50 Chicken Dinner Recipes Perfect for Cold Weather (2024)

So you have chicken in the fridge, but you are not sure what to do with it. Well, don’t fear, as we’ve got a list of 31 dishes that will give you everything that you need for a solid dinner, as well as a good night out for you and your friends.

If you are not that confident in the kitchen, then you also won’t need to worry, as a lot of our recipes are ideal for anyone that is looking for a fast and cheap alternative.

We’ve got a list of amazing pasta and salads, along with Mexican and Thai dishes, this is a list for family, friends, and even young children. Heck, you can even feed this to the dog and they’d enjoy it!

Chicken Dinner Recipes

So what are the best winter chicken dinners? How long will it take you to prepare them? What is better, chicken from a restaurant or chicken from the supermarket? How much do you need to buy a few whole chickens? Is it better to make the dishes yourself?

Well, we’ve got the answer to all your chicken-related questions and a whole lot more, with our list of some of the top recipes for you to add to your menu to make now!

We’ll look at how best to load up your pasta or salad with some protein-rich chicken, as well as how to cook it for the best flavor.And when it's done, if you still need more ideas, don't fret, below are some more great lists of chicken recipes to add to your meal plan!

• Creamy Chicken Marsala 30-Minute Meal
• Braised Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
• Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs
• Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole
• Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies

Spatchco*cked Thai Roasted Chicken

A whole roasted chicken is taken to a whole new level with a simple spicy Thai marinade. You'll love the rich flavors and how easily this cooks once it is cut down into the spatchco*ck style.

Crispy Baked Chicken Legs and Thighs

Nothing beats nice fried chicken legs unless they are these crispy baked ones! A simple seasoning gives them flavor and the secret ingredient makes sure the skin is crispy without adding a bunch of fat or carbs from breading and deep-frying. Plus, this method isn't as messy!

Julia Child's Coq au Vin

If you've ever wanted to dabble in classic French cuisine, this take on Julia Child's Coq au Vin is a great choice. Richly flavored chicken with just enough sauce and vegetables makes it a show-stopper that everyone loves.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Nothing is more quintessentially Southern than chicken and dumplings. This recipe uses that handy Crock-Pot to make it easier to manage and still give you that rich gravy, soft dumpling, and tender chicken you crave.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are so tender and juicy, and this simple recipe gives them that crispy coating you want in fried chicken without the calories It's delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a budget-friendly meal!

Creamy Chicken Marsala

This rich and creamy sauce with mushrooms and fresh herbs is a great way to take boring chicken into a new sphere of delicious flavor! The best part? This recipe is ready in just 30-minutes!

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

This is a perfect way to use ground chicken and impart tons of flavor. Chicken piccata is a great choice filled with that tang of lemon and capers and a rich buttery sauce.

Blackened Chicken Breasts

This classic Cajun recipe is filled with heat and flavor. A simple method chars the spices to give it depth of flavor while still leaving the chicken breasts moist and tender.

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Don't worry about going to Outback Steakhouse anymore - you can make the delicious Alice Springs chicken at home! This simple recipe is flavorful, loaded with rich bacon and creamy cheese, and always tender chicken.

Korean Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Sheet pan meals are always popular for good reason. What's not to love about a one-pan meal that is easy to whip up and doesn't have a lot of pieces to wash up from after it's cooked? This is also loaded with flavor!

30-Minute Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Another great copycat takeout recipe - this bourbon chicken is so easy to make and delicious. Tender bites of chicken and a tasty sauce are ideal to serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a simple meal ready in under ½ hour!

Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus

Here is another simple weeknight meal with basic flavors that is sure to be a hit with everyone at your dinner table. Don't like asparagus? Swap with your favorite vegetable for an all-in-one meal that is sure to please!

Copycat P.F. Chang's Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This version uses ground chicken for a tasty little meal that is low in carbs, high in flavor, and ready in just 30-minutes or less! Plus, it's a fraction of the cost of going out to eat!

Authentic Mexican Tinga de Pollo

Whether you eat this alone with rice, in a tortilla like a taco, add to soups, or roll up like an enchilada, this Mexican chicken is flavorful, moist, tender, and perfect for a multitude of meals on your menu.

Chicken Pot Pie

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of chicken pot pie! This recipe uses a simple flaky crust to hold in that tasty chicken, gravy, and vegetables for a perfect bite every time.

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Sometimes you need something yummy that is also kid-friendly. This recipe is fast and easy to make and perfect for the whole family!

Pickle Brine Chicken Tenders

Have you ever had a slight hint of pickle on your chicken? You probably have but didn't realize it. This recipe is fast and easy to make and definitely a great at-home version of Chick Fil A.

