Most Saved Chicken Dinner Recipes: Your Guide to Delicious Weeknight Meals
Chicken dinners are a staple in many households, prized for their versatility, affordability, and ease of preparation. With countless recipes available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect dish for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This guide explores some of the most saved and highly-rated chicken dinner recipes, offering detailed instructions and tips to ensure delicious results every time.
## Why Chicken is a Dinner Champion
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why chicken is such a popular choice:
* **Versatility:** Chicken can be grilled, baked, fried, roasted, sautéed, or poached, making it adaptable to various cooking methods and flavor profiles.
* **Affordability:** Compared to other meats like beef or lamb, chicken is generally more budget-friendly.
* **Availability:** Chicken is widely available in supermarkets and butcher shops, making it a convenient option for most home cooks.
* **Health Benefits:** Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and overall health. It also contains important nutrients like niacin, selenium, and phosphorus.
* **Easy to Cook:** Chicken cooks relatively quickly, especially when cut into smaller pieces, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
## Top Chicken Dinner Recipes
Here are some of the most saved and highly-rated chicken dinner recipes, categorized by cooking method and flavor profile:
### 1. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin. The lemon and herbs add a bright, aromatic touch.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 1 lemon, halved
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions for roasting alongside the chicken
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the skin is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin of the breast. This ensures maximum flavor.
3. **Stuff the Cavity:** Place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. You can also add additional herbs and garlic cloves for extra flavor.
4. **Roast the Chicken:** Place the chicken in a roasting pan. If desired, arrange vegetables around the chicken. Roasting vegetables alongside the chicken adds flavor and creates a complete meal.
5. **Roasting Time:** Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken.
6. **Rest the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
7. **Carve and Serve:** Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables (if using).
**Tips for Success:**
* **Brining:** Brining the chicken before roasting will result in an even more juicy and flavorful bird. To brine, soak the chicken in a saltwater solution (about 1/2 cup salt per gallon of water) for several hours or overnight.
* **Trussing:** Trussing the chicken helps it cook more evenly and maintain its shape. However, it’s not essential.
* **Temperature is Key:** Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Basting:** Basting the chicken with its own juices during roasting helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
### 2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This recipe features chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 5 ounces fresh spinach
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of spice
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Sauce:** Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
4. **Add Cream and Cheese:** Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. **Add Spinach:** Stir in the spinach and cook until it has wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. **Return the Chicken:** Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. **Serve:** Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Pound the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Adjust the Sauce:** Adjust the amount of cream and cheese to your liking. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce.
* **Pasta Choice:** Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are all good choices for serving with this dish.
### 3. Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken
This recipe features chicken breasts coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. **Cook the Glaze:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the honey garlic glaze and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the glaze has thickened slightly.
5. **Return the Chicken:** Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has coated the chicken evenly. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Serve:** Serve the Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken in the honey garlic glaze for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor.
* **Don’t Burn the Glaze:** Keep a close eye on the glaze as it cooks, as it can burn easily. Reduce the heat if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
* **Side Dish Suggestions:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy are good choices for side dishes.
### 4. Chicken Pot Pie
This classic comfort food is a hearty and satisfying meal, featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a flaky crust.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
* 1 egg, beaten
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the frozen peas and corn and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
2. **Make the Sauce:** Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
3. **Add the Chicken:** Stir in the shredded chicken.
4. **Assemble the Pot Pie:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the chicken mixture into a 9-inch pie dish. Top with one of the pie crusts. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with the beaten egg.
5. **Bake the Pot Pie:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. **Rest and Serve:** Let the pot pie cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Homemade Crust:** For an even more delicious pot pie, make your own pie crust from scratch.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook until thickened.
* **Individual Pot Pies:** For individual servings, divide the chicken mixture among ramekins and top with pie crusts.
### 5. Sheet Pan Fajitas
This recipe is a quick and easy way to make fajitas. Simply toss chicken and vegetables with fajita seasoning, spread them on a sheet pan, and bake until cooked through. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Warm tortillas, for serving
* Toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, etc.
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, bell pepper slices, and onion slices.
2. **Season the Mixture:** Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. **Bake the Fajitas:** Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture in a single layer on a sheet pan.
4. **Bake Time:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Serve:** Serve the Sheet Pan Fajitas immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken in the fajita seasoning for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor.
* **Preheat the Pan:** Preheat the sheet pan in the oven before adding the chicken and vegetables to ensure they cook evenly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two sheet pans.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
### 6. Chicken Stir-Fry
This recipe is a quick, customizable, and healthy weeknight meal. You can use any vegetables you like, and the sauce is easy to adjust to your taste.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup sliced carrots
* 1/2 cup snow peas
* Sauce:
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
* Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger to make the sauce. Set aside.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Cook the Vegetables:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Add the snow peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. **Add the Sauce:** Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
5. **Return the Chicken:** Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
6. **Serve:** Serve the Chicken Stir-Fry over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Prep the Ingredients:** Have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-fries cook quickly.
* **High Heat:** Use high heat to ensure the vegetables are stir-fried and not steamed.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the temperature and cause the vegetables to steam. If necessary, cook in batches.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to use any vegetables you like in this stir-fry, such as mushrooms, bok choy, or zucchini.
### 7. Baked Parmesan Chicken
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook chicken breasts. The chicken is coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked until golden brown and crispy.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Make the Coating:** In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Coat the Chicken:** Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
4. **Bake the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
5. **Bake Time:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Serve:** Serve the Baked Parmesan Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, vegetables, or salad.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Pound the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly.
* **Crispy Coating:** For a crispier coating, use panko breadcrumbs and bake the chicken on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of bake. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
* **Cheese Variations:** You can use other cheeses in the coating, such as mozzarella or provolone.
## Tips for Cooking Chicken Perfectly
Regardless of the recipe you choose, these tips will help you cook chicken perfectly every time:
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** The best way to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Once the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the heat immediately.
* **Rest the Chicken:** Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
* **Proper Thawing:** If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This can take up to 24 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.
* **Safe Handling:** Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
## Variations and Customization
One of the best things about chicken dinners is their versatility. Feel free to customize these recipes to your liking by:
* **Substituting Vegetables:** Use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
* **Adjusting Spice Levels:** Add more or less spice to suit your taste.
* **Using Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces and marinades.
* **Adding Herbs and Spices:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
## Conclusion
Chicken dinners are a reliable and delicious way to satisfy your family’s cravings. These most saved and highly-rated recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking methods to suit any taste and skill level. By following these tips and instructions, you can create memorable and satisfying meals that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven or stovetop, and get ready to enjoy a delicious chicken dinner! Whether it’s the comforting simplicity of Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken or the vibrant flavors of Sheet Pan Fajitas, there’s a chicken recipe here for every occasion. Happy cooking!