Looking for quick chicken dinners? These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, offering healthy and delicious meals with minimal effort.
Imagine coming home after a long day and making a delicious, healthy meal quickly. These easy chicken recipes for dinner need just a few ingredients. They are great for busy weeknights when you need a fast and tasty meal.
You can pick from many easy chicken recipes, like chicken Alfredo or lemon-ginger chicken skillet. These recipes are easy to make and taste amazing.
Recipes like honey garlic chicken need only 5 ingredients and can be ready in 15 minutes. Others, like chicken and broccoli casserole, are a bit more complex. But they all aim to be light, cozy, and easy to make for weeknight meals.
These recipes can be served with pasta, quinoa, rice, or vegetables. This way, you can make a complete meal that fits your taste and diet. Whether you’re new to cooking or have lots of experience, these recipes will help you make delicious meals easily.
Table of contents
- Why Simple Chicken Recipes Are Your Weeknight Savior
- Essential Pantry Items for Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients
- Three-Ingredient Garlic Butter Chicken
- Simple Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
- Quick Asian-Inspired Honey Soy Chicken
- Classic Ranch Baked Chicken
- Five-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Skillet
- Time-Saving Tips for Chicken Preparation
- Conclusion: Making Simple Chicken Dinners Part of Your Weekly Rotation
Why Simple Chicken Recipes Are Your Weeknight Savior
Weeknight dinners need to be quick, easy, and tasty. Simple chicken recipes fit the bill perfectly. With just a few ingredients and short cooking time, you can enjoy a healthy meal fast. These recipes are ideal for busy nights and can be made to fit your dietary needs.
Some benefits of simple chicken recipes include:
- Reduced cooking time: With fewer ingredients and simpler cooking methods, you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
- Cost-effective: Using fewer ingredients and avoiding complicated cooking techniques can save you money.
- Customizable: Simple chicken recipes can be tailored to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Try making grilled chicken with different seasonings and sides. Or, make a chicken salad with your favorite ingredients. The options are endless, and you can create a new quick chicken dinner every night.
Give simple chicken recipes a try. They are easy, versatile, and delicious. They will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner routine. Whether you want something classic or adventurous, there’s a simple chicken recipe for you.
| Recipe | Cooking Time | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | 30 minutes | Chicken breasts, seasonings, oil |
| Chicken Salad | 15 minutes | Chicken breasts, vegetables, dressing |
Essential Pantry Items for Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients
To make delicious and easy healthy chicken recipes, you need a well-stocked pantry. You can make everything from simple roasted chicken to complex sauces with just a few items. Cooking with fewer ingredients doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor.
Some must-have items include olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These add flavor to many dishes. Having these staples makes cooking easy and fun.
Here are some essential pantry items to get you started:
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
You can use these ingredients for many easy healthy chicken recipes. Try grilled chicken, chicken salad, or chicken soup. Cooking chicken with few ingredients is quick and easy.
Having the right ingredients is key to making easy and delicious chicken recipes. With these items, you can make many healthy and tasty dishes. Easy healthy chicken recipes are perfect for quick dinners.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 bottle |
| Salt | 1 bag |
| Pepper | 1 bag |
| Garlic powder | 1 jar |
| Paprika | 1 jar |
Three-Ingredient Garlic Butter Chicken
This easy chicken recipe is perfect for a quick dinner. It only needs three ingredients: garlic, butter, and chicken breasts. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon each of black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 5 cloves of minced garlic
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Mix the garlic and butter in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the chicken breasts. Then, bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. This recipe is quick and easy to make.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also add your favorite ingredients to make it more interesting. This recipe is great for a fast and delicious dinner.
| Nutrition Information per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Fat | 13g |
Simple Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
A simple Mediterranean lemon chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It needs just a few ingredients. Start with 8 bone-in chicken thighs.
These will soak in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The marinade is key, with ⅓ cup of extra-virgin olive oil and ¼ cup of lemon juice. It adds a tangy flavor.
Four minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper are also added. This mix gives the chicken a delicious, aromatic taste.
For more on lemon juice’s health benefits, check the USDA website. They say lemons are full of vitamin C and flavonoids. These have antioxidant properties. To make this dish, marinate the chicken for 1 to 2 hours, then grill or bake until done. Serve with quinoa or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Here are some key facts about this recipe:
* Total caloric content: 404kcal per serving
* Protein content: 24g per serving
* Fat content: 33g per serving
* Carbohydrate content: 2g per serving
* Sodium content: 707mg per serving
This simple Mediterranean lemon chicken recipe is a great option for those looking for easy healthy chicken recipes with few ingredients. With its flavorful marinade and nutritious ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to please.
