Our Favorite Back-to-School Chicken Dinners - MyRecipes (2024)

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

Your family is of coming off the joy of summer, back into a scheduled routine for the school year with soccer, ballet, and piano practice squeezed in-between. Chicken comes to the rescue when it’s time to make a dinner that the whole family will enjoy(even the picky eaters). Thebig question when it comes to everyone's favorite lean protein: How do avoid preparing it the same way over and over? You've mastered your favorite go-to chicken Parm recipe, and now it’s time to venture into new dishes and develop fresh favorites to keep in your back pocket fora moment’s notice. Here are someof our personal favorite, weeknight-friendly chicken dinners that the family will request again and again.

Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots Recipe

The trick to extra-savory veggies is cooking the chicken atop the potatoes and carrots.

Chicken Yakitori

Chicken Yakitori Recipe

Kids will love swapping forks for skewers to build their own kebab bites. The sweet-savory glazed chicken is perfect served with basmati rice and crisp steamed veggies.

Sheet Pan Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes Recipe

A very hot oven quickly roasts the potatoes and finishes the chicken without overcooking. You can substitute fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise, for the small Yukon gold potatoes.

Orange-Sauced Chicken

Orange-Sauced Chicken Recipe

Orange-Sauced Chicken is a super-fast supper (think 10 minutes!) that’s rich with flavor, yet only has around 200 calories per serving—which means you don’t have to feel bad about going in for seconds. Orange juice, chicken broth, orange marmalade, and fresh lemon juice combine to make a truly irresistible sauce for chicken breasts dredged in Italian-style breadcrumbs. Orange marmalade can be found near the jams and nut butters at your local grocery. Serve over sticky white rice with mixed vegetables on the side. This is such a simple chicken recipe that is also impressive.

Instant Pot 40-Clove Chicken image

Instant Pot 40-Clove Chicken Recipe

Our take on chicken with 40 cloves of garlic, made for the Instant Pot, puts a fast and easy spin on the classic dish. Enjoy this flavor-packed favorite any night of the week.

Mexican Chicken Stew image

Mexican Chicken Stew Recipe

Ground guajillo chile powder is found in Mexican markets and adds a complexity to the stew thatregular chili powder cannot. Though it's more mild compared to other chile powders, guajillo chile powder is tangy, smoky, and rich.

Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala image

Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This speedy take on chicken tikka masala is one of thosebig flavor, low effort meals you'll want to put on repeat week after week. In fact, this recipe exemplifies just about every reason we love the pressure cooker—it's efficient, it's easy to use, and it produces huge flavor in a matter of minutes. If you do a little bit of prepping ahead (say, cooking your rice and chopping aromatics the night before or in the morning), this rich and saucy supper can be on your dinner table in 10 minutes.

Asian Chicken Thighs image

Asian Chicken Thighs Recipe

Serve these saucy chicken thighs over cooked noodles with a side of steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal. Finishing the chicken thighs in the broiler to ensure a crispy outside and juicy on the inside.

Chicken with Rich Lemon-Herb Sauce

Chicken with Rich Lemon-Herb Sauce Recipe

The secret's definitely in the sauce...so is the flavor. Don't skip the last step—it brings this Instant Pot Chicken recipeall together.

Bow-Tie Pasta with Chicken and Pesto

Bow-Tie Pasta with Chicken and Pesto Recipe

For a fresh pasta dish, toss bow-tie pasta with chicken, pesto, and red pepper strips.

Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo Recipe

This classic Spanish and Latin America chicken and rice dish cooks in just one pot.

Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Parmesan Chicken and Rice Recipe

Rice and broth are added to sautéed chicken, onion, garlic, mushrooms and parmesan for a simple entrée that requires only one pan.

Chicken, Broccoli, and Brown Rice Casserole

Chicken, Broccoli, and Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

This healthy whole-grain spin on a comfort food classic is indulgent, creamy, and a guaranteed family-pleaser. Cost for 4: $10.31

Lemon Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Lemon Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl Recipe

Chicken, broccolini and rice: What more could you ask for?Our top-rated Asian chicken bowl is flavorful, healthy and comes together quickly for busy weeknights. Pro tip: Double the soy sauce mixture for added flavor.

Penne and Chicken Tenderloins with Spiced Tomato Sauce

Penne and Chicken Tenderloins with Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe

This penne pasta recipe is a simple way to bring Italian flavors to your dinner table. Serve with a green salad and garlic bread for a hearty, filling meal.

Garlic Pesto Chicken with Tomato Cream Penne

Garlic Pesto Chicken with Tomato Cream Penne Recipe

Start with a bottle of classic Italian marinade, a can of chicken broth, and tomato sauce and you're halfway to a creamy pasta with tender, juicy chicken for dinner tonight.Optional: You can sub skim milk for half-and-half to save calories, but the end result won't beas creamy.

Tuscan Stewed Chicken with White Beans and Tomato

Tuscan Stewed Chicken with White Beans and Tomato Recipe

For a flavorful chicken dinner, serve this Tuscan-flavored chicken with a tomato and white bean mixture.

Oven-Fried Chicken with Spring Salad

Oven-Fried Chicken with Spring Salad Recipe

Making crispy, golden-brown chicken is ­possible on a weeknight if you use the oven instead of the stove-top. Enjoy the contrast between the hot cooked chicken and the tangy caper-and-lemon vinaigrette.

Chicken Thighs with Spring Vegetables and Shallot Vinaigrette image

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Spring Vegetables and Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe

This elegant single-skillet meal for two is deceptively easy to make. Ready in under an hour, this skillet chicken dinner includes your protein (perfectly golden-crisp chicken thighs), green veggies (peas and asparagus), a starch (baby Yukon gold potatoes), and a whole lot of vibrant flavor (hello, shallot vinaigrette). This easy weeknight chicken dinner is one you’re sure to come back to again and again.

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, and Chicken Penne Image

Credit: The Food Gays

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Chicken Penne Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, chicken pasta—what’s not to love? This cozy 25-minute meal from The Food Gays is sure to become your new go-to this school year.

smoked-chicken-squash-and-rice-soup

Smoked Chicken, Squash, and Rice Soup Recipe

Smoked chicken, which you can pick up from your favorite barbecue restaurant, gives this soup a nice depth of flavor. Lime juice, avocado, and cilantro add a Latin accent.

creamy-chicken-quesadillas

Creamy Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

A creamy base helps the cheese go further and keeps the chicken moist. For a crisp exterior, coat the filled tortillas with cooking spray instead of coating the pan.

Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti image

Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

We adapted our simple and delicious Pressure Cooker Chicken Spaghetti recipe to be a perfect fit for your Instant Pot. It's sure to become a new weeknight favorite.

tahini-chicken-bok-choy-mango-salad

Tahini Chicken with Bok Choy and Mango Salad Recipe

Tahini and honey create a beautifully charred crust on grilled chicken thighs in seconds. Sliced baby bok choy adds plenty of crunch and a faintly nutty flavor to the slaw. You can use fresh navel orange sections in place of the mango.

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Arugula Pesto

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Arugula Pesto Recipe

Wake up your grill from winter hibernation with flavorful skewers (chicken, sweet onion, and zucchini) paired with a zippy arugula pesto on the side. Serve with plenty of crusty bread to mop up the pesto.

Photographer Victor Protasio, Prop Stylist Mindi Shapiro, Food Stylist Anna Hampton

Peach-Ginger Chicken Thighs Recipe

The lightly spicy, fresh peach relish that accompanies these simple grilled chicken thighs adds color and a burst of vibrant flavor to create a wow-worthy summertime dish. In fact, don’t be afraid to make a double batch of this salsa, as we have no doubt you’ll be able to find plenty of delicious ways to enjoy the leftovers—even if it’s just with tortilla chips for a next-day afternoon snack. Simple to prepare and loaded with fresh, seasonal flavor, these Peach-Ginger Chicken Thighs are the perfect entree for your next casual cook-out.

orange-almond-chicken-and-cabbage-bowls

Orange-Almond Chicken-and-Cabbage Bowls Recipe

Make these low-calorie, no-cook bowls ahead for an easy lunch or dinner when time is tight. Change up the fruit, nut, or protein for whatever you have on hand.

Greek Chicken Grain Bowl image

Greek Chicken Grain Bowls Recipe

These mediterranean-inspired grain bowls are perfect for make-ahead meal prepping. Hearty and filled with various flavors and textures, this is the kind of packed lunch or simple dinner you’ll be satisfied with all week long.

Chicken Alfredo Soup image

Chicken Alfredo Soup Recipe

Inspired by the favorite pasta dish, this creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup comes together in no time with the help of a few store-bought shortcuts. Rotisserie chicken, frozen peas, and a jar of Alfredo sauce, which serves as the backbone of this highly comforting pot of soup, keep your hands-on prep to a minimum. This convenience factor, coupled with the fact that it’s is a guaranteed kid-pleasing recipe, makes this soup a perfect go-to for hectic weeknights. While it is undeniably luscious and satisfying, the soup is surprisingly not overly heavy. We used Gia Russa brand sauce, but feel free to use your own favorite. Served with a crusty bread, a green salad, and a glass of white wine, this quick and easy soup makes for an outstanding dinner on chilly nights.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Go ahead and flag this recipe--it's sure to become a family favorite. For convenience, we call for precooked wild rice; if you can't find it, you can substitute 2 cups of your own cooked wild rice or a package of precooked brown rice.

