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    Home / Roundups

    19 Chicken Recipes That Won’t Take More Than 30 Minutes

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 12, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    When you’re short on time but still want a tasty, satisfying meal, quick chicken recipes are the way to go. These dishes come together in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. You’ll be able to enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    A close-up of a breaded, baked chicken breast cutlet garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate.
    Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This dish brings a crispy, golden texture and a sweet, buttery finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a tasty dinner ready in no time. The honey butter adds the perfect touch to make this fried chicken extra special. It’s a great option when you need something flavorful in under 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley.
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled to perfection, these chicken thighs get a boost of flavor from a smoky BBQ glaze. You can have this meal on the table in no time, making it perfect for a busy evening. The grill adds a delicious char that complements the tender chicken. This recipe requires simple ingredients and a quick cooking process. It’s ideal for when you need a hearty meal without spending much time.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Chicken Chop Suey

    Stir-fried chicken chop suey in a skillet.
    Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Packed with vegetables and tender chicken, this classic stir-fry is fast and full of flavor. You can whip it up quickly, making it a perfect option when you’re short on time. The savory sauce ties everything together in just a few minutes. It’s a great one-pan dish that’s both easy to prepare and cleanup afterward. For a flavorful dinner that won’t take long, this is a go-to.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Panko Chicken Breast

    Panko chicken on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this panko-crusted chicken breast cooks up quickly. You can serve it with almost anything for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. The panko coating adds crunch without the need for deep frying, keeping it simple yet flavorful. It’s an easy dinner idea that won’t take up your whole evening. When you need a quick and satisfying meal, this is a great choice.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    In just a few minutes, you can have crispy, juicy chicken tenders that rival deep-fried versions. Using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time and mess, making it easy to serve up this favorite in no time. The result is crispy chicken without all the extra oil. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is simple and quick. Perfect for busy nights when you need a meal that comes together fast.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side.
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bacon-wrapped chicken bites offer the perfect balance of savory and smoky flavors. The bacon adds a delicious crispiness, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. You can make these in less than 30 minutes, making them a great last-minute appetizer or meal. The small bite-sized pieces cook quickly, so you won’t be waiting long for your dinner. It’s a simple, flavor-packed option for a busy evening.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Cream Cheese Chicken

    A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
    Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish is ready in a flash. You can have a comforting meal in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner. The cream cheese gives the chicken a smooth, velvety coating that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. It’s an easy meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a lot of time. This is a great go-to recipe when you need something warm and satisfying fast.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    Creamy Chicken Curry

    Chicken curry with rice.
    Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This creamy curry is a comforting dish that comes together quickly. With its flavorful spices and creamy texture, it’s perfect for when you need a meal in a hurry. The chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce is simple to prepare, making this recipe ideal for busy nights. This dish is a great way to get the rich flavors of curry without spending much time. It’s a fast and flavorful meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

    Popcorn Chicken

    A bowl of golden brown popcorn chicken on a table.
    Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bite-sized, crispy popcorn chicken is a fun and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The small pieces cook quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. You can serve them as a snack or main dish, and they’re sure to please everyone. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s ready in a flash. This is a great choice when you need something quick and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken skewers are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, ensuring a quick and easy meal. The tender chicken and charred veggies come together in just a few minutes. This recipe is simple to prepare and delivers great flavor with minimal effort. You’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time, perfect for busy nights. It’s a great choice when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    With a savory, peppery sauce, this chicken comes together quickly in one pan. The black pepper gives it a nice kick, and the chicken is cooked through in just 20 minutes. This is an easy dish to prepare when you’re looking for something flavorful without spending much time in the kitchen. The balance of spice and flavor makes it a great option for a weeknight meal. It’s a simple yet delicious choice when time is tight.
    Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon.
    Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy and comforting, this chicken gnocchi soup is a great meal for any day of the week. The chicken and gnocchi come together quickly, so you won’t have to wait long for a warm bowl of soup. It’s a filling dish that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. The creamy broth adds a comforting touch to the dish, making it a go-to choice for a quick meal.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Chicken Nuggets

    Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.
    Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These crispy chicken nuggets come together quickly for a fun and easy meal. Whether served with dipping sauces or on their own, they’re ready in no time and will be a hit with the whole family. The breading is simple but gives the nuggets a crunchy, golden exterior. This recipe is ideal for when you want a fast meal that’s both tasty and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need something that’s quick and easy to make.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Santa Fe Salad

    A colorful chicken salad with avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and lime slices, presented in a white bowl.
    Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This salad comes together quickly, with fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing. The chicken adds protein, while the veggies make it a satisfying meal in a hurry. You can have this salad ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option when you’re short on time. It’s a refreshing and light meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This is a great choice when you want a quick, healthy meal that’s packed with taste.
    Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate.
    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Inspired by a popular chain, this chicken avocado melt is quick and packed with flavor. The grilled chicken and creamy avocado make for a simple, satisfying meal that comes together fast. It’s a perfect choice when you need a flavorful dinner that doesn’t take long to make. The melted cheese adds a nice finish to the dish, making it feel indulgent without the long wait.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This buffalo chicken pasta bake combines creamy sauce and spicy chicken for a hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare and cooks up quickly, making it a great choice for a busy evening. The dish is filling and flavorful, perfect for when you need something comforting without taking too much time. The buffalo sauce adds a nice kick, giving this pasta bake plenty of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces.
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These boneless chicken thighs cook up quickly in the air fryer, making dinner a breeze. The crispy exterior and tender inside make for a simple yet flavorful dish. In under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready without much effort. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy while providing a nice crisp. This is a great option when you need a fast, hearty dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Chicken Divan

    A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
    Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy and comforting, the chicken divan comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. It’s a great dish when you want something filling without spending too much time on prep. The chicken is paired with a creamy sauce that’s baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you need something warm and comforting.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

    Wet Burrito

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These wet burritos are packed with flavorful ingredients and topped with a savory sauce. The hearty filling and sauce make this a satisfying meal that you can make in less than 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to enjoy a comforting, Mexican-inspired dinner without a lot of time in the kitchen. Perfect for a busy night, this dish delivers on flavor and ease.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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