13 Chicken Dishes You Shouldn’t Make (Unless You Want To Become Addicted)

Steeping into the world of these 13 chicken dishes comes with a bit of a warning—they’re so good, you might just get too addicted. Once you start trying out new ways to cook chicken that go beyond the usual, it’s tough to go back to plain old recipes. Each dish offers something unique that might make your standard chicken dinner feel a bit bland in comparison.

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

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Entering the world of healthier eating doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to enjoyment. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu upgrades the humble chicken breast into a crispy, juicy, and satisfying meal without the guilt of traditional frying. The combination of ham and cheese ensures each bite is a perfect balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

Upgrading a simple dish into a gourmet treat, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts introduces a delicious mix of textures and tastes. The sweetness of cranberries paired with the crunch of walnuts makes every forkful a treat. It’s a versatile recipe that easily doubles as a quick lunch or a potluck favorite. Its addictiveness lies in its simplicity and burst of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Tinga

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

For those who love a bit of zing with their chicken, Chicken Tinga is a game changer. It’s all about bold, spicy flavors that simmer together to create a chicken dish that’s unforgettable. This recipe is perfect for tacos, tostadas, or even as a hearty sandwich filling. It won’t take long before its rich, smoky taste becomes a crave-worthy staple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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 Heather.

When soup season rolls around, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup can single-handedly warm your soul. It’s a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a hug from the inside, matching restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen. The robust Sicilian flavors might spoil you from settling for any other chicken soup.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chicken Piccata

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

Capturing the essence of a classic Italian dish at home, Chicken Piccata offers a tangy and savory experience with its lemon-caper sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can impress guests or serve as a quick mid-week dinner. The bright flavors are likely to seduce your palate, making it hard to resist a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

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 Heather.

Embrace the comfort of Southern cooking with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. This dish brings a creamy, flavorful broth filled with soft, hand-rolled dumplings and tender chicken pieces, creating a homestyle favorite. It’s a nostalgic meal that’s bound to become a comforting classic in your home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Turning weeknight dinners into a vibrant feast is easy with Chicken Stir Fry. This dish is a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful way to bring the family together. Packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, it’s a versatile recipe that encourages improvising. Be warned, its easy customization and quick preparation might make it a weekly must.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

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.

This Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken offers a fuss-free dinner solution that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The inviting aroma of lemon and rosemary promises a meal that’s both refreshing and comforting. Its one-pan convenience means less cleanup and more time savoring every flavorful bite. The deliciousness of this dish could make it a frequent go-to.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary 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 Heather.

Want a taste of the Outback at home? Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken delivers a uniquely delicious experience. Marinated chicken is paired with delicious mix-ins and a signature honey mustard sauce for an explosion of flavor. It’s a twist on chicken that may become more tempting than your regular BBQ or fried chicken night.
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.

Level up the humble sandwich to an art form with Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It has a combination of grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s a summertime favorite that brings a touch of Italian flair to your lunch or dinner. The freshness and simplicity of its ingredients might spoil your palate for anything less.
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 Heather.

Chinese Chicken Salad turns a simple salad into a symphony of flavors and textures. Crispy veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing make every bite satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and light, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. This salad might just change your mind about what a salad can be.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

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 Heather.

Do you adore the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine? Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken offers a homemade twist on this beloved dish. Packed with spicy chicken, vegetables, and peanuts, it strikes the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that may outshine your local takeout.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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

Combine the irresistible flavors of traditionally marinated al pastor with the convenience and comfort of a quesadilla. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas is a creative fusion of cuisines that delivers a mouthwatering experience. These offer a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and cheesiness, making them dangerously addictive.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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