Easy Chicken Recipes For A Delicious Dinner
Benefit of Eating Easy Chicken Recipes For A Delicious Dinner
Dinner time can be a source of stress for many families. You want to make something that tastes delicious, but you also need something that is easy to prepare, especially on busy weeknights. Chicken is an excellent option for dinner as it is healthy, versatile, and relatively easy to prepare. Here are some easy chicken recipes that you can whip up in no time for a delicious dinner!
There are several benefits to eating easy chicken recipes for a delicious dinner. Here are a few:
- High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting overall growth and development. By incorporating easy chicken recipes into your dinner routine, you can ensure you're getting an adequate amount of protein to meet your body's needs.
- Versatility: Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways, making it suitable for various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer grilled, baked, sautéed, or stir-fried chicken, there are endless possibilities to explore. You can experiment with different flavors, spices, and marinades to create a meal that suits your preferences perfectly.
- Nutrient-Rich: Chicken is not only a good source of protein but also contains essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, which play a vital role in energy production, brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system. It also provides minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium, which support proper immune function and contribute to overall well-being.
- Weight Management: If you're watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, easy chicken recipes can be a great choice. Chicken is relatively low in calories compared to other meats, especially if you opt for skinless cuts. It can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating and supporting weight management goals.
- Quick and Convenient: Easy chicken recipes are perfect for busy individuals or families who are short on time but still want a nutritious and delicious dinner. With simple preparation methods and minimal cooking times, chicken dishes can be whipped up in a flash, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Affordable: Chicken is generally more affordable compared to other types of meat, making it a budget-friendly option for many households. By incorporating easy chicken recipes into your dinner rotation, you can create tasty and nutritious meals without breaking the bank.
Remember to choose high-quality chicken and cook it thoroughly to ensure food safety and maximize the health benefits.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Who doesn’t love chicken tenders? This crispy baked version is a healthier choice than fried chicken tenders and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. To prepare, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut your chicken breasts into strips. Mix together some panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow dish. Beat an egg and dip the chicken strips in it. Now, dip each strip into the panko mixture and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Here's a recipe for crispy baked chicken tenders:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Take a chicken tender and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Place the coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken tenders.
- Once all the chicken tenders are coated and placed on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray. This will help them turn golden and crispy in the oven.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You can flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Enjoy your crispy baked chicken tenders! They make a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders.
One Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
This one pot meal is a great way to make dinner with minimal effort. To prepare, place a large pot over medium-high heat and add some butter or olive oil. Once it is hot, add some diced onions and garlic and sauté until they are softened. Then add some diced chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown. Add some white rice, chicken broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for around 15 minutes until the rice is cooked. Now, add some cream and parmesan cheese and stir together. Once it is thickened and creamy, it is ready to serve.
Here's a recipe for a one-pot creamy Parmesan chicken and rice dish:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the white rice and stir it around for a minute to coat it in the remaining oil. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken and rice hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your one-pot creamy Parmesan chicken and rice! It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors.
Pesto Chicken and Veggie Bake
This easy chicken bake is full of flavor and nutrition. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place some diced chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Top with some sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Drizzle with some pesto sauce and sprinkle with some parmesan cheese. Bake for around 25 minutes until the vegetables and chicken are cooked through. Serve with a side salad and you have a complete meal!
Here's a recipe for a pesto chicken and veggie bake:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spoon about half of the pesto mixture over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly to coat them.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables to coat them with the remaining pesto mixture.
- Arrange the vegetable mixture around the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pesto chicken and veggie bake hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful pesto chicken and veggie bake! It's a wholesome and colorful dish that combines the succulent chicken with vibrant roasted vegetables, all infused with the deliciousness of pesto.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you’re craving pizza, try this healthier version. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Take two whole wheat tortillas and spread some BBQ sauce over the top. Top with some diced chicken and a mix of your favorite vegetables. Sprinkle with some shredded cheese and bake for around 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are lightly browned. Cut into slices and enjoy.
Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a fun way to liven up taco night. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce some sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for around 45 minutes until they are tender. Once they are cooked, cut them open and add the filling. In a skillet, cook some diced chicken with some taco seasoning. Fill the sweet potatoes with the chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cheese. Place them back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a great way to use up leftover chicken. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and cook some diced onions and garlic until they are softened. Add some diced chicken and cook until it is golden brown. Take off the heat and stir in some enchilada sauce and cheese. Take some large tortillas and fill each one with the chicken mixture. Place them in a greased baking dish and pour some enchilada sauce on top. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through. Serve with some sour cream and your favorite toppings.
Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps
These honey mustard chicken wraps make a great lunch or light dinner. In a shallow dish, mix together some honey, mustard, and olive oil. Add some diced chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it is golden brown. Take off the heat and assemble your wraps. Take some large tortillas and fill them with the chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Drizzle with some extra honey mustard sauce and wrap them up. Enjoy!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many easy chicken recipes that you can make for dinner. From crispy chicken tenders to honey mustard chicken wraps, these recipes are sure to please the whole family. So the next time you’re looking for a delicious dinner idea, try one of these easy chicken recipes!
