Fowl Play in the Kitchen: 11 Chicken Dishes That Break All the Rules

Ever thought chicken was just plain old chicken? Think again with this book. Here, chicken gets a makeover from start to finish. These 11 non-traditional recipes challenge what you know about chicken dishes. You’ll start looking forward to trying something new every night. Chicken just became the star of your kitchen.

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This combo of chicken, cranberries, and walnuts is a game-changer for lunch. Tossed together, these ingredients create a unique mix that’s impossible to resist. Mixing flavors so distinct lifts this chicken salad above your regular fare. Whether for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, it’s hard to beat this twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Nothing elevates a sandwich like fresh ingredients, and grilled chicken takes center stage here. Paired with traditional Caprese components, every bite promises a burst of flavor. When you think grilled chicken Caprese sandwich, think of an easy yet impressive option for any meal. A great way to enjoy something both fresh and hearty without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re in the mood for something different, go for a Chinese chicken salad. Crisp and refreshing, this variation combines familiar tastes with a twist. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it delivers both crunch and flavor. A great option for those seeking a little variety in their salad choices.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreating home-style comfort means you can’t go wrong with chicken and dumplins. This copycat recipe brings that same Cracker Barrel feel straight to your kitchen. Rich broth and tender dumplins merge beautifully with the chicken. Whenever you need some comfort food, this is one way to get that cozy experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Getting that takeout feel at home is easy with a copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. It’s all about the balance of flavors and the familiar taste that you love. This recipe brings that well-known mix of savory and just a hint of spice. Perfect for those nights when you want something familiar but homemade.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Inspired by a restaurant favorite, copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken brings that beloved flavor to your kitchen. This recipe layers on indulgence in every bite. Imagine combining those familiar tastes into a meal you’ll crave again and again. Ideal for dinners where you want something special without heading out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who favor a bold yet simple dish, chicken piccata is a winner. Its zesty sauce combined with tender chicken creates an explosion of flavors. No need for complicated steps; the taste does all the work. A fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cooking doesn’t get much easier than with sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken. All the components come together on one pan for a hassle-free meal. The end result is a fragrant and delicious combination that’s hard to resist. Ideal for busy nights when you need dinner on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Want the comfort of homemade soup without the wait? Try copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. This recipe offers that warm, hearty feel you know and love. Perfect for chilly days when you want something to warm you from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Using an air fryer makes chicken cordon bleu even easier without sacrificing flavor. There’s no need for deep frying, so it’s a bit lighter but still just as delicious. This recipe takes the classic and gives it a modern twist. Perfect for any night when you want something special with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing things up, chicken al pastor quesadillas bring a burst of flavor to your hand-held meal options. The blend of spices in the chicken makes each quesadilla unique. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a fun snack. These quesadillas offer a quick, flavorful option that’s a bit out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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