Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Food
  3. Recipe Collections & Favorites
  4. Popular Ingredients
  5. 23 No-Fail Chicken Dinner Ideas The Whole Family Will Love

23 No-Fail Chicken Dinner Ideas The Whole Family Will Love

Betty Gold
By Betty Gold Updated April 29, 2020
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Chicken Recipes

When it comes to fuss-free dinners, chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleasing ingredient. The versatile, lean meat—whether you're working with boneless breasts, bone-in thighs, or even a straight-from-the-store rotisserie bird—takes to a variety of cuisines, flavors, and cooking techniques. Kids love chicken just as much as adults, it's affordable, and it's quick to prepare and serve.  Here, we've rounded up some of Real Simple's best, easy-to-make chicken dinner ideas your whole family will love. We cover the classics—from Panko-Crusted Chicken Parm to No-Time Tikka Masala—plus plenty of fresh takes on delicious dinners made for entertaining, like Chicken Cheddar Sandwiches and Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.  

RELATED: 12 Crowd-Pleasing Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes 

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Credit: Greg DuPree

One-dish dinners are a dream come true for busy cooks. You can cook everything you need for your meal—in this case, chicken leg quarters and sweet potato wedges—at the same time, and on the same dish. This saves you time, mess, and a whole lot of effort. This dish is quite simple, which is why it's so great for weeknights. You can change up the herbs (it calls for sage, but rosemary would be good, too) and switch the greens from watercress to butter lettuce or anything you have on hand.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cheesy Chicken Nachos

Chicken Nachos
Credit: Greg DuPree

Making a nachos recipe at home leaves you to pile on the goodies evenly over the chips, which you'll arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. This means every chip is gloriously topped with chicken, cheese, salsa, avocado and, well, more cheese. Make it a bigger meal by adding black beans or get crazy and swap the avocado for guacamole. Best part? This dish takes 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Nachos

2 of 23

3 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken and Mozzarella

Chicken and Mozzarella dinners white plate blue table cloth
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Crispy chicken cutlets get topped with seasoned crushed tomatoes, torn mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves for an easy dinner the whole family will love. Be sure to broil the cutlets on a rack so they stay crispy all over.

Get the recipe: Chicken and Mozzarella

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Skillet Chicken Thighs With Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Cherry Salsa

Skillet Chicken Thighs With Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Cherry Salsa
Credit: Greg DuPree

File this cooking method under "Smartest Back-Pocket Chicken Recipes." Roasting the thighs in a hot oven means you can get evenly cooked, juicy meat and still have crispy skin on top, all without having to splatter your cooktop. While the chicken cooks, you'll make a quick, buttery balsamic glaze that balances the rich chicken and a tart cherry salsa. Speaking of the salsa, it's the kind of fresh take on a side that is as good a match for chicken as it is with white fish, steak, or even crispy tofu.

Get the recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs With Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Cherry Salsa

4 of 23

5 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad

Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad
Credit: Jen Causey

Are you searching for a recipe for a flavorful, healthy chicken dinner? Look no further than this simple, summery number. The Aleppo pepper-rubbed chicken packs just enough heat, and is paired with a lemony-marinated zucchini salad, all of which gets drizzled with a garlic and herb dressing. To make this recipe even more filling, add some grilled bread or pita. Shopping tip: If you can't find Aleppo pepper, which is imported from Syria, you can use regular chili flakes.

Get the recipe: Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad

5 of 23

6 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Taco Soup

Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Credit: Jennifer Causey

You might think soup is just too hot for a summer day, but it can be very refreshing and filling without making you fan yourself at the table. Plus, you can use cooling toppings like radishes, sour cream, avocado, and fresh corn to keep things light.

Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Thighs With Chorizo, Spring Onions, and Rice Pilaf

chicken-thighs-0519din
Credit: Greg DuPree

This Spanish-inspired chicken dinner is short on time but long on flavor, thanks to a clever combination of dried chorizo and a triple dose of alliums, aka spring onions, red onions, and garlic cloves. The rice pilaf is a riff on a classic Spanish dish called fideos—essentially pan-toasted pasta, spiced with saffron and simmered in rich chicken broth. The result is so much more exciting and delicious than your average chicken and rice combo.

