40 Chicken Dinner Ideas

These Chicken Dinner Ideas will help you plan your weeknight dinners in the best way! If you have any chicken breasts, thighs, wings or drumsticks in the fridge, I’ve got recipes included here for all different cuts and all different methods – from Instant Pot and Crockpot to baked and stovetop, etc!

Get even more inspiration for dinner with 30+ Slow Cooker Recipes and 30+ Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas.

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Winner winner chicken dinner! Here at The Recipe Rebel, we definitely don’t shy away from poultry.

Chicken is one of the easiest proteins to cook no matter which cut you use. Toss it in the Crockpot, Instant Pot, bake it in a casserole… It’s so versatile and always encourages creativity.

You can make it Italian, Chinese, or go all-American by deep frying it. When you’re working with chicken, the options are limitless!

That’s why I wanted to compile this list of some of my favorite chicken dinner ideas to help get you out of your repetitive dinner funk. Add any of these to your weeknight routine and enjoy!

Tips for Using Frozen Chicken

As a good rule of thumb to follow, it’s typically best to let your chicken slowly thaw in the fridge for a few hours prior to using. I like to take mine out the night before so that I am not rushed.

If you need to thaw some chicken in a hurry, the best and safest way to do that is to place it in a zip top bag and place in a bowl or sink full of cool water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

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What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

That’s entirely up to you!

Boneless, skinless chick breasts are popular here because they’re easy to cook and have a milder flavor. Chicken thighs are dark meat and can have skin and bones, or be boneless and skinless.

There are also chicken wings, legs, and I’ve even included a recipe below for cooking a whole chicken. Ground chicken is great for meatballs, burgers and swapping for ground beef in a multitude of recipes.

No matter which cut of chicken is your favorite, it’s all pretty great. Chicken is considered to be one of the healthier proteins that’s incredibly versatile and budget friendly.

