Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner

Name: Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice of 2 lemons; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 chicken thighs, bone-in; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly; 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots); 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Cooked rice for serving

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love finding quick and delicious chicken recipes that make dinner stress-free. My goal is to bring together simple ingredients with flavorful marinades that elevate any meal. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, these recipes have become my go-to options. They are versatile, allowing me to swap out sides or spices based on what I have in the pantry. I often find myself experimenting with different flavor profiles, which is why I’m excited to share these easy chicken recipes with you!

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-20T02:31:17.599Z

When I first started cooking, I scoured the internet for easy chicken recipes that even a beginner could tackle without feeling overwhelmed. The real game changer was learning to marinate the chicken ahead of time; it adds layers of flavor and ensures a juicy result. After many trials, I perfected a few staple recipes that are not only simple but also crowd-pleasers.

One of my favorite tips is to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This took the guesswork out of cooking. The chicken stays tender and juicy every time. I can't wait for you to try these recipes that I've come to love—they truly make dinner a breeze!

        Why You Will Love These Recipes
        Flavor-packed marinades that are easy to prepare
Quick cooking times, perfect for busy nights
Flexible recipes that allow for ingredient swaps

      

Elevate Your Chicken with Marinades

Marinades are a crucial element in these easy chicken recipes, as they not only infuse the meat with rich flavors but also help to tenderize it. For instance, the lemon juice in the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken not only adds a zesty brightness but also acts as a natural tenderizer due to its acidity. Be sure to allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though longer can enhance flavor even further. Try marinating overnight for a deeper taste.

When preparing marinades like that for Simple Honey Garlic Chicken, the balance between sweet and savory is key. The honey coats the chicken, allowing the soy sauce and garlic to adhere better and create a glossy, caramelized finish as the chicken cooks. Keep an eye on the heat; start at medium to get the chicken cooking evenly without burning the sugars in the honey.

Perfect Cooking Techniques

Proper cooking techniques ensure that your chicken is not only flavorful but also safe to eat. For the Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, slicing the chicken thinly can significantly reduce the cooking time, allowing the chicken to brown quickly and evenly. Ensure your skillet is adequately preheated—almost smoking—before adding the chicken so you can achieve a nice sear and a rich, golden-brown color, which enhances the dish's flavor profile.

For grilling, maintaining a medium heat is crucial to prevent the chicken from drying out while still achieving those beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure that your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

These recipes are highly versatile, allowing you to personalize them based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences. For example, if you wish to make the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken dairy-free, you can substitute the olive oil with avocado oil, which has a high smoking point and a neutral taste that will complement the herbs and lemon beautifully. If you're short on fresh herbs, dried herbs can work as a substitute—just use one-third of the amount as they are more concentrated.

Similarly, if you want to give the Simple Honey Garlic Chicken a kick, consider adding a tablespoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat. If you happen to have leftover cooked chicken, you can easily incorporate it into the Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry by adding it towards the end of the cooking process to heat it through without overcooking.

Ingredients

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Simple Honey Garlic Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

Steps

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Simple Honey Garlic Chicken

In a pan, heat honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper over medium heat until combined. Add chicken thighs and cook for 25 minutes, basting frequently, until cooked through.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden brown. Add mixed vegetables and teriyaki sauce, stir-frying until vegetables are tender. Serve over cooked rice.

Pro Tips

Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Feel free to customize the marinades with your favorite herbs and spices!

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing meals in advance can save you significant time during hectic weekdays. The marinades for both the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and the Simple Honey Garlic Chicken can be prepared a day ahead. Simply combine the marinade ingredients and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, just add the chicken, which will absorb the flavors more intensely overnight.

For the Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, pre-chop the vegetables and store them in airtight containers. This way, you can quickly throw everything together in a hot skillet when you're ready to cook, making dinner a breeze.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers from these recipes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container. When reheating, it's best to do so in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.

If you decide to freeze any cooked chicken, slice it before freezing to make it easier to reheat later on. Frozen chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat for a few minutes on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with a refreshing salad or some wild rice to complement the zesty flavors. Adding fresh herbs or citrus slices on top just before serving can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

For the Simple Honey Garlic Chicken, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal. You can also drizzle some of the pan sauce over the rice for an extra touch of sweetness and depth.

With the Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, or even quinoa for a nutty twist. Garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions can add texture and a burst of flavor that beautifully ties the dish together.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can! Just ensure to adjust cooking times as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.

→ What can I serve with these chicken recipes?

These chicken dishes pair well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken ahead of time can enhance the flavor. Cooked chicken can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What is the best way to know if the chicken is cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the best option. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).