Weeknight Chicken Dinners That Actually Excite the Whole Family

From crispy fried favorites to cheesy bakes and cozy casseroles, chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero. These recipes turn simple chicken into flavorful meals the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving a fresh salad, a cheesy comfort dish, or a show-stopping brunch, this roundup has something for every occasion.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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Grilled mustard BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, bacon, and feta come together with a homemade dressing in this salad that doubles as a hearty main course.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Carolina-Style Chicken and Waffles Eggs Benedict

A close-up of a plate with a crispy waffle topped with fried chicken, melted cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg garnished with herbs. A fork rests on the plate's edge. In the background, there are blurred images of drinks and a small bowl. — Carolina-Style Chicken and Waffles Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Crispy fried chicken on golden cornmeal waffles topped with a sunny egg, tangy Havarti, and hot honey drizzle for a brunch that’s unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Carolina-Style Chicken and Waffles Eggs Benedict

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Closeup overhead shot of 3 crispy chicken thighs in a black cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy, flavorful crust cooked quickly in a cast iron skillet for a weeknight dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Creamy Tomato Sauce with a spoon in a cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Tender chicken thighs in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s dairy and gluten free, making it a comforting dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Tender chicken and steamed cauliflower smothered in creamy sauce and melted cheese for a nutritious, comforting, all-in-one casserole.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Champagne Chicken Recipe

Chicken thighs seared to perfection in a luxurious champagne and mushroom sauce with fresh thyme and a hint of lemon zest—fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Chicken Recipe

Char Siu Chicken

A white bowl with sliced barbecued meat and white rice, garnished with green onions, served with chopsticks on a light surface. — Char Siu Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick and flavorful, this chicken version of classic char siu gives you all the sweet-savory taste without the overnight marinade.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Chicken

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish. — Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A healthy, cheesy chicken and quinoa bake that’s perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

Crispy, cheesy chicken tenders seasoned with ranch spices, ready in the air fryer for a quick, kid-approved dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Tender chicken breasts with bell peppers in a cheesy skillet dish packed with Baja flavors for an easy dinner tonight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A comforting, cheesy combination of chicken, broccoli, and orzo that’s fast to make and perfect for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish. — Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This creamy, bacon-packed casserole with broccoli and ranch seasoning is an instant crowd-pleaser and one-pot meal winner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan. — Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Oven-baked chicken with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella for a cheesy, flavor-packed fajita bake.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Chicken & Black Bean Burritos

Shredded chicken, black beans, cheese, and rice wrapped in a tortilla for easy make-ahead meals or skillet-toasted burritos.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Black Bean Burritos

Chicken 65

A spicy, crispy fried chicken from South India loaded with ginger, garlic, curry leaves, cumin, and chilies for a bold flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart. — Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheesy quesadillas loaded with flavorful al pastor chicken—quick, handheld, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Chicken ala King

Chicken green beans mushrooms with biscuit. — Chicken ala King. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Tender chicken in a creamy sauce with bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas, served over biscuits or rice for a classic comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken ala King

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Manicotti

Manicotti noodles stuffed with chicken and cheese, smothered in garlicky Alfredo sauce for a rich and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Manicotti

Chicken and Asparagus Bake

A close-up of chicken asparagus casserole with melted cheese, mushrooms, asparagus, and pieces of chicken. — Chicken and Asparagus Bake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Tender chicken baked with asparagus in a creamy, cheesy sauce—a cozy, veggie-packed casserole perfect for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Asparagus Bake