50 Chicken Recipes Your Family Will Love

Chicken is the ultimate dinnertime staple: affordable, versatile, easy to cook, and a hit with the whole family. Over the years, I’ve developed dozens of chicken recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to cozy comfort food and company-worthy favorites. This collection brings together 50 of the best, including easy chicken breast and thigh recipes, soups and salads, grilled and roasted chicken, globally inspired dishes, and plenty of family favorites.

Whether you’re craving crispy chicken schnitzel, a warming bowl of chicken noodle soup, classic roast chicken, or an easy 30-minute dinner, you’ll find something here to make tonight—and plenty more to save for later.

1. BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS

Marinated in buttermilk and fried to perfection, these chicken tenders are wonderful on their own, dipped in honey mustard, or served over a salad. Kids love them, grown ups love them…chicken tenders are hard to beat! Get the recipe for buttermilk fried chicken tenders.

2. Chicken Marsala

An Italian-American dish of sautéed chicken breasts and mushrooms in a rich wine sauce, chicken Marsala is traditional restaurant dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s delicious with pasta, polenta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Get the recipe for chicken marsala.

3. Peruvian-Style Roast Chicken with Green Sauce

Pollo a la Brasa, or Peruvian chicken, is made by marinating a whole chicken in olive, lime juice, garlic and spices, and then roasting until the bird is juicy and crisp-skinned. Don’t skip the creamy green sauce—it’s delicious on just about anything. Get the recipe for Peruvian chicken.

4. CHICKEN KABOBS

One of my favorite chicken recipes for summer grilling, these kabobs are marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic and spices and then grilled until golden brown. Serve the kabobs with basmati rice pilaf with dried fruit and almonds (pictured) or over a Greek salad. And make a lot – these go fast! Get the recipe for Middle Eastern chicken kabobs.

5. White Chicken Chili

Whether you make this white chicken chili for game day or a weeknight dinner, it’s a hearty, one-pot meal that you can get on the table in less than an hour. Get the recipe for white chicken chili.

6. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala, or yogurt-marinated and broiled chicken in a creamy, spice-infused tomato sauce, is seasoned with garam masala, a wonderful Indian spice blend typically made from peppercorns, mace, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. You can find garam masala at most markets, but feel free to substitute curry powder for a different but equally delicious flavor. Get the recipe for chicken tikka masala.

7. chicken Noodle Soup

This easy chicken noodle soup delivers cozy, homemade flavor without an all-day simmer. Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth, it’s just the thing for chilly nights—or anytime you need a little comfort in a bowl. Get the recipe for chicken noodle soup.

8. THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN

In cooking, the simplest recipes are often the hardest to get right, and basic grilled chicken is a perfect example. Because chicken breasts are so lean, they often turn out dry, leathery, and bland. My technique and recipe ensure tender, juicy, and tasty grilled chicken every time. Serve the fillets as a healthy main course (kids love them), topped with melted cheese on a bun, or sliced over a salad. Get the recipe for the grilled chicken.

9. CHICKEN CURRY

In this weeknight-friendly chicken recipe, thinly sliced chicken breasts are sautéed with curry powder and simmered in a curry sauce thickened with Greek yogurt. You can have it ready in 30 minutes — or in the time it takes to cook some basmati rice — and the cooking method ensures super tender chicken. Get the recipe for chicken curry.

10. Chicken Quesadillas

Loaded with seasoned chicken and plenty of melted cheese, these crispy quesadillas are an easy crowd-pleaser. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a quick dinner everyone will love. Get the recipe for my easy chicken quesadillas.

11. Butter Chicken

One of my favorite recipes from my Weeknight/Weekend cookbook, butter chicken is a staple item in most Indian restaurants. It features super-tender chicken in a creamy, rich spice-infused tomato sauce. Get the recipe for butter chicken.

12. Arroz Con Pollo

A one-pot classic, arroz con pollo pairs tender, seasoned chicken with savory rice that soaks up all the delicious flavor as it cooks. It’s hearty, comforting, and made for feeding a crowd. Get the recipe for arroz con pollo.

13. CASHEW CHICKEN

Cashew chicken is a popular Chinese restaurant dish of stir-fried chicken and cashews in a rich garlic sauce. It’s easy to make at home, as the most of the ingredients for the sauce come out of bottles and jars. Get the recipe for cashew chicken.

14. THAI-STYLE RED CHICKEN CURRY

One of my go-to weeknight chicken recipes, this Thai-style red chicken curry with coconut milk comes together in about 30 minutes with very little prep work. Get the recipe for Thai red curry chicken.

15. GRILLED CHICKEN FAJITAS

Want to make restaurant-style chicken fajitas at home? The best way is to marinate and grill the chicken for a smoky Southwestern flavor, and then sauté the onions and peppers on the stovetop so they caramelize and sweeten. These fajitas are not only easy to make but also ideal for getting the whole family sharing food and fun at the dinner table. Get the recipe for chicken fajitas.

16. TANDOORI CHICKEN

Chicken tandoori gets its name comes from the clay oven, or tandoor, in which it is traditionally cooked. It is perfectly spiced with extra-crispy skin, and the mango chutney adds fruity, tangy flavor. Serve the dish with naan, rice pilaf, or a cucumber salad. Get the recipe for tandoori chicken.

17. GRILLED MOROCCAN CHICKEN

Moroccan food is often a combination of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors, and that’s the idea behind this easy grilled chicken recipe. The spices in the marinade are inspired by ras el hanout, a North African spice blend that contains more than a dozen spices. This dish is a major family pleaser! Pair the chicken with couscous or my warm couscous salad with apricot vinaigrette. Get the recipe for grilled Moroccan chicken.

18. Baked Chicken Thighs

An overnight dry brine and high heat deliver juicy chicken with beautifully crispy, golden skin. Get the recipe for crispy baked chicken thighs.

19. CHIPOTLE CHICKEN QUESADILLAS

Adapted from the chef Curtis Stone, these quesadillas filled with melted cheddar and smoky chipotle chicken are truly exceptional. It’s the canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that make the flavor so good – they are small peppers that have been dried and smoked, and they are packed in a smoky and spicy tomato sauce. Get the recipe for chipotle chicken quesadillas.

20. Creamy Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup

Bright, cozy, and full of flavor, this lemon chicken orzo soup is loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo in a lemony broth. It’s comforting without feeling heavy. Get the recipe for lemon chicken orzo soup.

21. Fried Chicken

With juicy, flavorful meat and a crisp, craggy golden crust, this classic fried chicken is everything you want it to be. A buttermilk brine keeps the chicken tender and seasons it from the inside out. Get the recipe for fried chicken.

22. KUNG PAO CHICKEN

A popular Chinese restaurant dish of stir-fried chicken, peanuts and vegetables, Kung Pao Chicken is traditionally made with specialty ingredients. This Americanized version uses only ingredients that are easy to find, and it has just as much delicious flavor of the traditional version. Serve it with rice for an easy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe for kung pao chicken.

23. COQ AU VIN

Coq au vin is a classic French stew of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and crispy pancetta. It’s the perfect dish to make on a chilly day when you’ve got time to putter around the kitchen. Bonus: the stew is even better the next day, and it freezes well too. Serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes, with crusty bread on the side. Get the recipe for coq au vin.

24. Chicken Piccata

Crispy chicken cutlets in a lemony butter and caper sauce, chicken piccata is one of those quick and easy chicken recipes you can count on to make everyone happy. Kids typically like the chicken plain (hold the sauce), while grown ups love the lemon and briny notes in the butter sauce. Get the recipe for chicken piccata.

25. MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE

Chicken tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish of bone-in chicken braised with spices, aromatics, olives, and preserved lemons. This version, adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, is totally company-worthy but also easy enough to make on a weeknight. Serve the chicken with couscous. Get the recipe for chicken tagine.

26. Chicken Teriyaki

This easy chicken teriyaki brings together tender, caramelized chicken and homemade teriyaki sauce with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Add rice and vegetables for a weeknight dinner that beats takeout. Get the recipe for chicken teriyaki.

27. Chinese Chicken Salad

Crunchy, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Chinese chicken salad combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a punchy Asian-style dressing. It’s light enough for lunch but satisfying enough for dinner. Chinese chicken salad.

28. Chicken Enchiladas

My whole family loves these enchiladas. You can make both the sauce and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake the enchiladas another time for a fast and simple weeknight dinner. Get the recipe for chicken enchiladas.

29. PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

This family-friendly chicken recipe is easy enough to make any night of the week but also special enough for company. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness not only tenderizes the chicken but also ensures it cooks evenly. The three-step breading method ensures that the bread crumb coating sticks to the chicken, resulting in a crispy crust every time. Get the recipe for parmesan crusted chicken.

You could spend hours in the kitchen making traditional chicken pot pie, but you don’t have to! Using a rotisserie chicken for the filling and a store-bought puff pastry for the crust are both great shortcuts, and make this delicious chicken pot pie recipe weeknight friendly. Get the recipe for chicken pot pie.

