13 Chicken Dishes That Don’t Require Hours Of Marinating

No one wants to spend hours waiting for dinner, especially when the craving for delicious chicken strikes. These 13 quick and easy chicken recipes are perfect for those who want to skip the long marinating times but still enjoy juicy, flavorful dishes. Designed to get straight to the good stuff, these meals are all about delivering great taste without the wait.

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

Chicken Fried Rice

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

If you’re looking for a quick meal that fills you up without needing hours to prepare, Chicken Fried Rice might just be your go-to. This dish proves that simplicity does not compromise on enjoyment, offering a hearty option for dinner. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something straightforward yet fulfilling, leaving you more time to relax after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Have you ever craved something a bit more sophisticated but didn’t want to spend all day getting it ready? Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is the answer. It combines convenience with a touch of elegance, perfect for a weeknight meal that feels a bit more special. Enjoy this dish with minimal prep but maximum reward.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

For those who love to use their oven but hate the fuss of complex recipes, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is a lifesaver. This one-pan wonder offers a delicious meal with very little effort, ideal for busy weekdays. It’s all about bringing flavors together in the simplest way possible.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

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.

Who says you need hours to create something light and flavorful? Chinese Chicken Salad is quick to prepare and never skimps on flavor. It’s an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. This dish keeps things fresh and exciting in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

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.

For a restaurant-quality meal without the wait, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken fits the bill. This dish brings a familiar favorite from the diner to your table with none of the fuss. It’s perfect for an impromptu dinner party or a satisfying family meal, proving that good food doesn’t require complex preparations.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

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

Imagine a sandwich that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious—Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is just that. It combines classic flavors in a fresh, straightforward way, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. It’s a straightforward approach to a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

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.

Sometimes, the best meals come from the least ingredients, and 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is a testament to that. This dish allows you to throw everything into a slow cooker and let it do its magic, perfect for those who need their meal ready to serve by the time they’re home. It’s a no-fuss, dependable dinner option.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken Divan

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

If you’re after a dish that preps quickly and delivers big on flavor, Chicken Divan is a top pick. It’s a classic choice for a family dinner or a casual get-together. This dish proves that simplicity doesn’t compromise taste, offering a fulfilling meal that requires no lengthy prep. It’s a must-try for those who appreciate efficiency and taste in their cooking routine.
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.

When you’re in the mood for something a bit different, Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken stands out. It merges ease with a hint of culinary adventure. Perfect for any day of the week, this dish offers a wonderful meal without the fuss of traditional marinating. It’s the kind of meal that brings a touch of excitement to your dinner table without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

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.

For those who love a smoky flavor, Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is a perfect choice. It brings together great taste and quick preparation, making it ideal for a busy evening. You can enjoy this dish knowing that it was made without needing hours to marinate. This recipe is great for anyone seeking to impress with minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito offers a fast and scrumptious option for burrito lovers. It mimics the beloved fast-food favorite, but you can whip it up in no time at all. Perfect for a quick meal or when you’re craving something comforting and familiar, it’s a standout choice that skips the long marinating process. This makes it a practical yet flavorful option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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

Combining convenience and flavor, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a standout dish for those who value both. It’s a refreshing option for a lunch or light dinner. This dish is a go-to for anyone looking for a quick and easy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s especially perfect for warm days when you want something hearty yet refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Tinga

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

Chicken Tinga brings a robust flavor profile to the table, ideal for those looking to spice up their mealtime without extra hassle. This dish is both straightforward and packed with flavor, making it a popular choice for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s the perfect example of a meal that offers complexity in flavor without the need for extended marinating.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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