Locating tasty, wholesome chicken dinner recipes that can be trusted is somewhat of an accomplishment, particularly on a week day. Chicken is a wonderfully versatile protein, but it’s easy to fall into a rut of making the same old dishes time and time again.
Are you searching to get inspired? You are in the right site. We have compiled a list of amazing, but easy, chicken recipes for dinner that are suitable to all levels. They are both flavorful and efficient suppers meant to make sure you have a delicious meal at your dinner table without having to worry.
Why Chicken is a Weeknight Dinner Hero
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why chicken is a global favorite for evening meals. First, it is one of the greatest lean protein sources, which provide you with muscle growth, and keep you full and satisfied all the time.
Furthermore, chicken cooks relatively quickly compared to other meats. Chicken breast can be made in less than 20 minutes, and thus it is a real lifesaver of a busy evening. It has a neutral taste that also allows the world of seasonings, easy to use herbs, to colorful, hot spice marinades.
Recipe 1: 20-Minute Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
This recipe is the definition of simple elegance. The tangy taste of lemon juice with a fresh herbs combination mingle to make a dish that gives you an effect that you had taken hours preparing this dish. It has been on one of our favorite chicken recipes to make at dinner time, when we don t have much time and want to impress with something.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, the lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, the salt and pepper.
Put the chicken breasts in the baking pan and pour the lemon-herb on the chicken so that each piece is covered completely.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Wait 5 minutes to rest the bird to ensure that the juices redistribute.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Time & Servings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Serves | 4 |
Recipe 2: One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
One-pan meals are a weeknight lifesaver. It is an all-in-one meal with sweet and savory chicken with roasted broccoli and carrots to perfection and a bit of clean-up. It is its family-friendly variant that provides people with healthy eating as easy as it is possible.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless thigh chicken cut 1 inch
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Add the broccoli florets, sliced carrots and pieces of chicken in the bowl. Toss everything together until well-coated.
Chicken and vegetables: Put in one layer on one cookie sheet, parchment lined.
Stirring, then roast 20-25 minutes or until chicken and vegetables are tender-crisp.
Top off with sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions and serve. This is an absolutely full and simple recipe of chicken dinner.
Time & Servings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Serves | 4 |
Recipe 3: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken is perfect on the nights when you have the hankering of something rich, and comforting. It includes the golden pan-seared chicken dressed in a creamy sauce mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It is the restaurant quality meal which can be done in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 / 3 cup of dried tomatoes in oil, cut into pieces
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with quite a lot of salt and pepper on each side.
Put olive oil in a large skillet and heat it up to medium-high. Cook the chicken on both sides by searing 5-7 minutes on each side to become golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Melt the butter in the same skillet. Stir in the shallot and cook until it is tender, billowing about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook it again until simmered in flavor.
Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, and scrape up the browned bit on the bottom of the pan.
With the heat setting on a medium-low, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fresh spinach and simmer till it wilts into the sauce.
Put the chicken back on the skillet, pour the sauce on top. Let it warm through for a minute before serving.
Time & Servings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Serves | 4 |
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Dinners
There are a few basic tricks that can transform your food into the best.
Use a Digital Meat Thermometer
The best tip in making chicken juicy and perfectly cooked would be the use of a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This eliminates all guesswork.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Whether you are baking or searing, give your chicken and vegetables enough space. Crowding the pan will result in the lack of flavor and texture as the ingredients will steam rather than roast or brown.
Let it Rest
It is always advisable to keep your chicken rest after cooking it for a couple of minutes. This enables the juices to be reabsorbed in the meat, thus making it taste a lot more delicious and tender in the mouth.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Chicken Recipes For Dinner
These are three simple yet tasty chicken dinner recipes and you are are set with these to tackle any weekday. Savory One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken or zesty Lemon Herb Bake, there is a flavor profile here that can appeal to everyone.
We would love you to test these recipes and make your own. Cooking should be a creative and enjoyable process. If you try one of these dishes, please leave a comment or a review below—we would love to hear how it turned out for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the clues to know that my chicken is done without using thermometer?
Although a thermometer is the most convenient thing to use, you can determine readiness of the food by thrusting the thickest part of the chicken using a knife. The juices should run clear. Any pink in it means that additional time is required to cook. The meat must be white throughout and be opaque.
Is it possible that I can use chicken thighs in these recipes instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs makes a good alternative and they tend to be a little liberal since they are fattier, hence keeping them juicy. You should take into consideration that thighs may require a few more minutes to be ready, so you should account some extra time to it.
How should I store and reheat leftover chicken?
It is recommended that store any chicken that is leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use a microwave, but for the best texture, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It can be added a little splash of broth or water to prevent it drying up.