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    Home » Chicken

    18 Last-Minute Chicken Dinners That Impress Every Time

    Published: Jun 14, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    When time is tight but you still want to impress at dinner, chicken is your best friend. These 18 quick and easy chicken recipes are perfect for whipping up a delicious meal that will leave everyone satisfied. From simple stir-fries to flavorful baked dishes, these ideas will help you create a memorable dinner in no time. Want to cook chicken in your slow cooker instead? Check out these crockpot chicken recipes. Know you want something with chicken and rice? We've got you covered with this collection of easy chicken and rice recipes.

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad brings together familiar flavors and a nice crunch from the peanuts sprinkled on top. It's a simple meal that fits well into a busy evening, making it easy to whip up without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just 25 minutes, including prep time. It's packed with chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. This low-carb option is great on its own, but you can also add noodles or rice if you want to serve more people. You can use either homemade or store-bought Teriyaki sauce, and frozen veggies work perfectly too.

    Get the recipe

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air frying thin chicken breasts is a fast and tasty way to get dinner on the table. A good sprinkle of garlic and basil adds great flavor, and you can have this meal ready in just 6 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy option for dinner, taking only 20 minutes to prepare. By soaking them in olive oil, lime juice, and spices, they turn out tender inside with a crispy skin on the outside. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl.
    Photo credit: Fresh Apron.

    This is a simple and tasty meal that fits perfectly into any weeknight routine. It can be prepared in under thirty minutes, making it an ideal option for evenings when time is tight.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is a quick and easy meal that brings together rotisserie chicken, zesty lemon, and fragrant rosemary. It's a straightforward dish that fits well into busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    bbq chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This dish is easy to prepare and packed with delicious BBQ flavor, and you don't need a grill to enjoy it. It's ideal for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without putting in too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Chicken Wraps

    Chicken wraps.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    BBQ Chicken Wraps are packed with delicious barbecue flavor and can be prepared right on the stovetop. In under 10 minutes, you can whip up this cheesy meal, making it a great choice for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry and spaghetti come together in a dish that's so good you'll want to have it regularly. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that brings a unique twist to your dinner table. Perfect for busy nights, this combination is both comforting and flavorful.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Club Sandwich

    Chicken BLT.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    The Chicken Club Sandwich is loaded with chicken, ham, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. It's a filling choice that you can whip up quickly, making it ideal for busy nights. This sandwich is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish that you can whip up in no time. It features ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of herbs, making it easy to prepare and full of flavor. This is a great option for a quick dinner that doesn't skimp on taste.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Chicken and Noodles

    Chicken and Noodles on a round dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken noodle dish is simple to prepare and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, all in one pot for easy cleanup. It's a quick and filling meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

    Buffalo chicken quesadillas.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish brings together two favorites in a cheesy and spicy way. It's a great option for a quick meal during the week when time is tight.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Parmesan crusted chicken,
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Parmesan crusted chicken is a simple and delicious dinner option that everyone in the family will enjoy. With its cheesy, crispy coating, it's great for dipping and satisfying. Plus, you can have it ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    Creamy feta cheese chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese adds a great flavor to this creamy pasta sauce, making dinner more enjoyable. It's an easy way to make your meal feel special, even on a busy night.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

    This pasta casserole is a simple dish that combines all your favorite flavors. It features pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, mixed with ham and chicken, and is finished off with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs on top. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Cashew Chicken

    Sticky Cashew Chicken.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Tender chicken is covered in a tasty sweet and savory sauce, along with crunchy cashews. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick and filling.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken legs can be on your table in just 15 minutes, featuring crispy skin and juicy meat. A marinade with lime juice gives them a zesty flavor while keeping the chicken nice and tender.

    Get the recipe

    More Chicken

    • Sheet pan chicken fajitas.
      21 Dump-and-Bake Chicken Dinners You’ll Love
    • Cheesy baked pasta.
      24 Easy Chicken Recipes That Shake Up Your Routine
    • Ranch chicken and potatoes.
      22 Easy Chicken Breast Recipes Perfect for Meal Prep
    • Broccoli cheese stuffed chicken breast.
      25 Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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