My obsession with chicken knows no bounds! There’s just something incredibly satisfying about biting into tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection. Whether smothered in a rich sauce, grilled to crispy char, or stuffed with flavorful fillings – chicken is the ultimate versatile protein lending itself to endless possibilities.
I find myself constantly dreaming up new chicken dinner ideas and scouring for recipes to test out. Cooking chicken is an art – you can transform the same base ingredient into a completely different masterpiece with the right seasonings, techniques and accompaniments. From familiar comfort foods to exotic global flavors, there’s a chicken preparation for any craving.
My undying love for this bird drives an insatiable hunger to master classic and innovative chicken dishes. I’ll spend hours tweaking ingredients, experimenting with methods – all in pursuit of chicken heaven. Whether crispy fried, fall-off-the-bone braised, or grilled to smoky bliss, I’m eager to put new recipes to the test. This passion manifests in an ever-growing repertoire I’ve perfected over years of devoted cooking and taste-testing. And I’m not slowing down anytime soon!
1. Chicken Parmesan
Taste Description: A comforting and indulgent Italian classic featuring crispy breaded chicken smothered in rich tomato sauce and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The contrast of the crisp, golden chicken with the gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce is simply divine.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Mozzarella cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture
- In a skillet, fry chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
2. Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Taste Description: A rustic and incredibly aromatic roast chicken infused with bright lemon and pungent garlic flavors. The chicken emerges from the oven with crispy, bronzed skin while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. The citrusy garlic notes make this simple dish taste vibrantly fresh.
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken
- Lemons
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano
Instructions:
- Pat the whole chicken dry and season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and dried herbs
- Cut one lemon into quarters and stuff it into the chicken cavity along with some garlic cloves
- Truss the chicken and transfer to a roasting pan
- Zest and juice the remaining lemon and mix with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper
- Use a basting brush to coat the chicken with the garlicky lemon mixture
- Roast at 425°F for 60-75 minutes, basting every 20 minutes, until juices run clear
- Let chicken rest 10 minutes before carving
Cook Time:
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 60-75 mins
- Total: 1 hr 15 mins – 1 hr 30 mins
3. Chicken Fajitas
Taste Description: A Tex-Mex fiesta for your taste buds! Sizzling strips of chicken and bell peppers are coated in a smoky blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Pile the tender, flavorful chicken and peppers into warm tortillas and top with fresh pico de gallo, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream for an explosion of Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
- Onion
- Fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Tortillas
- Toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Slice the chicken into strips and toss with fajita seasoning and lime juice
- Slice the bell peppers and onions
- Heat oil in a skillet or grill pan over high heat
- Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through
- Add the peppers and onions and sauté until tender-crisp
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions
- Serve the chicken and pepper mixture with warm tortillas and desired toppings like salsa, guac, etc.
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 15-20 mins
- Total: 35-40 mins
4. Honey Garlic Chicken
Taste Description: Sticky, sweet, and supremely satisfying! Chicken pieces are baked in a garlic-infused honey sauce until the exterior becomes beautifully caramelized with charred edges. The sauce provides a delectable balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of tangy vinegar.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks)
- Honey
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Ginger, grated
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger
- Pour half the sauce into a baking dish and arrange chicken pieces on top
- Brush or spoon remaining sauce over the chicken
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to char the edges if desired
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
Cook Time:
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Total: 50 mins
5. Chicken Pot Pie
Taste Description: The ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken and vibrant veggies are smothered in a velvety cream sauce with herbs, then baked under a golden, flaky pie crust. Every bite is rich, hearty, and tastes just like home.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Mixed veggies (carrots, peas, celery, onions)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Milk or cream
- Herbs (thyme, parsley, etc.)
- Store-bought or homemade pie crust
- Egg wash (egg beaten with water)
Bullet Point Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and cook the veggies until tender
- Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in broth and milk
- Simmer until thickened, then stir in cooked chicken and herbs, seasoning with salt & pepper
- Pour chicken filling into a baking dish
- Top with pie crust, crimping the edges to seal, and brush with egg wash
- Cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until crust is golden brown
Cook Time:
- Prep: 45 mins
- Bake: 30 mins
- Total: 1 hr 15 mins
6. Chicken Alfredo
Taste Description: Quintessential Italian-American comfort food! Fettuccine noodles are tossed in a lusciously creamy, velvety Parmesan sauce along with juicy chicken for extra protein. The Alfredo sauce is rich and indulgent but balanced by the brightness of garlic, pepper, and nutty Parmesan.
