You don't have to settle for takeout when you're short on time, and these quick and easy chicken recipes are proof—find delicious meals, including spicy jerk chicken, classic chicken Alfredo, or sweet teriyaki stir-fry. They take a total of 20 minutes (or less) to prep, plate, and serve, so make one of these recipes tonight.
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Tarragon Chicken Salad with Cranberries
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This quick chicken meal saves the day when you're sick of doing dishes. Mix all nine ingredients in one bowl, then serve the salad over toast or greens. Use a rotisserie chicken to make the process even smoother.
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Snappy Chicken Stir-Fry
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Make a stir-fry from scratch in less time than it takes to order takeout. The quick chicken breast recipe features an irresistible sauce made from zesty orange juice and soy sauce. Serve it over rice with a sprinkle of peanuts for crunch.
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Chicken and Lemon-Broccoli Alfredo
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Chicken Alfredo without all the calories? Sign us up. Pair sautéed chicken with fresh veggies and store-bought Alfredo sauce for a super-simple (and healthy) dinner.
30-Minute Healthy Chicken Recipes to Break Your Dinner Rut
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Sesame Chicken and Noodles
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Refrigerated strips of grilled chicken breast get a makeover with a coat of sweet-and-spicy dressing. Pair them with udon noodles and fresh sweet pepper strips for a quick and easy recipe that's reminiscent of your favorite takeout.
Buy It: Our Table Carbon Steel Wok ($24, Bed Bath & Beyond)
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Buffalo Chicken Pizzas
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Homemade pizza in 20 minutes—it's completely possible. Top pita bread with blue cheese, shredded chicken breast, and celery to fill a buffalo chicken pizza craving.
10 Ways to Make Buffalo Chicken Healthier So You Can Keep Noshing on Game Day
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Jerk Chicken and Slaw
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If you find yourself with surprise company, this is a fast meal to make with chicken. Eight ingredients and 20 minutes are all it takes to go from prep to plate. Jerk seasoning and a mix of fresh produce give the dish a boost of sophisticated flavor.
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Pineapple-Chicken Meatball Stir-Fry
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Use precooked teriyaki-flavored chicken meatballs to make this dinner in a snap. A sweet pineapple sauce unites the tender meatballs, crisp vegetables, and textured rice medley.
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Pesto Penne with Deli-Roasted Chicken
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Your weeknight dinner just got a little easier with the help of a deli-roasted chicken. Mix together penne pasta, broccoli, pesto, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan cheese, then top with shredded chicken. This dish is perfect if you've got vegetarians at the table—simply leave out the meat.
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Chicken Pineapple Fajitas
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Fajitas always look impressive at a restaurant. Recreate the sizzling superstar at home with only 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients. In this version, sweet pineapple, peppers, and chicken are coated in spicy jerk seasoning, then served in warm flour tortillas.
Our Best Chicken Breast Recipes Will Give You New Appreciation for the Dinner Staple
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Chicken with Parmesan Noodles
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Say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal—this quick chicken dish tastes like classic comfort food, but gets an upgrade from flavor-boosting pesto and bright carrots.
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Chicken, Tomato and Cucumber Dinner Salad
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Here's proof that salad for dinner doesn't have to be boring. Pair sauteed chicken tenders with cucumber ribbons, sliced tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Bonus: This quick and easy recipe is as healthy as it is pretty.
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Chimichurri Chicken
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Grilled chicken gets a boost of flavor from homemade chimichurri sauce. Just blend parsley, oil, cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and red pepper in a food processor, then drizzle it over the cooked chicken.
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Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Supper
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This simple six-ingredient dish is ready for spring. Pair sautéed chicken with bacon, asparagus, and yellow summer squash for a one-skillet meal you'll make on repeat.
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Chicken and Pasta in Peanut Sauce
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Bottled peanut sauce turns plain chicken breast, vegetables, and pasta into a flavorful Asian-inspired dish. Crushed red pepper adds a powerful kick. We like using delicate baby broccolini here, but you can easily use regular broccoli.
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Chicken with Capers
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Yes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. Lightly pound out chicken breasts, brush on mustard, coat with salt, pepper, and bread crumbs, and sauté. It's simple, yet full of flavor.
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Herbed Chicken, Orzo, and Zucchini
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Lemon and dill give this easy chicken recipe its fresh flavor. Use the duo in a dressing for the orzo and as a bright garnish. If zucchini isn't in season, substitute your own favorite vegetables..