Chicken Dinner Ideas

close up image of baked chicken breasts in baking dish with juices.
Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
This Baked Chicken Breast comes out juicy and flavorful every time! With a simple spice rub and quick cook time, it's perfect for any night of the week!
Check out this recipe
close up image of whole chicken in roasting pan
Perfect Roast Chicken
How to make the perfect Roast Chicken, with a simple seasoning, golden crispy skin, and tender juicy chicken!
Check out this recipe
close up shot of tuscan orzo and chicken in black pan.
One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken
This amazing One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken recipe is perfect for making a healthy, filling, quick, and easy dinner the whole family will love on busy weeknights! 
Check out this recipe
crispy oven fried chicken on a plate lined with parchment paper.
The Best Oven-Fried Chicken
This easy Oven-Fried Chicken turns out perfectly crispy and juicy every time! The special seasoning blend tastes just like KFC, but it's made with wholesome ingredients in your own kitchen.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken alfredo bake with spoon stuck in.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is an easy meal-prep and freezer friendly dinner option! Tender pasta and chicken are tossed in homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with cheese, then baked until hot and gooey.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of air fryer chicken thighs on white plate
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! With a simple seasoning, they are prepped and cook quickly!
Check out this recipe
close up image of wooden spoon stuck in chicken noodle casserole.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food ready with just 15 minutes of prep! Tender egg noodles, veggies, and juicy bites of chicken baked in a rich cream sauce.
Check out this recipe
square image of tomato basil slow cooker chicken in white crockpot.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is SO easy and flavorful, you wouldn't believe it only has a few ingredients! The perfect easy dinner recipe!
Check out this recipe
close up of spoon and bowl of chicken noodle soup.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is one of my favorite things to warm up with on a cold winter day! With juicy chicken, vegetables, and an aromatic mix of seasonings, it's a family favorite!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of sweet and sour chicken in white skillet with wooden spoon
Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a homemade version of a classic Chinese takeout dinner. This 30-minute dinner is made up of tender chicken smothered in homemade sweet and sour sauce!
Check out this recipe
three chicken lettuce wraps lying on a plate with chopped green onions beside.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are healthy, comforting, and so easy to make! Similar to P.F. Chang's (if not better!) and you can have them any time you want from the comfort of your own home!
Check out this recipe
instant pot chicken breasts in pressure cooker.
Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast
The JUICIEST Instant Pot Chicken Breast! Made with an all purpose seasoning and one secret ingredient, this is the perfect pressure cooker chicken breast!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of white chicken chili with metal ladle scooping.
White Chicken Chili recipe
This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.
Check out this recipe
honey garlic chicken thighs sheet pan dinner
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Dinner
These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables is an easy sheet pan dinner that the whole family will love! Sweet and savory and tangy and SO easy!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken pesto pasta in skillet with wooden spoon
Chicken Pesto Pasta
This Chicken Pesto pasta is made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes! It’s an easy dinner idea that makes great lunches the next day! 
Check out this recipe
large bowl of chicken taco salad with chips and lime beside.
Chicken Taco Salad
This Chicken Taco Salad is a fresh and healthy dinner idea that’s loaded with flavor. It’s packed with crunchy iceberg lettuce, tender chicken breast, cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, and all the best taco toppings!
Check out this recipe
close up overhead image of white lasagna soup
White Lasagna Soup
This White Lasagna Soup is your favorite pasta bake in soup form! It's rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, veggies, and cheese!
Check out this recipe
square image of crockpot chicken and potatoes with sun dried tomato sauce
Sun Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes
This Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes is slow cooked in a broth flavored with sun dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. It's an easy crockpot meal that requires only 10 minutes prep!
Check out this recipe
chicken chow mein in a black frying pan.
One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
Loaded with juicy chicken, bell peppers, cabbage, peas and carrots, this One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is a fast and healthy dinner the whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
two air fryer chicken parmesan in air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a classic comfort food made healthier in the air fryer. Breaded chicken is air fried until golden and crispy, then topped with your favorite tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Check out this recipe
square image of chicken rice soup coming out of pot.
Chicken Rice Soup
This Chicken Rice Soup is a hearty, healthy soup recipe that’s perfect for fall! Loaded with vegetables, lean chicken and brown rice it can be made stove top or slow cooker.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of a sheet pan with cooked chicken strips bell peppers and onions
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are an easy dinner idea, ready in 30 minutes with only one dirty pan!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of four chicken breasts in white slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe comes out perfectly juicy and seasoned every time! Learn my tips for getting the best crockpot chicken breast, perfect for salads, sandwiches or an easy dinner.
Check out this recipe
Top view of grilled chicken drumsticks with maple glaze in a glass bowl.
Maple Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Maple Glazed chicken Drumsticks are a simple, 6-ingredient sweet and spicy meal that's perfect for summer grilling! They are always a big hit!
Check out this recipe
white chicken skillet in steel pan with spoon scooping some noodles
White Chicken Skillet Lasagna
This White Chicken Skillet Lasagna is made with just a few ingredients in ONE pot! It's creamy and hearty and the perfect comfort food.
Check out this recipe
mango salsa chicken and rice overhead
Mango Salsa Chicken and Rice
This Mango Salsa Chicken and Rice is made with 6 ingredients, in ONE pot, and is packed with flavor! Just dump and simmer. With step by step recipe video.
Check out this recipe
white crockpot with cooked tuscan chicken inside.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
This Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is made up juicy chicken breasts slow cooked in a rich and cheesy cream sauce. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and makes the perfect dinner served over your favorite pasta!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of cajun chicken pasta on blue plate with fork.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy one-pan meal. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce and topped with juicy slices of chicken.
Check out this recipe
baked caprese chicken with mozzarella and topped with basil
Baked Chicken Caprese
This Baked Chicken Caprese is an easy dinner recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes! A simple balsamic sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, juicy chicken breasts, and Mozzarella cheese.
Check out this recipe
close up of cooked teriyaki chicken and rice with wooden ladle in pan.
One Pot Teriyaki Chicken, Rice and Vegetables
One Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Rice with Vegetables is an easy, family-friendly meal that's ready in just 30 minutes or less! It's healthy, hearty, and just the perfect recipe for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
white baking dish full of chicken pot pie casserole with a steel ladle in it.
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a made-from-scratch comfort food classic! It’s packed with veggies and tender bites of chicken then layered with a fluffy homemade biscuit topping.
Check out this recipe
grilled chicken breasts and pineapple slices on a white plate.
Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
This Hawaiian Chicken recipe is perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight for the whole family! Ready in just 30 minutes, with instructions on how to cook it on the grill or in the oven, you'll want to save this delicious chicken recipe for later!
Check out this recipe
square image of baked tuscan chicken in baking dish.
Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast
This Baked Tuscan Chicken Breast is an easy meal ready in 30 minutes or less! With a creamy sauce that's perfect over pasta.
Check out this recipe
hand grabbing top quesadilla from a stack.
Chicken Quesadilla
This Chicken Quesadilla is the perfect kid and adult friendly meal! It's layered with juicy bites of chicken, melty cheese, and veggies!
Check out this recipe
square image of crockpot bbq chicken with tongs
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is made with store bought barbecue sauce and a couple secret ingredients! Make it with chicken breasts or thighs.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken carbonara in white skillet with tongs and fresh parsley
Chicken Carbonara
This Chicken Carbonara is a luxurious pasta dinner that takes just 15 minutes to prep! Perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles are tossed with crispy bacon and tender chicken in a silky smooth cream sauce.
Check out this recipe
chicken pot pie slice on grey plate with fresh parsley
Chicken Pot Pie
This Chicken Pot Pie is made with homemade pie crust, a thick and creamy filling of chicken and vegetables and baked to golden perfection. The perfect comfort food dinner!
Check out this recipe
close up of a full bowl of chicken tortilla soup with garnishes.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comfort food classic! This one-pot soup is loaded with all the veggies, all the flavors, corn, beans, and tender shreds of chicken. Just 10 minutes of prep needed!
Check out this recipe
overhead image of chicken bacon ranch pasta in grey bowl
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is made with tender noodles, crispy bacon, and juicy chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful cream sauce.
Check out this recipe
overhead image of baked chicken and rice in large white pan
Chicken and Rice Bake
This Chicken and Rice Bake is the best one pot meal! It's healthy, loaded with flavor, and takes just 10 minutes to prep!
Check out this recipe

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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