17 Chicken Recipes That Steal The Spotlight At Every Meal

Tired of chicken that just sits there looking plain? These 17 recipes are here to make your chicken the star of the show—think of them as the stand-up comedians of your dinner table. Expect your family to laugh, cheer, and ask for seconds. If your chicken isn’t getting rave reviews, it’s probably not using these recipes!

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

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy, orange-hued sauce topped with chopped herbs, served on a white rectangular plate.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, a bowl of this hearty dish hits the spot. It brings a memorable European touch to your dinner table with its rich flavor profile. Enjoy Chicken Paprikash as a standout dish that’s sure to garner attention. It’s perfect for those chilly nights where you crave something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a simple yet spectacular way to use up leftover rice, give this meal a try. It’s a quick and easy fix for busy weeknights, bringing a fusion of flavors to your dinner spread. Chicken Fried Rice is a great go-to for a no-fuss meal that still packs a punch. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to throw in whatever veggies you love or have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your meal plans with a dish that’s exploding with flavor. This dish is a celebration of bold spices and tender chicken, often wrapped up in your favorite tortillas. Chicken Tinga is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings where you want to impress. It really knows how to make a statement at any table it’s served on.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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.

Light and refreshing yet undeniably fulfilling, this dish strikes the perfect balance. Nutty walnuts and sweet cranberries mingle in harmony, creating a salad that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Enjoy Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts for lunch or as a perfect picnic companion. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up your meal routine without any heavy feeling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

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.

Simplicity is key with a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Citrusy, herby flavors come together on a single sheet pan for effortless clean-up. The aroma of Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken will fill your kitchen, hinting at the mouthwatering meal to come. It’s ideal for those evenings when you want a fuss-free dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever find yourself strapped for time but still wanting a homemade meal? This dish requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is the epitome of “set it and forget it,” ending with a dish that’s tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy solution to weekday mealtime challenges.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

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.

Why order takeout when you can make a beloved restaurant dish right at home? This dish offers the excitement of well-known flavors from the comfort of your kitchen. Pull off Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken and watch everyone come running to the table. It’s a surefire way to satisfy cravings for that signature spicy kick.
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.

Fancy a restaurant-style meal without leaving the house? This dish replicates a popular menu item, bringing gourmet tastes to your at-home dining experience. Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is sure to spice up your mealtime lineup with its restaurant-quality appeal. Plus, it’s a fun way to shake up the typical chicken routine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after a dish that covers all your bases—protein, veggies, and carbs—look no further. This meal transforms a simple chicken into something extraordinary, all tossed together with pasta goodness. Embrace the ease and flavor of Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad as it whisks you away to a place of cooking contentment. It’s a brilliant choice for meals on the go or easy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Envision your chicken with a smoky twist, one that’s packed with a depth of flavor. It’s a unique take on a traditional technique that will stand out among your BBQ spread. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor offers an unexpected but utterly fulfilling spin on chicken meals. Gather your friends and family around the smoker for a meal they’ll talk about for days.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform a classic dish into a more accessible, yet equally delicious casserole form. This is comfort food done right, offering a fulfilling blend of flavors that’s bound to be a hit with the whole family. With Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll get all the traditional tastes without the fuss of individual preparation. It’s like a cozy blanket on a cold day, but for your appetite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

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

Give your lunch a gourmet makeover with this culinary creation. It combines the freshness of a summer salad with the fulfilling bite of a grilled sandwich. Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is fantastic for those who want a quick yet upscale lunch option. It’s perfect for when you’re aiming to bring a little sunshine to your midday meal.
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.

Brighten up your salad game with a dish that adds a crunchy twist. This is not your average green salad; it’s a vibrant, full meal that’ll have you looking forward to lunchtime. This Chinese Chicken Salad is a fulfilling mix of textures and tastes that come together in a refreshing way. Its crisp ingredients make every forkful a little adventure.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Chicken Divan

A fork is lifting a portion of Chicken Divan from one of the bowls.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy a plate of pure comfort with a dish known for its creamy goodness. It’s a casserole that combines easy preparation with a taste that feels like home. Chicken Divan calls out to all those who love a warm, hearty meal at the end of the day. It’s a trusted dish for times when you need a bit of comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the essence of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen with a slow-roasted creation. This dish is tender, packed with flavor, and always a show-stopper at family dinners. Enjoy Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken for a casual weekend feast or a special weekday treat. It has a way of making any meal feel like a festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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

Upgrade your quesadilla experience with a blend of traditional and unexpected flavors. This meal is perfect for those times you’re craving something warm, melty, and full of tang. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are undeniably inviting, ready to satisfy your hunger any time of day. Break out the skillet and get ready for a meal that’s both familiar and thrillingly new.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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.

Reminisce about home-style cooking with a dish that’s a nod to classic Southern comfort. It’s got all the homemade charm you’d expect from a dish crafted with love and attention. Enjoy the comforting embrace of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins, whether you’re feeding a large group or just hankering for a taste of nostalgia. It’s like a warm welcome to sit down and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Leave a Comment