When you're short on time but still want a flavorful and satisfying chicken dinner, these quick and easy recipes are here to save the day. From skillet meals to sheet pan dinners, these recipes require minimal prep and are ready in 30 minutes or less.

Last-Minute Chicken Dinner

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Last-Minute Chicken Dinner Recipes

When you’re short on time but still want a flavorful and satisfying chicken dinner, these quick and easy recipes are here to save the day. From skillet meals to sheet pan dinners, these recipes require minimal prep and are ready in 30 minutes or less.

1. Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies (One-Pan)

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed (or any quick-cooking veggie)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then toss in cherry tomatoes and green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

2. Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Brush the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, lower the heat, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting occasionally. Serve with salad or roasted veggies.

3. 15-Minute Lemon Garlic Chicken

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 chicken cutlets (pounded thin)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear chicken cutlets for 3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat and add garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, then add lemon juice and chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in butter and thyme. Return chicken to the skillet to coat in the sauce. Serve with rice or steamed veggies.

4. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and layer half with chicken mixture, cheese, and red onion.
  3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
  4. Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or salsa.

5. Creamy Spinach and Tomato Skillet Chicken

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, then pour in cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

6. Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Dijon Dip

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray

For the Dip:

  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
  3. Dip chicken tenders in eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  5. Mix Dijon mustard and honey for the dip and serve alongside the tenders.

7. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. Toss to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Drizzle with sesame oil (if using) and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice or noodles.

Tips for Last-Minute Chicken Dinners:

  1. Use pre-cooked chicken:
  • Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken can cut cooking time drastically.

2. Keep staples on hand:

    • Quick sauces like teriyaki, BBQ, or honey mustard can transform plain chicken into a flavorful meal.

    3. One-pan or skillet meals:

      • These reduce prep time and cleanup, making dinner even faster.

      4. Thin cuts cook faster:

        • Use chicken cutlets or pound chicken breasts thin for faster cooking.

        With these recipes, you can whip up a delicious chicken dinner in no time, no matter how busy your schedule is! 🍗🍴✨

        When you're short on time but still want a flavorful and satisfying chicken dinner, these quick and easy recipes are here to save the day. From skillet meals to sheet pan dinners, these recipes require minimal prep and are ready in 30 minutes or less.

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