Ingredients:
- Fettuccine pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley, chopped
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Grill, bake or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through, then slice or cube
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente
- In a skillet, melt the butter and cook the garlic for 1 minute
- Whisk in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and whisk in grated Parmesan until melted
- Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta and chicken
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 45 mins
7. Coconut Curry Chicken
Taste Description: An aromatic and exotic Thai dish with a creamy coconut milk base infused with red curry paste, fresh herbs, and bright lime. The chicken simmers until fall-off-the-bone tender in the fragrant curry sauce that combines sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Coconut milk
- Red curry paste
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Lime juice
- Garlic, grated
- Ginger, grated
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Carrots, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Bullet Point Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic and ginger
- Add chicken and vegetables and bring to a simmer
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, turning chicken occasionally, until chicken is cooked through
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice for tang or brown sugar for sweetness
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges
- Serve over steamed rice or rice noodles
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 45 mins
8. Chicken Enchiladas
Taste Description: Hearty and homey Tex-Mex flavor bombs! Tender shredded chicken gets rolled up in tortillas with a kickin’ sauce of tomatoes, chiles, and spices. Smothered in more sauce and melty cheese, these enchiladas achieve the perfect balance of richness, heat, and comforting appeal.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Enchilada sauce
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, etc.)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Chicken broth or stock
- Toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Cook the chicken until no longer pink (poach, bake, slow cook or use rotisserie)
- Shred the cooked chicken once cooled
- In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft
- Add shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and chicken broth; simmer 5 minutes
- Warm the tortillas to make them pliable
- Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture and shredded cheese, roll up tightly
- Pour some enchilada sauce in a baking dish and arrange rolled enchiladas on top
- Cover with remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 20 mins until heated through
- Top with sour cream, avocado, cilantro before serving
Cook Time:
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 30-40 mins
- Total: 1 hour
9. Caprese Chicken
Taste Description: A bright, fresh spin on classic Italian Caprese salad flavors! Juicy chicken breasts are topped with thick slices of tomato and creamy mozzarella cheese, then drizzled with tangy balsamic reduction and fragrant basil pesto for a vibrant medley of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Roma tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Basil pesto
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, and garlic
- Grill, bake or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through
- While chicken cooks, make balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced by half
- Top each cooked chicken breast with tomato slices and mozzarella slices
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction and pesto
- You can bake for 5 minutes to warm the tomatoes and melt the cheese if desired
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 40 mins
10. Chicken Stir Fry
Taste Description: A kaleidoscope of vibrant flavors and textures in every bite! Tender pieces of chicken and an array of crisp-tender veggies get tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce made with garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Serve it over steamed rice for an easy, healthy meal that’s big on taste.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, etc.)
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Chicken broth or stock
- Cornstarch
- Cooked rice, for serving
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, broth, and cornstarch to make the sauce
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat
- Add the chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned but not fully cooked
- Remove chicken from wok and set aside
- Add more oil and stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds
- Add the veggies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes
- Return the chicken to the wok and pour in the stir-fry sauce
- Toss everything together until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked
- Serve immediately over steamed rice
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 15-20 mins
- Total: 35-40 mins
11. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Taste Description: An elegant French dish with layers of flavor! Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese, then breaded and fried until crispy on the outside. The creamy cheese filling pairs beautifully with the salty ham in every savory bite.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Ham slices
- Swiss cheese slices
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness
- Top each breast with ham slice and Swiss cheese
- Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks
- Dredge rolled chicken in flour, egg, then breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture
- In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat
- Fry chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until cooked through
- Optional: Make a Dijon cream sauce by simmering cream with mustard to serve on the side
Cook Time:
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 1 hour
12. Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Bold Taste Description: A fun, bite-sized twist on the classic chicken Parmesan! These tender meatballs are made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan and herbs, then baked until golden brown. They get smothered in rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella for that signature chicken Parm flavor.