32. Chicken Fricassee with Apples

An old-fashioned chicken recipe with a new twist: apples! This comforting yet elegant chicken fricassee is a lovely blend of sweet and savory. Get the recipe for chicken fricassee with apples.

33. CHICKEN MARBELLA

Chicken Marbella is probably the most well-known recipe from the cherished Silver Palate Cookbook. It’s a wonderful holiday or special occasion dish, and you can do most of the prep ahead of time. Get the recipe for chicken Marbella.

34. Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

AKA Margarita Chicken, this is one of those summer grilling recipes that is always a hit. The marinade is a combination of tequila, lime, garlic, and spices, and the cooking method ensures that the chicken comes out juicy and tender every time. Get the recipe for tequila lime chicken.

35. Chicken Schnitzel

Crisp, golden, and ready in a flash, chicken schnitzel is one of those dinners everyone loves. A quick brine keeps the chicken juicy, while sesame seeds in the coating add extra crunch and flavor. Get the recipe for chicken schnitzel.

36. Cobb Salad

This classic Cobb salad turns chicken into a hearty, satisfying meal, with crisp greens, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s colorful, fresh, and substantial enough for dinner. Get the recipe for cobb salad.

37. EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN

Traditional chicken parmesan can be time-consuming to make. This recipe takes a few smart shortcuts, making it very doable on a weeknight yet tastes as good as the chicken parm from your favorite Italian restaurant. Get the recipe for chicken parmesan.

38. Marry Me Chicken

Fall in love with “Marry Me Chicken,” a dish of tender thin-sliced chicken breasts in a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Get the recipe for marry me chicken.

39. Chicken Meatballs with Tomato-Balsamic Glaze

When you think of chicken recipes, you may not necessarily think of meatballs. This recipe will change your mind! They pair nicely with baked potatoes, puréed cauliflower, or buttered noodles, and they also make a fun appetizer if you make them mini and spear them with toothpicks. Get the recipe for chicken meatballs with tomato balsamic glaze.

40. FILIPINO-STYLE CHICKEN ADOBO

Chicken adobo, or chicken simmered in a vinegar- and soy-based sauce with garlic and spices, is the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. Get the recipe for chicken adobo.

41. General Tso’s Chicken

Skip the takeout—this homemade General Tso’s chicken has crispy bites of chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, tangy sauce with just the right amount of heat. It’s a family favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Get the recipe for General Tso’s chicken.

42. CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD

Savory and sweet with a touch of spice, this curried chicken salad is filled out with grapes, cashews and celery. Serve it over greens or in a sandwich for a light meal. Get the recipe for curried chicken salad.

43. ROAST CHICKEN WITH HERB BUTTER

This lemony roast chicken recipe comes from The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time by Laurie David. The book is all about creating cozy moments for your family at the dinner table, and this recipe does just that. Get the recipe for roast chicken.

44. Chicken Cacciatore

The epitome of Italian comfort food, chicken cacciatore (AKA hunter’s chicken) is a dish of slow-cooked chicken, vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs in hearty sauce. Serve it with creamy polenta for a soul-warming supper. Get the recipe for chicken cacciatore.

45. CHAR SIU CHICKEN

This savory-sweet and garlicky char siu chicken recipe comes from Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors by Andrea Nguyen. It makes a fabulously easy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe for char siu chicken.

46. CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN WINGS

I love crispy chicken wings but not deep-frying them. Baking alone won’t give you that desirable crispy skin, but parboiling the wings before baking them renders any excess fat and guarantees the wings bake up super crispy. Get the recipe for baked chicken wings.

47. Chicken piccata meatballs

All the bright, buttery flavors of chicken piccata, reimagined as easy, family-friendly meatballs. Lemon, capers, and a splash of white wine make the sauce especially good spooned over pasta or rice. Get the recipe for chicken piccata meatballs.

48. GRILLED JERK CHICKEN

This is a jerk chicken recipe, adapted from Food & Wine, is a huge family-pleaser. Native to Jamaica, jerk is a perfect example of Caribbean cooking, which is a delicious blend of African, European, Indian, and Asian flavors. Get the recipe for jerk chicken.

49. Chicken Salad

Creamy, fresh, and full of flavor, this classic chicken salad is an easy go-to for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner. Serve it on its own, over greens, or piled into a sandwich. Get the recipe for my classic chicken salad.

50. GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN

One of the most family-friendly chicken recipes in my repertoire, these grilled BBQ chicken breasts are always a crowdpleaser. They are tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky BBQ flavor. Get the recipe for BBQ chicken.