Believe it or not, it doesn’t take long to create a flavorful chicken dish. This is a list of over 15 ways to prepare chicken in 30 minutes or less! Try one or all of these easy chicken recipes the next time you’re looking for a quick meal.
When you don’t know what to make for dinner, make chicken. At least, that’s what I do. Chicken is incredibly versatile, and it pairs well with pretty much anything. Today I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite chicken recipes to make for dinner, all of which can be made in under 30 minutes!
You can also browse all of my chicken recipes on my site if you prefer.
My go-to kitchen essentials for cooking chicken
You can browse all of my favorite kitchen tools here.
1. Honey Garlic Chicken
Diced chicken is cooked in a skillet then coated in a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce that you’re gonna want to drizzle on everything. Plus, this honey garlic chicken is made in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are probably the recipe I make most often from my site. That is, we cook these on an almost weekly basis. They’re quick and flavorful, plus you can switch it up by using different spice blends. Pair them with roasted veggies and rice for a complete meal!
3. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
I like to call these chicken tacos “lazy girl tacos” because they’re made with store-bought rotisserie chicken. Yes really, and there’s no shame in that game! The chicken gets additional seasoning, then it’s paired with your favorite taco toppings for a VERY quick and healthy meal.
4. Baked Parmesan Chicken
I’ve been making this parmesan chicken since I was in my 20s. It was one of the first chicken recipes, and though I’ve since made a few tweaks, the base recipe is essentially the same, and it’s still so good.
5. Chicken Broccoli Ziti
Chicken, broccoli and ziti pasta get coated in my healthy alfredo sauce for a tasty, saucy dinner. It’s easy to customize to your liking (swap the vegetable, swap the pasta shape, etc.), and it comes together quickly!
6. Blackened Chicken
Chicken breasts are seasoned with a variety of spices, then pan-seared until it’s completely cooked. Last, drizzle with some lime juice and cilantro and you have yourself some very flavorful chicken!
7. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto lovers rejoice! This pasta is protein-packed and flavorful, and yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you prefer (I won’t judge). The recipe makes 6 servings, so you may just have leftovers too.
8. Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
If you’re looking for a hearty chicken recipe, look no further than this chicken gnocchi skillet. The sauce is made with garlic, heavy cream and parmesan cheese and it is my husband’s favorite.
9. Creamy Garlic Chicken
Don’t you love when chicken is cooked completely in a skillet? I do! Fewer dishes = happier me. Besides that, this garlic chicken is, well, garlicky in the best way. Butter, garlic, chicken broth and a splash of coconut aminos (or soy sauce) gives the sauce so much flavor!
10. Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Pasta, chicken and of course buffalo sauce make this recipe quite simple and it packs a punch, too. Top it with blue cheese and a little ranch and you’ve got a kid-approved meal.
11. Chicken Lo Mein
This meal has everything: chicken, pasta and vegetables, so you don’t have to make any additional sides. The ingredients get tossed in a simple, Asian-inspired sauce that the whole family will enjoy!
12. Mushroom Chicken
Chicken breasts are cooked completely in a skillet, then coated in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce. The best part? The whole dish takes only 20 minutes to prepare. Serve it over rice with a side of air fryer vegetables for a balanced meal.
13. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Seasoned with Italian seasoning, the chicken is pan-seared in a skillet. The pasta is coated in a balsamic sauce with garlic, tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Think: all of the bruschetta flavors you love, but with more protein.
14. Peanut Chicken Skillet
Once you prepare the creamy Thai peanut sauce, the actual chicken takes only 10 minutes to cook! Serve it over rice with a side of roasted cauliflower and enjoy this flavorful dish.
15. Chicken Mushroom Pasta
Chicken, mushrooms and pasta — what’s not to love? It’s a great way to use mushrooms, it’s surprisingly filling and yes, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
16. Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and spicy chicken is traditionally quite sweet. This recipe is sweet, but it uses less sugar than most, making it a healthier option. If you want a chicken recipe that has a kick to it, this is it!
If you make any of these recipes, be sure to leave a comment and star rating on the recipe. Thanks!
Even more chicken recipes
