Busy weeknights can make dinner prep feel like a real challenge, but tasty meals don’t have to take forever.
Here are 13 easy chicken breast dinner ideas that are quick to whip up, ensuring you get a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want something yummy!
Pesto Chicken and Vegetable Bake
Pesto Chicken and Vegetable Bake is a delightful one-pan meal that brings together juicy chicken breasts and vibrant vegetables, all coated in the fresh taste of pesto. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
The chicken stays moist while the veggies become tender and flavorful. The combination of basil pesto and roasted vegetables creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just toss everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and you’re all set!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the pesto evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Add the seasoned vegetables around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them a hit for any busy weeknight. With tender chicken coated in a savory teriyaki sauce and served over fluffy rice, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Customize it with your favorite veggies for a fresh twist!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine diced chicken and teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Assemble the Bowls: Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers
Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers are a quick and vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights. These skewers combine tender chicken with a zesty marinade, creating a fresh and aromatic flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Simple to prepare and cook, they can be grilled or baked in the oven, making them versatile for any cooking method you prefer. This recipe is a go-to when you want something healthy, flavorful, and ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your lemon garlic herb chicken skewers!
One-Pan Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This One-Pan Creamy Mushroom Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and savory mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. The combination of flavors creates a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With just one pan, you can whip up a gourmet dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, will have your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and thyme, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating it with the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!
Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken
Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines ease and flavor. With a golden, crunchy crust and tender, juicy chicken inside, this dish is sure to please the whole family. It’s simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it ideal for busy evenings.
The savory blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a satisfying crunch that complements the succulent chicken. Pair it with your favorite veggies or a light salad for a complete meal that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy chicken!
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making them a great choice for any busy weeknight. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also quick to cook, ensuring you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
The chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of honey, garlic, and spices, which caramelizes beautifully when cooked. This results in a dish that’s both sticky and bursting with flavor. Perfect for serving with rice or veggies, this recipe is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together honey, garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Heat the Pan: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Cook Through: Flip the thighs and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Reduce heat to medium and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.
Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli
Chicken stir-fry with broccoli is a quick and delicious dish that brings vibrant flavors and colors to your dinner table. It combines tender chicken pieces with crisp broccoli and sweet bell peppers, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or sauces, making it a versatile go-to for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, cooking until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over cooked rice and enjoy your quick and tasty chicken stir-fry!
Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes
This Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes dish is a total winner for busy weeknights. It combines juicy chicken breasts with tender roasted potatoes, all drizzled in a rich garlic butter sauce. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the one-pan cooking method means less cleanup, making this dish a real lifesaver!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the chicken breasts with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add them to the skillet and brown for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Add the halved potatoes to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter. Ensure everything is well coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your easy and flavorful meal!
Mediterranean Chicken Wraps
Mediterranean chicken wraps are a fantastic option for busy weeknights. These wraps are packed with fresh ingredients, combining savory grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs for a delicious meal that can be made in no time.
With the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, these wraps offer a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to assemble and can be customized to suit your preferences, making dinner not just quick but enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 large tortillas or flatbreads
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken and chop the vegetables as needed.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay a tortilla flat and start with a layer of romaine lettuce, followed by the sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top for added flavor.
- Wrap It Up: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom up to secure all the fillings.
- Serve: Cut the wraps in half and serve with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a delightful blend of smoky flavors and cheesy goodness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a tasty meal in no time. With tender chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese tucked inside crispy tortillas, every bite is a treat that will please the whole family.
Making these quesadillas is super simple! Just mix cooked chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce, layer it with cheese and veggies, and grill until golden and melty. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce for an extra punch!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sour cream and additional barbecue sauce for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well-coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese, then layer on the chicken mixture and diced bell pepper.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, then slice and serve hot with sour cream and extra barbecue sauce.
Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and colorful dish that brings together the bold flavors of fajitas with the convenience of stuffed peppers. Each bite is bursting with juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of spices that make your taste buds dance. It’s a simple meal that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of tender chicken, crunchy peppers, and zesty seasonings creates a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Plus, they’re healthy and customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings like cheese or avocado. Enjoy this dish knowing it’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds, setting them aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced chicken. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the corn and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, packing it in tightly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if you added cheese, allowing it to melt. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Coconut Curry Chicken Soup
Coconut curry chicken soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting warmth. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. With its robust taste and vibrant colors, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
This recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly and requires minimal prep work. Just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes in the kitchen will yield a hearty soup that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in the red curry paste, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and carrots, cooking until they are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Finish with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta
This Zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta is a refreshing and bright dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, spaghetti, and a zesty lemon sauce, it delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s simple to whip up, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
The combination of zesty lemon and savory chicken creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy your meal!
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