14 quick and tasty chicken dishes that save dinner every time
If you need dinner ideas fast, these chicken recipes deliver every time. They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect for nights when you want something satisfying without the stress. From skillet classics to oven-baked favorites, these dishes keep everyone at the table happy.
Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken scarpariello is a bold and comforting Italian-American classic that brings together juicy chicken, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant peppers in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. A splash of white wine, fragrant rosemary, and plenty of garlic tie everything together, creating a dish that’s equal parts rustic and irresistible. Whether you serve it with crispy potatoes, buttery polenta, or a hunk of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce, this is one meal that never disappoints. So, if you’re in the mood for big flavors and a little bit of heat, this one’s calling your name!
Get the recipe: Chicken Scarpariello
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken Sorrentino is comfort food with an Italian flair—juicy chicken cutlets layered with silky roasted eggplant, savory prosciutto, and smothered in a rich marsala-kissed tomato sauce. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s crowned with gooey fresh mozzarella and nutty parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden. Each bite is a cozy, flavor-packed hug, with a perfect balance of heartiness and herbaceous aroma. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests on a special night, it’s a dish that always delivers. Pair it with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.
Get the recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Roasted Apricot Chicken
It’s sweet, sticky, and oh-so delicious! If you’re looking for new dinner ideas, you might like to try out this roasted apricot chicken recipe. Succulent chicken thighs with crispy skin are flavored with spices like cumin, cinnamon and paprika, along with juicy apricots and apricot preserves. The dish is started on the stove and finished off in the oven and you’ll find it an easy recipe to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this chicken thigh recipe will make you look like a master chef!
Get the recipe: Roasted Apricot Chicken
Chicken Provençal
This rustic yet elegant chicken Provençal is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Juicy, golden-browned chicken simmers in a fragrant white wine sauce with briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and plenty of garlic, creating a dish that’s both rustic and effortlessly elegant. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make—just sear, simmer, and let the magic happen. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a little French flair for dinner, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to impress.
Get the recipe: Chicken Provencal
Hawaiian Chicken
Whether you’re whipping up a smorgasbord of tasty treats for a luau party, you have some chicken to use up or you simply love Hawaiian flavors, this stir-fry Hawaiian chicken recipe is really good. As well as chicken, this dish has bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and green onions, and the tangy sweet and sour chicken sauce is made with honey, ginger, pineapple juice, and more. If you sometimes find Hawaiian dishes too sweet for your taste, making your own is ideal, as you can tweak the sweetness level to your liking!
Get the recipe: Hawaiian Chicken
Chicken Fricassee
Chicken fricassee is the ultimate blend of comfort and elegance, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken thighs are simmered with earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, and fragrant herbs in a rich, creamy sauce that feels both cozy and refined. This classic French chicken stew comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering big on flavor. Whether you’re serving it to impress dinner guests or treating your family to something special, chicken fricassee is always a good idea!
Get the recipe: Chicken Fricassee
Hunan Chicken
It is easy to make your Chinese food recipes at home! This Hunan chicken recipe is a stir-fried chickendish with vegetables and a family favorite. The sauce is sticky and rich and this recipe will make you think you’re at a Chinese restaurant. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be made in one pan and takes less than half an hour to create. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you want, and this Americanized Hunan chicken pairs well with all kinds of popular Chinese-style sides to make the kind of dinner you’ll crave every week. Everyone will agree that it’s way better than take-out!
Get the recipe: Hunan Chicken
Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, golden pan-fried chicken cutlets nestled in a vibrant lemon-butter and white wine sauce. It’s crisp yet delicate, tangy yet savory. You will enjoy a beautiful blend of flavors and textures in every bite! Whether you’re making this dish for a special dinner or just to elevate your weeknight meal, you’ll find it delivers elegance without being complicated. If you enjoy dishes that balance richness and fresh citrus flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Get the recipe: Chicken Francese
Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly so simple to make. Juicy chicken cutlets are coated in a garlicky, cheesy breadcrumb crust and pan-fried to crispy perfection—yes, it’s every bit as good as it sounds and this recipe from xoxoBella is a favorite! I love how versatile this dish is; you can pair it with just about any side, from a fresh salad to buttery pasta. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for when you want to feel a little extra in the kitchen.
Get the recipe: Chicken Milanese
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is the ultimate blend of sweet, savory, and briny flavors, making it a true dinner party classic. This dish, made famous by The Silver Palate Cookbook, features juicy chicken marinated with garlic, vinegar, capers, olives, and prunes—creating an irresistible contrast of flavors. As it bakes, the chicken caramelizes beautifully with a touch of brown sugar and white wine, resulting in rich, spoon-worthy pan juices. It’s elegant yet incredibly easy, perfect for feeding a crowd or making an ordinary night feel special. Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!
Get the recipe: Chicken Marbella
Brown Stew Chicken
Transport your taste buds to the heart of the Caribbean with this authentic Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe from my friend Bella Bucchiotti. Known for its bold, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this dish is a true staple of Jamaican home cooking. The chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness then braised to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings, it’s a dish that brings people together with every bite.
Get the recipe: Brown Stew Chicken
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
This recipe for Hawaiian BBQ chicken from xoxoBella is so easy. It’s a delicious combination of chicken, BBQ sauce, pineapple, and more. Chicken is a neutral-tasting option and suits all kinds of flavors, so pairing it up with Hawaiian ingredients works perfectly. This dish is a great idea if you’re having a party and want to make something guaranteed to get everyone excited! Chicken and pineapple really is a winning combo.
Get the recipe: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Parmesan Chicken
Melt-in-your-mouth delicious and packed with flavor, this Parmesan Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers the juiciest, crispiest bite every time. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a win without any extra effort.
Get the recipe: Parmesan Chicken
Braised Chicken
Make deeply flavored, incredibly tender braised chicken in under an hour using just one pot. The savory aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and the rich, slow-cooked taste makes it feel like it simmered all day. It’s the kind of recipe that wins over picky eaters, reheats beautifully, and quickly earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Get the recipe: Braised Chicken