Quick Asian-Inspired Honey Soy Chicken
Try making quick Asian-inspired honey soy chicken for a tasty and healthy meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll need 500 grams of chicken thigh, 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of crushed ginger, and 2 cloves of garlic crushed.
To make the sauce, mix the honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Then, add the chicken to the marinade. Cook it in a skillet or wok until it’s done. Serve with steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal.
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 253kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Potassium: 483mg
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 209IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 16mg
- Iron: 1mg
This quick Asian-inspired honey soy chicken recipe is a great option for easy healthy chicken recipes. With its sweet and savory flavors, it’s perfect for a quick chicken dinner. Try making it tonight and enjoy the delicious taste of Asia in the comfort of your own home.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 253kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Potassium | 483mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 209IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 16mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Classic Ranch Baked Chicken
Try this classic ranch baked chicken recipe for a tasty and simple meal. It’s one of the many easy healthy chicken recipes you can make with just a few ingredients. It’s great for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick to prepare and cook.
The recipe needs only 5 main ingredients: chicken breast, seasonings, ranch dressing, breadcrumbs, and butter. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Then, bake the chicken for about 15 minutes until it’s 165 degrees inside.
Here are some tips to make your classic ranch baked chicken even better:
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Customize the recipe with different chicken parts, such as thighs or drumsticks
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness
For more chicken with few ingredients recipes, check out our article on 10 Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner. This classic ranch baked chicken recipe is sure to be a hit in your home.
| Nutrition Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 492kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 44g |
| Fat | 29g |
Five-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Skillet
A five-ingredient BBQ chicken skillet is perfect for quick dinners. It’s easy to make and great for busy nights. You’ll need 3 pounds of chicken thighs and a 3-ingredient spice blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
The dish also includes ⅔ cup of BBQ sauce. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can serve it with cornbread or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Preparation Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier cooking.
- Cook the chicken and onions over medium-high heat for a crispy texture.
- Add the BBQ sauce and vegetables to the skillet in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. It has about 330 calories per serving. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it good for those watching their diet. This dish is quick to make and perfect for busy nights.
Cooking Timeline
Cooking this recipe takes about 30-40 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it’s cooked. Its short cooking time and simple ingredients make it a great choice for quick dinners.
Time-Saving Tips for Chicken Preparation
Preparing chicken quickly is key when you have few ingredients. To speed up, marinate your chicken in your favorite seasonings and sauces. This step adds flavor and tenderizes the meat, saving you time.
Most chicken recipes take 20 minutes or less to prepare. Some need just four to five ingredients. Using an air fryer can also cut down cooking time. Plus, you can substitute ingredients to save time or boost flavor.
Here are some tips to save time:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Cook the chicken in bulk and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
- Modify recipes to suit your personal preferences, such as doubling the sauce or adjusting spice levels.
These tips will help you make tasty, easy chicken recipes quickly. Whether you’re making Baked Orange Chicken, Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts, or Easy Chicken Strips, you’ll save time.
| Recipe | Calories | Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrate | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Orange Chicken | 189 | 3g | 63mg | 224mg | 17g | 23g |
| Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts | 318 | 18g | 100mg | 395mg | 2g | 35g |
| Easy Chicken Strips | 283 | 12g | 87mg | 438mg | 18g | 25g |
Conclusion: Making Simple Chicken Dinners Part of Your Weekly Rotation
Incorporating easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients into your weekly meals can change your life. Whether you’re busy or a parent on-the-go, these quick chicken dinners are a tasty and easy fix for weeknights. With these recipes, you can make many healthy and tasty meals using just a few ingredients.
Try the Three-Ingredient Garlic Butter Chicken for a savory dish. Or go for the Simple Mediterranean Lemon Chicken for a refreshing taste. The Quick Asian-Inspired Honey Soy Chicken is also a hit. These recipes show how simple cooking can be versatile and delicious. They’re fast, easy, and can be made to fit your taste.
As you try these easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients, you’ll love cooking more. Enjoy the ease of these quick chicken dinners and make them a staple in your meal planning. Make your weeknights better with these tasty dishes and enjoy a homemade, healthy meal.