Chicken is a weeknight hero—versatile, protein-packed, and quick to cook. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or school, these 10 easy chicken recipes will get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, cooking times, and tips to make your weeknight dinners stress-free.
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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3 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
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Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Garnish with parsley and serve.
📊 Tip: Serve with steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
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2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots)
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Steps
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Sauté chicken until cooked through.
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Add garlic and vegetables, stir-fry 3–5 minutes.
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Mix in honey and soy sauce; cook 2 more minutes.
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Serve with rice or noodles.
📊 Heat Tip: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken
Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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1 lemon, sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp rosemary
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1 tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss chicken with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.
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Arrange chicken and lemon slices on a sheet pan.
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Roast 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
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Serve directly from pan for easy cleanup.
📊 Pro Tip: Add vegetables to the pan for a one-pan meal.
4. Chicken Fajitas
Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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1 tbsp fajita seasoning
Steps
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Sauté chicken in a skillet until lightly browned.
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Add peppers, onion, and seasoning; cook 5–7 minutes.
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Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
📊 Budget Tip: Use leftover rice to make burrito bowls.
5. Baked Parmesan Chicken
Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
Steps
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and spices.
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Coat chicken with mixture and place on baking sheet.
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Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
📊 Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
6. Honey Mustard Chicken
Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken thighs
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¼ cup Dijon mustard
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¼ cup honey
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1 tbsp olive oil
Steps
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Mix honey and mustard; brush over chicken.
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Bake 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
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Serve with rice or roasted potatoes.
📊 Flavor Tip: Add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky touch.
7. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, sliced
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1 cup Alfredo sauce
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8 oz cooked pasta
Steps
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Cook chicken in a skillet until golden.
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Steam broccoli and add to skillet.
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Stir in Alfredo sauce and cooked pasta; cook 2–3 minutes.
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Serve immediately.
📊 Quick Tip: Use store-bought Alfredo for even faster prep.
8. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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¼ cup teriyaki sauce
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1 cup steamed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
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2 cups cooked rice
Steps
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Sauté chicken until cooked through.
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Add teriyaki sauce and vegetables; cook 3–5 minutes.
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Serve over rice.
📊 Pro Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor.
9. Spicy Chicken Tacos
Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, shredded
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1 tbsp taco seasoning
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4 small tortillas
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Lettuce, tomato, and cheese for toppings
Steps
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Cook chicken with taco seasoning until tender.
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Shred chicken and fill tortillas.
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Top with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
📊 Heat Tip: Add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra spice.
10. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken thighs, diced
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1 cup rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots
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1 tsp paprika
Steps
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Brown chicken in a large pot.
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Add rice, broth, and spices; bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
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Stir in peas and carrots; cook 2 more minutes.
📊 Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Tips for Busy Weeknight Chicken Dinners
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Prep ingredients ahead: Slice veggies or marinate chicken in the morning.
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One-pan meals save time: Reduce cleanup while cooking efficiently.
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Use versatile sauces: Honey mustard, teriyaki, and Alfredo can quickly transform chicken.
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Batch cook: Double recipes for leftovers or meal prep.
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Adjust spices to taste: Make it kid-friendly or extra spicy depending on your household.
Final Thoughts
With these 10 easy chicken recipes, weeknight dinners become quick, flavorful, and stress-free. From garlic butter chicken and sheet-pan meals to spicy tacos and Alfredo bowls, there’s something for everyone—and cleanup is minimal.