You don't need to spend a lot at the meat counter to make a delicious dinner. These simple recipes can be made with one pound of chicken.
32 Dinners You Can Make With a Pound of Chicken
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
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Quick Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful and flavorful main dish is fast to fix. I like to serve it with a crisp lettuce and tomato salad topped with your favorite bottled dressing. —Marcia Hostetter, Canton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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Chicken Caesar Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dressed greens on top of warm pizza may sound a little strange but trust me, it's fantastic. —Tracy Youngman, Post Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 506 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
4/32
Super Fast Mexican Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 254 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 998mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
5/32
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Cashew Chicken with Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 638 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
9/32
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
10/32
Chicken Foil Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 175 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
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Chicken Caesar Pitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hand-held and picnic friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance for a fast-fix lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 398 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 65 mg cholesterol, 919 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate (3 g sugars, 5 g fiber), 31 g protein.
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Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 394 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
13/32
Chicken Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
14/32
Chicken Provolone
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 236 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
15/32
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.
16/32
Baked Mushroom Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mushroom chicken bake recipe is the perfect way to dress up a standard weeknight dinner. It's a recipe I can count on to yield tender and flavorful results every time. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 311 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
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Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 395 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
18/32
Falafel Chicken Burgers with Lemon Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Falafel burgers with lemon yogurt sauce mark the first recipe I created myself. Use leftover mix to make chicken falafel or falafel with veggies or fish. —Nicole Mederos, Hoboken, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 435 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1036mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
19/32
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
20/32
Chicken Chop Suey
Total Time
5 hours 50 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a great way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty and traditional, and easy, too!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Chicken Broccoli Ziti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s an elegant entree you’ll be proud to serve. It looks like you spent hours, but it’s so simple. I like to add a splash of lemon for a refreshing finishing touch. —Tammy Diekemper, Marine, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 528 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 975mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 43g protein.
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Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
23/32
Chicken Stir-Fry with Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stir-fry noodles on a cooking show caught my eye. I ran with the idea and loaded mine with veggies. Now it’s our favorite hurry-up meal. —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 434 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 35g protein.
24/32
Bruschetta Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy serving this tasty chicken bruschetta to both family and guests. It just might become your new favorite way to use up summer tomatoes and basil. —Carolin Cattoi-Demkiw, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 316 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 563mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/32
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
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Open-Face Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love chicken Parmesan and thought, "Why not make it a burger?" I like to use fresh mozzarella on these. I've also made the patties with ground turkey. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 381 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 316 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
28/32
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/32
Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone goes for this super moist, garlicky chicken, including my fussy kids. For your holiday buffet or family gathering, serve it with rice or noodles. —Carole Lotito, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/32
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/32
Chicken and Kale Tortellini Soup
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
With tender tortellini, artichokes, greens and lots of herbs, this soup is so flavorful. The fact that it's easy to make is just a chilly-night bonus. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 386 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
32/32
Chicken and Shrimp with Lemon Cream Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this creamy pasta. Whenever I make it, I know that they will happily clean their plates. —Joe Milholland, Smelterville, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 443 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
