13 Ways To Turn Chicken Into Pure Culinary Gold

Feeling bored with the usual chicken dinners? These 13 ways to turn chicken into pure culinary gold will transform your meals to new heights and bring excitement back to your table. Perfect for any night of the week, these recipes promise flavor and satisfaction without any fuss. Your family will be asking for seconds before you know it, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare!

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga

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

Transform your kitchen into a Mexican cantina with Chicken Tinga, a dish known for its robust and smoky flavor. This recipe involves simmering chicken in a delicious tomato and chipotle sauce, which infuses the meat with a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. Whether served atop tostadas or wrapped in tortillas, its ability to whip up quickly makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners. Its versatility also allows for a range of garnishes, from avocado slices to a sprinkle of queso fresco, ensuring that each bite is as unique as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

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.

Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish at home with Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. This dish packs a punch with its spicy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vegetables all tossed in a delicious and slightly sweet sauce. Making this dish allows you to control the spice level to suit your preference, making it a perfect fit for any table. It’s a delicious way to bring the pleasure of Panda Express into your kitchen, without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

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 offers a modern twist on a classic French dish, featuring chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, then air-fried until golden and crispy. This method cuts down on oil without sacrificing the crunch that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Cooking with the air fryer also means a quicker prep and cooking time, making it an efficient option for a sophisticated weeknight dinner. It’s an effortless way to impress guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup necessary.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Piccata

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

For a taste of Italy, Chicken Piccata serves up tender chicken breasts in a lemony butter and caper sauce that’s both refreshing and rich. This dish is renowned for its perfectly balanced flavors, combining the tang of lemon with the saltiness of capers. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both dinner parties and quick weeknight meals. Its elegance belies its simplicity, promising a dining experience that feels indulgent yet straightforward to execute.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

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.

Embrace the warmth and comfort of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup, a hearty recipe that brings the tastes of Sicily to your dining table. This soup brims with tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and just the right blend of herbs to create a rich and flavorful broth. It’s an ideal recipe for those chilly days when you crave something to warm you up from the inside. Each spoonful offers a satisfying and homely taste, akin to the original Carrabba’s family recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

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.

Proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. This dish combines the aroma of rosemary with the vibrance of lemon to create a chicken that is not only fragrant but also irresistibly juicy. It’s all roasted on a single sheet pan alongside your choice of vegetables, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but flavor cannot be compromised.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

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

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich blends the classic Italian Caprese elements with succulent grilled chicken for a mouthwatering meal. In this recipe, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves meet perfectly grilled chicken, all brought together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a simple yet flavorful sandwich that offers a gourmet picnic experience any day of the week. Perfect for a summer lunch or a casual dinner, its bright flavors are a hit in any season.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Chicken Stir Fry

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

Quick, colorful, and packed with flavor, Chicken Stir Fry makes a nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy. This dish is all about flexibility, allowing you to toss in a variety of vegetables with slices of tender chicken, all stir-fried in a delicious sauce. Not only is it a great way to use up leftover veggies, but it’s also a straightforward dish that can be tailored to fit any dietary preference. When in need of a meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, this stir fry is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

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.

For southern comfort food that feels like a hug, Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect choice. This recipe captures the essence of Cracker Barrel’s beloved dish, featuring soft dumplings and juicy chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s a labor of love that pays off with each comforting, creamy bite. Ideal for a comforting meal during the colder months, it’s a dish that brings the family together around the dining table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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 offers a crunchy, refreshing break from heavier meals with its blend of lettuce, chicken, and crisp vegetables, all topped with a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect dish for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying meal. This salad is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any meal or a star dish on its own. Its easy preparation and fresh ingredients make it a healthy and quick option for any day.
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.

Bring the beloved Outback Steakhouse favorite into your kitchen with Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. This recipe centers around marinated and grilled chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, mushrooms, bacon, and melted cheese. It strikes the perfect balance between smoky, flavorful, and a hint of sweetness. Ideal for when you’re craving restaurant-quality food at home, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in equal measure.
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.

Combine creamy chicken salad with the sweet and tart contrast of Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts, a dish that offers a crunchy texture of walnuts. This salad is perfect as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for a bed of greens. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a refreshing choice for any meal, whether you’re packing a picnic or looking for a light lunch option. It’s a nutritious dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas fuse the spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors of al pastor with the classic comfort of a cheesy quesadilla. By incorporating marinated chicken with the warmth of melted cheese, this recipe turns a simple quesadilla into an explosion of flavors. It’s an inspired twist on traditional Mexican cuisine that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Perfect for a quick dinner or a festive party snack, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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