13 Deliciously Easy Chicken Recipes to Try Tonight

Chicken dinners are simple and tasty. This post shares 13 easy chicken recipes for tonight. Each recipe uses basic ingredients and clear steps. Readers get quick meals that satisfy.

From grilled options to creamy dishes, these ideas fit any preference. Cooking stays fast and fun. Explore the list, pick a favorite, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken brings bright flavors to the table. Fresh lemon juice and garlic coat tender chicken breasts. This dish cooks fast in a skillet. It pairs well with rice or veggies. Beginners can make it without trouble. The zesty taste keeps everyone happy. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add chicken breasts to the skillet.
5. Cook chicken for 6 minutes on each side.
6. Add minced garlic to the skillet.
7. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken and sprinkle zest.
8. Stir garlic and lemon around chicken for 2 minutes.
9. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
10. Remove chicken from skillet and serve hot.

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2. Honey Soy Chicken

Honey soy chicken mixes sweet and savory flavors. Sticky honey blends with salty soy sauce. Chicken thighs soak up the marinade. This recipe bakes in the oven for ease. It delivers juicy meat with a golden finish. Serve it with noodles or steamed broccoli. The dish feels special but stays simple.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish.
4. Pour marinade over chicken thighs.
5. Coat chicken evenly with marinade.
6. Bake chicken for 35 minutes.
7. Baste chicken with dish juices halfway through.
8. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
9. Remove chicken from oven.
10. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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3. Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Creamy mushroom chicken offers rich comfort. Tender chicken simmers in a smooth mushroom sauce. Heavy cream and Parmesan add depth. This skillet dish cooks fast. It suits busy nights and picky eaters. Serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes. The creamy texture makes every bite delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet.
4. Cook chicken for 6 minutes on each side.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6. Add mushrooms to the skillet.
7. Cook mushrooms for 5 minutes until soft.
8. Pour heavy cream into the skillet.
9. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens.
10. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
11. Serve chicken hot with sauce.

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4. BBQ Chicken Skewers

BBQ chicken skewers bring smoky fun to dinner. Chicken chunks grill with tangy barbecue sauce. This recipe uses a grill or oven. It works for weeknights or gatherings. Kids love the handheld bites. Pair it with coleslaw or fries. The bold flavor shines through every piece.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Wooden skewers

Steps:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes.
2. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Brush chicken with olive oil.
5. Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 400°F.
6. Grill skewers for 5 minutes on each side.
7. Brush barbecue sauce over chicken.
8. Grill for 3 more minutes until sticky.
9. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
10. Serve skewers hot.

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5. Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan delivers crispy, cheesy goodness. Breaded chicken bakes with marinara and mozzarella. This classic Italian dish feels cozy. It takes little effort to prepare. Serve it with spaghetti or a salad. The crunchy outside and melty inside win every time.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Beat egg in a bowl.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
4. Dip chicken breasts in egg.
5. Coat chicken with breadcrumb mixture.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Brown chicken for 3 minutes on each side.
8. Place chicken in a baking dish.
9. Spoon marinara sauce over chicken.
10. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
11. Bake chicken for 20 minutes until cheese melts.
12. Serve chicken hot.

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6. Spicy Cajun Chicken

Spicy Cajun chicken packs bold heat. Cajun seasoning coats juicy chicken thighs. This skillet dish cooks fast. It brings Southern flair to the table. Pair it with rice or cornbread. The kick of spice makes it exciting. Adjust the heat to taste.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

1. Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet.
4. Cook chicken for 7 minutes on each side.
5. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
6. Remove chicken from skillet.
7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes.
8. Serve chicken hot.

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7. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Teriyaki chicken bowl combines sweet and tangy flavors. Chicken cooks in a glossy teriyaki sauce. This dish sits on rice with veggies. It feels fresh and filling. The recipe stays quick for busy nights. Everyone enjoys the sticky, savory taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli

Steps:

1. Mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken cubes to the skillet.
4. Cook chicken for 5 minutes until browned.
5. Pour sauce over chicken.
6. Simmer chicken in sauce for 5 minutes until thick.
7. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
8. Place rice in bowls.
9. Top rice with chicken and broccoli.
10. Serve bowls hot.

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8. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas bring sizzling fun to dinner. Chicken strips cook with peppers and onions. Spices add a smoky kick. This dish fills tortillas for a quick meal. It suits gatherings or solo nights. The colorful mix looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Tortillas

Steps:

1. Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken to the skillet.
4. Cook chicken for 5 minutes until browned.
5. Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet.
6. Stir and cook for 5 more minutes.
7. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
8. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
9. Spoon chicken and veggies into tortillas.
10. Serve fajitas hot.

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9. Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken melts in the mouth. Butter and garlic create a rich sauce. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. This skillet dish cooks fast. It pairs with potatoes or bread. The simple ingredients deliver big flavor every time.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Steps:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet.
4. Cook chicken for 7 minutes on each side.
5. Add minced garlic to the skillet.
6. Stir garlic in butter for 2 minutes.
7. Sprinkle parsley over chicken.
8. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
9. Remove chicken from skillet.
10. Serve chicken hot with sauce.

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10. Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry mixes crisp veggies and tender meat. Soy sauce adds savory depth. This dish cooks in one pan. It finishes fast for busy nights. Serve it over rice or noodles. The bright colors and flavors keep it fun.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken slices to the skillet.
3. Cook chicken for 5 minutes until browned.
4. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet.
5. Stir for 1 minute.
6. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet.
7. Cook veggies for 5 minutes until tender.
8. Pour soy sauce over chicken and veggies.
9. Stir for 2 minutes.
10. Serve stir-fry hot.

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11. Baked Lemon Herb Chicken

Baked lemon herb chicken keeps things light. Fresh herbs and lemon lift the flavor. Chicken bakes in the oven for ease. This dish stays juicy and fragrant. It fits healthy eaters and busy cooks. Serve it with roasted veggies or a salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish.
4. Drizzle olive oil over chicken.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken and sprinkle zest.
6. Bake chicken for 25 minutes.
7. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
8. Remove chicken from oven.
9. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes.
10. Serve chicken hot.

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12. Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo blends creamy sauce with tender meat. Pasta soaks up rich Alfredo flavor. This skillet dish feels indulgent. It cooks fast for weeknight dinners. Kids and adults love the cheesy taste. Add a side of garlic bread for extra joy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta

Steps:

1. Cook fettuccine in boiling water for 10 minutes.
2. Drain pasta and set aside.
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add chicken to the skillet.
6. Cook chicken for 5 minutes until browned.
7. Pour heavy cream into the skillet.
8. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens.
9. Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
10. Toss pasta in sauce and serve hot.

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13. Pesto Chicken

Pesto chicken bursts with fresh basil flavor. Store-bought or homemade pesto coats the chicken. This dish bakes in the oven. It stays simple and quick. Serve it with pasta or zucchini noodles. The green sauce adds a vibrant twist to dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish.
4. Spread pesto sauce over chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil on top.
6. Bake chicken for 20 minutes.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella over chicken.
8. Bake for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.
9. Check chicken reaches 165°F inside.
10. Serve chicken hot.