19 Chicken Recipes for Filling, Flavorful Mains

Looking for delicious ways to make chicken the star of your next meal? These 19 chicken main dish recipes are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any craving. From comforting classics to bold, creative dishes, there’s something here to satisfy everyone at the table.

Chicken Marbella

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A medley of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors! This dish combines juicy chicken with prunes, olives, and capers, slow-cooked to create a rich sauce that balances robust, complex tastes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Chicken Goulash

A white bowl of macaroni pasta in tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a white cloth. A fork rests on the side of the bowl. — Chicken Goulash. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

A comforting, hearty meal with tender chicken cooked in a smoky, creamy paprika sauce. This Eastern European-inspired dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or buttered noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Goulash

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta closeup partial of finished dish cropped horizontal. — 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Creamy, cheesy, and ready in a snap! This 30-minute dish brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and pasta in a luscious, rich sauce that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Corn and Pasta

Chicken Pot Pie

Classic comfort at its finest. Golden, flaky pastry envelopes a creamy filling loaded with chicken, vegetables, and herbs, making every bite a savory indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Light and vibrant with a hint of comfort, this recipe features tender chicken with zesty lemon and orzo. A refreshing and wholesome dish that delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce. — Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A quick and colorful option loaded with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken pieces. Tossed in a flavorful sauce, it’s a one-pan solution for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Tinga

A Mexican-inspired treat featuring shredded chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce. Add it to tacos, tostadas, or rice bowls for a dish bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Chicken Francese

Light and citrusy, this dish coats chicken in delicate egg batter, then simmers it in a lemon-butter-wine sauce. Perfect with a side of steamed vegetables or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese

Chicken Baklava

Chicken on a white plate. — Chicken Baklava. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A creative twist on a classic dessert! Chicken breasts are layered with a blend of nuts, honey, and spices, baked until tender with an aromatic sweet-savory crust.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Baklava

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes. — Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Bright, zesty lemon meets aromatic garlic in this simple yet flavorful dish. Pair it with veggies or rice for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy almond crust that’s packed with flavor and protein.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background. — Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transform your kitchen into a Middle Eastern haven with this richly spiced, juicy chicken dish. Enjoy it with warm pita, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tahini.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Fresh, vibrant, and healthy! This dish brings together basil pesto-marinated chicken, charred burst tomatoes, and creamy avocado for a delightful medley.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Combining tender chicken with smoky bacon creates a mouthwatering main course. Cooked to crispy perfection, these tenders are a fun, flavorful dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders

Chicken Biryani

Experience the aromatic spices of India with this one-pot dish layered with marinated chicken and fragrant basmati rice. A symphony of flavor in every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Layers of creamy ranch sauce, savory bacon, chicken, and melty cheese make this casserole a family favorite. It’s indulgent, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and sticky meets savory in this instant pot favorite. The tender chicken thighs are coated in a lip-smacking honey garlic glaze that’s finger-lickin’ good.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken breast cut with pasta in the background. — Lemon Chicken Piccata Pasta. Photo credit: .

Chicken Paprikash

Packed with bold paprika flavors, this creamy Hungarian dish showcases chicken simmered in a rich, spiced sauce. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash