I get it. You are tired after a long day and the last thing you want to do is spend two hours in the kitchen. I have been there many times myself. You want something that tastes really good but does not require a ton of work. That is exactly why I put this list together for you.
Chicken is pretty much the best ingredient for a fast dinner. It is healthy, most kids actually like it, and it cooks way faster than beef or pork. In this guide, I am going to show you my favorite easy quick chicken recipes for dinner that your whole family will love. We are talking about meals that take thirty minutes or less from start to finish.
Why Chicken is Your Best Friend for Quick Dinners
Personally, I think the secret to a stress free night is having a few go to meals that you can cook without even looking at a recipe. Chicken is perfect for this because it is so versatile. You can grill it, sauté it, or bake it. Plus, if you buy thin cutlets or dice your chicken into small bits, it cooks in a flash.
When you are looking for easy quick chicken recipes for dinner, you want to focus on “one pan” or “one pot” meals. Why? Because nobody wants to do a mountain of dishes after eating. Trust me, these recipes are designed to keep your kitchen clean and your belly full.
1. The 15 Minute Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs
If you are wondering why I suggest chicken thighs instead of breasts, here is the deal. Thighs are sort of hard to overcook. They stay juicy even if you leave them on the heat a bit too long. This recipe is a total lifesaver.
What You Will Need
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4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
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2 tablespoons of butter
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1 fresh lemon
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A pinch of salt and pepper
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1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Here Is How To Make It
First, you want to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps it get a nice brown crust. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Now, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place the chicken in the pan. Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on one side until it looks golden brown. Flip it over and cook for another 5 minutes.
While that is happening, squeeze the juice of half a lemon right into the pan. The butter and lemon will mix to create a simple sauce. Slice the other half of the lemon into circles and toss them in too. Once the chicken is cooked through, you are done. Simple as that.
2. One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Kids usually love anything sweet, and this recipe hits that mark perfectly. It is also one of the best easy quick chicken recipes for dinner because the chicken is cut into small pieces, so it cooks in about 8 minutes.
What You Will Need
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2 large chicken breasts cut into bite sized cubes
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3 tablespoons of honey
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2 tablespoons of soy sauce (low sodium is best)
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1 tablespoon of olive oil
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A little bit of minced garlic
Here Is How To Make It
Put your chicken cubes in a bowl and toss them with a little salt. Heat the olive oil in your pan. Toss the chicken in and let it brown for about 3 minutes.
While the chicken is browning, whisk the honey, soy sauce, and garlic together in a small cup. Pour this mixture over the chicken. The sauce will start to bubble and get thick and sticky. Keep stirring for another 4 minutes until every piece of chicken is coated in that yummy glaze. Serve this over some quick rice and you have a winner.
3. Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggie Fajitas
Have you ever tried sheet pan meals? If not, you are about to find out why they are amazing. You put everything on one tray, stick it in the oven, and walk away.
What You Will Need
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1 pound of chicken strips
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2 bell peppers (any color you like)
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1 onion
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2 tablespoons of oil
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Taco seasoning or fajita mix
Here Is How To Make It
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lay the chicken, sliced peppers, and sliced onions on a big baking sheet. Drizzle the oil over everything and sprinkle on your seasoning. Use your hands to mix it all up so everything is coated.
Spread it out in a single layer. Pop it in the oven for about 18 to 20 minutes. You can spend that time relaxing or helping the kids with homework. When it comes out, serve it with warm tortillas. It is a fun, healthy dinner that feels like a party.
4. Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Sometimes you just need comfort food. This is one of those easy quick chicken recipes for dinner that feels fancy but is actually very simple.
What You Will Need
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Cooked pasta (whatever shape you have in the pantry)
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1 pound of chicken breast sliced thin
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Half a cup of heavy cream or half and half
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Half a cup of shredded parmesan cheese
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A handful of spinach (optional but good for you)
Here Is How To Make It
Cook your pasta according to the box. In a separate pan, cook the chicken strips until they are no longer pink. Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the parmesan cheese.
The cheese will melt and make the sauce thick. If you want to be healthy, toss in the spinach and let it wilt. Add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss it all together. You might want to add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick. Believe it or not, this takes less time than ordering pizza.
5. 10 Minute Chicken Quesadillas
Actually, this is my “I have no time at all” recipe. It uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which is a huge time saver.
What You Will Need
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2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
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Large flour tortillas
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2 cups of shredded cheese (mexican blend or cheddar)
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A little butter or oil for the pan
Here Is How To Make It
Heat a pan over medium heat with a tiny bit of butter. Lay one tortilla down. Sprinkle a layer of cheese, then a layer of chicken, and then more cheese on top. Fold the tortilla in half.
Cook for 2 minutes until the bottom is crispy and brown. Flip it carefully and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. Cut it into triangles. You can serve this with salsa or sour cream. It is so fast and everyone loves it.
Tips for Making Quick Chicken Dinners Even Faster
I know how it feels when the clock is ticking and everyone is hungry. Here are some secrets to speed things up even more.
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Prep Your Chicken Early: When you get home from the store, cut your chicken into strips or cubes before you put it in the fridge. This saves you 10 minutes of prep time later.
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Use Thin Cuts: Buy “thin sliced” chicken breasts. They cook in half the time of regular thick breasts.
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The Rotisserie Trick: Always keep a store bought rotisserie chicken in the fridge. You can use it for tacos, salads, or pasta in seconds.
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Frozen Veggies are Fine: Do not feel guilty about using frozen broccoli or peas. They are just as healthy as fresh and require zero chopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to cook chicken?
The fastest way is usually sautéing small pieces in a hot pan. Since the surface area is larger, small cubes of chicken can cook in as little as 5 to 7 minutes. Another quick way is using an air fryer if you have one.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
You should always check that the meat is no longer pink in the middle. If you have a meat thermometer, it should read 165 degrees. Personally, I just cut a piece open to make sure the juices run clear.
Can I use frozen chicken for these recipes?
You can, but you must thaw it first for the best results. If you try to cook frozen chicken in a pan, the outside will burn before the inside is safe to eat. To thaw it quickly, put the sealed bag of chicken in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
Are chicken thighs healthier than breasts?
Chicken breasts are leaner and have less fat. However, chicken thighs have more iron and stay much juicier. Both are great options for a healthy dinner.
What can I serve with these easy quick chicken recipes for dinner?
I usually suggest simple sides like steamed rice, a bag of salad mix, or some microwaveable quinoa. Keep it easy so you do not add more work for yourself.
Let’s Wrap This Up
At the end of the day, making a good dinner does not have to be a big production. These easy quick chicken recipes for dinner are designed to give you your evening back. You get a hot, homemade meal without the stress.
Whether you go with the sticky honey garlic chicken or the simple sheet pan fajitas, I think you will be really happy with how they turn out. No worries if you are not a pro chef, these are pretty much foolproof.
Anyway, I hope this helps you get a tasty meal on the table tonight. You are doing a great job, and your family is going to love these dishes.