The week before Thanksgiving is a circus of grocery lists, pie plans, and figuring out how many folding chairs you actually own. Dinner? That’s not where you need extra complications. Baked chicken is the obvious choice—it’s easy, dependable, and won’t make you regret your life choices. These recipes are straightforward enough to handle during peak holiday prep and still good enough to keep everyone at the table happy.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Stuff those poblano peppers with chicken, cheese, black beans, and a kick of Mexican spices, and you’ve got a dinner winner that everyone will be talking about. It’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of excitement to your baked chicken routine, blending comfort with a hint of adventure. This dish is a cinch to prepare, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want something both scrumptious and wholesome. Dive into the melted cheese and savor the blend of flavors that make this meal a household favorite. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone happy to be at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy chicken stuffed poblano peppers
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Take your chicken marsala to the next level by stuffing it with mozzarella, sweet and savory tomato butter, and fresh basil. It’s a creative twist on the classic that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This dish is a showstopper, combining all the flavors you love in a way that’s both surprising and deeply comforting. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday night, this stuffed chicken marsala makes the meal memorable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed chicken marsala
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken sorrentino is like a love letter to Italian cuisine, all bundled up in one irresistible dish. With breaded chicken, prosciutto, eggplant, and a generous amount of cheese, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please. Baked in a robust tomato sauce, this classic recipe is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough for company. It’s a delicious way to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen, no passport required. Plus, it’s just the comfort food we all need from time to time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken sorrentino
Maple Miso Chicken
Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero: maple miso chicken. This dish is a marvel with its sweet and savory glaze that clings to every bite, making the chicken irresistibly golden and sticky. The magic combo of miso paste, maple syrup, and a hint of garlic and ginger transforms ordinary chicken into something you’d pay top dollar for at a restaurant. Plus, it’s straightforward to make. This dish is your ticket to a dinner that’s both sophisticated and comforting, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Maple miso chicken
Salsa Chicken
For those nights when you need dinner on the table, like, yesterday, salsa chicken is here to save the day. This dish is simplicity at its best, with juicy chicken breasts baked in salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese. It’s a no-fuss meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it the ultimate go-to for busy families. Not only is it quick to make, but it’s also bursting with flavors that will have everyone asking for it again and again. A fast favorite, indeed.
Get the Recipe: Salsa chicken
Sticky Thai Chicken
Say goodbye to takeout with these sticky Thai chicken thighs that bring the flavors of Thailand right to your table. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver that’s packed with flavor and a breeze to whip up. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy, it’s an exciting change from the usual chicken dinner fare. Serve it up with some rice or veggies, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner all day.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai chicken
Pecan Crusted Chicken
When you’re in the mood for something crunchy and packed with flavor, this pecan crusted chicken with a killer honey dijon yogurt sauce is the way to go. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels a bit fancy without any of the hassle. The crunch of the pecans paired with the tangy sweetness of the sauce makes each bite a little celebration. It’s a dish that’ll have everyone at the table reaching for more, proving that chicken dinner can be anything but boring. Get ready for this to become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Pecan crusted chicken
Marinated Chicken Wings
Who needs buffalo sauce when you can have these marinated chicken wings that pack a punch with their sweet, salty, and savory combo? Perfect for anyone looking to shake up their chicken dinner game, these wings are a total crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re just the thing for a laid-back night in or a gathering with friends. Expect zero leftovers and a whole lot of “How did you make these?” Plus, they’re ready in a snap, leaving you more time to enjoy the party.
Get the Recipe: Marinated chicken wings
Cheddar Chicken Bake
Dive into this cheddar chicken quinoa bake for an easy-peasy dinner that’s both hearty and healthy. With the option to toss in leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s a budget-friendly pick for the busiest of nights. The blend of cheesy goodness and quinoa not only fills you up but also brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s the kind of meal that keeps on giving, with leftovers (if there are any) tasting just as good the next day. A surefire way to make dinner time stress-free and utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar chicken bake
Harissa Chicken
Harissa chicken brings a world of flavor to your dinner table with just a handful of ingredients. This easy-to-make dish is infused with the spicy, aromatic essence of Tunisian harissa paste, turning ordinary chicken into a feast for the senses. It’s a straightforward way to spice up your weeknight meals, offering a delicious escape from the mundane. Whether you’re a long-time fan of North African flavors or just looking to try something new, this chicken dish is sure to impress. And the best part? It’s as easy as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Harissa chicken
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Embrace the essence of Italian dining with tomato mozzarella baked chicken, a dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are nestled with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, then baked to perfection. It’s a meal that feels like a summer evening in Italy, no matter the season. Perfect for when you want to bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table without any of the hassle. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most memorable meals.
Get the Recipe: Tomato mozzarella baked chicken
Cauliflower Chicken Casserole
This cauliflower chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken and cauliflower in a creamy sauce, all topped off with melted cheese. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. The flavors meld together in a way that’s both comforting and surprisingly light, making it a hit for any dinner occasion. It’s the kind of casserole that warms you up from the inside out, making it a perfect pick for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal in the most delicious way possible.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower chicken casserole
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Cilantro lime chicken and rice is the one-pot wonder you’ve been waiting for. With juicy chicken, tender rice, and a spicy cream sauce, it’s a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something a bit more exciting than the usual fare. This meal is a vibrant mix of flavors that come together in harmony, proving that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to make something utterly scrumptious. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro lime chicken & rice
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
