7 Easy Chicken Recipes for Delicious Dinners

Preparing a scrumptious dinner does not have to be a daunting task, especially when it involves chicken. Known for its versatility, affordability, and availability, chicken can be transformed into an array of delectable dishes that cater to everyone's taste buds. In this blog post, we'll explore seven easy chicken recipes that are perfect for those seeking both simplicity in preparation and richness in flavor.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon and garlic are a classic combination that imparts a fresh and zesty flavor to chicken. Here’s how to prepare this easy yet elegant dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic, cook until fragrant, then pour in the lemon juice and scrape up any bits from the pan. Pour this sauce over the chicken.
6. Top with lemon slices and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

2. Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

This dish is all about the sweet-savory glaze. It's simple, yet the flavors are bold and satisfying:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the glaze.
2. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour over half of the glaze. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Add the rest of the glaze before baking.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and glazed.

🐔 Note: Ensure chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

3. Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a crowd pleaser, and here’s a straightforward recipe:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Mix shredded chicken with half the enchilada sauce, chiles, and half the cheese.
3. Fill each tortilla with the mixture, roll up, and place seam side down in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

4. Chicken Caprese Salad

For a lighter option, this salad combines chicken with the classic flavors of Caprese:

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Layer tomato slices with mozzarella and chicken slices on a serving platter.
2. Tuck basil leaves in between the layers.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are vibrant and flavorful, offering a fiesta of textures and tastes:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Lime wedges, cilantro, and warm tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss chicken strips with 1 tbsp of fajita seasoning and 1 tbsp of oil.
2. In a skillet, heat the remaining oil, add bell peppers and onions, and cook until they start to soften.
3. Add the chicken, cook until no longer pink.
4. Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and cilantro.

6. Chicken Parmesan

An Italian favorite, Chicken Parmesan, is surprisingly easy to whip up at home:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
3. Mix bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Dip chicken in egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
4. Fry in a skillet until golden, then place in a baking dish.
5. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella, bake for 25 minutes.

7. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom One-Pot

This one-pot wonder is perfect for a cozy night in:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the chicken breasts, then remove from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add mushrooms, cook until they release their moisture.
4. Stir in cream, broth, and thyme, then return chicken to the skillet.
5. Simmer until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

All of these recipes offer a variety of flavors and styles, proving that chicken can be the star of many different dishes. Whether you're in the mood for something light and fresh like the Chicken Caprese Salad or a hearty meal like the Chicken Parmesan, these recipes simplify dinner preparation while delivering delicious results.

Can these chicken recipes be prepared in advance?

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Absolutely! Recipes like Chicken Enchiladas or Chicken Fajitas can be prepped ahead, refrigerated, and then cooked when needed. You can also marinate the chicken for recipes like Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs in advance for deeper flavor infusion.

What are some healthy side dishes to pair with these chicken recipes?

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Consider pairing your chicken with sides like steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes. These options complement the chicken without adding unnecessary calories.

How can I make the chicken more tender?

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To ensure tender chicken, consider brining the meat beforehand or using a marinade with ingredients like yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar. Cooking methods like slow cooking or braising also help to break down the fibers, making the chicken tender.