Garlic and Herb Baked Chicken Breast

Sometimes it all comes down to the simple flavors. If you want perfect chicken every time, this recipe makes it happen with a foolproof method that is also flavorful.

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Just enough heat from buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy additions and simple sauce for a perfect bite of enchiladas every time. A simple fennel slaw on top cuts through the spice and turns this into a gourmet meal that is easy for even a novice cook to make!

Roasted Chicken With Potatoes

First, we start with an absolute classic, roast potatoes with chicken. This is a simple dish that will fill you up very quickly, packed with carbs and protein, which is perfect for you if you are working out.

Persian Spiced Chicken

If you have never tried the delights of Persian chicken, then now is your chance to get out there and do so.

This delicious meal contains potatoes, chicken and tomato, all of which will give you that righteous dose of protein and enough energy for you to burn through your exercise regime.

Baked Harissa Chicken

This comes with glazed apricot jam that will be an amazing contrast to your meat flavors.

This food is a great blend of sweet, savory, spicy and sticky, so it will not only appeal to die-hard food connoisseurs, but you’ll also be able to get yourself enough energy to power your gym workout.

Sesame Chicken

This chicken can be easily prepared on a skillet, making it one of the easiest meats to rustle up between you and a handful of friends.

This comes with wonderful sesame seeds that can be peppered over your chicken with some vegetables to give you that premium flavor.

White Lasagne Chicken Soup

With a combination of chicken, white lasagne, cheese and noodles, this combines all the flavors of the East with the traditional chicken flavors of the west.

If you want some more ideas for soups - check out these that we've collected below. So many delicious options for your menu!

• The Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
• Dutch Oven Tortellini Soup with Sausage
• Easy Dutch Oven Cabbage Vegetable Soup
• Copycat Pasta e fa*gioli Soup Dutch Oven Recipe
• Comforting Dutch Oven Vegetable Soup Recipe

Orange Chicken

If you fancy a protein-heavy but lightweight set of wraps made with lettuce that will really cut down on your carb intake, then you certainly can’t go wrong with these.

They are very light on sugar and protein, giving you everything that you need for a balanced meal that will keep you full for at least a few hours.

Chicken With Chilis and Olives

This is a very healthy method of preparing very lean and protein-rich chicken. Not only will this give you everything that you need to build muscle, but it will help you slough off layers and layers of fat too.

This is a great meal for anyone who wants to lose some extra pounds come summertime.

Chicken Stuffed With Jalapeno

This chicken is completely white and comes stuffed with an amazing surprise - that’s right, jalapenos!

This is great if you want that super-spicy kick to your main meal. Not only do these jalapenos release a lot of energy, but they also trigger endorphins. So this meal will make you happy once you’ve eaten it.

Harissa Chicken

If you throw this one in the blender with some vegetables and other peppers, then you’ll be halfway near to completing this delicious harissa chicken.

This comes with winter greens and lemon zest, which will both give your tastebuds a right good kicking.

Chicken Pad Thai

This chicken dish is made from noodles and chicken, two simple ingredients that combine the taste of two very different cultures.

This also has a very liberal sprinkling of pine nuts to make sure that you get plenty of pulses along with your fat dose of protein and carbohydrates.

Chicken Parmesan

This recipe is one of your favorites, being the classic staple of the American family table. This cheese-smothered delicacy will be perfect for anyone who wants that rich flavor with the earthy taste of meat.

Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet

This dish is very savory and, more importantly for anyone looking to lose weight, it is extra lean.

You can be certain of having very few calories in this dish, so why not rustle some up at your next barbecue. You can slather this with bacon to make sure that you’ll have everything that you need for a hearty meal.

Don't have a cast iron pan? Check out these options that are perfect for this particular recipe!

• 15" Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (15")
• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Cover and Handle (5 quart)

You can also make this dish in an enamel coated cast iron Dutch oven instead.

If you like Dutch oven recipes, then make sure you check out my Complete Dutch Oven Cookbook on Amazon. It's filled with easy-to-make meals from breakfasts to soups and stews and even a few desserts!

Garlic and Lemon Chicken

This next recipe utilizes just a few simple ingredients to produce a wonderfully sumptuous dish.

This chicken comes with plenty of protein, the garlic will infuse into the chicken to make it positively melt-in-the-mouth. The zesty lemon also makes this a good meal any time of year!

Salsa Chicken

See Also

50 of Our Favorite Easy Chicken Dinners

This is just a simple salsa dish that is not only very easy to make, but it will taste absolutely delicious.

This includes some very creamy feta and salad that will guarantee you a very healthy meal. This also includes black beans and corn, both of which are excellent sources of fiber.

Pineapple Chicken (Baked In The Oven)

This dish contains both sweet and sour flavors, both of which make an extremely interesting combination. All you have to do is cut up some pineapple chunks and throw them in the skillet.

