Dinnertime! That time of day when your stomach starts grumbling like a hungry bear but the thought of cooking makes you wonder what to make with the available ingredients in your pantry. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But tonight, we will get 15+ easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients (5 ingredients or less)
Forget fancy cooking and long grocery lists, Imagine: juicy chicken coated in mouthwatering flavors, all whipped up with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction with no more long standing in front of the stovetop.
In this list, we will cover from vibrant stir-fries to one-pan wonders, and comforting classics, all with just a handful of ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity. So grab your spatula, put on your dancing shoes (because cooking should be fun!), and let’s begin.
15+ Easy Chicken Recipes For Dinner With Few Ingredients
1. Creamy Pesto Chicken
This comforting dish features chicken simmered in a creamy pesto sauce, served over pasta for a family-friendly favorite. (Substitute spinach for pesto for a more budget-friendly option.)
2. Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice
This dish is packed with flavor, featuring chicken, pineapple, vegetables, and a simple teriyaki sauce, all fried together with rice for a convenient and satisfying meal. (Use leftover cooked rice for even faster preparation.)
3. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
This classic dish is a breeze to make, featuring seasoned chicken breasts roasted alongside tender potatoes and bright lemon slices. (Serve with a side of fresh greens for a complete meal.)
4. Honey Mustard Chicken Stir-Fry
Simple yet flavorful, this stir-fry features chicken tossed in a honey mustard sauce with crisp vegetables like broccoli and carrots. (Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.)
5. Honey Glazed Chicken Skewers
Perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are marinated in a sweet and savory honey glaze, then grilled to perfection. (Serve with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.)
6. Chicken Caprese Salad
This refreshing salad combines grilled chicken with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and a balsamic glaze for a light and flavorful meal. (Add fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.)
7. Baked Chicken Burrito Bowls
These customizable bowls are perfect for busy weeknights. Simply bake seasoned chicken breasts, then serve with your favorite toppings like rice, beans, salsa, and avocado. (Get creative and add other ingredients like corn, black beans, or jalapenos.)
8. Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a great way to use up leftover chicken. Simply combine cooked chicken, black beans, salsa, and cheese in a tortilla, then fry until golden brown and crispy. (Serve with sour cream and guacamole for dipping.)
9. 5-Ingredient Chicken Soup
This comforting and healthy soup is made with just chicken, vegetables, broth, and spices. It’s perfect for a chilly night or when you’re feeling under the weather. (Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for a finishing touch.)
10. Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
These wraps are a fun and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad. Simply fill tortillas with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. (Add other toppings like croutons or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.)
11. Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
This elegant dish is surprisingly simple. Marinate chicken breasts in a balsamic vinegar and brown sugar mixture, then roast alongside colorful vegetables like carrots, onions, and Brussels sprouts.
12. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These wings are finger-licking good! Combine chicken wings with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha, then bake until crispy and sticky. (Adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spice.)
13. Chicken Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Rice
A Mexican fiesta in your own kitchen! Marinate chicken strips in fajita seasoning, then cook with bell peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas, cilantro lime rice, and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
14. Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
This flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Simply toss chicken breasts with lemon juice, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and olive oil, then roast with potatoes until golden brown.
15. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
This healthy stir-fry is packed with protein and vegetables. Simply stir-fry chicken, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, then serve with a creamy peanut sauce. (Use store-bought peanut sauce for convenience.)
16. Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash
This classic Italian dish gets a healthy makeover. Instead of traditional pasta, serve crispy roasted spaghetti squash with breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. (For a vegetarian option, substitute eggplant or portobello mushrooms for the chicken.)
Tips And Tricks
Pre-Cut Vegetables – Tired of chopping carrots like a robot? Pre-cut vegetables a day before to save on time.
Slow Cooker & Instant Pot – These 2 appliances work like a magic on tough cuts of chicken, turning them into melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces. Just toss in your ingredients and voila! Dinner is ready when you are.
Spice Up (Without the Recipe Book) – Don’t be afraid to experiment! Substitute ingredients with what you have in hand or based on your taste. Add a smoky kick with paprika, switch honey for maple syrup, or go with different herbs and spices. Make it your own!
Pantry Power – Always stock up on your pantry essentials like olive oil, spices, canned tomatoes, and broth. This way, you’re always ready to make a delicious meal without a last-minute grocery run.
Leftovers – This is my best part! Don’t throw away those leftover bits! Leftover or rotisserie chicken can be used in salads, wraps, quesadillas, or sandwiches. Leftover veggies can be heroes in soups or stir-fries. Get creative and make your meal the way you like with the leftovers.
Conclusion
Alright, folks, that’s it! We’ve gone through the list of 15+ delicious and easy chicken recipes for dinner with few ingredients. Remember, cooking should be fun, not to take it as a stress. Take these recipes as your inspiration, swap things around, and give every recipe your twist. Follow the tips and tricks to save time and enjoy dinner with your family.