16 Super Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes For Your Picky Family

Finding dinner ideas that everyone in the family will actually enjoy—especially picky eaters—can feel like an impossible task. But with these 16 super easy chicken dinner recipes, you’ll have a variety of go-to meals that are not only delicious but also quick to prepare and loved by kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who won’t touch vegetables or a teen who thinks everything is too “bland,” these chicken dinners are sure to win everyone over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you probably already have at home
• Quick preparation time for busy weeknights
• Customizable recipes for different preferences
• Kid-approved flavors and textures
• Easy cleanup
• Balanced meals with protein and optional veggies
• Great for meal prep or last-minute dinners
• Budget-friendly options
• Comforting and familiar dishes
• Big batch options for leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Each recipe includes basic pantry staples like chicken breasts or thighs, olive oil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and a few other common ingredients like cheese, rice, pasta, and veggies. You’ll also find some recipes using pre-made sauces or seasonings to make dinner even easier.

Directions

Here’s a brief overview of each dish. For detailed steps and ingredient quantities, refer to the individual recipe cards.

1. Baked Parmesan Chicken – Coat chicken in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings, then bake until crispy and golden.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sear thighs, then simmer in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
3. Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Cook pasta, add sautéed chicken, and stir in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce.
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole – Combine chicken, rice, soup, and seasoning in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.
5. Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, add to slider buns, and bake with melted cheese.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry – Stir-fry chicken and veggies, then toss with store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce.
7. Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard – Breaded and baked or fried, served with a side of honey mustard.
8. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas – Fill tortillas with chicken and cheese, then pan-fry until crispy.
9. Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts – Sear chicken and finish in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
10. Chicken Taco Bowls – Layer rice, chicken, beans, corn, and toppings for an easy taco-style dinner.
11. BBQ Chicken Flatbreads – Use store-bought flatbreads, BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese; bake and slice.
12. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – Chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce topped with biscuit dough and baked.
13. Chicken Noodle Soup – Classic comfort with shredded chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
14. Chicken Fried Rice – Quick stir-fry of rice, chicken, eggs, and veggies with soy sauce.
15. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – Bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter and served with sides.
16. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken – Chicken breasts cooked in salsa, then shredded for tacos or rice bowls.

Servings and timing

Most recipes serve 4 people and take between 20 to 40 minutes to prepare, with some (like the slow cooker chicken) requiring 4–6 hours of hands-off cooking time. If you’re cooking for a larger family or want leftovers, these recipes are easy to double.

Variations

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more flavor
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or pasta as needed
• Add hidden veggies like finely chopped spinach or carrots for picky eaters
• Spice it up with extra chili flakes or hot sauce for adventurous eaters
• Try different cheeses or herbs to match your family’s taste

storage/reheating

Most of these meals can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For crispy items like tenders or quesadillas, use a toaster oven or air fryer for best results. Casseroles and soups freeze well for up to 3 months.

FAQs

What’s the easiest chicken recipe on the list?

The slow cooker salsa chicken is probably the easiest—just dump everything in and let it cook.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

Absolutely. They’re all made with simple, familiar flavors that kids usually love.

Can I meal prep these ahead of time?

Yes, most recipes can be made ahead and stored for quick weeknight meals.

Are there gluten-free options?

Many recipes can be easily adapted to be gluten-free with simple swaps like GF pasta or breadcrumbs.

What side dishes go well with these chicken recipes?

Rice, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and salads are great side options.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Some, like the chicken tenders or garlic butter bites, work great in an air fryer.

Do I need a lot of fancy ingredients?

Nope—these recipes are all about using what you already have or can easily grab at the store.

What if my picky eater doesn’t like sauces?

Try leaving sauces on the side or starting with mild, familiar flavors like butter or cheese-based dishes.

How do I make these meals more nutritious?

Add vegetables, use whole grain pasta or rice, and lean cuts of chicken to boost nutrition.

Conclusion

These 16 chicken dinner recipes are a lifesaver for anyone dealing with picky eaters. They’re comforting, easy to prepare, and offer something for everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight solutions or meals the whole family will genuinely enjoy, this collection is sure to become your go-to. Try a few this week and watch your dinner struggles disappear.

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