14 Chicken Skillet Recipes for busy weeknights

Skillet meals are an easy way to bring bold flavors together in one pan without a lot of cleanup. This group of chicken skillet recipes includes cheesy combinations, creamy sauces, sweet and spicy glazes, and global seasonings. They’re great for busy weeknights or when you want to cook something that feels a little different. Each dish is cooked start to finish in the same pan, making your life simpler without sacrificing taste.

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

A cast iron skillet containing roasted chicken thighs and sliced apples on a wooden surface. — Apple Cider Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

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Apple cider adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory chicken. As it cooks down, the liquid turns into a rich glaze. This dish works well in cooler months when you want something cozy. Serve with roasted vegetables or over mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

This skillet has a Tex-Mex vibe with gooey cheese and colorful bell peppers. It’s seasoned with spices that give it a warm kick. Everything comes together quickly and finishes under a blanket of melted cheese. Scoop it into tortillas or serve with rice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Chicken Cheesey Skillet

This dish keeps things simple with melted cheese over seasoned chicken. It’s all cooked in one pan and doesn’t need much prep. You can add vegetables or pasta to stretch it further. A solid choice when you want comfort food fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cheesey Skillet

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Balsamic vinegar gives the sauce a tangy depth that blends well with cream. The chicken soaks up the flavors while staying tender. A handful of herbs rounds out the dish. Serve with rice or bread to catch the extra sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Easy Skillet Chicken and Peas

A skillet containing browned chicken thighs, lemon slices, green peas, and fresh herbs. — Easy Skillet Chicken and Peas. Photo credit: Eat Fresh Glow.

This dish relies on a short ingredient list but still delivers flavor. The peas add color and a bit of sweetness. It’s light but satisfying, and quick to throw together. Ideal for a weeknight when you want something no-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Chicken and Peas

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for quick searing and easy eating. Garlic takes the lead in the seasoning, giving each piece big flavor. Great for serving over rice or with a dipping sauce. It cooks fast and disappears even faster.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

This dish brings together sweet, spicy, and garlicky in one punchy glaze. The sauce thickens in the pan and coats every bite. A good option when you want something with a little heat. Serve with noodles or steamed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken

Cooked pork chops topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and chopped herbs in a brown skillet on a white surface. — Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

A blackened seasoning crusts the chicken before it’s topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s bold and satisfying without needing any sides. If you want to stretch it, pair with potatoes or a salad. Feels like a pub favorite made at home.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken

Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet

Ground chicken gets seasoned with herbs and garlic, then tossed with olives, tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a light dish that still packs a lot of flavor. Serve it over couscous or tuck it into pita bread. Comes together in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet

Monterey Chicken Skillet

This dish layers barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon over seared chicken. It’s rich, smoky, and cheesy all at once. Tastes like something from a casual diner. Works well with corn, baked potatoes, or a green side.
Get the Recipe: Monterey Chicken Skillet

One Pot Chicken and Olive Skillet

Briny olives add bold contrast to the savory chicken. Tomatoes or broth help create a simple sauce that pulls it all together. It’s earthy, satisfying, and great with crusty bread. Only one pan to wash afterward.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken and Olive Skillet

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

This version skips the baking dish and uses the skillet for everything. A creamy base and tender chicken are topped with flaky biscuit dough. It’s a shortcut take on a comfort food classic. All the familiar flavors with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

A pan filled with yellow curry containing chunks of tofu, topped with sliced green jalapeños and chopped green onions, with a wooden spoon and lime wedges nearby. — Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mango gives this dish a fruity punch that’s balanced by chili heat. The sauce reduces into a sticky glaze around the chicken. A fun change of pace from the usual stir-fry. Serve with jasmine rice or coconut rice.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

A black skillet filled with cooked diced chicken, cashew nuts, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. — Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This recipe brings in Thai flavors with soy, garlic, basil, and a crunch from cashews. It’s fragrant, salty, and slightly sweet. Ground chicken works well to soak up the sauce. Serve with rice or lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet