50 Chicken Recipes Your Family Will Love - Once Upon a Chef (2024)

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Chicken is the ultimate dinnertime staple. Not only is it affordable and easy to cook, there are endless ways to prepare it that appeal to the whole family. From kid-friendly buttermilk fried chicken tenders to Sunday night roast chicken, these 50 (yes, 50!) chicken recipes will keep dinnertime interesting. So go ahead and flaunt your culinary feathers — there is something for everyone on this list!

50 Chicken Recipes to Feed Your Family

1. BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS

Marinated in buttermilk and fried to perfection, these chicken tenders are wonderful on their own, dipped in honey mustard, or served over a salad. Kids love them, grown ups love them…chicken tenders are hard to beat! Get the recipe for Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders.

2. Chicken Marsala

An Italian-American dish of sautéed chicken breasts and mushrooms in a rich wine sauce, chicken Marsala is traditional restaurant dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s delicious with pasta, polenta, rice, or mashed potatoes. (You don’t want to miss this one — out of all the chicken recipes on the blog, this one is most popular!) Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.

3. Peruvian-Style Roast Chicken with Green Sauce

Pollo a la Brasa, or Peruvian chicken, is made by marinating a whole chicken in olive, lime juice, garlic and spices, and then roasting until the bird is juicy and crisp-skinned. Don’t skip the creamy green sauce – it’s addictively good and delicious on just about anything. Get the recipe for Peruvian Chicken.

4. MIDDLE EASTERN-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS

One of my favorite chicken recipes for summer grilling, these kabobs are marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic and spices and then grilled until golden brown. Serve the kabobs with basmati rice pilaf with dried fruit and almonds (pictured) or over a Greek salad. And make a lot – these go fast! Get the recipe for Middle Eastern Chicken Kabobs.

5. White Chicken Chili

Whether you make this white chicken chili for game day or a weeknight dinner, it’s a hearty, one-pot meal that you can get on the table in less than an hour. Get the recipe for White Chicken Chili.

6. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala, or yogurt-marinated and broiled chicken in a creamy, spice-infused tomato sauce, is seasoned with garam masala, a wonderful Indian spice blend typically made from peppercorns, mace, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. You can find garam masala at most markets, but feel free to substitute curry powder for a different but equally delicious flavor. Get the recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala.

This fragrant, slurpy Thai-style chicken noodle soup is made with rotisserie chicken and Thai pantry staples, so it’s almost instant gratification. Get the recipe for .

8. THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN

In cooking, the simplest recipes are often the hardest to get right, and basic grilled chicken is a perfect example. Because chicken breasts are so lean, they often turn out dry, leathery, and bland. My technique and recipe ensure tender, juicy, and tasty grilled chicken every time. Serve the fillets as a healthy main course (kids love them), topped with melted cheese on a bun, or sliced over a salad. Get the recipe for the Best Grilled Chicken.

9. CHICKEN CURRY

In this weeknight-friendly chicken recipe, thinly sliced chicken breasts are sautéed with curry powder and simmered in a curry sauce thickened with Greek yogurt. You can have it ready in 30 minutes — or in the time it takes to cook some basmati rice — and the cooking method ensures super tender chicken. Get the recipe for Chicken Curry.

These chicken skewers are every bit as delicious as they look — and if you haven’t tried Sriracha, the Asian hot sauce named after the city of Si Racha in Thailand, this is the ideal recipe to taste just how good it is. Get the recipe for .

11. Butter Chicken with Mango Chutney

One of my favorite recipes from my Weeknight/Weekend cookbook, butter chicken is a staple item in most Indian restaurants. It features super-tender chicken in a creamy, rich spice-infused tomato sauce. Get the recipe for Butter Chicken.

12. BBQ-Spiced CHICKEN THIGHS WITH TANGY HONEY GLAZE

These sweet and spicy chicken thighs are family-friendly and super-easy to prepare. Get the recipe for BBQ Spiced Chicken Thighs.

13. CASHEW CHICKEN

Cashew chicken is a popular Chinese restaurant dish of stir-fried chicken and cashews in a rich garlic sauce. It’s easy to make at home, as the most of the ingredients for the sauce come out of bottles and jars. Get the recipe for Cashew Chicken.

14. THAI-STYLE RED CHICKEN CURRY

One of my go-to weeknight chicken recipes, this Thai-style red chicken curry with coconut milk comes together in about 30 minutes with very little prep work. Get the recipe for Thai Red Curry Chicken.

15. GRILLED CHICKEN FAJITAS

Want to make restaurant-style chicken fajitas at home? The best way is to marinate and grill the chicken for a smoky Southwestern flavor, and then sauté the onions and peppers on the stovetop so they caramelize and sweeten. These fajitas are not only easy to make but also ideal for getting the whole family sharing food and fun at the dinner table. Get the recipe for Chicken Fajitas.

16. TANDOORI CHICKEN

Chicken tandoori gets its name comes from the clay oven, or tandoor, in which it is traditionally cooked. It is perfectly spiced with extra-crispy skin, and the mango chutney adds fruity, tangy flavor. Serve the dish with naan,rice pilaf, or a cucumber salad. Get the recipe for Tandoori Chicken.

17. GRILLED MOROCCAN CHICKEN

Moroccan food is often a combination of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors, and that’s the idea behind this easy grilled chicken recipe. The spices in the marinade are inspired by ras el hanout, a North African spice blend that contains more than a dozen spices. This dish is a major family pleaser! Pair the chicken with couscousor mywarm couscous salad with apricot vinaigrette. Get the recipe for Grilled Moroccan Chicken.

18. Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups

This recipe is inspired by LarbGai, the popular Thai appetizer made from minced chicken, fish sauce, lime juice, chilies, and herbs. You can have it ready in 30 minutes, and it’s wonderful stuffed in lettuce cups or piled over rice. Get the recipe for Thai Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups.

19. CHIPOTLE CHICKEN QUESADILLAS

Adapted from the chef Curtis Stone, these quesadillas filled with melted cheddar and smoky chipotle chicken are truly exceptional. It’s the canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that make the flavor so good – they are small peppers that have been dried and smoked, and they are packed in a smoky and spicy tomato sauce. Get the recipe for Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas.

Adapted from NYT food writer and cookbook author Melissa Clark, this chicken recipe is a true keeper. The chicken is marinated in honey, citrus and chilis, and then roasted in the oven with carrots and dates. Herbs, scallions, and pistachios are added before serving for color and crunch. Serve the dish with couscous and a green vegetable for an easy and elegant dinner. Get the recipe

21. GRILLED THAI CURRY CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH COCONUT-PEANUT SAUCE

This delicious grilled chicken recipe originally comes from food writer Alice Currah of the blog and book Savory Sweet Life. It’s a huge crowd pleaser, and the coconut-peanut sauce is good enough to drink!Get the recipe

22. KUNG PAO CHICKEN

A popular Chinese restaurant dish of stir-fried chicken, peanuts and vegetables, Kung Pao Chicken is traditionally made with specialty ingredients. This Americanized version uses only ingredients that are easy to find, and it has just as much delicious flavor of the traditional version. Serve it with rice for an easy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe

23. COQ AU VIN

Coq au vin is a classic French stew of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and crispy pancetta. It’s the perfect dish to make on a chilly day when you’ve got time to putter around the kitchen. Bonus: the stew is even better the next day, and it freezes well too. Serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes, with crusty bread on the side. Get the recipe

24. Chicken Piccata

Crispy chicken cutlets in a lemony butter and caper sauce, chicken piccata is one of those quick and easy chicken recipes you can count on to make everyone happy. Kids typically like the chicken plain (hold the sauce), while grown ups love the lemon and briny notes in the butter sauce. Get the recipe

25. MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE

Chicken tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish of bone-in chicken braised with spices, aromatics, olives, and preserved lemons. This version, adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, is totally company-worthy but also easy enough to make on a weeknight. Serve the chicken with couscous. Get the recipe

These burrito bowls are are made from Southwestern-flavored grilled chicken, an addictively spicy cilantro sauce, and healthy quinoa. The sky’s the limit with the toppings – I usually opt for corn, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, or whatever else I have on hand. Get the recipe

27. VIETNAMESE SHREDDED CHICKEN SALAD

This Vietnamese-style chicken salad is satisfying and full of bright, spicy Southeast Asian flavor. Using a rotisserie chicken and shredded cabbage makes it quick and easy to prepare. Get the recipe

28. Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

My whole familyloves these enchiladas. You can make both the sauce and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake the enchiladas another time for a fast and simple weeknight dinner. Get the recipe

29. PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

This family-friendly chicken recipe is easy enough to make any night of the week but also special enough for company. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness not only tenderizes the chicken but also ensures it cooks evenly. The three-step breading method ensures that the bread crumb coating sticks to the chicken, resulting in a crispy crust every time. Get the recipe

30. Chicken Tacos

A longtime family favorite and weeknight go-to, these easy chicken tacos are a healthier spin on traditional beef tacos — and they’re just as delicious, if not more so! Get the recipe

