You don't need a full fridge to make these easy chicken recipes for dinner. With a few ingredients, five or fewer to be exact, they're perfect for busy weeknights. Note: We don't count basics like water, salt, pepper and fats into the ingredient count.
75 Chicken Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less
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Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
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Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
Bottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
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Baked Orange Chicken
You'll love this unexpected baked orange chicken, in which humble chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet, tangy sauce and coated with orange marmalade.
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Sticky Chicken Wings
You’ll want to keep an extra stack of napkins nearby once people start reaching for these sweet and sticky wings. The brown sugar marinade makes every bite finger-lickin’ good! —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
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Salsa Chicken
Packed with flavor and easy to make, salsa chicken is the anchor of a great meal. Serve it with rice, avocado slices, lime wedges and more, and you have the recipe for a happy family.
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Kentucky Grilled Chicken
This Kentucky grilled chicken is perfect for an outdoor summer meal, and my family thinks it's fantastic. It takes about an hour on the grill but is worth the wait. I use a new paintbrush to mop on the basting sauce. -Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky
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Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts
Marinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this grilled Caesar chicken recipe is juicy, tender and full of flavor. It couldn't be easier. —Marcia Wallenfeldt, Kent, Ohio
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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
This dish is so tasty that my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Soy Garlic Chicken
Prepare this soy garlic chicken in about 10 minutes after lunch, and by the time dinner rolls around, you'll have a true treat of an entree ready.
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Savory Onion Chicken
Dinner doesn't get any easier than this tasty onion soup chicken entree. Buy chicken that's already cut up to save even more time. —Julia Anderson, Ringgold, Georgia
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Baked Swiss Chicken
Canned soup, white wine, Swiss cheese and crushed croutons dress up the chicken breasts in this elegant entree. Ideal for unexpected guests, it requires only a few ingredients. The creamy sauce is excellent with garlic mashed potatoes or rice. —Beverly Roberge, Bristol, Connecticut
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Easy Chicken Strips
I came up with these crispy strips one night when I was looking for a fast new way to serve chicken. They also make delightful appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, Kentucky
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Crunchy Onion Barbecue Chicken
I threw this crispy BBQ chicken recipe together one night when I had two chicken breasts to use up. After adding french-fried onions and baked-on barbecue sauce, I was thrilled with how moist and tasty it turned out. My husband was, too! —Jane Holey, Clayton, Michigan
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Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
Tender chicken gets a special treatment when spread with a creamy filling and wrapped with tasty bacon strips. This easy bacon-wrapped chicken recipe is frequently requested by my bunch. —MarlaKaye Skinner, Tucson, Arizona
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Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
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Honey-Lime Roasted Chicken
It's hard to believe this finger-licking main course starts with only five ingredients. "The chicken is easy, light and so good," promises Springfield, Vermont's Lori Carbonell. "It's just as tasty prepared outside on the grill."
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Maple Mustard Chicken
My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, Michigan
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Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
I created this recipe years ago after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding them to the buttermilk mixture; this tends to release the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry
Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests.
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Buttery Parmesan Chicken
A rich, cheesy breading locks in this chicken's natural juices, making it moist and tempting every time. Because it can be made in advance, I rely on it often during the week and when entertaining. —Kathie Landmann, Lexington Park, Maryland
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Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
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Cheese Chicken Soup
Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
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Mom's Roast Chicken
This is the best way to cook a whole chicken. It roasts up super juicy with crisp, golden skin. This chicken is simply seasoned, but packs in so much flavor. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime Chicken
This tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
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Cranberry Maple Chicken
Cranberries and a hint of maple syrup make a sweet sauce for these easy chicken breast halves. They’re a quick but lovely main course for weeknights and other occasions. –Kim Pettipas of Oromocto, New Brunswick
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli
If chicken cordon bleu and stromboli had a baby, this would be it. Serve with jarred Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo sauce or classic Mornay sauce on the side if desired. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
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Glazed Roast Chicken
I like to make this for weeknight dinners. You can make this roast chicken with apricot glaze or quince jelly. —Victoria Miller, San Ramon, California
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Chicken Provolone
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
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Aloha Pizza
This pizza came together on the fly. I had to take something to a gathering, but had no time to shop. I raided the fridge for inspiration and discovered this happy combo. —Wendy Huffman, Bloomington, Illinois
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Chicken Puffs
Surprise your party guests with a plate of chicken puffs. Stuff crescent rolls with cream cheese and chicken, then bake them until they're puffed, golden and flaky.
