tsps onion powder

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Place thighs in the skillet skin-side down.
  4. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned.
  5. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
  6. Ensure the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).

10) Easy Chicken and Mushroom Pie

A golden-brown chicken and mushroom pie sits on a rustic wooden table, steam rising from the flaky crust

This dish brings together tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night.

To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients. You can easily find these in your kitchen or local grocery store. This recipe is straightforward and fun to make.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup puff pastry
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and mushrooms, cooking until soft.
  4. Stir in the chicken and cream, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Roll out the puff pastry and place it in a pie dish.
  6. Pour the chicken mixture into the pastry.
  7. Cover with more pastry and seal the edges.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy your meal!

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