74 Heirloom Chicken Recipes You’ll Want to Keep Passing Down

Cozy, comforting and absolutely delicious, chicken dinners definitely bring the nostalgia. Here are the chicken recipes that have survived the test of time.

1 / 74

Saucy Raspberry Chicken

I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.
2 / 74

Garlic-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

The first time my Greek father-in-law made this chicken, he proudly shared the recipe with me. It's my favorite way to roast chicken.
3 / 74

Fried Chicken Strips

I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
4 / 74

Sunday's Best Chicken

I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
5 / 74

Creamy Braised Chicken

A smooth, delicate cream sauce gives a special taste to these tender chicken breasts accompanied by pearl onions and sauteed mushrooms. This dish is so rich-tasting, you'll want to serve it to company. —Margaret Haugh Heilman, Houston, Texas
6 / 74

Filipino Chicken Adobo

My mom always makes her saucy chicken adobo recipe when I come home to visit. I think it's even better the next day as leftovers —she says it's because of the vinegar. — Michael Moya, New York, New York
7 / 74

Chicken Francese

I grew up on this tender, lemony chicken Francese recipe that's a classic in Italian cooking. It's delicious as is, but we sometimes add sauteed mushrooms. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to mop up all that delicious pan sauce. —Joe Losardo, New York, New York
8 / 74

Slow-Cooker Country Captain Chicken

Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it's traditional to serve this over rice, it's also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
9 / 74

Classic Chicken Potpie

Our neighbors and a friend from back home are always after me to make "those yummy potpies". That's all the encouragement I need, since we really like 'em, too! —Ada May Smith, Citrus Springs, Florida.
10 / 74

Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
11 / 74

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, Dairy Freed
12 / 74

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
13 / 74

Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice

I like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This easy-peasy meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
14 / 74

Mama's Puerto Rican Chicken

My mom has a vast repertoire of recipes, and this extra-crispy, spiced-up chicken is the best one of the bunch. We love it served with a side of traditional red beans and rice. —Edwin Robles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
15 / 74

Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce

I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
16 / 74

My Mother's Lemony Chicken with Broccoli

My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee
17 / 74

Sunday Chicken Supper

I make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio
18 / 74

Lemon Cream Chicken

If you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
19 / 74

Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast

I was inspired by a stuffed chicken Marsala dish I had at a restaurant and wanted to come up with my own version using a different flavor profile. —Ashley Laymon, Lititz, Pennsylvania
20 / 74

Lemony Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

This one-dish meal tastes like it needs hours of hands-on time to put together, but it's just minutes to prep the simple ingredients. The meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. So easy. —Sherri Melotik Oak Creek, Wisconsin
21 / 74

Pressure Cooker Herbed Chicken and Shrimp

Tender chicken and shrimp make a flavorful combination that's easy to prepare, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. While I clean the house, it practically cooks itself. I serve it over hot cooked rice with crusty bread and a green salad. —Diana Knight Reno, Nevada
22 / 74

Chicken Stew with Gnocchi

My chicken stew makes the house smell wonderful as it gently bubbles in the slow cooker. One whiff and my family heads to the kitchen to see if it's ready. —Marge Drake, Juniata, Nebraska
23 / 74

Chicken Tamales

I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
24 / 74

Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken

It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
25 / 74

Easy Chicken Piccata

Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
26 / 74

Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
27 / 74

Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl Onions

This is a family favorite handed down from my grandmother in London. She made it for every family gathering. It was always the first food to go on the table and the first one to disappear. —Wayne Barnes, Montgomery, Alabama
28 / 74

Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta

The microwave makes quick work of homemade polenta, and the rest is done in one skillet. Save a little Parmesan for sprinkling on top before serving. —Yvonne Starlin, Hermitage, Tennessee
29 / 74

Best-Ever Fried Chicken

Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom's deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia
30 / 74

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
31 / 74

Apple Thyme Chicken

Apples and chicken may seem like an unusual combination, but they make a wonderful meal when grilled to perfection. The thyme chicken marinade gives a boost of flavor and tenderizes the meat nicely. —Peter Halferty of Corpus Christi, Texas
32 / 74

Roast Chicken with Vegetables

Love a moist and tender chicken but not the mess of actually roasting one? Use an oven cooking bag to keep a chicken and veggies easily under control. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
33 / 74

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
34 / 74

Chicken & Cheddar Biscuit Casserole

I always get rave reviews when I bring this casserole to my son's Cub Scout meetings.This is the perfect comfort meal after a long day. —Sarah Phillips, East Lansing, Michigan
35 / 74

Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
36 / 74

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

"Cordon Bleu" is a French phrase meaning "blue ribbon"—given as a prize for culinary excellence. The term also refers to a signature dish of chicken topped with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese, usually breaded and sauteed, or in this case, wrapped in puff pastry for a quick and easy finish. —Sharon Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin
37 / 74

Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken

I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
38 / 74

Grilled Orange Chicken Thighs

This orangey chicken was the first meal I served my future husband. I chose it because it's easy, but he thought it was amazing and gobbled it up. We were married three months later, so I guess it worked. —Leah Harvath, Heber City, Utah
39 / 74

Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
40 / 74

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
41 / 74

Christmas Day Chicken

I've been fixing this delicious chicken for Christmas dinner for over 10 years. It's convenient since you refrigerate it overnight, then simply coat with crumbs and bake. It comes out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. —Marcia Larson, Batavia, Illinois
42 / 74

Roasted Chicken

This tender chicken is a real time-saver on a busy weekend. A simple blend of seasonings makes it a snap to prepare, and it smells heavenly as it roasts. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
43 / 74

Puff Pastry Chicken Potpie

When my wife is craving comfort food, I whip up this chicken pot pie with puff pastry. It's easy to make, sticks to your ribs and delivers soul-satisfying flavor. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
44 / 74

Sour Cream Chicken

I like this sour cream chicken because you can make it ahead of time. Simply chill the chicken and sour cream mixture together overnight. Then coat it with bread crumbs the next day. —Nancy Stec, Upperco, Maryland
45 / 74

Chicken Manicotti

When one of my friends came home from the hospital with her newborn, I sent over this freezer casserole. She and her family raved over how good it was. Try substituting olives for mushrooms or using veal instead of chicken. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona
46 / 74

Deviled Chicken

My family has always loved this flavorful golden brown chicken. I watch for frequent sales on leg quarters to keep the cost per serving low. —Linda Trammell, Kingston, Missouri
47 / 74

Crispy Onion Chicken

My family loves chicken, and I'm always trying new ways to prepare it. This golden-brown chicken with its crunchy french-fried onion coating is great with rice, baked potatoes, macaroni salad or potato salad. —Charlotte Smith, McDonald, Pennsylvania
48 / 74

Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs

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
49 / 74

Country Chicken and Gravy

Here's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
50 / 74

Contest-Winning Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana
51 / 74

Honey-Roasted Chicken & Root Vegetables

When my whole family comes over for dinner, I make a big platter of roast chicken with sweet potatoes, carrots and fennel. My dad leads the fan club. —Kelly Ferguson, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
52 / 74

Roasted Chicken & Red Potatoes

Here's how long to bake chicken leg quarters. Pop this homey dinner in the oven for about an hour, then enjoy! It has so much flavor—the meat juices help cook the veggies just perfectly. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
53 / 74

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
54 / 74

Orange-Spiced Chicken

Five ingredients are all you’ll need for this fast and extremely flavorful marinade. With one taste, it’ll become your most-requested chicken recipe! —Debra Stevens, Lutz, Florida
55 / 74

Baked Monterey Chicken with Roasted Veggies

Everyone asks me for this baked monterey chicken. Roasting the veggies brings out their sweetness. They're delicious with fettuccine, rice or mashed potatoes. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
56 / 74

Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
57 / 74

Lip-Smackin' BBQ Chicken

The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South Carolina
58 / 74

Creamy Chicken Thighs & Noodles

I love recipes that you can just throw into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. This easy chicken dinner is one of my favorites. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota
59 / 74

Crunchy Herbed Chicken Breasts

This Italian dish is out of this world. I’m always getting requests to make it for family and friends. —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
60 / 74

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
61 / 74

Chicken Tikka Masala

This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
62 / 74

Chicken Dumpling Soup

I’ve enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
63 / 74

Flavorful Lemon Chicken

This easy and delectable meal is bound to become a staple with your family. It's made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this delicious recipe. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
64 / 74

Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables

Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
65 / 74

Chicken with Apple-Chardonnay Gravy

I create all my own recipes by experimenting with various ingredients in the kitchen. I love this savory slow cooker chicken dish because it's easy, affordable and fills the house with awesome aromas that make your mouth water.—Theresa Retelle, Appleton, Wisconsin
66 / 74

Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken

Simple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California
67 / 74

Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables

I will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
68 / 74

Chicken Potpie Soup

My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
69 / 74

Baked Balsamic Chicken

As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
70 / 74

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

My family was growing tired of traditional red sauce lasagna, so I created this fun twist using a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Store-bought rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple and fast. —Caitlin MacNeilly, Uncasville, Connecticut
71 / 74

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
72 / 74

Fontina Rolled Chicken

Good food has a way of transporting you to faraway places. My chicken with fontina and cream cheese is like a blissful trip to Italy. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
73 / 74

Garlic Chicken with Herbs

Pan-roasting garlic cloves turns them into rich, creamy deliciousness. This chicken is also fantastic with a loaf of crusty bread or mashed potatoes on the side. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
74 / 74

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I’m originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California

Caroline Stanko
Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish. When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer cocktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.