mr-orange-chicken-skewers-with-jalapeno-mint-yogurt-dip-image

Orange Chicken Skewers with Jalapeño-Mint Yogurt Dip Recipe

Packed full of bright citrus flavor, this dish makes for a perfect fuss-free weeknight dinner. Feel free to make the creamy yogurt dip in advance to speed up the prep on this fast and fresh dinner even more. Tangy Greek yogurt and fresh mint are a refreshing balance to the heat of a jalapeño, but to tame the spice a bit more, simply remove the seeds of your jalapeño before dicing and stirring into the yogurt. This recipe serves 2, but is easily doubled to serve more (or if you want to make sure you have leftovers). If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in cold water prior to grilling.

Chicken Milanesa with Jicama Slaw image

Milanesa de Pollo with Jicama Slaw Recipe

“Milanesa” refers to a cut of meat that’s pounded very thin, breaded, and fried—in other words, it’s grade-A comfort food. Here, we went with one of the more popular proteins for this traditional dish to make crispy chicken milanesa, and topped it off with a vibrant, fresh slaw for a pop of freshness and color. This flavor-packed red cabbage and jicama slaw is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket as it’d make a most excellent topper or side dish for any number of occasions—from taco night to your next big backyard cookout.

Quick Chicken Piccata

Quick Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken piccata is typically made with sliced chicken breasts, but we find chicken "thighccata" to be even more flavorful.

Chicken Stroganoff image

Chicken Stroganoff Recipe

If stroganoff could restore its Russian creators 200 years ago, this chicken version will restore you on any winter weeknight.

Parm-Style Chicken Sliders

Parm-Style Chicken Sliders Recipe

These Italian-style sliders put a summery spin on Chicken Parmesan.

Grilled Chicken and Soba Noodles with Miso Vinaigrette

Grilled Chicken and Soba Noodles with Miso Vinaigrette Recipe

The vinaigrette doubles as a sauce for the noodles and a glaze before the chicken hits the grill. The noodle mixture and the chicken can be made a couple of days ahead.

Kickin' Orange Glazed Chicken

Kickin' Orange-Glazed Chicken Recipe

Don't just quicken your chicken, give it a good kickin', too! Amplify zesty flavors with a citrus glaze for a fast 20-minute chicken dinner tonight.

Crispy Chicken Thighs with White Beans

Crispy Chicken Thighs with White Beans Recipe

This method for cooking chicken--often referred to as "chicken under a brick"--creates a crispy skin coupled with a succulent interior.

Lemon-Honey Chicken Thighs

Lemon-Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe

These sticky, saucy chicken thighs are perfectly paired with any grilled zucchini sides (shown here with chopped tomato-basil salsa). You can also use chicken breasts; just cook them a little longer, about 6 minutes per side.

Cucumber, Carrot, and Orange Salad image

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Satay Sauce Recipe

We turn the traditional appetizer of chicken skewers and dipping sauce into a main course by spooning the satay sauce over sliced grilled chicken breasts. This dish pairs well with Cucumber, Carrot, and Orange Salad.

ck- Quick Chicken Piccata with Parslied Orzo

Quick Chicken Picatta with Parslied Orzo Recipe

Sautéed lemon slices intensify the flavors of the pan sauce and make a beautiful garnish. Cook the orzo while you bread the chicken; while the chicken cooks, spread the orzo on a baking sheet to cool and to keep the grains from sticking together.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This easy chicken recipe tosses together the winning combinations of pasta, creamy mascarpone cheese, and chicken--yum!

Cider-Glazed Chicken with Browned Butter-Pecan Rice

Cider-Glazed Chicken with Browned Butter-Pecan Rice Recipe

With chicken cutlets and boil-in-bag rice, this unique take on the chicken-and-rice dinner couldn’t be easier (or faster!) to make.

Braised Chicken with Honey-Lemon Leeks

Braised Chicken with Honey-Lemon Leeks Recipe

Lemon is a bright partner for the caramelized leeks, which cook twice: They are sautéed, then roasted to meld with the honey and lemon.

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle Recipe

This pasta dish comes together quickly if one person grills chicken while another cooks the pasta and sauce. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired. If you serve wine, a chardonnay complements the creamy sauce.

Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Pepper Pasta

Sautéed Chicken with Roasted Pepper Pasta Recipe

If you can't find mozzarella pearls, dice a block of mozzarella.

Roast Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Roast Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples Recipe

Comforting Roast Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples is just the entree for feeding a hungry crowd. One large 5- to 6-pound bird or two smaller ones will satisfy your gang.