When time is tight, chicken is the go-to protein that cooks fast without losing flavor. These recipes prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to get a satisfying meal on the table. From skillet dinners to air fryer favorites, every dish comes together in half an hour or less. Weeknight cooking just got a whole lot easier.

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender strips of chicken are coated in a tangy honey mustard sauce for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Great for a quick meal, snacks, or serving a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken thighs cook quickly in a sweet garlic sauce that clings to every bite. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s rich, tender, and ready for the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a lemony cream sauce with tender artichokes. It’s flavorful, elegant, and comes together in half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Plates of breaded and fried chicken nuggets with skewers, garnished with herbs.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Bite-sized pieces of chicken crisp up in the air fryer with no deep frying needed. They’re crunchy, kid-friendly, and on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This stovetop chicken simmers in a rich sauce made with garlic, parmesan, and cream. It’s fast, indulgent, and makes an easy weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Chicken breasts cook down in smoky barbecue sauce until they’re juicy enough to shred with a fork. Perfect for sliders, wraps, or piling high on sandwiches in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters in a white casserole dish.
Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Broiled with garlic and fresh lemon, these leg quarters are crisp on the outside and juicy inside. A simple, 30-minute dinner that feels bright and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken Fried Rice

A white bowl filled with chicken fried rice featuring peas, carrots, and chunks of chicken, with a wooden spoon inserted.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Classic fried rice gets a homemade twist with juicy chicken, vegetables, and fluffy rice. Quick, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken breasts bake with salsa, corn, and cheese for a dish that’s bubbling and full of flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a go-to family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cooked in a hot skillet, these chicken thighs develop crispy skin and juicy meat in minutes. A quick dinner that’s simple but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Cooked chicken skillet, with cheese, pepper, avocado and cilantro on it.
Easy Chicken Taco Skillet. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Chicken pieces are seasoned, sautéed, and tossed in sticky barbecue sauce for bold flavor. This skillet meal is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for taco night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This one-pot dinner combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and Cajun seasoning. It’s hearty, spicy, and ready in just half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

A sweet and savory bourbon glaze coats juicy chicken in this quick Instant Pot meal. It’s sticky, flavorful, and perfect over rice in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup in a white bowl on a cutting board.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This soup packs tender chicken, spices, and crunchy tortilla strips in a flavorful broth. Quick to prepare, it makes generous servings for dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant on a baking sheet.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Eggplant halves are filled with chicken and cheddar, then baked until melty and golden. A comforting dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Shredded Chicken Thighs in Instant Pot with thyme.
Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

The Instant Pot turns chicken thighs tender and juicy in under half an hour. Shred them for easy meal prep, tacos, or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Chicken, peppers, and onions bake together with gooey cheese for an easy 30-minute casserole. It’s colorful, flavorful, and nearly hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Curry Chicken

Chicken thighs on a white plate with parsley.
Curry Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This chicken curry comes together quickly with bold spices and a creamy sauce. It’s freezer-friendly, making it a great choice for both busy weeknights and make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of a stack of seasoned, grilled chicken drumsticks, with one drumstick partially eaten, revealing moist, cooked meat inside. A lemon wedge and herbs are visible in the background.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crispy, juicy drumsticks come out perfect in the air fryer without any oil splatter. Just 30 minutes from prep to plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey and lemon baked chicken thighs with parsley on top in a baking dish.
Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Baked with honey for a sticky glaze, these chicken thighs are tender and naturally gluten-free. A sweet-savory dinner that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spiced chicken cooks up quick in the air fryer, then gets tucked into warm wraps. Add lemon tahini sauce for a tangy finish that pulls the whole dish together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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