We’ve all been there, you’ve come home from work, you’re tired, you’re starving, and everyone in the house is asking what’s for dinner. You don’t have it in you to spend hours slaving over the stove.
You just want something quick and simple that’s still delicious. Well, pull out that chicken you’ve had sitting in your refrigerator, and follow any of the following easy recipes to ensure full, satisfied belly’s all round!
1. Thai Cashew Chicken
I’ll apologize for this one, because it’s torture to cook while you’re hungry because it smells so good. The aroma will fill your whole home and it’s sure to bring wanders into the kitchen asking ‘is food ready yet!
At least you won’t be suffering alone! And don’t worry, it tastes even better than it smells. It’s salty but sweet. And there are textures galore – crispy sweet onions, crunchy chicken that is tender inside, and soft peppers.
2. Quick Chicken Noodles
Really not in the mood to do dishes tonight? I got you covered. This recipe uses just one pot, so there will be no faffing around tonight. It also takes just ten minutes to prepare and five minutes to cook.
Did someone say a meal in 15 minutes? Yes please. It’s also so tasty. Garlic, pepper, spring onion, and oyster sauce are but a few of the ingredients that will really bring out some flavor and make this meal pop.
3. Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets With Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Are the kids pestering you for fast food? Well, why not meet in the middle with this copycat version of Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets. They’re so good, you would struggle to pick out the original in a blind taste test.
They’re everything you could ask for in a nugget, a golden-brown crispy coating on the outside, and tender juicy chicken waiting for you inside the coating. And don’t even get me started on that sweet and tangy sauce for dipping. Divine!
4. Coronation Pies
These little curried pies are so scrumptious and always go down a treat in my home. The shortcrust pastry is flaky and crisp and once you cut them open you discover a creamy curry chicken filling.
With flavors such as curry powder, mango chutney, and soured cream, how could these not be the tastiest little treats you’ll ever try.
5. Honey Garlic Chicken
This is a meal I have grown up with. It was something my mom always made when she was too tired to cook, but it was always one of my favorites. Although I always called it sticky garlic chicken.
The flavor of this chicken is just unbeatable. The soy sauce, honey, garlic and seasonings in the marinade make it one of the most flavorsome takes on chicken I’ve ever tried!
Serve with rice for a quick meal, or if you have a little extra time try it with some dauphinoise potatoes for a real scrumptious delight.
6. Spicy Cajun Chicken Quinoa
Looking for a super healthy option for you and your family? Well then, this is the option for you. It’s packed full of protein and is just 386 calories per portion.
And oh, did I mention it also tastes fantastic? Healthy meals can still be super tasty! It’s a great meal choice also brimming with colorful veggies and that spicy cajun kick really packs a punch.
7. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs With Coconut Rice
Is there a better way to beat those weekday blues than with a meal that reminds you of being abroad? One bite into these Hawaiian kebabs and you’ll be instantly transported to blue skies and sandy beaches.
Tasty fruit and veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple are layered together with soft and tender chicken and then drizzled in a divine teriyaki sauce. And the coconut rice it’s served with just adds to the tropical flavors.
8. Chicken Pasta Bake
Pasta bake is such a hearty comfort meal. And it’s always so quick. Pasta is always my go to option for when I can’t be bothered to cook.
But maybe that’s just because I’m looking for any reason to serve up a side of garlic bread, but that’s beside the point. Thick creamy cheesy pasta with chunks of chicken sounds good right?
This takes a little longer in the oven, but in terms of hard work cooking…well, there isn’t any.
9. Kung Pao Chicken
Got that Chinese takeout craving (see also ‘From Kung Pao To Garlic – Try These 20 Simple Chinese Shrimp Recipes‘)? Why not whip up this quick and easy meal that everyone is guaranteed to love? I always judge how nice a plate of food will taste by how colorful it is.
And this certainly has that pop of color. But while the rice, chicken, and loaded veggies are all amazing, it’s the sauce that is the real show stopper here. It is sweet, sour, and savory all in one bursting mouthful.
10. Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites
Garlic and mushroom is one of my all time favorite flavor combinations. If a recipe calls for both those ingredients, I know I’m in for a good time. And these bites are really something else.
They’re spicy, herby, buttery, flavorsome bites of pure bliss. And what might sound even more appealing than the meal is that this meal can all be cooked in one singular pan in under 30 minutes.
11. Chicken Zucchini Bake
Do you love the flavors of a pasta bake but are trying to cut back on your carbs? Why not try this delicious chicken zucchini bake instead then?
Tender diced chicken pieces are packed full of all your favorite veggies and then smothered in gooey melted cheese and sour cream.
It’s absolutely mouthwatering while still being a relatively nutritious meal – and an easy way to make sure everyone in your family is getting their five a day!
12. Chicken Alfredo Casserole
This decadent delicious dinner is also keto friendly. This is such a comfort meal, and no one I’ve made this for could believe it was so easy to make.
It’s made of just five ingredients and little bite size pieces of cauliflower replace the pasta to keep it low-carb (see also ‘32 Recipe Ideas For Delicious Low-Carb Dinners‘). But don’t let it being healthy give you the wrong impression, the bowl of cheesy melting goodness tastes absolutely amazing.
13. Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls
This is my second Chinese takeout themed meal – but you can never have too many. And is there a better order from a chinese than sweet and sour chicken balls?
I don’t think so. The chicken is tender and juicy and that sauce is famously delicious. Serve with some egg fried rice and some prawn crackers for that true authentic chinese experience.
14. Greek Chicken And Artichoke Kotopita
Across the globe we have some really stunning cuisines, but Greek food is one of my absolute favorites, and this chicken and artichoke kotopita is so delicious.
And what’s great is that it takes just ten minutes to prep, 35 minutes to cook, and uses only one pan. So it’s perfect for busy parents that are continuously on the go.
15. Orange Chicken
Want a delicious meal that uses just three ingredients? Then you’ll want to take a whack at this sweet chicken recipe (see also ‘33 Great Recipes For Chicken – Slow Cooker Style!‘).
When I first read this recipe I was quite apprehensive about barbeque sauce and orange marmalade together, but it took just one bite to realise there was no need to worry.
It’s sweet sticky bites of juicy tender chicken, and it’s so moreish. I’ve popped ten of these into my mouth before I’ve even looked up from my plate.
16. Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
These peppers are cooked in one pot, cook in just 30 minutes and are also keto-friendly (see also ‘28 Tasty Keto-Friendly Lunch Ideas‘). You’ll definitely want to try this tasty triple threat.
The peppers are stuffed full of tender chicken, roma tomatoes, lots of cheddar cheese, and are then drizzled with hot sauce for an extra kick.
When these come out of the air fryer (see also ‘35 Simple, Tasty Airfryer Dinner Recipes‘) they are charred to perfection and ooze golden gooey melted cheese. What more could you ask for?
17. Chicken Quesadillas
Whenever I have chicken knocking about in the kitchen, Mexican dishes are always highly requested. And it’s not hard to see why, these quesadillas are absolutely mouth watering and there’s no arguments on my end since they are so simple to cook.
They’re a great way to get the kids to eat veggies without even realizing – they’re too fixated on crunchy tortilla shells oozing melted cheese and filled with flavorsome chicken pieces.
18. Chicken, Lentil, And Sweetcorn Chowder
This is the ultimate winter warmer for those colder months, and served with some buttery crusty bread, you’ve got a real treat. It’s great for those days where you’re really not fancying a massive meal but want something that will still fill you up.
The chicken is juicy and compliments the lentils and sweetcorn really nicely.
19. Peanut Chicken Skillet
Is there anything nicer than juicy tender pieces of chicken swimming in a thick and creamy sauce?
This sauce is so good that you may need to do a couple more taste tests than usual (I won’t tell if you don’t) just make sure you have the self restraint to stop or the skillet will be empty before you serve.
It’s seriously addictive. And it’s all thanks to the creamy peanut butter that is a savoury staple of Asian cuisine.