This is great if you are going to scoop rice over your lentils.

Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Now, if you are a fan of cheese, then this is the meal for you. These tender chicken thighs can be cooked right to the core, with various types of cheese that complement each other wonderfully.

This also contains spinach and artichoke hearts, both of which are the meatiest vegetables around.

Dijon Maple Chicken

This is wonderful comfort food, with the dijon mustard adding that little bit extra to your chicken to give it that extra kick.

All you have to do is slow roast some of this chicken in a skillet, giving you everything that you need for a hot flavor.

If you lover sheet pan meals, then check out this huge list of chicken sheet pan meals to add more inspiration to your menu.

Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken

With beautifully prepared rustic potatoes, this chicken dish has everything you need for a light lunch snack. This one contains plenty of protein, so if you are hitting the gym a few times a week, then this will be a great option for building up muscle.

Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole

This is a wonderful take on a traditional Indian dish, with masala wraps that you can use to sate your hunger within an hour of preparation.

This comes with bell peppers and potatoes, so you won’t have to worry about piling on the pounds and getting plenty of fiber in your diet.

Creamy Chicken And Rice In A Pot

This chicken dish is full of cheese, helping to bind the chicken and the rice together.

Not only does it have meat, but it has plenty of vegetables, giving you that boost of nutrients and minerals that will protect you against illness and help improve your overall health.

Chicken Dumplings

These creamy dumplings are drenched in cheese, making them probably the most delicious thing on this menu. This protein and carb blend is perfect for anyone who wants to bulk up, or if you are just looking for a delicious addition to your family barbecue.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

These meaty chicken thighs are certainly for the meat lover, drenched in their oils, as well as savory herbs and rich tomato sauce.

This is one for someone who might not be eating chicken regularly but might want to introduce it into their diet for exercise.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Baking cooked fajitas well is very important, especially when you are wrapping them in delicious warm bread. We recommend that you add some bell peppers and lettuce with this recipe, so you can pack it with as much nutritional value as possible.

Potato Chip Encrusted Chicken Bread

If you want to mix your chicken with some tangy lemon and potato chips, then this is the recipe for you.

This comes with delicious ranch sauce, which will certainly boost the flavor of your chicken strips and give you everything that you need for that traditional Texan barbecue flavor.

Sweet and Sour Chicken (On A Skillet)

This one is packed with contrasting flavors that make for a wonderful dish. Not only does it contain sweet and sour sauce, but your chicken will have a roasted flavor that comes from the skillet itself.

A quick tip: the older the skillet, the better. This will infuse your chicken with the tangy metal of the pan itself.

Chicken With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

What better flavors than mushroom with chicken? This creamy sauce will not only give you chicken that extra pep, but it will also be very easy to rustle up.

Within minutes, you’ll have a delicious blend of fungus and poultry, the two flavors complementing each other to a high degree.

Tuscan Sheet Pan Dinner

With blistering green beans and tomato, this is a simple chicken dish that will be easy for even the most inexperienced chef to make. Be liberal with the salt on this chicken and you’ll have everything that you need for a wonderful dinner. We would recommend adding lemon for a little zest.

Maple Mustard Chicken

If you add cinnamon and pecans to your chicken dish, then you can be sure of having that earthy and sweet flavor. The mustard should be cooked thoroughly into the chicken to give you that sour yet melt-in-the-mouth flavor.

Chicken and Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers

Why not use your chicken as stuffing rather than stuffing a chicken?

These delicious bell peppers are perfect for filling with the conventional and, let’s not forget, a delicious combination of mushroom and chicken. Add a dash of salt to this mix to give these peppers the kickstart that it needs.

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Take some spicy buffalo sauce and slather your chicken in them before wrapping them in very floury and warm enchiladas. This is great for anyone who likes that traditional Mexican taste, along with salad, tomatoes and some bell peppers.

Whole Wheat Broccoli With Cheese And Pasta

Enhance the nutty texture and flavor of your whole wheat pasta with some shredded chicken.

Chicken not only goes well with pasta, but it gives you that wonderful sumptuous creamy flavor. Add some broccoli and cheese and you’ve got yourself a tasty dinner or lunch.

Add More Chicken to Your Menu

We hope that our comprehensive list of chicken dinners will help you out of a tight spot when you are next cooking food. This has been a staple of so many diets over the years, so why mess with success?

Chicken can be very versatile and used in so many different meals that you’ll probably be struggling to think of fewer ways of using it!

Remember to make sure that you have all the ingredients before you make your recipe. Otherwise, you might find yourself halfway through a recipe without garlic or salt, which will negatively impact the flavor of the dish.