Ingredients:
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Eggs
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil, chopped
Bullet Point Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, seasoning, salt and pepper until well combined
- Form mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs and place on a foil-lined baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through
- In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce
- Nestle the baked meatballs into the sauce and top with more sauce and shredded mozzarella
- Bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil
- Serve over pasta or in sub rolls
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Bake: 25-30 mins
- Total: 45-50 mins
13. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Taste Description: Lusciously creamy and boldly flavored! Chicken is simmered in a garlic-infused sauce made with cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. The sauce clings to the tender chicken and each bite delivers rich, decadent flavors balanced by bright notes of garlic and tomato.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Pasta or rice, for serving
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper
- In a skillet, sear the chicken in olive oil until browned but not fully cooked
- Remove chicken and add more oil to the pan
- Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine
- Add in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and let simmer for 5 minutes
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over top
- Let simmer for 10-15 more minutes until chicken is cooked through
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted
- Serve chicken over pasta or rice, spoon extra sauce over top
Cook Time:
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 45 mins
14. Thai Peanut Chicken
Taste Description: An addictively nutty, slightly sweet and delightfully spicy Thai-inspired dish. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, lime and a kick of chili. Served over noodles or rice, it’s an explosion of exotic flavors.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Peanut butter
- Coconut milk
- Lime juice
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions, sliced
- Chopped peanuts
- Rice noodles or rice, for serving
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- In a skillet or wok, sauté chicken until lightly browned
- Whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes
- Pour sauce over chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened
- Serve chicken and peanut sauce over rice noodles or rice
- Garnish with green onions and chopped peanuts
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 20-25 mins
- Total: 40-45 mins
15. Chicken Kabobs
Taste Description: Fun, flavorful kabobs hot off the grill! Juicy chicken is threaded with colorful veggies like bell peppers, red onions and zucchini. As they cook, the chicken absorbs all the delicious char and smoky notes while the veggies get tender and caramelized.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Red onion, cut into wedges
- Zucchini, sliced into rounds
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Olive oil
- Spice blend (paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper)
Bullet Point Instructions:
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 mins to prevent burning
- In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil and spice blend until coated
- Thread the chicken, peppers, onions and zucchini onto the skewers in an alternating pattern
- Grill over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through
- Brush with extra olive oil or melted butter while grilling if desired
- Serve kabobs with rice, pita bread or over salad
Cook Time:
- Prep: 30 mins
- Grill: 12-15 mins
- Total: 40-45 mins
16. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Taste Description: Bringing the bar food favorite into handheld form! Shredded chicken gets tossed in a fiery buffalo sauce then stuffed into tortillas with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and a cooling ranch or bleu cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- Buffalo hot sauce
- Butter
- Large tortillas or wraps
- Lettuce, shredded
- Tomatoes, diced
- Ranch or bleu cheese dressing
- Crumbled bleu cheese (optional)
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Make buffalo sauce by combining buffalo hot sauce with melted butter
- Toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until fully coated
- Lay the tortillas flat and layer lettuce, buffalo chicken, tomatoes and dressing
- Optionally, you can add bleu cheese crumbles
- Roll up the wraps tightly
- Slice in half on the diagonal before serving
Cook Time:
- Prep: 15 mins
- Total: 15 mins
17. Chicken Cacciatore
Taste Description: A rustic Italian classic with rich, homey flavors! Chicken pieces simmer in a robust tomato sauce loaded with aromatic vegetables like bell peppers, onions and mushrooms. The sauce develops incredible depth from garlic, herbs and a splash of wine.
Ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken (thighs, drumsticks, breasts)
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Bell pepper, sliced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed tomatoes
- Red wine (or chicken broth)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- In a dutch oven or deep skillet, brown the chicken in olive oil until skin is crisp
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Sauté onions, peppers, mushrooms and garlic in the same pot until softened
- Deglaze pot with wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits
- Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
- Return chicken to pot and spoon some sauce over top
- Simmer partially covered for 30-40 mins until chicken is very tender
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta or polenta
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 45-60 mins
- Total: 65-80 mins
18. Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Taste Description: A quintessential Greek dish full of bright, zesty flavor! Chunks of chicken are marinated in a lemon-garlic mixture with oregano and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Serve the souvlaki skewers with warm pita bread, cool tzatziki sauce and crisp veggies for the ultimate Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, for serving
Bullet Point Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano and salt & pepper
- Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 mins to 1 hour
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is charred and cooked through
- Warm the pita bread and prepare any desired veggie toppings
- Serve the souvlaki skewers with tzatziki sauce, warm pita and veggies on the side
Cook Time:
- Prep: 40 mins
- Grill: 10-12 mins
- Total: 50-55 mins
19. Chicken Marsala
Taste Description: An Italian-American classic with an incredibly rich, mushroom-studded marsala wine sauce. Lightly breaded chicken cutlets get a beautiful brown crust as they’re sautéed, then get finished in a decadent sauce of mushrooms, garlic and sweet marsala wine.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast cutlets, pounded thin
- All-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Marsala wine
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour until lightly coated
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in olive oil and butter for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Add more butter to the skillet and sauté the mushrooms and garlic until browned
- Deglaze the pan with the marsala wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream and let simmer for 5-7 mins to thicken the sauce
- Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet.
20. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Bold Taste Description: A decadent twist on fettuccine Alfredo that packs in protein and veggies. Juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets get tossed in a lusciously creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce coating every bite with rich, indulgent flavors.
