Garlic butter chicken breast served with roasted baby potatoes and green beans, showcasing an easy chicken recipe for dinner with few ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights."

Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner with Few Ingredients

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INTRODUCTION TO Easy Chicken Recipes

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When you’re short on time and ingredients, but still want to prepare a delicious meal, easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients come to the rescue. Not only are these recipes quick, but they also minimize your shopping list while keeping your dinner delicious and healthy. In this post, you will discover several tasty chicken dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner

1. Garlic Butter Chicken Breast

Garlic butter chicken breast is a simple, yet flavorful dish that requires just a few ingredients. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking for a fast and satisfying meal. Here’s how to prepare it:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Garlic, minced
  • Butter
  • Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Finally, garnish with parsley, and serve with your favorite side.

This garlic butter chicken is a perfect example of easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients. The key to its success is the simplicity of the ingredients, combined with rich flavor from butter and garlic.

2. Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

Lemon herb baked chicken thighs are another easy chicken recipe that requires minimal preparation. The combination of lemon, herbs, and chicken thighs creates a juicy and flavorful dinner.

  • Chicken thighs
  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over them.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights, as the ingredients are simple and readily available. The lemon herb marinade gives a refreshing, yet bold flavor to the chicken thighs, making them incredibly tasty.

3. Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

For a slightly sweeter chicken dish, try honey soy glazed chicken drumsticks. The balance of honey and soy sauce provides a deliciously sticky glaze that’s hard to resist.

  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Garlic, minced
  • Sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil (if using). Stir until well combined.
  3. Place chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet and brush with the honey soy mixture.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze.

The combination of sweet and salty flavors in this recipe creates a tasty meal. As a result, it’s perfect for a busy evening when you want something easy but flavorful.

5-Ingredient Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

1. Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken is a rich and indulgent dish that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. With just five simple items, it’s easy to whip up, especially on a busy weeknight.

  • Chicken breasts
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic, minced
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, and coat the chicken in the creamy sauce before serving.

The richness of the cream and Parmesan pairs perfectly with the savory garlic, making this an unforgettable easy chicken recipe for dinner with few ingredients. It’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor.

2. BBQ Chicken Bake

BBQ chicken bake is a comforting, filling dish that is ready in no time. The ingredients are simple, and the end result is a cheesy, saucy delight.

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • BBQ sauce
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned.
  3. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

This easy chicken recipe provides a smoky, savory flavor with a cheesy topping. Moreover, it’s an excellent choice for dinner with minimal effort and ingredients.

3. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a healthy and vibrant dish. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also offers a balanced meal with proteins and vegetables.

  • Chicken breast, sliced thin
  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
  • Soy sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned.
  3. Toss in the mixed vegetables and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add soy sauce, stir to combine, and serve immediately.

This is one of those easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients that you can customize based on what veggies you have at home. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that offers plenty of nutrients.

Simple Chicken Meals with Few Ingredients

1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

When you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner, one-pan meals are the best. This lemon garlic chicken and potatoes recipe combines the zest of lemon with the heartiness of potatoes for a satisfying dish.

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • Baby potatoes
  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Arrange the chicken on the sheet, then drizzle with lemon juice, zest, garlic, and a bit more olive oil.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the potatoes are tender.

This is a great meal that requires minimal prep work and clean-up. The lemon and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with flavor, and the potatoes roast to perfection, making it an ideal meal for any weeknight.

2. Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Spinach

This simple, one-pan meal is a perfect example of easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients. It’s packed with mushrooms, spinach, and delicious chicken, all cooked in one skillet.

  • Chicken breasts
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Spinach
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
  2. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until softened.
  3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve the chicken on a plate with the mushrooms and spinach.

This dish is light yet hearty, and it’s an excellent example of a healthy, easy dinner with minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for a nutritious and quick meal.

3. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

If you love Mexican flavors, this sheet pan chicken fajitas recipe is the answer. All you need is a few basic ingredients, and you can create a mouth-watering dish with minimal effort.

  • Chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Onion, sliced
  • Fajita seasoning
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
  2. Spread the mixture on a sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

This dish is the perfect example of easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients, offering bold flavors and a complete meal in one pan.

Delicious Chicken Dishes You Can Make in Minutes

1. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

If you’re looking for a hands-off chicken recipe, slow cooker salsa chicken is a great option. It only requires a few ingredients, and it’s a great way to make a flavorful chicken dish.

  • Chicken breasts
  • Salsa
  • Taco seasoning
  • Corn, optional

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour salsa over the chicken and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve over rice, in tacos, or with a salad.

This easy chicken recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the salsa and taco seasoning. It’s a budget-friendly option for a satisfying dinner.

2. Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan crusted chicken is another simple, flavorful dish that doesn’t require many ingredients. The crunchy parmesan coating makes it a hit every time.

  • Chicken breasts
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Dip chicken breasts in the egg, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
  3. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.

This recipe is easy, affordable, and tasty—perfect for when you’re craving a crispy, cheesy chicken dinner without much fuss.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a one-dish meal that’s both filling and budget-friendly. The ingredients are minimal, and the dish is incredibly easy to make.

  • Chicken thighs
  • Rice
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer uncooked rice, chicken thighs, and cream of chicken soup in a baking dish.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle with cheese before baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

This easy chicken recipe for dinner with few ingredients is perfect for busy families who need a quick meal on a budget.

This comprehensive guide has covered various easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients, from quick stovetop dishes to hearty casseroles. Each recipe is designed to be simple and efficient while delivering maximum flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up satisfying meals that will save you time and energy. Happy cooking!

Healthy and Easy Chicken Recipes for Busy Nights

1. What is the easiest type of chicken to cook?

The easiest type of chicken to cook is chicken breasts. They are quick to cook and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. You can prepare them by baking, grilling, or pan-searing in just a few simple steps. Since chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, they are ideal for busy weeknights or anyone looking for a fast meal. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken or seasoning it with herbs and spices.

One of the most popular chicken dishes in the world is fried chicken. Whether it’s Southern fried chicken in the United States, crispy fried chicken in Korea, or various global versions, fried chicken remains a favorite across cultures. It’s loved for its crispy exterior, tender meat, and versatility. Additionally, other popular chicken dishes like chicken curry, grilled chicken, and chicken pasta are enjoyed worldwide due to their flavor profiles and ease of preparation.

3. What to cook when you are tired of chicken?

When you’re tired of chicken but still want to stick to a protein-packed meal, you can try alternatives such as beef, pork, fish, or tofu. For example, you can make a quick beef stir-fry or bake pork chops for a change. If you prefer lighter meals, a vegetable stir-fry with tofu or a hearty lentil soup could be a great option. Additionally, experimenting with different grains and legumes like quinoa or chickpeas can help you create satisfying and flavorful dishes that break the monotony.

4. How do you make plain chicken taste good?

Making plain chicken taste delicious is all about seasoning and cooking techniques. You can use a variety of spices, herbs, and marinades to enhance its flavor. Here are some ideas:

  • Marinate the chicken in ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
  • Use dry rubs with spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a smoky, spicy kick.
  • Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to give the chicken an aromatic boost.
  • Cook with sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or teriyaki to add sweetness or tanginess.

For more delicious recipes, check out our full collection here!

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