Better Homes And Gardens 100 Best Chicken Recipes

Chicken Fajitas in a Flash

Credit: Blaine Moats

Introducing: The top-rated and favorite chicken recipes ever developed in the Better Homes & Gardens® Test Kitchen. For a dinner that will have everyone begging for seconds, try one of our tastes-like-Sunday chicken breast recipes that are quick enough to make any night of the week. You and your family will be delighted with these nice simple chicken recipes.

Chicken Parmigiana

Credit: Andy Lyons

You'll feel like you're dining at an Italian trattoria or Nonna's (Italian grandma) kitchen with this classic Italian entrée. Featuring a Parmesan- and oregano-infused breading and a garlicky homemade tomato sauce, this is one of our favorite chicken breast recipes when we're craving comfort. Pile it all over noodles for a meal that will earn five stars.

Chicken Fajitas in a Flash

Credit: Blaine Moats

This best fast chicken recipe is so good, it sizzles! Turn on your broiler and fill a sheet pan with peppers and onions for a zesty batch of fajitas. We suggest serving this with a stack of warm tortillas and bowls of guacamole, salsa, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

Buy It: RSVP Tortilla Warmer ($26, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts

Credit: Blaine Moats

Thirty minutes, seven ingredients, and one skillet are all you'll need to prep this citrus-spiked fan-favorite chicken breast recipe. Lemon juice, lemon pepper, and slices of fresh lemon perk up the pan sauce drizzled on top.

Buy It: All-Clad Nonstick Fry Pans, Set of 2 ($60, Crate & Barrel)

Pickle-Brined Chicken

Credit: Andy Lyons

Don't dump that leftover pickle brine. Put it to great use as the marinade for this favorite chicken recipe. The white wine, chicken broth, and fresh dill in the homemade pan sauce complement pickles slight tang, and the salt of the brine results in super-tender chicken.

Southwestern Chicken and Macaroni Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

Two kids menu greatest hits—chicken fingers and cheesy mac—join in one of our best fast chicken recipes. The Southwestern twist on the classic mac features fiesta-worthy add-ins, including poblano peppers, salsa, and avocado. Pick up a bag of frozen chicken strips at the supermarket, and you need only six ingredients to get this chicken dinner on the table.

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Credit: Karla Conrad

Barbecue is usually a low-and-slow, all-day process. But thanks to rotisserie or leftover chicken, you can prep this oh-so-easy meal in about 30 minutes. Just top the shredded chicken in a savory-sweet homemade barbecue sauce and dig into this nice chicken dinner.

Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Looking for a guaranteed people-pleaser? This healthy pasta salad packed with protein and veggies is sure to satisfy. Penne pasta mixes with feta cheese, grilled chicken, and baby spinach for a BH&G team favorite chicken breast recipe.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Credit: Blaine Moats

When you think of Grandma's chicken soup, you probably remember it being an all-day effort. But this best fast chicken recipe can be simmered and ready to savor in 35 minutes. A mix of veggies, broth, dried herbs, leftover or rotisserie chicken, and dried egg noodles make this meal magic a reality.

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Credit: Andy Lyons

Give basic chicken breasts a facelift. A tangy filling of feta and sun-dried tomatoes adds unexpected Mediterranean flair to this chicken dinner, which is gluten-free and low-cal. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a complete meal done in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite sitcom.

Pesto Penne with Deli-Roasted Chicken

Credit: Blaine Moats

Only 20 minutes stand between you and this rave-worthy pasta platter. We love substituting pesto for marinara sauce every so often for a burst of freshness, but that's not the only reason to fall for this chicken pasta recipe. This 20-minute dish includes a tasty supporting cast of deli-roasted chicken, broccoli, and roasted red peppers.

Chicken, Tomato, and Cucumber Dinner Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

If you have 20 minutes, a skillet, and a jar (to shake the dressing), you have everything you need to bring this colorful, well-balanced meal to the table. Mediterranean ingredients, including feta cheese, olives, and robust tomatoes, make this chicken salad recipe summertime-ready. That being said, we can pretty much guarantee that once you try it, you'll crave it year-round.

Oven-Fried Chicken

Credit: Blaine Moats

Get the taste and texture of your favorite fried chicken with fewer calories and less mess. Because this favorite chicken recipe is baked in the oven, you get all the comfort and crunch of fried chicken while keeping the inflammation-boosting qualities to a minimum. Your ticker and your taste buds will thank you, especially if you pair this chicken with a veggie-boosted side like creamy mashed riced cauliflower.

Buffalo Chicken Soup

Credit: Andy Lyons

Three types of cheese tame the heat of the hot sauce in a chicken soup sure to satisfy on game days. In 45 minutes, you'll be filling bowls with this best fast chicken recipe loaded with the crowd-pleasing flavors of spicy Buffalo chicken wings.

Chicken with Summer Squash

Credit: Andy Lyons

Rotisserie chicken is a crazy-affordable shortcut to homemade. Add one to your next grocery list then whip up this nice, simple chicken recipe in 25 minutes. Quarter the chicken and serve it on a bed of sautéed squash, cherry tomatoes, and arugula (or spinach) leaves, add a fork, and devour.

Lemon-Braised Chicken Tenders and Cauliflower

Credit: Andy Lyons

Chicken tenders aren't only for the under-12 set. To make this restaurant-quality chicken dinner, give tenderloin pieces zest by braising them in a Dutch oven in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Serve with wilted spinach, cauliflower, and our tapenade-style olive topper to round out the crowd-pleasing and healthy chicken dinner.

Buy It: Artisanal Kitchen Supply 6-Quart Dutch Oven ($40, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Brown Ale-Braised Chicken

Credit: Andy Lyons

Traditional stew tastes remarkably complex thanks to a secret ingredient in this hearty chicken entrée: nutty brown ale. Feeling adventurous? Try experimenting with different beers to find your favorite flavor combination.

Chicken Dijonnaise

Credit: Blaine Moats

A creamy Dijonnaise sauce gives this pan-fried chicken French-inspired flair. But the Sunday chicken breast recipe comes in under 300 calories per serving. It's also easy to make and goes from stove to table in 30 minutes. But don't take our word for it. BH&G home cook Cindy says it is "delicious and easy. This is a total keeper and now in my permanent rotation!"

Almond-Crusted Chicken

Credit: Andy Lyons

BH&G fans are nuts about this breaded chicken dish. Chopped almonds and panko result in a light, crunchy crust. Tenderizing the chicken before cooking makes it super tender, and piling that all atop a bed of sauteéd spinach makes it a complete meal.

Papaya and Coconut Chicken Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

This dish is so reminiscent of what you might eat while on a tropical getaway that eating it might have you feeling like your feet are in the warm sand. Fresh papaya lends tropical flavor to the colorful main dish salad. On top, crunchy coconut-crusted chicken and honey-cayenne vinaigrette add another level of texture and flavor to the island-inspired favorite chicken breast recipe.

Barbecue Chicken and Cheddar Quesadillas

BBQ Chicken and Cheddar Quesadilla

Credit: Scott Little

Part backyard barbecue part Mexican cantina, this is one of our favorite chicken recipes when we're craving a mash-up meal. Bottled barbecue sauce and canned Chile peppers spice up slow-cooked shredded chicken filling for quesadillas. Everyone builds their own.

Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken

Credit: Blaine Moats

No favorite chicken recipe list would be complete without a classic fried chicken, and this version will have you skipping the drive-thru. Try our DIY version with buttermilk mashed potatoes and green beans for Sunday supper. For a picnic, pair this nice chicken entrée with potato salad and baked beans.

Chicken Thighs with Artichokes

Sautéd Chicken Thighs with Artichokes

Credit: Andy Lyons

For a company-worthy meal ready in minutes, combine chicken thighs with prosciutto, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, garlic, and fresh tarragon. A simple three-ingredient broth completes the simple chicken recipe. Bonus: Because it comes together in one skillet, clean up is a snap.

Chipotle Quinoa with Kale, Beans, and Chicken

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Ideal as a meal prep lunch or a light dinner, these vitamin-rich vibrant grain bowls will please your taste buds and your body. If you think quinoa is a little plain as is, you'll be wild about how it tastes perked up with fresh cilantro and chipotle pepper in smoky adobo sauce. Complete this favorite chicken breast recipe with a side of antioxidant-packed kale with red beans.

Deep-Dish Chicken Pot Pie

Credit: Marty Baldwin

Forget fussing with mini pie pans and individual crusts. Score all the flavor and warmth of classic chicken pot pie in an all-in-one casserole. To up the looks-as-good-as-it-tastes ante of the Sunday chicken breast recipe, create a decorative pastry top with cookie cutters or other kitchen tools.

Buy It: Threshold 2-Piece Bakeware Set ($20, Target)

Chicken-Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Credit: Andy Lyons

Hey, we'll never say no to the boxed version, but some days call for an upgrade on basic mac and cheese. Deli-roasted chicken, fresh broccoli, and your choice of herbed cheese dress up this luscious done-in-21 meal.

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