6 Quick and Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
Why Chicken Works So Well for Quick Dinners
Chicken is an excellent choice for simple dinners because it is a lean cut of meat that cooks up quickly. Plus, it is so versatile it’s not difficult to find easy chicken dinner ideas to choose from. Even more, it pairs well with many side dishes, such as potatoes, rice, pasta, as well as vegetables.
Tips for Making Chicken Dinners Fast (Without Drying It Out)
- Use similar-sized pieces
- Preheat pans
- Don’t overcook
- Let chicken rest
Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
A survey from Talker’s Research found that nearly four out of five Americans don’t have the energy to cook after a day’s work. The simple act of planning, preparing, and cooking a meal seems overwhelming.
The last thing you want after a long day is to have dinner prep that drags on forever. Try one of these easy chicken dinner ideas and spend less time in the kitchen.
1. One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Preparing a one-pan chicken and vegetable dish is a straightforward and efficient method for simple chicken dinners. It’s quick and only uses one pan.
- Simply select your preferred vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, and cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Season the chicken with herbs and spices of your choice. Then arrange it alongside the vegetables in a single baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
This is not only a simple cooking process but also minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
2. Skillet Chicken Breast
Chicken breast cooked in a skillet is one of the most popular chicken dinner ideas for busy nights. Here’s how to do it.
- Simply season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices to your liking.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps retain its juices and enhances flavor.
3. Baked Chicken Breast
When it comes to easy chicken dinner ideas, baked chicken is a winner. You simply pop it in the oven until it’s done.
Even thickness and a hot oven are the key to juicy baked chicken breast. Here are the steps for a simple chicken dinner perfect for busy nights.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, place the breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or in a zip-top bag and pound them to a uniform thickness (about 1 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Dry the chicken, then drizzle with olive oil and rub it over both sides. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your desired spices (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning).
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, place the breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or in a zip-top bag and pound them to a uniform thickness (about 1 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet that is lined with lightly greased parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will allow for easy cleanup.
Place the chicken in a hot oven (400°F or above) to help seal in the juices and keep the chicken moist.
4. Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is an Asian-inspired dish that is one of the most flavorful simple chicken dinners you can fix on a busy night. All you need is some bite-size chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce for a fantastic meal.
To prepare a chicken stir fry, begin by cutting boneless chicken into thin strips and marinating it briefly in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for enhanced flavor.
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil, ensuring it is hot before introducing the chicken. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown, then remove it from the pan.
In the same wok, add a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, cooking them until they are tender yet crisp.
Finally, return the chicken to the pan, combine everything with additional soy sauce or a stir-fry sauce, and serve hot over rice or noodles for a delicious meal.
5. Chicken and Rice
Easy chicken dinner ideas with chicken and rice.
One of the easiest ways to cook chicken and rice is in a pot on top of the stove. Cooking time takes about 30–40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
- Season 1 lb. of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear chicken in 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Set chicken aside. At this point, the chicken is not fully cooked through yet.
- Sauté one diced onion in the same pan and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add 1.5 cups of long-grain white rice and 2.5 to 3 cups of chicken broth to the pan. Stir in desired seasonings (garlic, herbs).
- Nestle the chicken back into the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Sheet Pan Chicken Dinners
When seeking easy chicken dinner ideas, sheet pan chicken meals are worth considering.
Sheet pan chicken dinners are a convenient and efficient way to prepare a complete meal using a single baking sheet.
This cooking method typically involves placing seasoned chicken alongside a variety of vegetables, allowing them to roast together in the oven.
The result is a flavorful and well-balanced dish that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The versatility of sheet pan dinners also allows for endless variations, accommodating different dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients.
What to Serve with Chicken Dinners
Final Thoughts
With a few easy chicken dinner ideas and the right cooking techniques, chicken can be one of the easiest solutions for busy nights. Keeping ingredients and steps simple makes dinner more enjoyable and less stressful.