20 Fast and Fancy Chicken Recipes to Scrumptiously Add to Your Meal Plan

Who says fine dining and extravagance can’t easily go hand in hand with quick and simple meal preparation? Certainly, not us! Chicken makes the perfect ingredient for any type of meal: from exotic gourmet books to simple easy-to-prepare dinners. Stumped for what to make for tonight’s dinner? Here are 20 ideas for fast and fancy chicken recipes to scintillate even the most discerning taste buds!

1. Chicken Satay with Mango Salad

Skewers of chicken satay topped with tamarind and peanut sauce are a classic Indonesian favorite! Serve with a crunchy and refreshing mango salad to complete the meal. This zesty dish will tantalize your tastebuds with an explosion of sweet, sour, salty, and herbaceous flavors.

2. Chicken Tikka Masala

Known by many as a British classic, chicken tikka masala consists of delicious curry with mouthwateringly marinated and tender chicken. This dish is nourishing and flavorful, and is often served with boiled basmati rice. A dash of cinnamon adds a pleasant, unexpected twist to the cookbook staple.

3. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Tagine is a slow cooked stew which delicately combines exquisite spices, dried fruits, and vegetables with succulent chicken. A hint of saffron makes this traditional North African dish particularly special. Serve the tagine with couscous to soak up the liquid mixture of sauce.

4. Chicken Breasts with Boursin Cheese

An instant classic, this recipe in its simplicity shines with flavor. Crispy chicken breasts stuffed with Boursin cheese, spinach, and garlic are then served with wild mushrooms. The dish is rich and cheesy, yet surprisingly light and delicious.

5. Buttermilk Fried Chicken

An all-time favorite, buttermilk fried chicken is a casual dish perfect for a lunch with friends. The key to the crispy outside is the wet, tender inside from the buttermilk marinade. Serve the chicken with coleslaw, sweet and sour potato wedges, and other side dishes of your choice.

6. Coconut Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa

A delicious twist on the traditional fried chicken, this dish incites all the right culinary senses with its combination of sweet and savory. Coconut adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the chicken, completing the dish when topped with a refreshing mango salsa. Serve with a side of jasmine rice.

7. Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

An easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a hit with children and adults alike! Juicy, succulent chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy ricotta and spinach, making for a lusciously cheesy delight. Serve with a side of your favorite roasted vegetables, and drizzle with a garlic herb sauce.

8. Chicken and Kale Paella

This popular Spanish dish is an incredibly delicious way to sneak in some healthy greens. Naturally flavored with saffron, this paella is a hearty combination of chicken, rice, chorizo, and kale. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

9. Baked Lemon and Garlic Chicken

Who can say no to the ultimate comfort food! This standards is perfect for a cozy home-cooked night. Juicy, savory chicken breasts are covered with slices of lemon to give this delightful dish a burst of flavor. Top with a sprinkle of parsley to seal in the flavor.

10. Chicken Pad Thai

A staple of Southeast Asian cuisine, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that can easily be created at home. For a truly exotic touch, use Thai style noodles, but regular thin spaghetti will also do. The key to the Pad Thai’s authentic flavor is the addition of fish sauce and lime.