Start from scratch or grab a rotisserie head start. These chicken recipes will help you get dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less!
20-Minute Chicken Dinners
Updated on Feb. 01, 2024
Crispy Fried Chicken
If you’ve wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
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BLT Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Featuring all the fun fixings for a BLT chicken sandwich, this salad is so lovable. I can prep the ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. Barbecue sauce in the dressing gives it unexpected flavor. Even picky eaters love my chicken salads. —Cindy Moore, Mooresville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
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Caesar Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
4/41
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/41
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Parmesan Chicken Couscous
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple ingredients make clever use of leftover chicken in an innovative dish any home cook would be proud to plate. I like to serve it with a side of fresh fruit. —Lisa Abbott, New Berlin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 391 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
8/41
Tuscan Chicken
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist and savory chicken entree is ready in an unbelievable 15 minutes flat! —Debra Legrand, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 217 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
9/41
Almond Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 351 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
10/41
Blackened Chicken and Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves any spicy food, and this is one quick-fix recipe we can both agree on. As the chicken cooks, whip up salads of lettuce, tomato, avocado and shredded cheddar cheese. Dinner's done! —Christine Zongker, Spring Hill, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup bean mixture: 297 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 697mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
11/41
Pineapple Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/41
Chicken with Mandarin Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have some leftover veggies, I dress the salsa up a little with some diced green onions and bell peppers. If you like a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper to the skillet. —Aysha Shurman, Ammon, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup chicken mixture with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 453 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
13/41
Orange Chicken Spinach Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 270 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
14/41
Ramen Chicken Stir Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A frozen vegetable blend and noodles make this chicken ramen stir-fry a cinch to toss together. The filling meal is so easy to fix that teenagers can make it themselves. —Lois McAtee, Oceanside, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 453 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1361mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
15/41
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture: 224 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
16/41
Chicken and Black Bean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in California, we cook out year-round. I grill extra chicken specifically for this quick meal. It’s so colorful and fresh-tasting that even our kids love it. —Cindie Ekstrand, Duarte, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 14g fat (0 saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 519mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
17/41
California Chicken Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of hummus and feta give these wraps unbeatable flavor. Hummus is a fantastic alternative to mayonnaise; try it on your favorite sandwich today! —Donna Munch, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 300 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 very lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/41
Brown Rice Salad with Grilled Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful dish is nutritious, simple to fix and brightens up any buffet table. It's a terrific way to use up leftover chicken, and you can add veggies according to your family's liking. -Glenda Harper of Cable, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
19/41
Spicy Apricot-Glazed Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a new chicken idea? Save yourself a trip to the store and check the fridge first. I found out chili sauce, mustard and apricot preserves for a sweet, hot flavor. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 209 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
20/41
Garlic Chicken Penne
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All it takes is four ingredients and 20 minutes to have this hearty dish ready for the table. Chicken, snap peas and pasta star in this dish, and the garlicky sauce ties it all together nicely. —Anne Nock, Avon Lake, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 429 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
21/41
Chicken Chimichangas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy outside with gooey cheese inside, this homemade Mexican favorite had our testers saying, “Hello, delicious!” Pair with Spanish rice or serve with chips and salsa for a restaurant-quality meal prepared in minutes. —Bridget Harrison, Cedar Hill, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga (calculated without optional toppings): 640 calories, 43g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
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Curried Chicken & Peach Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very healthy and simple salad to make; even my non-cooking husband can whip it together in minutes. We’ve served this to friends over the years, and they always ask for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit.
23/41
Gnocchi Chicken Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without cheese): 598 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1632mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
24/41
Maple-Thyme Chicken Thighs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat a lot of chicken at our house, and figuring out different ways to serve it gets challenging. My family went nuts for the cozy maple flavors in this recipe, so now I share it at potlucks, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 188 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 363mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
25/41
Chicken Tostada Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If I don't have any tostada shells on hand for this speedy salad, I just heat taco shells, break them in half and lay them flat on the plates. It works just as well. Great Southwest flavor! —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 322 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1364mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
26/41
Monterey Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Monterey chicken transforms regular chicken into a savory dish with barbecue sauce, crisp bacon and melty cheese. It gets even better with a sprinkling of fresh tomatoes and green onions. —Linda Coleman, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 318 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
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Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick, simple and oh-so-tasty, this air-fryer chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It’s just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 416 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 863mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 49g protein.
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Pear Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This beautiful, flavorful salad from Rebecca Baird of Salt Lake City, Utah is sprinkled with feta cheese, sweetened cranberries and walnuts for extra depth, pop, and crunch. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 348 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
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Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this simple sweet chili chicken dish so much he often requests it when he comes home from deployment. The sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of heat to the bright citrusy sauce. —Jessica Eastman, Bremerton, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chicken mixture: 309 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1014mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
30/41
Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings (1 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's one of many reasons we love tomato season. Chopped salads are so simple and such a fantastic way to eat fresh. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/3 cups salad with about 2 tablespoons dressing: 348 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
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Chicken Croissant Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 537 calories, 35g fat (11g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
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Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For our must-have meal, we roast chicken using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This version without skin and bones has a zesty rub of turmeric, paprika and chili powder. —Bill Staley, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 169 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Desert Oasis Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and pair nicely with sweet and spicy ingredients like these. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast with 1/4 cup apricot mixture: 288 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
34/41
Pear Chicken Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic pear salad gets an innovative makeover with chicken and maple vinaigrette. We like to serve it over crisp romaine for a refreshing experience. —Chrysa Duran, Cambridge, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 420 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
35/41
Smoky Gouda & Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family loves this, but especially my husband and I for the deep smoke and garlic flavors. The cheese combined with the savory garlic-herb mayo is simply mouthwatering. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 352 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
36/41
Honey Mustard Apple Chicken Sausage
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this recipe together one day for a fantastic lunch. It’s a great way to use up leftover sausage and rice from dinner the night before. —Julie Puderbaugh, Berwick, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup sausage mixture: 288 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
37/41
Barbecued Chicken Pizza
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pizza starts with a prepared bread shell and barbecue sauce, plus leftover cooked chicken. I simply assemble and bake. Often, I cut the pizza into small bite-size pieces and serve it as an appetizer at parties or potluck dinners.—Patricia Richardson, Verona, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 510 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1158mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
38/41
White Bean and Chicken Chili
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To create this yummy white chili, I adapted three different recipes. It’s mild, so everyone can dig in. it's won ribbons in several recipe contests. —Julie White, Yacolt, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 323 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1113mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 10g fiber), 34g protein.
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Cashew-Curry Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I fell hard for the curried chicken salad from our grocery store deli, and I knew I could find a way to make something similar. This greek yogurt chicken salad has become one of our favorites to take on trips to the beach. —Janine Cooper-Moren, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
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Chicken Tzatziki
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
41/41
Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 309 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