Ingredients:
- Fettuccine pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Broccoli florets
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions and set aside
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper
- In a skillet, sauté the chicken in olive oil or butter until browned and cooked through
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Make the Alfredo sauce by melting butter in the skillet and cooking garlic for 1 minute
- Whisk in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken
- Remove from heat and whisk in grated Parmesan
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes until bright green
- Toss the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli and Alfredo sauce together until fully coated
- Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 20-25 mins
- Total: 40-45 mins
21. Chicken Tikka Masala
Taste Description: An iconic Indian dish brimming with aromatic spices! Pieces of yogurt-marinated chicken get charred in a tandoor-style oven (or broiler), then simmered in a creamy, rich tomato curry sauce scented with garam masala, cumin, garlic and ginger.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Plain yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, grated
- Ginger, grated
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin, coriander, paprika
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato puree
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Basmati rice, naan bread for serving
Bullet Point Instructions:
- In a bowl, marinate chicken with yogurt, lemon, garlic, ginger and spices for 30 mins to 1 hour
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and cook in a hot oven/broiler for 8-10 mins until charred
- In a pot, cook the tomato puree with butter for 2-3 mins
- Add diced tomatoes, cream, and remaining spices. Simmer for 10 mins
- Add the charred chicken and simmer for 8-10 more mins
- Adjust seasoning and stir in a knob of butter and cream to finish
- Serve over basmati rice with naan bread
Cook Time:
- Prep: 40 mins
- Cook: 30-40 mins
- Total: 70-80 mins
22. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Taste Description: A show-stopping entree that looks fancy but is deceptively easy! Chicken breasts get pounded thin then stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and cheeses before being rolled up and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Baby spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ricotta or cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Pound the chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness
- In a skillet, sauté the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for 2-3 minutes until wilted
- Remove from heat and mix in the ricotta/cream cheese, Parmesan and seasonings
- Spread the spinach-cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts
- Carefully roll up the breasts and secure with toothpicks if needed
- Brush chicken bundles with olive oil and season with more salt and pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through
- Let rest 5 mins before slicing into rounds to show the spirals
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Bake: 25-30 mins
- Total: 45-50 mins
23. Chicken Cobb Salad
Taste Description: A fully-loaded salad that is infinitely satisfying! Crisp lettuce provides a fresh base for juicy chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, tangy bleu cheese, tomatoes and eggs. The homemade vinaigrette ties all the flavors together.
Ingredients:
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Hard boiled eggs, sliced
- Avocado, diced
- Grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- Bleu cheese crumbles
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Bullet Point Instructions:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, let cool and crumble
- Hard boil the eggs, cool and slice
- Make the vinaigrette by whisking together the vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, salt and pepper
- In a large bowl or platter, arrange the chopped lettuce
- Top with rows of diced chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes and bleu cheese
- Drizzle the vinaigrette all over the salad just before serving
- Can also be served with ranch or bleu cheese dressing
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Total: 20 mins
24. Chicken Quesadillas
Taste Description: Ooey, gooey and supremely satisfying! Seasoned chicken and melty cheese get sandwiched between two crispy tortillas. Serve these quesadillas fresh off the skillet with all your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- Taco seasoning
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream for serving
- Bullet Point Instructions:
- Toss the shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle with shredded cheese
- Top with the seasoned chicken and more shredded cheese
- Place another tortilla on top and press down gently
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with oil or butter
- Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy
- Remove, slice into wedges and serve immediately with desired toppings
Cook Time:
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 5-10 mins
- Total: 15-20 mins
25. Lemon Chicken Piccata
Taste Description: A bright, vibrant Italian classic where tender chicken gets bathed in a luscious lemon-butter sauce with briny capers and fresh herbs. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets, pounded thin
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Chicken broth or stock
- Lemon juice
- Dry white wine
- Capers, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Bullet Point Instructions:
- Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper
- Dredge the cutlets in the flour, dip in egg, and coat well with panko crumbs
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat
- Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits
- Whisk in the chicken broth and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly
- Remove from heat and whisk in remaining butter and capers
- Return chicken to the pan and spoon the lemon-butter sauce over top
- Garnish with chopped parsley
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges
Cook Time:
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 15-20 mins
- Total: 35-40 mins
Conclusion
No matter how many chicken recipes I conquer, my ardent pursuit of poultry perfection continues. From classic homestyle favorites to modern globally-inspired creations, there’s always a new way to transform this beloved protein. Each chicken dish offers a fresh canvas to paint with layered flavors and cooking techniques.
While my repertoire may seem extensive, the thrill of discovering a new show-stopping chicken preparation keeps me endlessly inspired in the kitchen. Because at the end of the day, there are few things more satisfying than biting into a succulent, flawlessly cooked piece of chicken you put your heart and soul into making.