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Rule the Roost with These 19 Finger-Licking Chicken Dinners

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These 19 delicious chicken dinners will rescue you from the drudgery of the same old boring chicken dishes. These are clucking amazing meals that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

top view of Instant Pot orange chicken with green beans
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

From the sizzling spices of BBQ chicken to the comforting embrace of a creamy casserole, each recipe in this collection is irresistibly delicious. So give chicken the spotlight it deserves and turn a boring dinner into a delight.

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Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Who needs takeout when you can play chef at home? This dish is a flavor bomb, ready in 45 minutes to satisfy your cravings for something tangy and sweet. It’s like Panda Express, but in your PJs and with no delivery fee.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

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

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in 25 minutes. It’s the lazy person’s guide to gourmet. Why bother with a full-on roast when you can get all the glory with half the effort?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Because why decide between breakfast and dinner? It’s the sweet and savory mashup of your dreams, with just 5 ingredients. Perfect for confusing your taste buds in the most delightful way possible.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Chick-fil-a Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich with tomato, lettuce and cheese.
Chick-fil-a Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the drive-thru and air-fry your way to fast-food nirvana. This copycat recipe brings the crispy, juicy goodness home. It’s for when you’re feeling fancy but still want to eat with your hands.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-a Chicken Sandwich

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

zucchini boat with Buffalo chicken stuffing
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These are like little canoes of spicy, cheesy joy. Low carb, high flavor, and you get to feel all virtuous eating your veggies. Perfect for pretending you’re being healthy while really just enjoying the hot sauce and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Whole chicken cooked in the air fryer with lemon and herbs.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who knew you could roast a whole bird in the air fryer? It’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and doesn’t require you to heat up the whole kitchen. It’s like your oven just became obsolete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Closeup of a bowl of Buffalo chicken chili.
Buffalo Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

It’s like someone dared chili to get a little wild, and boy, did it deliver. This dish is for when you want to feel the burn but in a good, mouth-happy kind of way. Great for warming up or just showing off your spice tolerance.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Chili

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.

Get that summer BBQ feeling without the grill. Season, air fry, slather in sauce, and bam! You’re the BBQ hero without any of the smoke in your eyes. Perfect for impromptu cookouts or when you forget it’s winter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Because who has time to marinate? This dish is flavor-packed and ready in 30 minutes, proving that the Instant Pot is basically a magic cauldron. Perfect when you want gourmet without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Apples and Cheese

Air fryer stuffed chicken breast on a white plate.
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Apples and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

It’s like a surprise party inside a chicken. Juicy meat, melty cheese, and tender apples – because why not? Your family will be impressed, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast with Apples and Cheese

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

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

It’s like Thanksgiving, but on a random weekday. Juicy chicken, herby stuffing, all simmering together while you binge-watch your favorite show. It’s comfort food with a side of nostalgia, no holiday stress included.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Cut chicken breasts pieces baked.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy, simple, and ready in 30 minutes. It’s the chicken dinner to throw together when you forgot you had to cook dinner. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and zero chances of messing it up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Instant pot shredded chicken tacos on a plate.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Three ingredients, one pot, and a whole lot of “Why didn’t I try this sooner?” It’s the lazy chef’s dream for tacos, bowls, or just eating straight out of the pot. I won’t judge.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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

Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet-spicy marinade. It’s like your favorite Asian takeout decided to have a home-cooked meal. Perfect for when you’re feeling fancy but don’t want to leave the house.
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.

Honey, lime, and chicken slow cook together for a delicious taco filling. This no-effort taco filling that makes every Taco Tuesday feel like a party. Great for when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

All the crispy, juicy goodness of fried chicken without the greasy aftermath. It’s like having your favorite diner meal but without leaving the house or smelling like a fryer. The perfect meal when you’re craving comfort food but still want to use napkins.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Spicy Chicken Riggies

Chicken riggies in a bowl topped with Parmesan and green onion.
Spicy Chicken Riggies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken, hot peppers, creamy sauce, and rigatoni are all combined in one cozy dish. It’s the comfort food spiced up with a little bit of heat. Ideal for those who like their pasta with a side of sass.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Riggies

Bang Bang Chicken

Bang bang chicken on a serving platter surrounding a bowl of bang bang sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy bites of chicken are tossed with a sweet and spicy drizzle. It’s like regular chicken nuggets only way better. Perfect for when you’re bored of the basics and want to spice things up.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy drumsticks are slow cooked in tangy, sweet BBQ sauce. This set-and-forget meal makes you feel like a pitmaster, without ever leaving the house. Great for lazy days or when you want to convince someone you know how to cook.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

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Chicken dinners for busy weeknights.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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