Get the recipe: Chicken Thighs With Chorizo, Spring Onions, and Rice Pilaf

7 of 23

8 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Crispy Chicken-And-Cheddar Sandwiches with Pickle Dijon

Crispy Chicken-And-Cheddar Sandwich With Pickle Dijon
Credit: Jennifer Causey

There's a story about a famous roasted chicken recipe that has caused engagements. But, to be honest, this chicken sandwich recipe might just rival any marriage-inducing chicken. And at the very least, a sure way to someone's heart is through this chicken sandwich. Think of it as an upscale, DIY version of your favorite fast-food chicken cutlet sandwich. It's worth finely grating Cheddar from a block instead of using the store-bought kind, since it melds nicely with the crispy cutlet crust. Looking to mix it up? Try provolone instead of the cheddar, and a bitter lettuce like radicchio for the romaine.

Get the recipe: Crispy Chicken-And-Cheddar Sandwiches

8 of 23

9 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Salad With Chard, Cabbage, and Pickled Onions

Chicken Salad With Chard, Cabbage, and Pickled Onions
Credit: Anna Williams

Want a low-maintenance chicken salad minus the mayo? Simply use your broiler to make irresistibly crispy chicken thighs then pair them with quick-pickled onions, green cabbage, and raw chard leaves (think kale that's easier to chew). It's quick, it's easy, and best of all, it's delicious.

Get the recipe: Chicken Salad With Chard, Cabbage, and Pickled Onions

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry With Rice Noodles

orange-chicken-rice-noodle-0219din
Credit: Victor Protasio

Once you discover how easy it is to make orange chicken at home, you might never order Chinese takeout again. The "orange" part of this orange chicken recipe comes from orange marmalade, which adds the citrus flavor as well as a welcome bitter note to balance the sweet and salty elements. Scrape the pan well when you add the sauce to the chicken so that you can take advantage of any delicious drippings. Noodles offer a fresh take on the classic recipe, but if you prefer white or brown rice, either will work.

Get the recipe: Orange Chicken Stir-Fry With Rice Noodles

10 of 23

11 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Burgers With Carrot Slaw

Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Burgers With Carrot Slaw
Credit: Greg DuPree

Burgers are great, but sometimes it's nice to mix up what's between the bun. Here the answer is excitingly original: hoisin-glazed chicken burgers. Simple chicken patties get tons of flavor here, thanks to a finishing glaze of delicious hoisin sauce. Topped with a lime-infused carrot slaw, which has a generous serving of cilantro and mint, too, this burger is not only tasty, but fresh and hearty. If you make the carrot topping ahead, make sure to drain off any extra liquid before topping the patties to avoid making the buns soggy.

Get the recipe: Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Burgers With Carrot Slaw

11 of 23

12 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Crunchy Chicken Salad With Oregano Vinaigrette 

Crispy Chicken Cutlets With A Crunchy Salad
Credit: Jennifer Causey

What pairs perfectly with a crispy chicken cutlet? A fresh, green salad that's dressed in a lemony vinaigrette and showered with cheese. The vinaigrette in this simple recipe might just become a house favorite—the shallots become lightly pickled in the vinegar, and fresh oregano lends sophisticated flair to an everyday dressing. The salad can be adjusted based on the season—try tomatoes and arugula in the summer and roasted squash and kale in the fall. Bitter greens work particularly well, as they balance the rich, fried cutlet.

Get the recipe: Crunchy Chicken Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken With Salsa, Olives, and Lime

Chicken With Salsa, Olives, and Lime
Credit: Victor Protasio

A saucy, delicious chicken dinner that comes together in 20 minutes? Where do we sign up? Braising chicken breasts in a flavorful mixture of pico de gallo (aka fresh salsa), salty green olives, and tart capers ensures tender, not rubbery, meat. Add homemade garlic bread or warm tortillas to elevate an everyday dinner. Using store-bought pico de gallo saves time—instead of chopping onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and herbs, it's all ready to go in a convenient package.

Get the recipe: Chicken With Salsa, Olives, and Lime

13 of 23

14 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde

Easy Dinner Recipes: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde
Credit: Jen Causey

Fresh salsa verde is the kitchen staple you need to be using to get dinner on the table faster. This five-ingredient easy recipe is a great place to get started. Searing the chicken thighs in hot oil makes for a golden-brown crust that gives the whole dish a major flavor boost.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde

14 of 23

15 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole Chili Recipe

Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole Chili
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

The flavors of irresistible mole snuck their way into this mouthwatering slow-cooker chicken chili recipe. Mole, a rich Mexican sauce usually containing raisins and chocolate, makes everything better. Leftovers love to play with tacos and enchiladas, so this is basically the chili that keeps on giving.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole Chili

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches

Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

A piadina is an Italian sandwich typically made on flatbread, but here, hot, crispy pizza dough stands in for flatbread, creating a delicious new classic. Tucked inside these piadinas is fresh mozzarella, baby arugula, and pesto-tossed rotisserie chicken. The pesto here is homemade, but if you're tight on prep time, store bought will work well, too.

