How to Make 20+ Delicious Chicken Recipes at Home

If you’re tired of the same old chicken dishes, you’re in for a treat. This guide is your one-stop-shop for easy, delicious, and foolproof chicken recipes that anyone can cook — from beginner to seasoned home chef. We’ve divided the dishes into categories so you can find what you’re craving, whether it’s a comforting soup, a creamy pasta, or a sizzling stir-fry.

Let’s dive into the best chicken recipes you’ll ever need — with step-by-step directions, ingredients, and tips to nail each one.


🥣 Soups & Stews

🥄 Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  3. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Add egg noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
  5. Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

🌶️ White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans white beans, drained
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can diced green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream, shredded cheese

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add beans, shredded chicken, green chilies, broth, and spices.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
  4. Stir in sour cream (if using) for extra creaminess.
  5. Top with cheese and serve warm.

🌮 Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • Salt and pepper
  • Toppings: tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro

Directions:

  1. In a pot, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and spices.
  2. Stir in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Add chicken and simmer 15–20 minutes.
  4. Serve hot with desired toppings.

🍵 Classic Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • 8 cups water or broth

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
  2. Cook for 1–1.5 hours until chicken is tender.
  3. Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones.
  4. Strain and return broth to pot with meat.
  5. Season and add optional noodles or rice.

🍝 Pasta Dishes

🍽️ Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  5. Add cooked chicken and pasta, tossing everything to coat. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

🔥 Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne or linguine
  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, pepper, parsley

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta and set aside.
  2. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning. Sauté in oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, cook peppers and onion for 4–5 mins.
  4. Add cream and cheese, stir to combine.
  5. Return chicken and pasta to pan. Toss to coat.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve.

🍅 Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook spaghetti and drain.
  2. In a large bowl, mix soups, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, onion, and chicken.
  3. Combine with pasta. Pour into a baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 mins.
  5. Serve hot and melty!

🥧 Casseroles & Baked Dishes

🥧 Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1¾ cups chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 pie crusts (or puff pastry)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion, then stir in flour to form a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in broth and milk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
  4. Stir in chicken and veggies. Pour into a pie dish.
  5. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut slits.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

🥧 Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 can enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 1 can diced green chilies
  • 8 flour tortillas

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix chicken, 1 cup cheese, sour cream, and chilies.
  3. Spoon filling into tortillas and roll up. Place in a greased baking dish.
  4. Pour enchilada sauce on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Serve hot with fresh cilantro or jalapeños.

💕 Marry Me Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 3 boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, pepper, flour (for dredging)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Directions:

  1. Season and dredge chicken in flour. Sear in oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic in the same pan. Add broth and deglaze.
  3. Stir in cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Return chicken to pan and simmer for 10–15 mins.
  5. Garnish with basil and serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.

🍽 Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, halved
  • Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs + ½ cup Parmesan
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Bread chicken: flour → egg → breadcrumb mix.
  3. Pan-fry until golden, then place on baking sheet.
  4. Top each with marinara and mozzarella.
  5. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
  6. Garnish with basil and serve over pasta.

Up next: 🍳 Skillet, Fried & Stir-Fry Recipes – Chicken Dumplings, Fried Rice, Butter Chicken, and more!

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Love it! Let’s dive into the sizzling, saucy world of 🍳 Skillet, Fried & Stir-Fry Chicken Recipes — these are quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.


🍳 Skillet, Fried & Stir-Fry Recipes

🍜 Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1½ cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¾ cup milk
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter until soft.
  2. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded chicken.
  3. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form dumpling dough.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into simmering soup.
  5. Cover and cook for 15–20 mins until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

🍱 Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Directions:

  1. Sauté chicken in oil until browned and cooked through.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
  3. Pour sauce into skillet and bring to simmer.
  4. Mix cornstarch slurry, stir in, and cook until thickened.
  5. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.

🍚 Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (cold)
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup peas and carrots
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

  1. Cook chicken in oil until golden and done. Remove and set aside.
  2. Scramble eggs in the same pan, then add veggies and cook for 2 mins.
  3. Stir in rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add chicken back.
  4. Stir-fry until everything is hot and well mixed. Top with green onions.

🍊 Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Directions:

  1. Coat chicken in egg, then cornstarch. Fry until golden and crispy. Set aside.
  2. In a pan, mix orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger. Bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thick.
  4. Toss fried chicken in sauce. Serve over rice with sesame seeds.

