You Will Love These 15 Low-Effort, High-Reward Chicken Recipes

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

Chicken makes the perfect weeknight dinner, but it can get a little boring. Banish bland chicken with these 15 low-effort, high-reward recipes. I’m talking easy, explosive flavors that’ll make you forget takeout ever existed.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley. — Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons. — Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pop these chicken thighs into your slow cooker and let the magic happen. You’ll come back to a great meal that’s big on taste and low on effort, just right for unwinding after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Naan pizza with chicken and bacon in the basket of an air fryer. — Air Fryer Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Whip up a personal pizza in your air fryer using naan bread for a quick and tasty twist. It’s a perfect way to enjoy homemade pizza in about 10 minutes, ideal for when those pizza cravings hit on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Naan Pizza

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get the family excited for dinner with these easy air fryer chicken legs that come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot. — Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Toss your ramen ingredients into the crock pot and let it do all the work. You’ll end the day with a hot, flavorful bowl of ramen that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Recreate the classic taste of Chick-fil-A’s Tortilla Soup at home. This recipe is a simple way to whip up a comforting meal that’s perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Merge the sweet and savory goodness of chicken and waffles into one simple casserole. It’s a great choice for those days when you want something a bit different but totally delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Set up this creamy chicken in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinnertime. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without all the work, perfect for days when you’re juggling a million things.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No need to wait for summer to get your BBQ fix—this air fryer BBQ chicken is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a great way to bring the flavors of a cookout to your weeknight dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

A plate with chicken, carrots and gravy. — Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine chicken and stuffing in your crock pot for a meal that’s comforting without the hassle. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a filling dinner but not the work that usually comes with it.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese chicken stir fry in a white bowl with chopsticks. — Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving something with a bit of a kick? Try this air fryer Kung Pao chicken for a meal that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish right at home, without the extra grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Let your slow cooker do the hard work and come home to these BBQ chicken legs. They’re a great way to enjoy a hands-off meal that’s full of flavor and ready to eat when you are.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Asian chicken with sesame seeds on a plate. — Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These glazed chicken thighs are cooked in the air fryer for a meal that’s both simple and mouthwatering. The marinade gives them a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making for a great dinner option with very little work.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes. — Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Make your next Taco Tuesday a breeze with these crock pot chicken tacos. The honey and lime create a perfect flavor combo that makes for a great, easy meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon. — Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker pulled chicken is as easy as it gets, with just three ingredients and no complicated steps. Pile it onto some rolls with coleslaw and pickles for a perfect, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Chicken Parm Casserole

Baked pasta dish topped with melted cheese in a glass dish. — Chicken Parm Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Short on time but craving something hearty? This chicken parmesan casserole has all the flavors you love in a form that’s quick to put together. It’s a great meal for those weeknights when you want comfort food without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parm Casserole