31. Chicken Pot Pie

You could spend hours in the kitchen making traditional chicken pot pie, but you don’t have to! Using a rotisserie chicken for the filling and a store-bought puff pastry for the crust are both great shortcuts, and make this delicious chicken pot pie recipe weeknight friendly. Get the recipe

32. Chicken Fricassee with Apples

An old-fashioned chicken recipe with a new twist: apples! This comforting yet elegant chicken fricassee is a lovely blend of sweet and savory. Get the recipe

33. CHICKEN MARBELLA

Chicken Marbella is probably the most well-known recipe from the cherished Silver Palate Cookbook. It’s a wonderful holiday or special occasion dish, and you can do most of the prep ahead of time. Get the recipe

34. Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

AKA Margarita Chicken, this is one of those summer grilling recipes that is always a hit. The marinade is a combination of tequila, lime, garlic, and spices, and the cooking method ensures that the chicken comes out juicy and tender every time. Get the recipe

35. Chicken Chili with White Beans

This healthy chili is loaded with veggies and chock-full of protein-rich chicken and beans. It’s hearty and delicious — even your beef-loving football fanatics will love it. The chili simmers on the stove for a few hours, but active cooking time is only 30 minutes. Get the recipe

An easy version of Mulligatawny, this curry-flavored soup is made with a rotisserie chicken and canned coconut milk. It’s a one-pot dinner that you can make in just 45 minutes. Get the recipe

37. EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN

Traditional chicken parmesan can be time-consuming to make. This recipe takes a few smart shortcuts, making it very doable on a weeknight yet tastes as good as the chicken parm from your favorite Italian restaurant. Get the recipe.

38. Marry Me Chicken

Fall in love with “Marry Me Chicken,” a dish of tender thin-sliced chicken breasts in a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. GET THE RECIPE

39. Chicken Meatballs with Tomato-Balsamic Glaze

When you think of chicken recipes, you may not necessarily think of meatballs. This recipe will change your mind! They pair nicely with mashed potatoes, puréed cauliflower, or buttered noodles, and they also make a fun appetizer if you make them mini and spear them with toothpicks. Get the recipe.

40. FILIPINO-STYLE CHICKEN ADOBO

Chicken adobo, or chicken simmered in a vinegar- and soy-based sauce with garlic and spices, is the unofficial national dish of the Philippines.Get the recipe

41. CHICKEN NACHOS

Heaped with rotisserie chicken in spicy chipotle sauce and loads of gooey melted cheese, these nachos are hearty enough to serve as a meal. Get the recipe

42. CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD

Savory and sweet with a touch of spice, this curried chicken salad is filled out with grapes, cashews and celery. Serve it over greens or in a sandwich for a light meal. Get the recipe

43. SUNDAY NIGHT ROAST CHICKEN WITH HERB BUTTER

This lemony roast chicken recipe comes from The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time by Laurie David. The book is all about creating cozy moments for your family at the dinner table, and this recipe does just that. Get the recipe

44. Chicken Cacciatore

The epitome of Italian comfort food, chicken cacciatore (AKA hunter’s chicken) is a dish of slow-cooked chicken, vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs in hearty sauce. Serve it with creamy polenta for a soul-warming supper. Get the recipe

45. CHAR SIU CHICKEN

This savory-sweet and garlicky char siu chicken recipe comes from Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors by Andrea Nguyen. It makes a fabulously easy weeknight dinner.Get the recipe.

46. CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN WINGS

I love crispy chicken wings but not deep-frying them. Baking alone won’t give you that desirable crispy skin, but parboiling the wings before baking them renders any excess fat and guarantees the wings bake up super crispy. Get the recipe.

47. ASIAN-INSPIRED BBQ CHICKEN

Flavored with soy sauce, ginger, lime, and garam masala – an Indian spice blend – this chicken recipe combines ingredients from all over Asia. Because of the sugar in the marinade, the chicken gets nicely caramelized on the grill. Get the recipe.

48. GRILLED JERK CHICKEN

This is a jerk chicken recipe, adapted from Food & Wine, is a huge family-pleaser. Native to Jamaica, jerk is a perfect example of Caribbean cooking, which is a delicious blend of African, European, Indian, and Asian flavors.Get the recipe.

49. ASIAN CHICKEN NOODLE SALAD WITH GINGER-PEANUT DRESSING

This Asian-style salad of chicken, soba noodles, and ginger-peanut dressing is flavorful and light, yet totally satisfying. Soba, or Japansese buckwheat, noodles are available at most supermarkets, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti makes a good substitute. Get the recipe.

50. GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN

One of the most family-friendly chicken recipes in my repertoire, these grilled BBQ chicken breasts are always a crowdpleaser. They are tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky BBQ flavor. Get the recipe.