Easy Weeknight Chicken Menus

Updated June 16, 2011

Simplify mealtime with a week of versatile chicken dinner menus.

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Blackened Chicken with Dirty Rice

Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Blackened Chicken with Dirty Rice Menu

Fragrant spices enliven the rub on the chicken breasts in a Cajun-style supper of Blackened Chicken with Dirty Rice. A green salad rounds out the meal.

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Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers Tout

Satisfy hearty appetites with roasted chicken served with a saucy bell pepper mixture and creamy mashed potatoes.

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Chicken and Black Bean-Stuffed Burritos

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Chicken and Black Bean-Stuffed Burritos Tout

A burrito is practically a meal in itself, and this one is especially easy because it uses rotisserie chicken.

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Chicken Cutlets with Strawberry-Avocado Salsa

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chicken Cutlets with Strawberry-Avocado Salsa Recipe

This colorful, flavor-forward dish makes the most of peak-season produce with a sweet and tangy fruit salsa that would be equally delicious served over pork chops or with whole-grain tortilla chips.

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Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bowl

Credit: José Picayo

Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bowl Menu

The whole family will love this cheesy chicken and broccoli rice dish. Don't leave out the almonds—they add flavor and crunch to this one-dish meal. Serve with cremini mushrooms sauteed in butter and white wine and seasoned with fresh thyme.

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Spicy Basil Chicken

Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Spicy Basil Chicken Menu

An Asian-inspired feast is easy to put on the table for dinner tonight. Brown Rice with Sesame and Sautéed Snow Peas and Peppers balance the heat in this flavorful dish. Simply leave out the sambal oelek (chile paste) if you prefere a milder dish.

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Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nuts

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Chicken Stuffed with Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nuts Menu

This chicken recipe is filled with Mediterranean flavors and pairs well with couscous. Use mozzarella or provolone for a milder kid's dish.

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Mexican Chicken-Hominy Soup

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Mexican Chicken-Hominy Soup Menu

Give chicken soup a Mexican flair by adding hominy, jalapeño, and cilantro. Cumin-lime tortilla chips make an excellent crushed topping for the soup, or a side dish with fresh salsa for dipping.

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Skillet Chicken Souvlaki

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie Clark

Skillet Chicken Souvlaki Menu

Prepare a family-friendly Mediterranean-style dish that's sure to please even the pickiest eater. The quick-cooking chicken and simple homemade yogurt sauce make this a perfect dish for a busy weeknight. Serve with a simple side salad.

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Chicken Schnitzel and Smashed Mustard Potatoes Menu

Chicken Schnitzel and Smashed Mustard Potatoes Menu Menu

This German-inspired meal is sure to become a favorite with the meat-and-potato lovers in your family.

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Chicken Carne Asada Tacos with Pickled Onions

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Chicken Carne Asada Tacos with Pickled Onions Menu

We replaced beef with seasoned chicken for a fresh take on carne asada, a traditional Mexican dish. Pickled onions, diced avocado, and crumbled Cotija cheese make delicious toppings for these homemade tacos. Serve spicy black beans on the side.

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Spiced Chicken Thighs and Parsley Couscous Menu

Spiced Chicken Thighs and Parsley Couscous Menu Menu

This budget-friendly meal costs just $2.49 per serving. The chicken is boldly spiced, so it tastes great cold, too.

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Black Pepper and Molasses Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

Black Pepper and Molasses Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Menu

Make a homemade sauce that delivers great barbecue taste: Chili powder and cumin add smokiness, while ketchup and molasses provide sweetness. 'Cue lovers in North Carolina put the slaw on the sandwich. Try it with a crunchy-sweet mango slaw.

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Chicken Dinner for the Family

Chicken Dinner for the Family Menu

Besides being juicy, chicken thighs cook quickly and come with built-in portion control. Pair with sautéed spinach and roasted potatoes for a quick, easy family menu.

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Chicken Curry Bar

Credit: Brian Kennedy; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Chicken Curry Bar Recipe

Kids will have fun making their own custom creations when you set out lots of tasty topping options. Precook a big batch of brown rice; freeze some to serve later.

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Thai Chicken Supper

Credit: Randy Mayor

Thai Chicken Supper Menu

Add Thai style to a simple chicken stir-fry with the addition of coconut milk and curry paste. Serve over rice noodles and offer a soothing cup of green tea.

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Chicken Marsala

Credit: Photography: Becky-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Chicken Marsala Recipe

This delicious chicken marsala recipe turns an Italian classic into a quick and easy family favorite.

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Spiced Roasted Chicken

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Spiced Roasted Chicken Tout

No need to stand over the stove with this family meal. Prep is quick for the roasted chicken, and precut veggies make for a speedy side.

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Chicken Picadillo

Credit: Randy Mayor

Chicken Picadillo Tout

Ground chicken is the star of this Latin-style main dish. The chicken is combined with salsa, raisins and almonds and served with black beans and rice.

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Easy Chicken Scallopini and Orzo Toss

Easy Chicken Scallopini and Orzo Toss Menu

Breaded chicken breasts topped with a tangy caper sauce team up with vegetable-studded orzo in this top-rated favorite.

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