Let’s face it, Nonna probably had her chicken game on point, but there’s always some new trick that could have amped things up. Here are 15 chicken dishes that are a bit out there but still smack of home. It’s like finding hidden tracks on your favorite album – they’re fresh, yet they’ve got that familiar beat you can’t help but love.
Chicken Tinga
Spicy and smoky, this dish is a taco Tuesday revolution with its shredded, chipotle-tomato braised chicken. Chicken Tinga is a top-the-tortilla star that would’ve given Nonna’s classic fillings a run for their money. Packed with bold flavors, it could easily become the new comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
This is a dish that brings the fancy without the fuss. It marries juicy chicken, ham, and melted cheese. An air fryer turns out this classic European staple with a crispy breadcrumb coat, without the mess of traditional frying. Nonna’s kitchen could have definitely used this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu method.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Ideal for lunches, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts mixes savory, sweet, and crunchy in one spoonful. It blends the heartiness of chicken with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. Imagine this as a staple in Nonna’s picnic basket. It’s a fresh way to use leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
One pan, no fuss, and a whole lot of flavor could make even Nonna’s Sunday roasts jealous. Lemon and rosemary come together over chicken pieces for an earthy meal. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is all baked together with veggies for a complete meal which means less cleaning and more eating.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Chicken Paprikash
A rich Hungarian classic, Chicken Paprikash would’ve spiced up Nonna’s chicken routine with its creamy paprika sauce. It’s a cozy hug in a bowl, traditionally served with dumplings or noodles. Nonna’s kitchen would’ve been perfumed with a sweet and peppered aroma. It’s a simple stew that brings warmth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Chock full of veggies, pasta, and chicken, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup rivals any homemade cold remedy. It’s the kind of hearty soup that could have drawn neighbors to Nonna’s doorstep. This recipe mimics the famous Carrabba’s restaurant version and can be your secret weapon.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Melding the char of grilled chicken with the freshness of tomato, basil, and mozzarella, this sandwich is a quick lunch fix. Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is an Italian classic reimagined between slices of bread. Perfect for the grill season, it’s like summer in Italy sandwiched for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is a little sweet, a little sour, and a kick of heat. Nonna would’ve loved the stir-fry vibe with its vibrant veggies and tangy sauce. A nod to Sichuan cuisine, it’s a staple that would’ve added some serious fire to her cookbook. It’s very easy to whip up!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Chinese Chicken Salad
Imagine a salad that tosses shredded chicken with crisp veggies and a gingery dressing. Chinese Chicken Salad is refreshing with a crunchy texture that could have fascinated Nonna. This salad is a fusion flavor fest that’s perfect for hot summer days or to lighten up a meal. It’s a different way to do chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Homestyle and hearty, Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins mimic the Cracker Barrel favorite. It’s comfort food that could rival any of Nonna’s slow-cooked meals. Amazing for those days when you need a bowl of warmth, it’s like a blanket for your insides. It can be one of your Sunday special recipes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is a vibrant dish with its lemony butter sauce and capers complementing chicken cutlets. It’s a swift move from pan to plate that would’ve kept Nonna’s dinners exciting. Picture it paired with pasta or veggies, it’s versatile for any accompaniment. It’s the sort of recipe that adds a dash of fancy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Want a recreation of the Outback Steakhouse? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken tops grilled chicken with honey mustard sauce and cheese. It’s a down-under spin Nonna might have enjoyed on her classic grilled chicken. Bringing this restaurant favorite home is easier than one might think.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
Simple yet bursting with flavor, this combination of fresh herbs and lemon would’ve been a dynamite rub for Nonna’s grilled chicken. Served straight from the grill, Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken embodies the essence of Mediterranean flavors. It’s the kind of weeknight staple that pairs well with any side dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Bringing the fast-food favorite into the kitchen, this recipe is a wrap filled with marinated chicken and sauce. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito is a Tex-Mex treat that would’ve given Nonna’s meals an unexpected twist. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for a hands-on family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken
Infused with a blend of Mexican spices, Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken falls right off the bone. It’s a hassle-free dish that fills the kitchen with an aroma that beckons everyone to the table. It’s a step away from the usual roast and into a world of smoky and savory goodness. Sunday dinners now have an extra kick!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken