10 Easy Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

June 18, 2025

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

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

  2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  3. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.

  4. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

  5. 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

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots)

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Steps

  1. Sauté chicken until cooked through.

  2. Add garlic and vegetables, stir-fry 3–5 minutes.

  3. Mix in honey and soy sauce; cook 2 more minutes.

  4. 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

  • 4 chicken breasts

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp rosemary

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • Salt and pepper

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Toss chicken with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.

  3. Arrange chicken and lemon slices on a sheet pan.

  4. Roast 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

  5. 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

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 tbsp fajita seasoning

Steps

  1. Sauté chicken in a skillet until lightly browned.

  2. Add peppers, onion, and seasoning; cook 5–7 minutes.

  3. 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

  • 4 chicken breasts

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and spices.

  3. Coat chicken with mixture and place on baking sheet.

  4. 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

  • 1 lb chicken thighs

  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Mix honey and mustard; brush over chicken.

  3. Bake 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

  4. 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

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce

  • 8 oz cooked pasta

Steps

  1. Cook chicken in a skillet until golden.

  2. Steam broccoli and add to skillet.

  3. Stir in Alfredo sauce and cooked pasta; cook 2–3 minutes.

  4. Serve immediately.

📊 Quick Tip: Use store-bought Alfredo for even faster prep.


8. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced

  • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce

  • 1 cup steamed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, snap peas)

  • 2 cups cooked rice

Steps

  1. Sauté chicken until cooked through.

  2. Add teriyaki sauce and vegetables; cook 3–5 minutes.

  3. Serve over rice.

📊 Pro Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor.


9. Spicy Chicken Tacos

Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, shredded

  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

  • 4 small tortillas

  • Lettuce, tomato, and cheese for toppings

Steps

  1. Cook chicken with taco seasoning until tender.

  2. Shred chicken and fill tortillas.

  3. 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

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, diced

  • 1 cup rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

  • 1 tsp paprika

Steps

  1. Brown chicken in a large pot.

  2. Add rice, broth, and spices; bring to a boil.

  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.

  4. 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

  • Prep ingredients ahead: Slice veggies or marinate chicken in the morning.

  • One-pan meals save time: Reduce cleanup while cooking efficiently.

  • Use versatile sauces: Honey mustard, teriyaki, and Alfredo can quickly transform chicken.

  • Batch cook: Double recipes for leftovers or meal prep.

  • 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.

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