13 Chicken Recipes That’ll Make You Feel Like a Top Chef

Feeling like a pro in the kitchen doesn’t take fancy ingredients—just a few tricks and a great recipe. With these 13 chicken dishes, you’ll be cooking like a top chef without all the stress. Get ready for dinners that make you feel like you’ve nailed a restaurant-quality meal. Your family might even ask what cooking show you’ve been on!

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 into quick yet hearty meals, this is a go-to choice. Combining chicken with rice creates a filling dish that’s perfect for any day’s meal. Chicken Fried Rice is not only easy to whip up but also packs a punch in terms of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that works whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

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.

Adding a twist to your typical chicken salad can change things up in a refreshing way. Imagine mixing in tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts offers a unique combination that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. It’s a bright spot in any lunch menu, especially when you want something light yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Are you looking for something that feels gourmet without all the fuss? Cooking chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer simplifies the process, maintaining all the classic flavors. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This method offers a cleaner and quicker way to achieve a fancy dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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 crave something warm and comforting, consider a dish that combines chicken with a creamy, paprika-rich sauce. It cooks to perfection, usually paired with some fluffy dumplings. Chicken Paprikash is a beloved dish for its comforting qualities and rich flavors. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

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 simplicity wins, and this recipe proves just that. With minimal ingredients, this slow cooker meal lets you set it and forget it, making your day easier. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken frees up your time while ensuring you have a delicious meal ready by dinner time. It’s ideal for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken Piccata

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

If you enjoy dishes with a bit of tang, this could become a new favorite. It brings together the chicken with a vibrant, lemony sauce that lights up your mealtime. Chicken Piccata is both light and bursting with flavor, perfect for a dinner where you want to impress without overly complex preparations. This dish serves up well with a side of pasta or veggies.
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.

One-tray meals can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and adding the refreshing taste of lemon and rosemary makes it even better. This combination bakes the chicken to juicy perfection with minimal cleanup. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken highlights how simple ingredients can create deeply fulfilling flavors. It’s a complete meal on one pan, which means less hassle and more enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

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.

Sometimes, re-creating a fast-food favorite at home can be a fun and tasty challenge. This version brings all the beloved flavors into your kitchen. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito is packed with filling and wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It’s a customizable and convenient option for any meal of the day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

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.

Have you tried taking your grilling game to the next level with some smoky flavors? Preparing chicken al pastor style involves a smoky twist that’s hard to resist. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor infuses the chicken with deep, robust flavors, making it a hit for any barbecue or outdoor gathering. This dish is all about bringing something different and exciting to the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

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

If you’re a fan of tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, this slow-roasted approach is worth a try. It lets the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering meal. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken is wonderful for its tenderness and depth of flavor. Serve this up during family gatherings, and watch it become the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore on a serving platter.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a taste of Italy, this dish brings together chicken and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas as it simmers. Chicken Cacciatore is perfect for those who love their meals packed with herbs and a tomato punch. Whether it’s dinner with family or a potluck, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

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

Looking for a way to use leftover rotisserie chicken? Tossing it into a pasta salad can be a refreshing and easy solution. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad combines the rich flavors of chicken with the freshness of a salad. It’s a versatile dish that serves well as a main or a side, especially during warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Tinga

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

If spicy and saucy is your thing, this dish won’t disappoint. It features shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce that’s packed with flavor. Chicken Tinga is great whether you wrap it in tacos, toss it over rice, or scoop it up with tortilla chips. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you coming back for another bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Leave a Comment