Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a comforting meal, chicken can be cooked in countless ways. Here are ten simple and delicious chicken recipes that you can make any day of the week.
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Breast
This juicy, flavorful chicken breast is cooked in a garlic butter sauce that enhances its natural taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, basting the chicken for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
2. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Vegetables
A complete meal with tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables in a lemon herb sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, carrots, bell peppers)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
- Arrange everything on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
3. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—these air fryer wings are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss wings with olive oil and seasoning.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
4. Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy dish with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken pieces.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté chicken until golden.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
5. Classic Chicken Soup
A comforting, nourishing soup perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add the chicken.
- Add vegetables and thyme, then simmer for 25 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
- Serve hot.
6. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory dish that’s incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions:
- Sear chicken thighs in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, soy sauce, and honey, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Serve with rice or steamed vegetables.
7. Baked Parmesan Chicken
A crispy, cheesy, and flavorful baked chicken dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve with marinara sauce or pasta.
8. Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders
Perfectly seasoned chicken tenders with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Toss chicken tenders with seasoning and olive oil.
- Cook in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with a creamy dipping sauce.
9. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
A delicious, slow-cooked pulled chicken recipe perfect for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Slow cook chicken, BBQ sauce, and broth for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken and mix it with the sauce.
- Serve on a toasted bun.
10. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A creamy, comforting pasta dish with tender chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook chicken in a pan and set aside.
- Heat heavy cream and Parmesan to make the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken, stirring well.
- Serve with extra Parmesan on top.