🍗 10 Easy and Quick Chicken Recipes – Perfect for the Week

Chicken is one of the most popular meats around the world. It’s not only delicious, but also incredibly versatile and affordable. Whether you prefer it grilled, roasted, baked, or fried, chicken can be prepared in countless ways to suit your taste buds. In addition to its versatility, chicken is also a great source of lean protein, making it a staple in many healthy diets. In this article, we will explore ten easy and quick chicken recipes that you can try out during the week. These recipes are perfect for busy individuals who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Benefits of Cooking with Chicken

Chicken is not only tasty, but it also offers several benefits when it comes to your health. It’s a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein is also known for its ability to keep you feeling full and satisfied, making chicken an excellent choice for those watching their weight. Another advantage of cooking with chicken is the variety of cuts available. From tender chicken breasts to flavorful thighs and drumsticks, each cut offers a different texture and taste. This allows for a diverse range of recipes and flavors to explore. So, let’s dive into these ten delicious chicken recipes!

Recipe 1: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for a Sunday family dinner. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously fragrant dish that will have everyone’s mouths watering.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 lemons
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves, rosemary, and thyme.
4. Brush the chicken with olive oil.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, you can remove the chicken from the oven 10 minutes before it’s done and broil it on high heat for a crispier finish.

Variation: If you prefer a citrusy twist, you can substitute lemons with oranges or a combination of both.

Recipe 2: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you’re a pasta lover, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe will be right up your alley. It’s a comfort food with a deliciously creamy garlic sauce that will satisfy all your pasta cravings.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup spinach
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked chicken, spinach, and cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Mix well to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro tip: To make this dish even more flavorful, you can add cooked bacon or roasted cherry tomatoes to the skillet.

Variation: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.

Recipe 3: Spicy Baked Chicken Tacos

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, these Spicy Baked Chicken Tacos will become a new favorite. Packed with flavor and heat, these tacos are incredibly satisfying and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Corn tortillas
• Taco toppings of your choice (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken and half of the spice mixture.
4. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour the chicken broth over it.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
6. While the chicken is baking, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and shred it using two forks.
8. Toss the shredded chicken with the remaining spice mixture until well coated.
9. Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the spicy chicken and your favorite toppings.

Pro tip: For an extra kick of heat, you can add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the chicken before baking.

Variation: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Recipe 4: Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are always a hit, and these Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Wings are no exception. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the crispy skin, making them the ultimate party appetizer or game day snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the honey mustard mixture over them. Toss to coat the wings evenly.
4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Pro tip: To achieve extra crispy wings, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Variation: If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the honey mustard mixture.

Recipe 5: Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With a deliciously sweet and savory sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken, this stir-fry makes for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.
2. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
5. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Pro tip: For additional flavor and texture, you can add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to the stir-fry.

Variation: If you prefer a spicier teriyaki sauce, you can add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mixture.

Recipe 6: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe combines two favorites – barbecue and pizza – into one delicious meal. The tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese make for a winning combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 premade pizza dough
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough packaging.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza stone.
4. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Top with the shredded chicken, diced red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake according to the pizza dough packaging instructions, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
8. Slice and serve hot.

Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce to the pizza before baking.

Variation: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Recipe 7: Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

These Chicken and Vegetable Skewers are a great option for grilling enthusiasts. Packed with marinated chicken and colorful vegetables, these skewers make for a vibrant and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or mushrooms to the skewers for added variety.

Recipe 8: One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

This One-Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you want a comforting and delicious meal with minimal cleanup. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, this dish will become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth and milk to the pot, and bring to a boil.
5. Break the fettuccine pasta in half and add it to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
6. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas to the pot. Stir until heated through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more milk or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli or sliced mushrooms to the pot for added nutrition and flavor.

Recipe 9: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

This Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap recipe is a fresh and satisfying option for lunch or a light dinner. With crunchy romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, and a tangy Caesar dressing, it’s a tasty twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 4 large whole wheat tortillas
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Caesar dressing

Instructions:

1. Place a tortilla on a clean surface.
2. Spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing on the tortilla.
3. Layer the sliced grilled chicken, shredded romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the tortilla.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
6. Slice each wrap in half and serve.

Pro tip: For an extra punch of flavor, you can add diced tomatoes or crumbled bacon to the wrap.

Variation: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute romaine lettuce with baby spinach or mixed greens.

Recipe 10: Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps will become a new favorite. With tender chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps are perfect for a low-carb meal or a fun appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and diced celery. Mix well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
2. Place a lettuce leaf on a clean surface.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the lettuce leaf.
4. Roll the lettuce leaf tightly around the filling, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
5. Repeat with the remaining lettuce leaves and chicken mixture.
6. Serve the lettuce wraps as a light meal or a fun appetizer.

Pro tip: For added crunch, you can top the buffalo chicken with sliced green onions or crumbled blue cheese.

Variation: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Cooking with chicken opens up a world of possibilities in the kitchen. Its versatility and affordability make it a great choice for quick and easy meals. From savory roasted chicken to tangy barbecue wings, these ten recipes offer a variety of flavors and cuisines to suit your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make each recipe your own. So, grab some chicken and start cooking!

We hope you enjoy trying out these recipes and that they make your weeknight dinners delicious and stress-free. If you’re looking for more inspiration, there are countless other chicken recipes available online, ranging from international dishes to comfort food classics. Remember, the key is to have fun in the kitchen and explore new flavors. Happy cooking!