5 Delicious Chicken Recipes for Dinner Tonight

When it comes to dinner, chicken is often the star of the show due to its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you're looking to impress your family or just trying to add a bit more excitement to your weekday meals, these five delicious chicken recipes are sure to delight. From savory roasts to spicy stir-fries, there's a dish here for every palate.

1. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect marriage of comfort food and gourmet flavors. Here’s how you can make them at home:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
  • Oil for frying
• Preparation:
  1. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder.
  3. Dip each tender in flour, then egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. Heat oil in a pan and fry tenders until golden brown on both sides.

👨‍🍳 Note: For an extra crunch, you can bake the coated tenders at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

2. Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe will not disappoint:

• Ingredients:
  • 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • ¹⁄₄ cup honey
  • ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, garlic, and ginger to make the glaze.
  4. In a baking dish, pour half of the glaze over the chicken and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Brush the remaining glaze over the chicken and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

3. Creamy Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a classic dish that’s both simple and elegant. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • ³⁄₄ cup Marsala wine
  • ³⁄₄ cup chicken stock
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
• Preparation:
  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
  3. Add butter to the skillet; once melted, add mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
  4. Pour in Marsala wine and bring to a simmer, reducing slightly, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add chicken stock and cream, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with the sauce spooned over the top.

4. Herb-Roasted Chicken

An herb-roasted chicken is not only impressive but also fills the house with wonderful aromas:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken (approx. 4-5 lbs)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub chicken with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and some herbs.
  3. In a bowl, mix remaining herbs with garlic and stuff under the skin of the chicken.
  4. Place chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 ¹⁄₂ to 2 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  5. Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

5. Chicken Fajita Stir-Fry

Get dinner on the table fast with this vibrant and tasty Chicken Fajita Stir-Fry:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Flour tortillas
• Preparation:
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the peppers and onion. Cook until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
  4. Return chicken to the pan, add fajita seasoning, and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with warm tortillas and lime wedges.

In wrapping up these delicious chicken recipes, you have a range of options that cater to different tastes and culinary skills. From the comforting and familiar to the exotic and adventurous, these dishes prove that chicken can indeed be the centerpiece of a memorable dinner. Each recipe brings something unique to the table, ensuring that your evening meal is not only delicious but also a joy to prepare. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or for guests, these recipes will make sure that your dinner time is anything but ordinary.

Can I prepare these recipes in advance?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be prepared in advance. Chicken Marsala can be made ahead, as the flavors develop over time. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders can be breaded and refrigerated until ready to fry. The Herb-Roasted Chicken can be seasoned the day before for deeper flavor penetration. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you’re cooking from cold.

Are these recipes suitable for a family dinner?

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Absolutely! These recipes are designed to be family-friendly, offering a mix of comfort foods like chicken tenders, which appeal to children, and more sophisticated options like Chicken Marsala for adults or older kids. Additionally, they can be scaled up to serve larger groups.

What are some vegetarian alternatives for these chicken recipes?

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For Garlic Parmesan Tenders, try using tofu or thick slices of eggplant. The Sweet and Spicy Glaze can be used for grilled tempeh or seitan. Chicken Marsala can be made with large portobello mushrooms in place of chicken. For the Herb-Roasted Chicken, consider roasting a stuffed squash or making a herb-stuffed tofu roast. The Chicken Fajita Stir-Fry can easily convert to veggie fajitas with additional peppers, onions, and perhaps some zucchini or sweet potatoes.