Chicken is one of the most reliable ingredients you can have on hand, and it works in every kind of dish — from comfort food classics to quick skillet meals, big casseroles, and fresh salads. It can be roasted, fried, simmered, baked, or tossed into soup, and still come out with flavor and texture that holds up to just about anything you pair it with. This list brings together a wide range of ideas using chicken thighs, breasts, tenders, or even leftovers, including crispy cutlets, cheesy pasta bakes, bold rice dishes, and easy dinners you can make in one pan. Some recipes lean hearty and rich, like fried chicken or lasagna-style bakes, while others bring in fresh ingredients, sweet-savory glazes, or lighter touches like lettuce wraps and vinegar sauces. No matter what kind of meal you’re aiming for, these chicken recipes give you plenty of options to work with.
Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, this version sticks to the classic: seasoned flour, hot oil, and bone-in chicken. It fries up golden and flavorful with just the right crunch. Serve with biscuits or coleslaw. A comfort food staple.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken
Orange-Braised Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto
Chicken simmers in orange juice and broth until tender, then gets topped with crisped prosciutto for contrast. The citrus keeps it bright and fresh. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. It’s a balance of rich and light in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Orange-Braised Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto
Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
Thin chicken cutlets are coated in parmesan and breadcrumbs, then pan-fried until golden. They’re crisp on the outside and tender inside. Serve over greens, pasta, or on their own. A quick dinner that feels a little dressed up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
Pesto Chicken and Vegetables
Chicken and chopped vegetables roast together with a generous coating of pesto. Everything gets tender and coated in flavor. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. A one-pan meal that’s easy to adjust.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken and Vegetables
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Chicken strips get coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, then baked or pan-fried. The outside gets a little sticky, a little crisp. Serve with more sauce on the side. Great for dipping or layering into wraps.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust
Boneless chicken pieces get coated in seasoned panko and garlic before baking or frying. The crust turns crisp while the meat stays juicy. Serve with vegetables, rice, or salad. A great alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Garlic Panko Crust
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Cooked chicken gets mixed with pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce before baking into a bubbling casserole. It’s rich, cheesy, and great for feeding a group. Add vegetables or spice to change it up. Serve hot from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Chicken Enchiladas
Shredded chicken is rolled into tortillas and covered with sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbly. The filling can be spiced up or kept simple. Top with sour cream or fresh cilantro. A freezer-friendly recipe that reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Layers of pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and shredded chicken bake into a cheesy, rich dish. It’s a twist on traditional lasagna that leans white sauce instead of red. Serve with salad or garlic bread. Good for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Mexican Chicken and Rice
This one-pan dish mixes seasoned chicken with rice, tomatoes, and beans or vegetables. Everything cooks together until tender and full of flavor. Add cheese or avocado on top before serving. Easy to double for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken and Rice
Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice
Strips of chicken sauté with peppers and onions, then get served over seasoned rice. It’s colorful, quick, and packed with flavor. Great for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. Add hot sauce or cheese if you want more kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Cooked chicken is mixed with mayonnaise, grapes, and crunchy pecans for a sweet-savory salad. Serve in lettuce cups, on bread, or with crackers. It’s creamy with a little bite from the fruit and nuts. Best chilled.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
A whole chicken or parts roast alongside vegetables in the same pan, letting the juices flavor everything. It’s a hands-off meal that fills the oven with great smells. Use whatever vegetables you have. Serve with bread to soak up the drippings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
This cold pasta salad mixes chopped chicken and crispy bacon with pasta and dressing. Add-ins like tomatoes, cheese, or greens make it even better. Chill before serving. Great for picnics or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
Chicken Noodle Soup
A classic soup made with broth, noodles, carrots, and shredded chicken. It’s warm, simple, and always comforting. Good for sick days or cold nights. Add herbs or lemon for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Pie
A creamy chicken and vegetable filling gets baked under a flaky crust. The inside stays rich and savory while the outside turns golden. Serve warm from the oven. Leftovers reheat well too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pie
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Chicken breasts get wrapped in prosciutto before baking, which adds a salty, crisp layer as it cooks. Serve with greens, potatoes, or pasta. Simple but looks impressive. A good choice for date night at home.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Caprese Chicken Skillet
Chicken is topped with sliced tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil, then finished in the oven or skillet. It’s light but cheesy, with plenty of flavor. Serve with bread or salad. Best with ripe summer tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Chicken Skillet
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ground or chopped chicken is cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then spooned into lettuce leaves. Crunchy, fresh, and great for dipping. Add rice or vegetables to stretch the filling. A solid low-effort dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken with Red Wine Vinegar and Tomatoes
Chicken simmers in a tangy mix of red wine vinegar, tomatoes, and garlic until tender. The sauce reduces down into something rich and bold. Serve with rice or pasta. A great way to use pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Red Wine Vinegar and Tomatoes
