In the world of quick and easy weeknight meals, one ingredient reigns supreme: chicken. Whether you have a package of chicken breasts, thighs, legs, or even a whole chicken, there are countless delicious options to choose from that won’t require a trip to the grocery store for exotic ingredients or take hours to prepare. From Bacon, Ham, and Cheese Chicken Thighs to Maple-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, these recipes are sure to become valuable additions to your poultry repertoire. So the next time you find yourself staring at a package of chicken in the refrigerator, fear not. Chicken to the rescue on busy weeknights!
Chicken to the Rescue: Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every night trying to figure out what to make for dinner? Do you find yourself relying on takeout or frozen meals just to save time? Well, look no further because chicken is here to save the day! With its versatility and quick cooking time, chicken is the perfect ingredient for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. In this article, we will explore a variety of delicious and easy-to-make chicken recipes that will have you and your family coming back for seconds.
Bacon, Ham, and Cheese Chicken Thighs
If you’re a fan of savory flavors, then these Bacon, Ham, and Cheese Chicken Thighs are the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with crispy bacon, salty ham, and gooey cheese for a flavor explosion in every bite. The best part? It only takes a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time to make.
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Bacon
- Ham
- Cheese
- Salt and pepper
To start, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then, wrap each thigh with a slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much of the chicken as possible. Place the wrapped chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Once cooked, top each thigh with a slice of ham and cheese and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Barbecued Chicken
Who doesn’t love the smoky and tangy flavors of barbecued chicken? This classic recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re using a traditional barbecue grill or an indoor grill pan, barbecued chicken is easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
To make barbecued chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- Barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce and cook until the sauce is caramelized and sticky. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Basic Beer-Can Chicken
Beer-Can Chicken is a popular grilling technique that results in tender and juicy chicken with a hint of beer flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who love to experiment with different flavors and cooking methods. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue.
To make Basic Beer-Can Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- Whole chicken
- Beer
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite dry rub or seasonings
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite dry rub or seasonings. Open a can of beer and take a few sips to make room for the chicken. Place the can of beer on a sturdy surface and carefully lower the chicken onto the can, so that it sits upright. Place the chicken on the grill, using the can to keep it stable. Close the lid and cook for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill, using oven mitts or tongs to protect your hands from the hot can. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the can and carving. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy this fun and flavorful chicken recipe.
Green Chile Chicken Under Bricks
If you’re looking to add some heat to your weeknight meals, then this Green Chile Chicken Under Bricks recipe is for you. Inspired by the flavors of the Southwest, this dish combines juicy chicken with spicy green chiles for a winning combination.
To make this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Green chiles
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Lime juice
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with olive oil and place it on the grill. Place a heavy skillet or brick on top of the chicken to flatten it, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. While the chicken is cooking, roast the green chiles on the grill until they are charred and blistered. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the green chiles and serve them on top of the chicken, drizzled with lime juice. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the flavors of the Southwest in every bite.
Maple-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, then these Maple-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a must-try. With a sticky and slightly spicy glaze, these drumsticks are packed with flavor and will have your taste buds dancing.
To make these delicious drumsticks, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Maple syrup
- Sriracha sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the glaze. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper, and brush them with the glaze, reserving some for basting. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, basting with the glaze every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the grill and let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. These Maple-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner.
Free-Range Chicken with Flavored Butter
If you’re looking for a simple and flavorful way to cook chicken, then this Free-Range Chicken with Flavored Butter recipe is for you. By using a compound butter, you can add a burst of flavor to your chicken without a lot of effort.
To make this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Free-range chicken pieces (such as breast or thighs)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Herbs and spices of your choice (such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
- Salt and pepper
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix together the softened unsalted butter with your chosen herbs and spices. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and then rub the flavored butter all over the chicken. Place the chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This Free-Range Chicken with Flavored Butter is perfect for any occasion and can be paired with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Smoked Chicken Nachos
Looking for a fun and delicious twist on traditional nachos? These Smoked Chicken Nachos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Packed with flavor and topped with all of your favorite toppings, these nachos are perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner.
To make these mouthwatering nachos, gather the following ingredients:
- Tortilla chips
- Smoked chicken, shredded
- Cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination)
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Cilantro, chopped
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Place a layer of tortilla chips on a large sheet of aluminum foil, making sure they are in a single layer. Top the chips with the shredded smoked chicken, cheese, black beans, corn kernels, and sliced jalapeños. Fold the foil to enclose the nachos and create a packet. Place the packet on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the grill and carefully open the foil packet. Top the nachos with diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious Smoked Chicken Nachos.
Buccaneer Chicken
If you’re in the mood for a taste of the tropics, then this Buccaneer Chicken recipe is just what you need. With its sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, this chicken dish is packed with flavor and will transport you to a sunny beach.
To make this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (such as breasts or thighs)
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the glaze. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, basting with the glaze every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This Buccaneer Chicken pairs well with grilled vegetables and rice for a complete tropical meal.
Favorite Chicken Recipes
If you’re a chicken lover, you probably have a favorite chicken recipe that you turn to time and time again. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a new creation you discovered online, we want to hear about it! Share your favorite chicken recipe in the comments below or tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We love seeing your delicious creations and hearing about your culinary adventures.
Other Weeknight Meal Ideas
While chicken is a versatile and delicious ingredient, sometimes you’re in the mood for something different. If you’re looking for other weeknight meal ideas, here are some suggestions to inspire you:
- Chicken and Pasta: Whip up a quick and easy pasta dish by combining cooked chicken with your favorite pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
- Chicken Stir-Fry: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry it with vegetables and a savory sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
- Chicken Tacos: Fill soft or hard taco shells with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a fun and flavorful meal.
- Chicken Salad: Toss cooked chicken with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressing for a light and refreshing meal.
- Chicken Wraps: Roll cooked chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments in a tortilla for an easy and portable meal.
- Chicken and Rice: Combine cooked chicken with fluffy rice and your choice of vegetables and seasonings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Chicken Skewers: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill them for a tasty and colorful meal.
- Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Use cooked chicken and stir-fry it with a variety of vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
- Chicken and Quinoa: Cook quinoa and combine it with cooked chicken, vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a protein-packed meal.
- Chicken and Couscous: Cook couscous and combine it with cooked chicken, dried fruits, nuts, and herbs for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
With these delicious chicken recipes and other weeknight meal ideas, you’ll never run out of options for quick and easy dinners. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, chicken has got you covered. So next time you’re in a rush and need to get dinner on the table fast, reach for chicken and let it come to the rescue! Happy cooking!
