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    Home / Roundups

    20 Fast Chicken Dinners That Still Wow Everyone

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

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    Quick chicken dinners are lifesavers when the clock is against you, but you still want to impress at the dinner table. These recipes cut the wait without cutting corners on flavor or impact. You don't need hours or fancy ingredients to pull off a meal that gets people asking for seconds. Chicken is reliable, versatile, and ready to jump from fridge to plate faster than you think. Fast chicken dinners like these prove that quick doesn't have to mean boring.

    A fork cutting into a piece of chicken served with green beans and pine nuts on a white plate.Pin
    Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    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.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken bites wrapped in bacon come together quickly and offer a smoky, rich flavor that works well for weeknight dinners. The small pieces cook fast, making it easy to serve a meal that feels special without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe fits perfectly when you want a straightforward dish that still impresses at the table. The combination of chicken and bacon makes it filling and convenient for busy evenings.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    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.Pin
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This recipe features boneless chicken thighs grilled with BBQ sauce for a quick meal that brings bold flavors without a long wait. It's a great choice when you need something simple yet satisfying to serve right away. The grilling keeps the chicken juicy and adds a nice char that appeals to many. Preparing this dish doesn't require complex steps, which helps keep dinner time stress low.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Santa Fe Salad

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

    The Santa Fe Salad includes grilled chicken paired with fresh veggies and a lively dressing, creating a quick meal with a good mix of textures. It's easy to assemble and works well when you want something light but still filling. This salad makes it simple to offer a complete meal in under 30 minutes. The combination of chicken and crisp vegetables keeps it balanced and easy to enjoy any night of the week.
    Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

    Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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

    This fried chicken recipe uses honey butter to add a touch of sweetness to a fast, classic comfort dish. It's a great pick for busy evenings when you want a familiar meal that doesn't take long to prepare. The crisp exterior and tender meat make it enjoyable without needing extra sides to complete the plate. This dish stands out for being both quick and rich in flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, mushrooms, and herbs, with a fork and spoon on the side.Pin
    Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Cacciatore delivers a hearty dinner with chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce that cooks relatively fast for a stew. It's a good option when you want a homey meal that feels substantial but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The sauce adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, making it easy to serve over pasta or rice. This recipe brings a comforting touch while staying practical for weekday dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken Chop Suey

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

    Chicken Chop Suey is a simple stir-fry packed with veggies and chicken, coming together quickly for an easy dinner solution. It works well when you want a balanced meal full of fresh ingredients without a long prep time. The dish offers variety in each bite thanks to the mix of textures and colors. This recipe fits nicely into a schedule that calls for fast, wholesome cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

    Cream Cheese Chicken

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

    Cream Cheese Chicken blends creamy and savory flavors into a fast meal that pairs well with rice or noodles. It's straightforward to prepare and doesn't require long cooking, making it ideal for busy nights. The richness from the cream cheese adds a smooth texture that helps the dish feel complete. This recipe balances convenience with a comforting, creamy finish.
    Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders provide a quick and healthier option for a crispy chicken dinner without deep frying. They cook fast and have a crunchy texture that appeals to all ages. This method saves time on cleanup and preparation, making it a good choice for weeknight meals. The tenders are easy to serve alongside simple sides for a fuss-free dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Chicken Divan

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

    Chicken Divan combines chicken with broccoli and a creamy sauce, baked until bubbly and golden, making it a solid weeknight dinner option. It's quick to put together and offers a balanced dish with protein and vegetables in one pan. This casserole-style meal is convenient when you want a one-dish dinner that feels filling. It's a recipe that keeps things simple while still pleasing a crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

    Chicken Nuggets

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

    Chicken Nuggets are a fast and familiar choice that come together quickly and are easy to serve with a variety of dipping sauces. This recipe works well when time is tight but you want something kids and adults both enjoy. The nuggets cook evenly and crisp up nicely, making for a straightforward meal. They fit into a dinner plan that values speed and ease without sacrificing taste.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

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

    Chinese Black Pepper Chicken features tender chicken with a peppery sauce that cooks quickly and adds a bit of heat to the plate. It's a good dinner option when you want a dish with bold flavors that can be ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal. The balance of spice and savory notes keeps it interesting without complicated steps.
    Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cooking boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer delivers juicy meat with a crisp outside in a fraction of the usual time. It's a convenient choice when you want a quick dinner that still has a roasted flavor. These thighs cook evenly and don't require much prep, so they're great for busy nights. This method offers a way to enjoy tender chicken with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Panko Chicken Breast

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

    Panko Chicken Breast provides a crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken tender inside, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. It comes together fast and is simple to prepare, making it suitable for weeknights. This recipe works well when you want something straightforward that still offers texture contrast. It's a practical way to add a bit of crunch without extra time in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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

    Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a creamy broth, coming together quickly for a comforting dinner. It's easy to prepare and warms up well for leftovers. This soup offers a filling meal that feels special without requiring a long cooking time. It's ideal for those nights when you want something cozy and ready fast.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Wet Burrito

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

    The Wet Burrito packs chicken and other fillings wrapped and topped with sauce, making a flavorful and fast dinner that doesn't need many sides. It's a great way to serve a complete meal that feels satisfying and easy to handle. This recipe fits well when you want something straightforward but with bold, saucy flavor. It's a filling dish that's simple to prepare on busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Creamy Chicken Curry

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

    Creamy Chicken Curry offers a rich sauce and tender chicken in a dish that comes together quickly for a comforting dinner. It works well when you want a warming meal without a lengthy cooking process. This recipe balances spice and creaminess, making it easy to serve with rice or bread. The creamy texture helps keep the meal feeling complete with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

    Popcorn Chicken

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

    Popcorn Chicken cooks fast and has a crunchy bite that's perfect for an informal dinner or snack. It's simple to make and appeals to both kids and adults looking for a familiar favorite. This recipe saves time without losing the crispy texture that makes it enjoyable. It's a practical choice when you want a quick meal with straightforward ingredients.
    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.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs cooked in the air fryer are a quick way to get a grilled flavor without firing up the grill. This recipe is perfect for when time is short but you want a meal that feels fresh and easy. The skewers cook evenly and can be paired with simple sides for a balanced dinner. It's a practical option for busy evenings that still want a touch of variety.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

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

    This sandwich combines seasoned chicken with creamy avocado and melted cheese, making a quick meal with bold flavors that don't take long to prepare. It's a great choice when you want something easy that still feels full and flavorful. The melt is straightforward to make and can be served with simple sides. This chicken dinner recipe offers a quick way to bring restaurant-style flavor home.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a fast, baked meal that mixes chicken with pasta and a mildly spicy sauce for a filling dinner. It's easy to prepare and comes together quickly, making it great for weeknights. This dish blends creamy and spicy notes, adding interest without complicated steps. It's a practical recipe when you want something warm and ready with minimal fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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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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