Easy And Fast Chicken Recipes For The Busy Home Cook
In the fast-paced world of 2021, many of us are struggling to make time for our own cooking. But with a few simple ingredients and a few easy-to-follow steps, you can make a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. Here are some of our favorite easy and fast chicken recipes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.
1. Grilled Chicken with Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges
This is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. It is quick, easy and healthy. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice your sweet potatoes into wedges and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil, salt, and pepper over the wedges and toss to coat. Place the wedges in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through. When the wedges are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve the grilled chicken with the spicy sweet potato wedges.
2. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
This easy stir-fry is a great way to get a healthy meal on the table in no time. Start by heating some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Then add your vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Add the mixture to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes. Serve the stir-fry over cooked white rice or noodles.
3. Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This garlic parmesan chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that can be made in just 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Brush the olive oil mixture over the chicken breasts.
Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
4. One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This one-pan roasted chicken and vegetables is a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in under an hour. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Arrange the chopped vegetables around the chicken and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake the chicken and vegetables for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the chicken and vegetables with a side of cooked grains or a salad.
5. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet
This creamy chicken and mushroom skillet is a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add the mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the garlic, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir in the cream. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve the skillet with cooked rice or noodles.
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
This slow cooker chicken cacciatore is a delicious and easy meal that can be made in just a few minutes. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and top with the chopped vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, red wine, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the chicken cacciatore with a side of cooked pasta or a salad.
7. Chicken and Peanut Butter Stew
This unique stew is a perfect combination of flavors. Heat some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the same pot and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the sweet potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the peanut butter. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Serve the stew with a side of cooked grains or a salad.
8. Chicken Enchiladas
These chicken enchiladas are a great way to make an easy and delicious meal. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Place a few spoonfuls of the mixture into each tortilla and roll it up. Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish and top with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through. Serve the enchiladas with a side of cooked grains or a salad.
9. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
These buffalo chicken wraps are a great way to enjoy the flavor of buffalo chicken without the mess. Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, ½ cup of buffalo sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Place a few spoonfuls of the mixture into each tortilla and roll it up. Serve the wraps with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
These easy and fast chicken recipes are sure to become staples in your home cooking. From grilled chicken with spicy sweet potato wedges to buffalo chicken wraps, there is something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start cooking and get ready for a delicious meal.