Get the recipe: Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches

16 of 23

17 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

Quick Chicken Tikka Masala
Credit: Jen Causey

Recreate the beloved delivery staple, chicken tikka masala right at home. Make the quick curry paste in a food processor and you're basically there. This is a great starting point for any home cook.

Get the recipe: Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

17 of 23

18 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Crispy Chicken Cutlets

crispy chicken cutlets recipes plate blue
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Learn how to fry chicken cutlets with our easy method. The results are stellar every time with a crunchy golden crust and juicy interior. Use the cutlets as inspiration for a range of other recipes (Salads! Sandwiches! Chicken parm!) or serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Get the recipe: Crispy Chicken Cutlets

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken
Credit: Jennifer Causey

This method for slow-roasting chicken takes the guesswork out of what can be an intimidating task, that is, roasting a 3 ½ lb piece of meat. Cooking the chicken for 2 ½ to 3 hours at a relatively lower temperature (300°F) yields a meltingly tender, rotisserie-like finish. You may never fast-roast again.

Get the Recipe: Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

19 of 23

20 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo
Credit: Victor Protasio

If you have never tried chicken adobo, then it's time to make friends with this Filipino chicken dinner. This version takes its cues from the classic, which combines vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Plus, there's pineapple and orange juice mixed into the sauce to give it a sweet-and-sour vibe. Poured over rice, fresh pineapple and cilantro perfectly complement the rich and saucy chicken.

Get the recipe: Chicken Adobo

20 of 23

21 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Fennel and Shallots

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Fennel and Shallots
Credit: Greg DuPree

Let your oven do most of the cooking here. The fennel and peppers caramelize slightly since they cook on a different sheet pan than the chicken thighs, resulting in tons of flavor to match the crispy skin on the thighs.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Fennel and Shallots

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baby Kale and Chicken Caesar

Kale Chicken Caesar

This delicious kale salad is healthy, yes, but it's satisfying enough to star as your main dish. Simply toss greens with rotisserie chicken, shredded brussels sprouts, parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and caesar dressing for a dinner that takes 25 minutes flat. 

Get the recipe: Baby Kale and Chicken Caesar

 

 

 

22 of 23

23 of 23

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Greek Chicken and Potatoes

greek-chicken-potatoes

This sheet pan dinner practically cooks itself. Cook the potatoes as you marinade your chicken, then add it to the pan with a layer of heart-healthy broccolini. It's as delicious as it is forgiving. 

Get the recipe: Greek Chicken and Potatoes

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Betty Gold

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23 Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
    2 of 23 Cheesy Chicken Nachos
    3 of 23 Chicken and Mozzarella
    4 of 23 Skillet Chicken Thighs With Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Cherry Salsa
    5 of 23 Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad
    6 of 23 Chicken Taco Soup
    7 of 23 Chicken Thighs With Chorizo, Spring Onions, and Rice Pilaf
    8 of 23 Crispy Chicken-And-Cheddar Sandwiches with Pickle Dijon
    9 of 23 Chicken Salad With Chard, Cabbage, and Pickled Onions
    10 of 23 Orange Chicken Stir-Fry With Rice Noodles
    11 of 23 Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Burgers With Carrot Slaw
    12 of 23 Crunchy Chicken Salad With Oregano Vinaigrette 
    13 of 23 Chicken With Salsa, Olives, and Lime
    14 of 23 Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde
    15 of 23 Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole Chili Recipe
    16 of 23 Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches
    17 of 23 Quick Chicken Tikka Masala
    18 of 23 Crispy Chicken Cutlets
    19 of 23 Slow-Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken
    20 of 23 Chicken Adobo
    21 of 23 Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Fennel and Shallots
    22 of 23 Baby Kale and Chicken Caesar
    23 of 23 Greek Chicken and Potatoes

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    23 No-Fail Chicken Dinner Ideas The Whole Family Will Love
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.