🧀 Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, flattened
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Dredge chicken: flour → egg → breadcrumb + Parmesan mixture.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Serve with lemon wedges or over salad.

🍯 Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. Season chicken and cook in skillet until golden.
  2. Remove chicken, add garlic to pan and cook briefly.
  3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer.
  4. Return chicken and coat with sauce. Serve with rice.

🍛 Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in butter until soft.
  2. Add spices and cook 1 min. Add tomato sauce, simmer 10 mins.
  3. Stir in cream, then add chicken and cook until done.
  4. Serve with naan or basmati rice.

🍋 Chicken Piccata

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, halved and pounded
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

  1. Dredge chicken in flour and season. Sauté in oil until golden.
  2. Remove chicken, add lemon juice, broth, and capers. Simmer 2 mins.
  3. Stir in butter, return chicken, and cook another 3–4 mins.
  4. Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

🌶️ Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Tortillas + toppings (sour cream, cheese, salsa)

Directions:

  1. Toss chicken, peppers, and onion with seasoning.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook everything until chicken is done and veggies are tender.
  3. Serve in warm tortillas with toppings of choice.

🥗 Chicken Salad Recipes

🥗 Classic Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: grapes, chopped apples, or walnuts

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken, celery, and onion. Mix well.
  3. Fold in optional ingredients if desired.
  4. Chill for 30 mins before serving. Great in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or on crackers.

🌮 Other Chicken Specialties

🌮 Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 small tortillas
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado

Directions:

  1. Heat chicken in a skillet with taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Warm tortillas.
  3. Fill with seasoned chicken and your favorite toppings.
  4. Serve with lime wedges.

🧀 Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: blue cheese crumbles

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
  3. Spread into a baking dish and top with more cheese.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  5. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or baguette slices.

✅ Pro Tips for Cooking Chicken Perfectly

  • Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer — chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).
  • Let it rest: Allow cooked chicken to sit for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Make it in batches: Double recipes and freeze portions for easy meals later.
  • Flavor hacks: Brine your chicken or marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which chicken recipe is best?

The “best” chicken recipe really depends on your taste and mood. For comfort food lovers, Marry Me Chicken is a standout with its creamy, garlicky sauce that’s gone viral for a reason. If you’re after something cozy, a hearty chicken noodle soup never disappoints. For a crowd-pleaser, chicken enchiladas offer bold, satisfying flavor. All are included in our top-rated list of easy and delicious chicken recipes.

What to do for dinner tonight with chicken?

If you’re short on time, go for chicken fajitas — quick to prep and customizable. Craving something creamy? Try a one-pot chicken Alfredo. Want zero cleanup? A simple chicken casserole will hit the spot. Our roundup has 20+ chicken recipes perfect for any dinner tonight!

What meals can be made from chicken?

You can make endless meals from chicken — soups, stir-fries, salads, pasta dishes, and baked casseroles. Popular options include chicken salad for lunches, butter chicken for something rich and flavorful, or chicken fried rice to use up leftovers. Explore all our chicken recipes to find meals that fit your style.

Why do you soak chicken in milk before cooking?

Soaking chicken in milk or buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds moisture, especially when frying or baking. The lactic acid in milk breaks down proteins gently, making the chicken juicier and more flavorful. It’s a common prep step in Southern-style chicken recipes like parmesan crusted chicken or fried chicken cutlets.

🏁 Conclusion

There you have it — over 20 easy, delicious chicken recipes to upgrade your weekly dinner rotation! Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, baked, or crispy, this guide has something for everyone. Bookmark this post, share it with your fellow food lovers, and come back whenever you need quick inspiration or cozy comfort food.

More

If you love cozy, creamy comfort food, casseroles are a must-have in your chicken recipe lineup. One standout is this million dollar chicken casserole, which combines cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded chicken into an irresistibly rich dish. For a crunchier twist, try the chicken casserole with Ritz crackers, perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. Want something even more classic? The chicken and green bean casserole is a timeless favorite, pairing protein with veggies in one pan. No matter which casserole you choose, make sure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. You can double-check guidelines from the USDA’s official chicken safety page. With these flavorful options and food safety tips in mind, you’re fully equipped to bring comforting chicken dishes to the table with confidence.