This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Some weeks just get away from you. Between work, kids’ activities, and whatever else life throws your way, getting dinner on the table can feel like one more chore at the end of an already long day. That’s where chicken comes in. It’s affordable, it cooks up fast, and it works with just about any flavor you’re in the mood for, which makes it the obvious answer when you need to feed your family without a lot of planning.

A plate with french onion chicken topped with onions and herbs, served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Add us as a Google Trusted Source
Blue cursive text reads "Lucy's notes" on a transparent background.

We’ve all had those days when the intentions are there, but you still end up at the Golden Arches drive-through. It happens, and that’s ok! But when you want to have a plan that you can stick with even when things get crazy at the end of the day, chicken is your friend.

I’ve pulled together some of my favorite chicken recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen or a long list of ingredients you have to track down at three different stores. Whether you’re craving something creamy, looking for a sheet pan supper, or wanting to use up what’s already in the pantry, there’s something here for you. These are the recipes I come back to over and over when I need dinner ready without a lot of fuss.

Person with shoulder-length blond hair and blue glasses smiling indoors in front of a red brick wall.

I hope you try these recipes. I think you’ll love them!

Black cursive text that reads xo Lucy as a signature.

P.S. I’ve put together a guide that will help you get your weeks back on track. We’re not meal-prepping and planning for hours. My system centers on simple ingredient prep and other tips to help you get dinner on the table fast. Check out The Sunday Sweep for details!

Closeup of prosciutto wrapped chicken on a baking sheet.
4.28 from 11 votes

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken is everything you need a quick and easy meal to be: melted cheese draped over salty prosciutto wrapped around a succulent chicken breast. Comes together in minutes!
View Recipe
Caprese chicken skillet topped with melted mozzarella cheese, garnished with basil leaves and surrounded by cherry tomatoes in a cast iron skillet.
No ratings yet

Caprese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Juicy chicken cooked in balsamic glaze, topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil — a flavorful one-pan Caprese Chicken Skillet.
View Recipe
A plate with french onion chicken topped with herbs, served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
No ratings yet

French Onion Chicken

Tender chicken breasts smothered in caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted Gruyère for an easy, flavorful French Onion Chicken.
View Recipe
Balsamic roasted chicken on a plate. 
5 from 1 vote

Rosemary Balsamic Chicken

An easy one-dish chicken recipe with balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh rosemary.
View Recipe
A white bowl filled with spinach salad featuring sliced strawberries, shredded chicken, walnuts, and crumbled cheese.
No ratings yet

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

This spinach salad with strawberries, chicken, feta, and walnuts topped with a maple balsamic vinaigrette is simple and delicious.
View Recipe
Pesto Chicken with Roasted Vegetables is a low-carb, nutritious, one pan dinner that everyone loves. You can use homemade or store-bought pesto and almost any mixture of vegetables.
5 from 2 votes

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables is made with fresh vegetables, whole or cut-up chicken, and basil pesto.
View Recipe
A cooked chicken breast served over pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce on a white plate.
5 from 1 vote

Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan in a rich garlic cream sauce.
View Recipe
Chicken pie with no vegetables, just shredded chicken and a buttery crust. This is an old-fashioned chicken pie recipe that's easy to make and tastes great. It's also good for potluck dinner or transporting to someone in need.
4.72 from 14 votes

Chicken Pie

A classic Southern pie filled with chicken and a buttery crust. It’s quick and easy comfort food.
View Recipe
A white bowl filled with chicken vegetable soup.
4.62 from 13 votes

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Chicken and Vegetable Soup is hearty, healthy and best of all easy to make with a mix of frozen and fresh vegetables.
View Recipe
Orange-braised chicken breasts cooked in a cast iron skillet, topped with crispy bacon and fresh orange slices, with whole oranges visible in the background.
5 from 1 vote

Orange-Braised Chicken and Prosciutto

Crispy prosciutto takes this orange-braised chicken over the top with maximum flavor. It’s simple to prepare and makes for an elegant dinner.
View Recipe
A white plate with roasted cauliflower florets and a lettuce leaf topped with ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped herbs.
4.67 from 6 votes

California Skillet

A quick and tasty one-pot skillet dish with ground chicken, peppers, rice, and tomatoes.
View Recipe
Green onions garnishing a chicken breast.
5 from 10 votes

Soy Garlic Chicken

Soy Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy nutritious meal that your family will love. Sherry and soy sauce add a sweet tang to this chicken dish, which makes it great to serve with rice.
View Recipe
A cast iron skillet with Mexican chicken and rice, garnished with chopped herbs; a glass bowl of herbs and half a lime are on the wooden surface nearby.
5 from 1 vote

Mexican Chicken and Rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice in one pot with green onions, poblano peppers, and cilantro–it’s a quick and easy weeknight meal!
View Recipe
A hand holds a partially eaten, saucy, bite-sized buffalo chicken pinwheel with a flaky crust and creamy white dip on top.
No ratings yet

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels Recipe

Buffalo chicken pinwheels with spicy, cheesy filling baked in flaky puff pastry, perfect for parties or snacking.
View Recipe
Grilled chicken breast topped with cooked tomatoes and onions, served on a bed of white rice with parsley garnish on a white plate.
4.79 from 19 votes

Vinegar Chicken with Tomatoes

A complex-flavored but easy to prepare chicken dish with tangy red wine vinegar, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
View Recipe

Check out our Chicken Recipe Collection!

Text reads “See all of my cookware essentials on Amazon!” with illustrations of a cast iron skillet and a dutch oven on a blue background.

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below!

Join Southern Food and Fun Community group
and Southern Potluck group!

And please follow us on social media:

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.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *