100 Easy Must-Make Chicken Dinners

Updated: May 09, 2017

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Chicken and Summer Vegetable Tostadas

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Chicken and Summer Vegetable Tostadas Recipe

This south-of-the-border supper is ready in a snap thanks to quick-cooking chicken tenders.

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Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad

Lee Harrelson
Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

Serve a zesty chicken taco salad drizzled with a chipotle chile, cumin, and cilantro dressing. The smokiness of the chipotle brings out the rich flavors of the roasted chicken breasts.

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Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro
Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa Recipe

A three-minute dip into a pungent cilantro-lime marinade delivers big flavor to chicken breasts in this delicious, 20-minute summertime dish.

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Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca Recipe

Saltimbocca means "jump in the mouth"–apt for a fast dish that marries woodsy sage, bright lemon, and salty prosciutto.

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Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe
The tangy-sweet flavor combination of this sauce will work equally well with chicken thighs or pork. Serve with hot cooked rice and steamed haricots verts or a tossed green salad.

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Bacon and Butternut Pasta

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Bacon and Butternut Pasta Recipe

Broth, thickened with flour and enriched with crème fraîche, forms the savory sauce in this dish. We like the earthy heartiness of kale, which helps balance the sweetness from the squash. You could also use Swiss chard, or for a more peppery bite, try substituting mustard greens.

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Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini Recipe

Prepare chicken breasts scallopini-style by pounding them into thin, quick-cooking servings, then dredge in lemon juice and breadcrumbs and sauté for about 3 minutes on each side. The white wine sauce with capers complements the flavor of the lemon juice, and makes a great topping for wild rice.

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Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford
Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe

Coconut milk tames the heat and combines deliciously with shredded chicken breast in Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup.

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Sweet-Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Sweet-Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

This colorful, 20-minute chicken and veggie stir-fry features a sweet-spicy sauce and a topping of dry-roasted peanuts, which add delicious crunch.

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Chicken and Rice With Black Beans

Photo: William Dickey; Styling: Rose Nguyen
Chicken and Rice With Black Beans Recipe

Online reviewers give this recipe five stars for being an easy weeknight dish. Because it's brimming with veggies in addition to the rice, chicken, beans and cheese, it really is a one-dish meal.

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Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese and Tomatoes

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Melanie J. Clarke
Chicken Breasts with Goat Cheese and Tomatoes Recipe
The rich flavors of chicken and goat cheese recipes join forces in this impressive 5-star main dish. Serve with orzo or rice to soak up the shallot-thyme sauce.

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King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett
King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

All the flavors of a favorite casserole come together in the comfort of mac and cheese. Serve King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese to your family, and it will become a quick favorite.

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Honey Cashew Chicken with Rice

Photo: Johnny Autry
Honey Cashew Chicken with Rice Recipe

Forget takeout and cook a super-fast and flavorful Asian-inspired dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes.

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Grilled Chicken with Rustic Mustard Cream

Photo: Oxmoor House
Grilled Chicken with Rustic Mustard Cream Recipe
The pronounced lemon-pine character of rosemary goes well with olive oil and Dijon mustard, giving this grilled chicken a rustic Mediterranean flair.

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Chipotle Chicken and Tomato Soup

Lee Harrelson
Chipotle Chicken and Tomato Soup Recipe

Just one chipotle chile adds smoky heat to this top-rated soup. If you want to tame the spice, substitute 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for the chile.

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Chicken Souvlaki

Photo: Karry Hosford
Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Chicken Souvlaki features the fresh-tasting combination of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil that is so prevalent in Greek cuisine. Serve it alongside a Greek salad of chunked tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Tzatziki is a traditional Greek yogurt-based sauce flavored with lemon, garlic, and crisp cucumbers. (Try more Greek Recipes). This meal is easily one of our favorite chicken recipes. 

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Jamaican-Spiced Chicken Thighs

Jamaican-Spiced Chicken Thighs Recipe

Complete the menu with mashed sweet potatoes and a mixed green salad. For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño.

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Chicken Cutlets with Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Ginny Branch 
Chicken Cutlets with Mushrooms and Pearl Onions Recipe
The brandy-spiked sauce adds an elegant touch to this simple supper; you can sub wine.
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Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty
Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas Recipe

Smoked paprika gives these chicken tostadas rich, grill-like flavor with no cooking. Look for tostada shells (fried, flat corn tortillas) near the flour and corn tortillas or in the Mexican food section of your grocery store. Serve with lime wedges.

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Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Nicknamed "Anytime Chicken" by Test Kitchen Specialist Vanessa McNeil Rocchio, this winner of a chicken dinner is our new favorite roasting-pan supper for weeknights or easy entertaining with friends.

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Kung Pao Chicken Tacos

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Kung Pao Chicken Tacos Recipe
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Asian-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Asian-Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
The tasty Asian-inspired glaze gives these chicken thighs a mahogany sheen. Rich thigh meat is higher in fat than lean white meat, so the thighs stay moist even when they're roasted without skin. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, if desired.

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Chicken and Couscous Salad

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Fonda Shaia
Chicken and Couscous Salad Recipe

A great way to use leftover chicken, this 20-minute dinner salad uses quick-cooking couscous and lots of brightly flavored herbs.

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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
This easy chicken recipe tosses together the winning combinations of pasta, creamy mascarpone cheese, and chicken--yum!
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Chicken Kebabs and Nectarine Salsa

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
Chicken Kebabs and Nectarine Salsa Recipe

This company-worthy meal that doubles as a super-fast weeknight supper blends spice from the chicken with sweet and tangy nectarine salsa.

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Chicken BLT Salad

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
Chicken BLT Salad Recipe

Crisp chicken in Chicken BLT Salad boosts a favorite side salad to a healthy main-course attraction.

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Dak Bokkeum with Spinach (Korean Stewed Chicken with Spinach)

Photo: Con Poulos; Styling: Helen Crowther
Dak Bokkeum with Spinach (Korean Stewed Chicken with Spinach) Recipe

Gochujang is an indispensable Korean sauce based on fermented soybeans and chiles. You'll find it in Asian markets, or seek out Annie Chun's brand, which is more widely available.

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Lemony Orzo-Veggie Salad with Chicken

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Lemony Orzo-Veggie Salad with Chicken Recipe

This colorful orzo and chicken main dish salad is packed with an assortment of chopped fresh vegetables and tossed with a tangy lemon dressing.  It's a great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken.

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Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr and Lindsey Lower    
Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salad Recipe

All the fresh flavors of summer come together in Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salad. The homemade buttermilk dressing balances the heat of the chicken and completes the meal.

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Curried Chicken Salad with Apples and Raisins

Howard L. Puckett
Curried Chicken Salad with Apples and Raisins Recipe
Enjoy this fruit-studded chicken salad with whole-grain crackers, or spread it on whole wheat bread for a sandwich.
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Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
No rolling pin is needed for Skillet Chicken Pot Pie. Refrigerated pie crusts give you a leg up in the preparation of this classic comfort dish.

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Grilled Cumin Chicken with Fresh Tomatillo Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Rose Nguyen
Grilled Cumin Chicken with Fresh Tomatillo Sauce Recipe

Bring the heat of the Southwest to the dinner table with this delicious take on grilled chicken.

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Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Maple-Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe
Speed up prep on this chicken main dish by marinating only 30 minutes. Serve with cabbage-carrot slaw.
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Asian Barbecue Chicken

Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke
Asian Barbecue Chicken Recipe
Fire up your grill for this quick and healthy Asian barbecue chicken recipe.

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Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich

Randy Mayor
Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Serve a hearty sandwich piled high with fresh Italian flavors.

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Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro
Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Looking for a new dinner idea? Look no further! This chicken recipe is delicious and easy to prepare. Serve with 3 cups cooked egg noodles tossed with 2 tablespoons butter and green onions.
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Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Freshen up a classic chicken dish by using Meyer lemons for the sauce.  These lemons have a great tangy aroma and are sweeter and less acidic that regular lemons.  

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Mediterranean Chicken with Potatoes

Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke
Mediterranean Chicken with Potatoes Recipe
This tasty Mediterranean chicken dish features small red potatoes and other classic regional ingredients, like red onion, wine, olives, tomatoes, basil, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese. 

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Chicken with Dates, Olives, and Cinnamon

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Chicken with Dates, Olives, and Cinnamon Recipe
This Moroccan-style chicken dish features chicken thighs simmered in a mixture of onion, olives, dates, cinnamon and ginger.  Serve over couscous for a hearty meal.
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Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Try this flavorful, slightly spicy Asian saté for an easy weeknight chicken dinner.

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Chicken, Red Grape, and Pesto Pizza

Photo: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Chicken, Red Grape, and Pesto Pizza Recipe
Grapes make an ideal salad topping, but what about on pizza...? This surprising addition is a sweet contrast to the tangy Romano cheese, herby pesto, and juicy chicken. Grapes are said to slow the aging process, so here is a case where eating another slice of pizza definitely has its benefits.

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Oven Chicken Risotto

Photo: Beau Gustafson; Styling: Kacy Carroll
Oven Chicken Risotto Recipe
Make this quick and easy risotto dish featuring chicken, cheese, and grape or cherry tomatoes for a simple weeknight meal.
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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Photo: Kate Mathis; Styling: Paul Grimes
Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken Recipe

Does it get much easier than this summer crockpot recipe? Slow-cook chicken breasts in a mixture of bottled barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce for a tender, sweet, and tangy barbecue chicken that’s great on a bun or even over a baked potato. This is a stress-free and tasty meal of which the whole family will want seconds. 

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Avocado Chicken Salad

Photo: José Picayo
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Salsa, avocado, and cilantro give this chicken salad its addictive, south-of-the-border flavors. Serve over greens of your choice for a light and fresh dinner.

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Soft Black Bean Tostadas

Soft Black Bean Tostadas Recipe

Shredded chicken and avocado salsa top this 20-minute Mexican dinner.

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Malaysian Chicken Pizza

Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro
Malaysian Chicken Pizza Recipe
Malaysian chicken pizza is a pie with a spicy, sweet, peanut butter and soy sauce-based sauce that seemed ahead of its time in 1991 when it first ran. Twenty years later and it’s still a new adventurous pizza for most people. If you like barbecue chicken pizza, you’ll love this.

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Roasted Chicken with Pinot Noir Sauce

Coral Von Zumwalt
Roasted Chicken with Pinot Noir Sauce Recipe
For this gathering, the chicken is organic, from Sonoma's Petaluma Poultry. Seek out the best organic chicken in your area for this dish. Chef Simile's tips: Resting the chicken after roasting and then slicing against the grain will give you juicy, tender bites. To slice against the grain, position the chicken breast on a cutting board so the part that was attached to the wing is at the top of the board; slice from this point on a diagonal down the length of the breast.

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Broccoli-Quinoa Casserole with Chicken and Cheddar

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Claire Spollen
Broccoli-Quinoa Casserole with Chicken and Cheddar Recipe
In our updated riff on chicken-rice casserole, whole-grain quinoa stands in for the typical white rice. It's a modern interpretation that still has loads of old-school comfort-food appeal.
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Chicken Verde Enchiladas

Photo: Andrew Purcell; Styling: Alistair Turnbull
Chicken Verde Enchiladas Recipe

How do you shred chicken superfast? Insert two forks into the meat while it's still warm. Then pull apart to shred.

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Spicy Chicken Cakes with Horseradish Aioli

Randy Mayor
Spicy Chicken Cakes with Horseradish Aioli Recipe

Dish up this tasty variation on the classic crab cake in less than 40 minutes. The aioli (ay-OH-lee) topping is a garlic mayonnaise from the Provence region in France and a popular condiment there for meat and vegetables. It can be made in advance and refrigerated.

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Spicy Soba Noodles with Chicken in Peanut Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor
Spicy Soba Noodles with Chicken in Peanut Sauce Recipe
Classic Asian flavors come together to create a quick and easy chicken dish with spicy soba noodles that you can have on the dinner table in no time.
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Chicken and Mushrooms with Marsala Sauce

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
Chicken and Mushrooms with Marsala Sauce Recipe
Try a lighter take on classic chicken marsala with this dish dressed in mushrooms and a marsala wine sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the tasty sauce.

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Chicken Breast with Pancetta Cream and Peas

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Ginny Branch 
Chicken Breast with Pancetta Cream and Peas Recipe

You can substitute bacon for pancetta, and cream cheese for mascarpone.

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Garden Alfredo with Chicken

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr and Lindsey Lower
Garden Alfredo with Chicken Recipe
Fresh vegetables shine in this super creamy pasta recipe for Garden Alfredo with Chicken.
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White Lightning Chicken Chili

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Becky Hargett
White Lightning Chicken Chili Recipe

White Lightning Chicken Chili gets its name because it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish to get this one-dish meal to the table. Don't drain the chopped green chiles or navy beans. Serve chili with cornbread.

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Grilled Chicken with Mustard-Tarragon Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Rose Nguyen
Grilled Chicken with Mustard-Tarragon Sauce Recipe

A tangy sauce enlivens simple grilled chicken breasts while a hint of sugar balances the flavors in this top-rated recipe.

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Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr
Cajun Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Prechopped vegetables and canned beans keep this version of red beans and rice simple yet satisfying. Because this recipe begins with oil-sautéed aromatics, it contains more grams of fat per serving than its boxed counterpart—but the calories and sodium are significantly lower, and the taste is terrific.

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Quinoa Salad with Chicken

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Kevin Crafts
Quinoa Salad with Chicken Recipe

Light, fluffy quinoa cooks in practically no time and is incredibly versatile--you can add it to just about any kind of salad. Millet would also be good.

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Chicken Biriyani

Karry Hosford
Chicken Biriyani Recipe
Biriyani is a baked Indian dish of spiced rice combined with chicken, seafood, or other meats. This version omits the baking step while maintaining the authentic flavors. Whole-milk yogurt keeps its creamy texture when cooked; don't substitute low-fat yogurt, which will curdle.

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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Photo: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
One easy way to kick up the flavor in a dish is to add Cajun seasoning. Here, the seasoning is sprinkled on the chicken strips before they're sautéed and tossed into the linguine-vegetable mixture.
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Tortilla Soup

David Prince
Tortilla Soup Recipe

The charm of this Tortilla Soup lies in the toppings, which guests can customize to their liking. This soup recipe is a simple, yet popular weeknight dinner favorite that will never disappoint on a chilly winter evening. It's the perfect touch of spice to add some excitement to your dinner routine. This soup can be as rich or as simple as you want it to be.  It can be made as a crock pot soup recipe or with a regular large soup pot. 

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Grilled Cilantro Chicken with Pickled Tomato and Avocado Salsa

Photo: Peden & Munk; Styling: Amy Wilson 
Grilled Cilantro Chicken with Pickled Tomato and Avocado Salsa Recipe
Look no further for this season's go-to grilled chicken dish featuring a simple marinade and an addictive Indian-style pickled salsa on top.

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Honey-Chicken Salad

Honey-Chicken Salad Recipe
The mayonnaise-and-honey mixture is reminiscent of poppy seed dressing. If you prefer a less sweet salad dressing, reduce the amount of honey.
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Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken Recipe
Skip the bucket of fast-food fried chicken and remember what it's like to eat "real" fried chicken like Mama used to make. Mashed potatoes and biscuits are optional.

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Grilled Chicken with Honey-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Photo: Squire Fox; Stylist: Justin Schram, Kenneth Hyatt
Grilled Chicken with Honey-Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe
You can also use 8 thighs or 8 drumsticks or 4 pieces of each; cook about 10 minutes per side.

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Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Quesadillas

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Bar, Lindsey Lower
Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Quesadillas Recipe
Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Quesadillas are a family favorite and table-ready in only 40 minutes. For spicier quesadillas, add a grilled jalapeno to the veggie mix.
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Chicken Parmesan with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
Chicken Parmesan with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe
Smoky, low-sodium, oven-roasted tomatoes stand in for jarred sauce, and fresh mozzarella adds a cheesy finish to portion-perfect Chicken Parmesan with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce.

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Old-Fashioned Chicken Fricassee

Photo: Oxmoor House
Old-Fashioned Chicken Fricassee Recipe
A classic chicken stew with chicken breasts simmering in white wine and vegetables is sure to bring comfort to your table.  If you don't want ot use the wine, just add an additional 1/4 cup of chicken broth as a substitute.

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Rosemary Grilled Chicken Thighs

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey
Rosemary Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Online reviewers claim that these honey-and-mustard-marinated thighs are definitely "company-worthy." Serving them over cheese grits and sautéed spinach makes this grilled chicken dish extraordinary. For a tasty alternative, try these with our quick Honey Mustard Sauce.

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Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke
Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Lose the centerpiece to your table. This Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie is enough dazzle guests.

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Raspberry-Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Photo: Oxmoor House
Raspberry-Balsamic Glazed Chicken Recipe
Other fruit preserves, such as apricot, blackberry, or peach, will also work in this recipe.

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Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Peden & Munk; Styling: Amy Wilson 
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Like all good New Mexico food, these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are simple, earthy, and delicious. Its heat depends on the chiles; go with Anaheims if you scorch easily.

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Chicken and Quinoa Stew

Photo: Iain Bagwell
Chicken and Quinoa Stew Recipe
Paired with: Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock.

Briny olives, chiles, and bright citrus: That's what you call a pairing challenge. This smooth, strong (7 percent alcohol) golden bock from the Bay Area can handle it, playing up the orange and toning down the chiles.

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