20 Simple & Easy Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals Anytime

Need quick, tasty chicken dinners for any night? These 20 simple recipes, ready in under 45 minutes, use everyday ingredients like rice, veggies, and basic spices to create flavorful, family-friendly meals that fit your busy schedule.

Hey, chicken lovers! I’m MD Ashraf Ahmed, your guide to effortless, delicious meals. Chicken is the ultimate go-to—versatile, affordable, and a crowd-pleaser for all ages. These beginner-friendly recipes are budget-conscious (most under $10 for 4 servings), packed with protein and flavor, and inspired by sources like EatingWell and Budget Bytes. From one-pan dishes to zesty salads, they’re perfect for weeknights or anytime hunger strikes. Let’s dive in!

Why These Chicken Recipes Shine

Chicken is a lean protein that’s quick to cook and kid-approved, per Harvard Health. These recipes are under 400 calories per serving, use minimal cleanup methods (one-pot or no-cook), and offer variations for dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free. They’re healthier than takeout and customizable to your pantry.

Pantry Staples for Easy Chicken Meals

Stock these affordable, versatile ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts/Thighs – lean, quick-cooking protein.
• Rice – filling, budget-friendly base.
• Pasta – fast, kid-friendly carb.
• Frozen Veggies – no-prep nutrition.
• Basic Spices (garlic powder, cumin, paprika) – flavor essentials.

Here’s a shopping table:

Ingredient	Why It’s Great	Approx. Cost (4 servings)
Chicken Breasts (1 lb)	Lean, versatile	$3–5
Chicken Thighs (1 lb)	Juicy, affordable	$3–4
Basmati Rice (1 cup)	Quick-cooking base	$1.50
Pasta (8 oz)	Fast, filling	$1
Frozen Veggies (1 lb)	No chopping needed	$1.50–2

1. Honey Soy Chicken Skillet

A sweet-savory one-pan dish.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed – $4.00
• ¼ cup honey – $0.50
• 3 tbsp soy sauce – $0.30
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – $0.20
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$5.10

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden.
2. Add garlic, honey, and soy sauce; simmer 5 minutes until sticky.
3. Serve with rice. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 12 minutes. Total: 17 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~300 calories, 25g protein, 8g fat, 25g carbs. Tip: Use thighs for richer flavor. Variation: Add broccoli.

2. Chicken Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy, and kid-approved.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded – $4.00
• 8 tortillas – $2.00
• 1 cup shredded cheddar – $2.00
• ½ cup salsa – $0.50
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$8.60

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Layer tortilla with chicken, cheese, and salsa; top with another tortilla.
2. Cook 3 minutes per side until golden. Slice into wedges.
3. Repeat for 4 servings. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total: 20 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~400 calories, 30g protein, 15g fat, 35g carbs. Tip: Use rotisserie chicken. Variation: Add black beans.

3. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Zesty, one-pan comfort.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken thighs – $3.50
• 1 lemon, juiced/zested – $0.50
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – $0.30
• 1 lb green beans – $2.00
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$6.40

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook thighs 5 minutes per side.
2. Add garlic, lemon juice/zest, and beans; cook 7 minutes.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 17 minutes. Total: 22 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~300 calories, 25g protein, 15g fat, 10g carbs. Tip: Use fresh lemon for brightness. Variation: Swap beans for asparagus.

4. Chicken Tikka Bowls

Mild, creamy curry with rice.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed – $4.00
• ½ cup yogurt – $0.50
• 1 tbsp tikka masala paste – $0.50
• 1 cup canned tomatoes – $1.00
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$6.10

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and paste for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil, cook chicken 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, simmer 10 minutes.
3. Serve with rice. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~350 calories, 30g protein, 10g fat, 15g carbs. Tip: Use Greek yogurt for creaminess. Variation: Add spinach.

5. Chicken Quesadillas

Healthier than fried, loved by all.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken tenders – $4.00
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – $0.50
• 1 egg – $0.25
• 1 tsp paprika – $0.10
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$4.95

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Dip tenders in egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
2. Place on oiled baking sheet, bake 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Serve with dip. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~250 calories, 25g protein, 5g fat, 20g carbs. Tip: Use panko for extra crunch. Variation: Add Parmesan to crumbs.

6. Chicken Fried Rice

Takeout vibes, made healthier.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced – $4.00
• 2 cups cooked rice – $1.00
• 1 cup frozen peas/carrots – $1.00
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – $0.20
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$6.30

Instructions

1. Heat oil, cook chicken 5 minutes. Remove.
2. Add rice, veggies, and soy sauce; stir-fry 5 minutes. Return chicken, heat through.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 12 minutes. Total: 17 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~350 calories, 25g protein, 10g fat, 40g carbs. Tip: Use day-old rice for texture. Variation: Add scrambled egg.

7. Creamy Chicken Pasta

One-pot comfort with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced – $4.00
• 8 oz pasta – $1.00
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup – $1.00
• ½ cup shredded cheese – $1.00
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$7.10

Instructions

1. Heat oil, cook chicken 5 minutes. Add pasta, soup, and 2 cups water; simmer 10 minutes.
2. Stir in cheese until melted.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total: 20 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~400 calories, 30g protein, 15g fat, 40g carbs. Tip: Use rotini for sauce cling. Variation: Add broccoli.

8. BBQ Chicken Bowls

Sweet, smoky, and satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb shredded chicken – $4.00
• ½ cup BBQ sauce – $0.50
• 1 cup cooked rice – $0.50
• 1 cup corn kernels – $0.50
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$5.60

Instructions

1. Heat oil, mix chicken with BBQ sauce, cook 5 minutes.
2. Layer rice, chicken, and corn in bowls.
3. Serve warm. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 5 minutes. Total: 10 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~350 calories, 25g protein, 10g fat, 40g carbs. Tip: Use rotisserie chicken. Variation: Add coleslaw.

9. Chicken Fajita Sheet Pan

Hands-off, vibrant Tex-Mex.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken strips – $4.00
• 2 bell peppers, sliced – $2.00
• 1 onion, sliced – $0.50
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning – $0.20
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$6.80

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chicken, peppers, onion, seasoning, and oil on a sheet.
2. Bake 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
3. Serve in tortillas. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~250 calories, 25g protein, 10g fat, 15g carbs. Tip: Warm tortillas before serving. Variation: Add zucchini.

10. Garlic Butter Chicken

Rich, one-pan classic with veggies.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken thighs – $3.50
• 2 tbsp butter – $0.30
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – $0.40
• 1 lb asparagus – $2.00
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – $0.20 Total cost: ~$6.40

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet. Cook thighs 5 minutes per side.
2. Add garlic, asparagus, and lemon juice; cook 7 minutes.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 17 minutes. Total: 22 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~350 calories, 25g protein, 20g fat, 10g carbs. Tip: Use thighs for juiciness. Variation: Swap asparagus for green beans.

11. Chicken Caesar Salad

Light, no-cook meal with crunch.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb cooked chicken, sliced – $4.00
• 4 cups romaine lettuce – $1.50
• ½ cup Caesar dressing – $1.00
• ½ cup croutons – $0.50
• ¼ cup Parmesan – $0.50 Total cost: ~$7.50

Instructions

• Toss chicken, lettuce, dressing, croutons, and Parmesan in a bowl.
• Divide into 4 servings.
• Serve cold. Prep time: 10 minutes. Total: 10 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~300 calories, 25g protein, 15g fat, 10g carbs. Tip: Use rotisserie chicken. Variation: Add cherry tomatoes.

12. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Sweet and savory with colorful veggies.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced – $4.00
• 1 cup frozen stir-fry veggies – $1.00
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce – $0.50
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10
• 1 tsp ginger, grated – $0.20 Total cost: ~$5.80

Instructions

1. Heat oil, cook chicken with ginger 5 minutes. Remove.
2. Add veggies and teriyaki sauce, cook 5 minutes. Return chicken, stir 2 minutes.
3. Serve with rice. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 12 minutes. Total: 17 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~250 calories, 25g protein, 8g fat, 15g carbs. Tip: Slice chicken thin for speed. Variation: Add pineapple.

13. Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic, comforting one-pot meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed – $4.00
• 4 oz egg noodles – $0.50
• 1 cup carrots, sliced – $0.50
• 4 cups chicken broth – $2.00
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$7.10

Instructions

1. Heat oil, cook chicken and carrots 5 minutes.
2. Add broth and noodles, simmer 10 minutes until tender.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total: 20 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~300 calories, 25g protein, 8g fat, 30g carbs. Tip: Use low-sodium broth. Variation: Add celery.

14. Chicken Parmesan Bake

Crispy, cheesy, and oven-easy.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken cutlets – $4.00
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – $0.50
• 1 cup marinara – $1.00
• 1 cup mozzarella – $2.00
• 1 egg – $0.25 Total cost: ~$7.75

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Dip cutlets in egg, then breadcrumbs.
2. Bake 10 minutes, flip, top with marinara and cheese, bake 10 minutes.
3. Serve with pasta. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~400 calories, 35g protein, 15g fat, 25g carbs. Tip: Use panko for crunch. Variation: Add spinach.

15. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Spicy, portable, and kid-friendly.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded – $4.00
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce – $0.50
• 4 tortillas – $1.50
• 1 cup lettuce – $0.50
• ¼ cup ranch dressing – $0.50 Total cost: ~$7.00

Instructions

1. Mix chicken with buffalo sauce.
2. Spread on tortillas, add lettuce and ranch, roll up.
3. Serve immediately. Prep time: 10 minutes. Total: 10 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~350 calories, 25g protein, 15g fat, 30g carbs. Tip: Adjust sauce for milder flavor. Variation: Add blue cheese.

16. Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Fun, grillable meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed – $4.00
• 1 bell pepper, cubed – $1.00
• 1 zucchini, sliced – $0.50
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – $0.10 Total cost: ~$5.70

Instructions

1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F. Thread chicken, pepper, and zucchini onto skewers.
2. Brush with oil and seasoning, grill/bake 15 minutes, turning once.
3. Serve with rice. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total: 25 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~250 calories, 25g protein, 8g fat, 10g carbs. Tip: Soak wooden skewers. Variation: Add cherry tomatoes.

17. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, one-pot indulgence.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced – $4.00
• 8 oz fettuccine – $1.00
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce – $1.50
• ½ cup Parmesan – $1.00
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$7.60

Instructions

1. Heat oil, cook chicken 5 minutes. Add pasta and 2 cups water, cook 10 minutes.
2. Stir in Alfredo sauce and Parmesan, heat through.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total: 20 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~400 calories, 30g protein, 15g fat, 40g carbs. Tip: Use store-bought sauce. Variation: Add broccoli.

18. Hawaiian Chicken Bowls

Sweet, tropical flavors.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed – $4.00
• 1 cup pineapple chunks – $1.00
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – $0.20
• 2 tbsp honey – $0.40
• 1 tbsp oil – $0.10 Total cost: ~$5.70

Instructions

1. Heat oil, cook chicken 5 minutes. Add pineapple, soy sauce, and honey.
2. Simmer 5 minutes until sticky.
3. Serve with rice. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Total: 15 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~300 calories, 25g protein, 10g fat, 25g carbs. Tip: Use canned pineapple. Variation: Add bell peppers.

19. Chicken Taco Salad

Zesty, no-cook meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded – $4.00
• 4 cups lettuce – $1.50
• 1 cup corn – $0.50
• ½ cup salsa – $0.50
• ½ cup shredded cheese – $1.00 Total cost: ~$7.50

Instructions

1. Toss chicken, lettuce, corn, salsa, and cheese in a bowl.
2. Divide into 4 servings.
3. Serve cold. Prep time: 10 minutes. Total: 10 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~300 calories, 25g protein, 10g fat, 15g carbs. Tip: Use rotisserie chicken. Variation: Add avocado.

20. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy, comforting bake.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded – $4.00
• 1 cup broccoli, chopped – $1.00
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup – $1.00
• 1 cup shredded cheese – $2.00
• 1 cup cooked rice – $0.50 Total cost: ~$8.50

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix chicken, broccoli, soup, cheese, and rice.
2. Bake 20 minutes until bubbly.
3. Serve hot. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total: 30 minutes. Nutrition per serving: ~400 calories, 30g protein, 15g fat, 35g carbs. Tip: Use frozen broccoli. Variation: Add mushrooms.

Safety Tips for Chicken Meals

Per USDA guidelines, cook chicken to 165°F internal temperature. Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; consume within 3–4 days or freeze for 1–2 months.

Time-Saving Hacks

Hack	How It Helps	Time Saved
Rotisserie Chicken	Skip cooking protein	10 minutes
Frozen Veggies	No chopping	5 minutes
One-Pot Recipes	Less cleanup	5 minutes
Pre-Made Sauces	Quick flavor	5 minutes

For more inspiration, visit EatingWell or Budget Bytes.

FAQ

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or beans in most recipes.

Are they kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Mild flavors like quesadillas and tenders are hits with kids.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta, tortillas, or rice; check sauces for gluten.

What if I don’t have all ingredients?

Swap veggies (e.g., zucchini for broccoli) or use similar spices (e.g., cumin for paprika).

Are these budget-friendly?

Yes! Shop sales and use bulk staples like rice.

How do I adjust spice levels?

Reduce or omit spicy sauces for milder flavors.

Conclusion

These 20 simple chicken recipes make any meal a breeze—delicious, healthy, and ready in no time. From honey soy skillets to cheesy casseroles, there’s something for every palate. Try one tonight and make dinnertime a joy! Happy cooking!