by What are some good recipes to make with chicken?
7 May, 20231. Classic Roast Chicken
Whenever I think of chicken recipes, the first thing that comes to mind is a classic roast chicken. This dish is a staple in many households and never fails to impress. To make this delicious meal, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, and stuff it with a halved lemon, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, and a couple of crushed garlic cloves.
Next, rub the outside of the chicken with melted butter or olive oil, and generously season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on a roasting rack and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. This dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
2. Chicken Parmesan
Another favorite of mine is Chicken Parmesan – a dish that combines tender chicken with savory tomato sauce and gooey, melted cheese. To make this crowd-pleaser, start by pounding boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness. Coat the chicken in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally press into seasoned breadcrumbs.
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet, and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
3. Chicken and Rice Casserole
For a comforting and filling meal, I love making a chicken and rice casserole. This dish is perfect for using up leftover chicken and is incredibly easy to put together. Start by cooking 1 ½ cups of rice according to package instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 ½ cups of chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and top with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
4. Chicken Fajitas
When I'm in the mood for something with a little spice, chicken fajitas are my go-to dish. This flavorful meal is perfect for weeknights and can be customized to suit your taste. Start by marinating thinly sliced chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, and cook thinly sliced bell peppers and onions until they're tender and slightly charred. Add the chicken back to the skillet, and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the fajita mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
5. Chicken Alfredo
For a creamy and indulgent meal, I love making chicken Alfredo. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you need a little comfort food. Start by cooking fettuccine or your favorite pasta according to package instructions. In a large skillet, cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt some butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the Alfredo sauce. Serve over the cooked pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this dish with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad.
6. Chicken Pot Pie
When the weather starts to turn chilly, I find myself craving a warm and comforting chicken pot pie. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables, and it's always a hit with family and friends. Start by making a simple pie crust or use a store-bought one to save time. Roll out the dough and place it in a pie dish, and then pre-bake according to package instructions.
In a large skillet, melt some butter and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until tender. Add flour and cook for a few minutes to make a roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until it thickens. Stir in cooked, shredded chicken and frozen peas, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust, and top with a second layer of pie crust. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
7. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a party favorite that is always a hit with guests. This creamy and spicy dip is perfect for game days, potlucks, or any time you need a delicious appetizer. To make this irresistible dip, start by mixing together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of ranch dressing, ½ cup of buffalo sauce, and 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and top with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve the dip with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for a delicious and satisfying snack.
8. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
For a quick and healthy dinner option, I love making a chicken and broccoli stir-fry. This dish comes together in no time and is loaded with protein and vitamins. Start by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat, and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, and cook chopped broccoli and minced garlic until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, and stir in a simple sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little sugar. Cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
9. Chicken Noodle Soup
When I'm feeling under the weather or just in need of some comfort, there's nothing better than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. This classic dish is soothing and delicious, and it's easy to make at home. Start by sautéing chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
Add chicken broth to the pot, along with some cooked, shredded chicken and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Finally, stir in some cooked egg noodles or your favorite pasta, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dunking.
10. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Last but not least, one of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken is on a BBQ chicken pizza. This dish is a fun spin on traditional pizza and is always a hit with friends and family. To make this tasty pizza, start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) and rolling out your favorite pizza dough. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Top the pizza with cooked, shredded chicken tossed in more BBQ sauce, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. To finish, sprinkle the pizza with chopped fresh cilantro and drizzle with a little more BBQ sauce. Slice and serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.