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Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken with Basil
No matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Enjoy cozy, cheesy slow-cooker chicken Parmesan without leaving a sink full of dirty pots and pans. Serve with a side of spaghetti or with crust rolls for sandwiches!
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Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups
My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
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Tasty Onion Chicken
The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas
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Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken
A few pantry items, such as mustard and preserves, inspired this recipe. And since then it has been the successful centerpiece for both small weeknight meals and big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
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Quick Chicken Piccata
Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Just add a side of veggies and bread to make it into a wonderful meal. —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia
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Smoky Spanish Chicken
After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California
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Spicy Apricot-Glazed Chicken
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
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Shredded Buffalo Chicken
Hot wings meets pulled chicken in this easy Crock-pot chicken recipe. Your favorite buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing and chicken breasts are slow-cooked for a mouthwatering shredded Buffalo chicken recipe that can be made as spicy (or not) as you like and served in a myriad of ways.
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Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
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Breaded Ranch Chicken
A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
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Artichoke Chicken Pesto Pizza
Make pizza night an upscale affair with this fun twist on the traditional pie. A prebaked crust and prepared pesto keep things quick and easy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
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
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo
Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
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Skillet Chicken with Olives
While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts
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Buffalo Chicken Pockets
Here’s my idea of pub food made easy: biscuits flavored with Buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese. They're my Friday night favorite. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peppers & Potatoes
My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire
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Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
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Chicken with Peach-Cucumber Salsa
To keep our kitchen cool, we grill chicken outdoors and serve it with a minty peach salsa that can easily be made ahead. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
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Chicken & Cheese Tortilla Pie
Trust me when I say this hearty dish can be assembled in minutes, then devoured even quicker with no leftovers. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
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Cheesy Bow Tie Chicken
Here's a super-simple dish that tastes like it's straight from a nice Italian restaurant. Spinach-artichoke dip is usually available in supermarket delis. It comes frozen, too. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package directions before dinnertime. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Both adults and adventurous kids will love these spicy chicken nuggets. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Chicken & Waffles
My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course, too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
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Baked Buffalo Chicken
When I make this tangy buffalo chicken breast, I have to double this baked buffalo chicken recipe because it disappears so fast. Better to have leftovers, especially since they make great sandwiches and salads. —Beth Zimmerman, Willingboro, New Jersey
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Ravioli with Apple Chicken Sausage
I wanted the perfect sauce for squash ravioli. The wait is over. Here’s what works: spinach, sausage, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in one happy saucepan. —Mary Brodeur, Millbury, Massachusetts
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BBQ Chicken Bites
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
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Rosemary-Lemon Chicken Thighs
A cooking show inspired me to create this lemony chicken. Ask your butcher to remove the bones from chicken thighs but leave the skin intact. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
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Caribbean Chicken Stir-Fry
Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
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Thai Chicken Tacos
Inspired by a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, this recipe is an awesome way to use leftover chicken. If you have a little extra time, let the carrot and cucumber marinate in some rice vinegar before taco time. —Melissa Halonen, Spokane, Washington
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Cheesy Onion Chicken Skillet
My zesty chicken with peppers and onions is so versatile, it works when you serve it over rice, potatoes, noodles, even a hoagie bun. —Kim Johnson, Sibley, Iowa
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Zesty Chicken Soft Tacos
We’ve made these tacos with corn and flour tortillas, but naan flatbread is our favorite. Set out toppings and let people make their own. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
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Baked Caesar Chicken
Easy, fast to fix and delicious, this meal maker is a winner! —Kirsten Norgaard, Astoria, Oregon
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Weeknight Chicken Mozzarella Sandwiches
My husband is a big garlic fan, so we use garlic bread crumbs and garlic sauce for our baked chicken sandwiches. They are so comforting on a chilly day. —Bridget Snyder, Syracuse, New York
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Easy Chicken Fried Rice
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
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Mediterranean Chicken
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
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Apple-Mustard Chicken Tenders
My husband says this dish is sweet and a little bit sassy, just like me. I like to use Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness. Winesaps are great for this dish, too. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
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Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
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Italian-Style Chicken & Peppers
I found my mom's well-stained recipe card for chicken and green peppers and was flooded with memories. I'd forgot how good it was! Hope you enjoy. —Donna Miller, Grosse Pointe, Michigan
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Asian Slaw
Here’s an Asian slaw recipe without all the greasy mayonnaise. It’s well-liked by the people who’ve tried it. A bit of sugar mellows the tangy Asian coleslaw dressing. —Alta Goodman, Canton, South Dakota
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