12 Contest-Winning Chicken & Chops Recipes Perfect for Weeknights

Our taste panel loved these weeknight-worthy chicken and pork recipes.

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Grand Prize: Dijon Pork Chops with Cabbage and Fennel

While living in Switzerland for a few years, my friends introduced me to an area renowned for their cabbage, pork and potato dishes. I decided to try a cabbage and fennel combination and believe they complement each other well. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
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1st Place: Creamy Green Chile Chicken Cobbler

Biscuity crumbs take this family-friendly combo of rotisserie chicken and cheesy, creamy green enchilada sauce over the top. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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2nd Place: Fig-Glazed Chicken with White Beans

Sauteed shallots, fig jam, rosemary, lemon and sherry vinegar make a delightful sauce for both the chicken and the beans. My husband couldn’t believe how well the white beans absorbed the flavor, making this a grand slam. Matchstick carrots can be added to the bean mixture for extra color, flavor and crunch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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3rd Place: Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

For national soup month in January, I came up with a new recipe every day. This one is my favorite! It’s so easy, with just a touch of special Thai flavors. For an even richer flavor, try using whole coconut milk. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
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Runner-Up: Apple-Glazed Stuffed Pork Chops

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Runner-Up: Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

A sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
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Runner-Up: Breaded Curry Chicken Drummies

These drumsticks are crispy with just the right amount of zing to get your mouth watering for more! They are super easy to make and are baked rather than fried so they save on fat but not on flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or assorted chicken parts can be used instead of all drumsticks. —Lynn Kaufman, Mount Morris, Illinois
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Runner-Up: Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
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Runner-Up: Five-Spice Glazed Smoked Chops

I started out fixing another recipe but didn't have all the ingredients, so I came up with this one! The spice gives it a flavorful kick. You can make your own five-spice powder by combining cloves, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. I love that you can make this dish on the stovetop or the grill. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
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Runner-Up: Paprika Chicken Stroganoff

Stroganoff is such a comfort food. While traditionally a beef dish, it can easily be adapted for other proteins, and it is just as delicious. With this creamy chicken stroganoff, I get to enjoy all the lovely sauciness with the benefits of the lighter white meat. —Leo Lo, Norfolk, Virginia
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Runner-Up: Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas

For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Runner-Up: Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York

Rashanda Cobbins
Rashanda is a former food editor for Taste of Home. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Rashanda interned in Southern Living’s test kitchen and later spent nearly a decade developing recipes and food content at ConAgra Brands. In her spare time, she loves scoping out local farmers markets and having picnics in the park.