Light chicken dinners for busy nights give you fresh ideas for everyday cooking. Each recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these dishes will fit right in.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow cooker Olive Garden chicken pasta has tender, fall apart chicken that simmers all day in creamy & cheesy sauce! Copycat recipe you can make easily!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer chicken parmesan is crispy outside, juicy inside & covered with melted cheese! This classic Italian dinner is hearty and healthy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dinner of chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans is so simple! Make everything on one sheet pan and dinner is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin, a mouthwatering spice rub and tender, juicy meat, you will love this easy dinner!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chicken stuffed poblano peppers are packed with melted cheese, black beans and Mexican spices. Gluten-free and low-carb yet major decadent comfort food vibes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 20-minute, one pan dinner featuring garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions and red peppers with fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stuffed chicken marsala is an even more delicious twist on the classic Italian dish with melted mozzarella, sweet and savory tomato butter and fresh basil cooked inside the chicken.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken sorrentino is a classic Italian recipe and for good reason — it has a bit of everything you love all in one dish. Breaded chicken is topped with prosciutto, eggplant and plenty of cheese and baked in a hearty tomato sauce for an irresistible dish you can easily make at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Dairy free slow cooker chicken alfredo

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl.
Dairy free slow cooker chicken alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

A slow cooker chicken alfredo made with a creamy, dairy-free alfredo sauce! This crockpot chicken recipe is a staple for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Dairy free slow cooker chicken alfredo

Slow cooker chicken terriyaki

White bowl with rice and teriyaki chicken topped with green onions with chop sticks on the bowl and more green onions behind it.
Slow cooker chicken terriyaki. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

A tender, slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe that takes only 10 mins to prep! Sweetened with honey for a sweet but healthy teriyaki sauce.
Get the Recipe: Slow cooker chicken terriyaki

Slow cooker chicken pot pie

Wooden spoon scooping our dairy-free chicken pot pie from a slow cooker.
Slow cooker chicken pot pie. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Creamy, comfort food made in a slow cooker. This dairy-free chicken pot pie has all the traditional flavor with a healthy, gluten-free twist.
Get the Recipe: Slow cooker chicken pot pie

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.

Have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes with these ultra-juicy, honey-baked chicken thighs. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free this busy weeknight dinner comes together with just a handful of ingredients and makes for a burst of sweetness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

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

Juicy pieces of chicken coated in a homemade seasoning before being sauteed sticky in your favorite barbeque sauce. This chicken taco skillet hits the dinner table in just 30 minutes and makes for a delicious, simple weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Chicken Marsala Meatballs in a black dish.
Chicken Marsala Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Do your meatballs differently! These Chicken Marsala Meatballs have all the flavor of the restaurant classic dish but in fun-to-eat meatball form! What would you serve with these tasty meatballs!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

A sliced bone-in steak topped with chimichurri sauce sits beside two glasses of red wine, vine tomatoes, and a floral napkin on a rustic white table—perfect inspiration for easy chicken recipes or weeknight meals.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infused with flavor from the smoke and the added sweet and spicy tang of the glaze, these chicken wings are good eating! Easier to make than you might think, too!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Chicken Stir Fry

A plate of stir-fried chicken with mushrooms, green bell peppers, scallions, and sesame seeds in a brown sauce—one of those easy chicken recipes perfect for quick healthy meals. Wooden chopsticks rest on the side.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you need flavor in a hurry, check out this easy peasy Chicken Stir Fry. AKA Chicken Chop Suey, this take-out classic is so easy to make at home!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A black plate with grilled chicken pieces, seasoned asparagus spears, and a grilled lemon half, set on a marble surface—perfect for quick chicken meals or light chicken dinners. Parsley, a lemon, and a floral napkin add fresh finishing touches.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus – perfect for spring, perfect for dinner! So good and so easy to make, too!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Fajita Casserole

A white plate with a serving of baked chicken topped with melted cheese and cilantro, accompanied by sliced avocado—perfect for those seeking quick dinner recipes or light dinners.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This Chicken Fajita Casserole is so easy to make it’s practcally hands-off! And it cooks up so quick dinner is on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Close-up of shredded chicken with vegetables in a pan, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Make this salsa chicken in a slow cooker for your next meal, and your family will thank you! Seriously, it’s one of the easiest, most flavorful dishes you can make in minutes. All you need is some chicken breast and your favorite salsa, and you’ll have a tender, tangy, and mildly spicy chicken dish you can use for multiple meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

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

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps are infused with the intense flavors of the Middle East. Authentic Shawarma is spit-roasted for hours, but this quick air fryer version captures those delicious shawarma flavors and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Don’t skip the rich, tangy Lemon Tahini Sauce!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is perfect for busy days and can be prepared quickly. It features a delicious blend of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Ramen is a one-pot wonder with a new level of convenience. Toss in the ingredients, set it and forget it, and return to a bowl of steaming, flavorful ramen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Tandoori Chicken

A plate of tandoori chicken with a side dish of cooked rice, shot from a low angle.
Tandoori Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This tandoori chicken recipe is full of flavor, and easy, too! You can cook your tandoori chicken in the oven, on the grill, or even in your air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Gochujang chicken is a delicious Korean recipe featuring the fermented red chile paste that is spicy and full of umami. This spicy Korean chicken recipe is easy to make either on the barbecue grill or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

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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