20. Chicken Fajita Casserole
This recipe combines two of your favorite things; chicken fajitas and casserole (see also ‘23 Best Turkey Casseroles For A Dinner Night‘). Chicken, cheese, peppers and fajita seasoning all wrapped into one dish.
Now, this recipe does use baked chicken breasts but this can be easily swapped for diced chicken and it’ll still taste just as good.
I like to serve this with a side of toasted tortillas so the kids can still wrap them up themselves but it also goes great as a topping on a bed of rice.
21. Chicken Jambalaya
Typically, chicken jambalaya is a meal that takes a bit of time. It’s not something you instantly think about when you hear the words quick and easy. But it is something you think about when you hear the words tasty and delicious.
So of course, I have found you a simplified version so you can still have your favorite meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
22. Chicken Pasta With Enchilada Sauce
Can we all agree that the best part of enchiladas is the rich and well-seasoned sauce? Well we’ve taken your favorite sauce, the chicken, and the cheese from one of your favorite Mexican dishes and turned it into pasta! Yum.
It’s all cooked in just one pan and doesn’t take long at all to cook, and the whole family will love it. It’s a win, win, win!
23. Chicken Tikka Masala
If you’re ordering out, are you more team chinese or team indian (see also ‘The 33 Best Simple And Easy Indian Vegetarian Recipes (see also ‘The 33 Best Simple And Easy Indian Vegetarian Recipes (see also ‘The 33 Best Simple And Easy Indian Vegetarian Recipes (see also ‘The 33 Best Simple And Easy Indian Vegetarian Recipes? For those of you who adore a creamy curry then this is as good as it gets.
Chicken tikka masala (see also ‘13 Side Dishes That Taste Delicious With Chicken Tikka Masala‘) is such a classic dish that pretty much everyone adores. So it’s sure to go down a treat in your house. Serve with rice and naan bread to really make it a feast!
24. Stir Fry Chicken With Pineapple
Stir fry is always a good option for when you don’t want to be cooking for long. And it’s such a tasty option too.
Not only that but it’s also really healthy and is packed with loads of your favorite veggies and those sweet slices of pineapple are really just the cherry on top. Don’t be fooled when you first look at the plate either, its much more filling than it appears.
25. Huli Huli Chicken Tacos
ex-Mex tacos are a food infusion from heaven, but we’re not stopping there. Oh no, we’re also adding juicy Hawaiian flavors to the mix with some tasty chunks of pineapple and mango.
These bad boys may be small in size but they’re monstrosities when it comes to flavor. If you’re looking for something different, you can also try making tacos de papa (potato tacos) recipes with a delicious potato filling.
26. Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Calling all spice lovers, this one’s for you. These wraps are super simple to make and oh so easy to devour.
Tender chunks of chicken share a tortilla bed with crunchy veggies cheese and a creamy dressing (to help cool it down a little) and are then tucked in nice and tight to make these crunchy and spicy chicken wraps.
27. Cheesy Chicken Potato Bake
While this does take an hour to cook, it takes just five minutes to prep before it’s chucked in the oven. So don’t worry you’ll be able to go about your business until it’s ready to eat.
This recipe is so delicious. Let’s face it, melted cheese, chicken, and potatoes. What could be better? It’s so easy to make and the batch is big enough that you can use the leftovers for tomorrow’s tea too.
28. Chicken, Sweet Potato, And Coconut Curry
If you’re looking for a super creamy and mild curry then you’ll want to try this recipe. The chunks of chicken and sweet potato are really delicious.
I find the addition of coconut also helps to cool down the curry and keeps it really creamy. This goes so well when served with rice noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Chicken Take To Cook Diced
Diced chicken cooks quite quickly, it will take approximately 7 minutes in a pan.
What Is Diced Chicken
Diced chicken is small cubes of chicken that are usually around ½ an inch in size.
How Do You Keep Diced Chicken Moist
If you want your chicken to stay moist, basting it often helps as it distributes the juicys equally during the process
Final Thoughts
As you can see, tasty meals don’t need to take a long time to cook to taste good. There are plenty of yummy options out there that can be cooked in under 30 minutes. Which recipe do you think you’ll try first?
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