Chicken is a versatile and beloved protein that can be the star of a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or just looking for a fast and satisfying dinner option, these eight easy chicken recipes will become your go-to choices. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation and cooking of these dishes, all of which can be made in just 15 minutes or less. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade meals that are both flavorful and time-efficient.
Why Choose Chicken for Quick Meals
Chicken is a popular choice for quick meals for several reasons:
Quick Cooking: Chicken cooks relatively quickly, making it perfect for those times when you need to put dinner on the table in a hurry.
Versatility: Chicken pairs well with a wide range of flavors and ingredients, allowing you to create diverse dishes without a lot of prep work.
Lean Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken is often more affordable than other proteins, making it an economical choice for families.
Now, let’s explore some basic tips for cooking chicken quickly and safely.
Basic Tips for Cooking Chicken Quickly
Before diving into the recipes, here are some essential tips to keep in mind when cooking chicken quickly:
Thin Slices: For faster cooking, slice chicken breasts or thighs into thin, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and reduces cooking time.
High Heat: Use high heat when cooking chicken in a pan. A hot skillet helps sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and flavor.
Preheat the Pan: Always preheat your pan before adding chicken. This step ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Seasoning: Season your chicken with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to add variety to your dishes.
Keep it Moving: When stir-frying or sautéing chicken, keep it moving in the pan. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
With these tips in mind, let’s move on to our first quick and easy chicken recipe.
See Also: How to Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer (3 Recipes!)
8 Easy Chicken Recipes You Can Make in 15 Minutes
Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Pour in the lemon juice and zest, allowing it to sizzle and coat the chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe 2: Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooked rice or noodles (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown.
Add the mixed vegetables and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.
Recipe 3: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are no longer pink in the center.
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken and add the broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is heated through.
Serve the Alfredo sauce over the cooked fettuccine pasta.
Recipe 4: Caprese Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, or sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and grease it lightly.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are cooked through.
In the last minute of cooking, top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese to melt.
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and let it rest for a minute.
Arrange the chicken on plates and top with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
Serve immediately.
Recipe 5: Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.)
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chicken until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Add the taco seasoning mix and water according to the packet instructions. Stir and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet.
Assemble your chicken tacos with the seasoned chicken and your choice of toppings.
Serve immediately.
Recipe 6: Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add fresh spinach leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle it with shredded cheese.
Add a portion of the cooked, shredded chicken and sautéed spinach on top.
Place another tortilla on top and press down gently.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the quesadilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.
Recipe 7: Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar salad dressing until evenly coated.
Add the cooked, sliced chicken to the salad and toss again.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and croutons over the top.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately.
Recipe 8: Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce until well coated.
Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet.
Lay out the tortillas and divide the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onion among them.
Top with the Buffalo chicken mixture.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them up, securing with toothpicks if needed.
Serve immediately.
See Also: Top 1 Authentic Chinese Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup
Conclusion
In a world where time is often of the essence, these eight easy chicken recipes provide quick, delicious, and satisfying meal options. Whether you’re in the mood for a zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken, a comforting Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo, or a spicy Buffalo Chicken Wrap, these recipes offer a variety of flavors to suit your palate.
By following some basic tips for quick chicken cooking, you can effortlessly create these dishes in 15 minutes or less. Chicken’s versatility, affordability, and quick cooking time make it the perfect choice for busy individuals and families looking for convenient yet wholesome homemade meals.
So, the next time you’re tempted to order takeout, remember these easy chicken recipes that allow you to put together a tasty and nutritious meal in no time. Happy cooking!