13 Chicken Meals That Will Make You the Family’s Favorite Cook

Here’s the kicker: you won’t need exotic ingredients or magical kitchen gadgets. It’s all about making what you already know and love into something extraordinary. Think of serving a dish and receiving your family’s wide-eyed, ‘How did you do that?’ looks. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about creating moments that stick, all centered around the humble chicken. So, flip the script on your weekly menu, and watch as your kitchen becomes the heart of excitement and surprise.

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

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

With a blend of fresh herbs and lemon, Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken offers a refreshing twist to your grill game. This recipe promises a juicy outcome that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple to prepare, yet the flavors suggest you slaved away for hours. Ideal for a light family dinner or a weekend BBQ, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb 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.

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken brings your favorite Chinese restaurant’s explosive flavors into your kitchen. This dish, peppered with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, makes for an adventurous weeknight dinner. Easy to throw together with pantry staples, it’ll satisfy those takeout cravings without leaving the house. A game changer for spice lovers, it’s a recipe that delivers both comfort and kick.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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 Six.

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup comes to the rescue for those chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. This soul-warming soup, rich with Sicilian flavors, tastes like it simmered on your stove all day. Whether under the weather or simply seeking some meal coziness, this recipe will warm you. A bowl of this soup turns any night into a soothing retreat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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.

Recreate an Outback Steakhouse classic with Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. This cheesy, mushroom-topped delight is a surefire hit for any family meal. It’s a straightforward recipe that packs a punch of flavor, making any dinner special. Pair it with your favorite sides for a restaurant-quality meal at home. This dish will have everyone around the table asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts transforms leftover chicken into a refreshing lunch option. Crunchy, sweet, and tangy, this salad strikes the perfect balance. It’s a fantastic way to give yesterday’s chicken a glamorous makeover. Serve it over greens or enjoy it as a sandwich for a fulfilling meal. It’s a delicious testament to the versatility of chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

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

This Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich layers the beloved flavors of Italy in a simple yet sensational summer meal. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella atop perfectly grilled chicken bring a piece of the Mediterranean to your backyard. Quick to prepare but impressive in taste, it’s a hit for any occasion. This sandwich invites you to take a big bite and enjoy the taste of summer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Chicken Piccata

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

Light and tangy, Chicken Piccata offers a tangy lemon-caper sauce that upgrades the humble chicken breast to new heights. This dish injects a burst of flavor into your weeknight meal routine. Fancy enough for guests yet easy enough for a family dinner, it straddles the line between everyday and special occasion cooking. Its vibrant flavors remind you how simple ingredients can sing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu combines the crispy exterior with the gooey, ham-and-cheese stuffed inside we all crave, minus the fuss. It’s a modern take on a classic that uses the air fryer for a healthier version. Perfect for those nights when you want to impress but are tight on time. This recipe proves that indulgence can be simple and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a feast of textures and flavors, dressed in a tangy sauce that ties it all together. This dish is a vibrant addition to any meal, promising a refreshing break from the monotony of everyday salads. It’s a recipe proving salads can be the meal’s star. With its colorful ingredients, it’s a visual and taste sensation that will liven up your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

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.

Effortless yet flavorful, Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is your answer to busy weeknights. It combines the simplicity of a one-pan meal with the aromatic qualities of lemon and rosemary. Pop it in the oven, and you can tackle the rest of your evening tasks. This dish not only fills your home with a wonderful aroma but also delivers on taste with minimal effort.
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.

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is as easy as it sounds but so much more delicious than you’d expect. It is designed for days when you can’t spare a minute in the kitchen yet crave the comforts of a home-cooked meal. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity, offering tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time. This recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Chicken Tinga

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

Chicken Tinga is a smoky, slightly spicy affair that will transport your dinner table straight to Mexico. It’s a versatile dish that can top rice, fill tacos, or simply be enjoyed with tortillas. Preparing it might just be the easiest way to add more excitement to your meal planning. It’s a flavorful reminder of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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

If comfort had a flavor, it would taste like Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This dish brings the homestyle goodness of Cracker Barrel to your kitchen with tender dumplings and chicken in a rich broth. It’s the meal equivalent of a warm hug, perfect for any day requiring extra comfort. Bring the family together for a meal that feels like a celebration of home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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