Not every childhood dinner was a hit, especially when the chicken showed up dry and uninspired. If only Mom had these recipes back then, weeknight dinners could’ve been a lot more exciting. They’re what we all wish had been on the table back in the day — just the right mix of flavor, fun, and a little nostalgia.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This honey garlic chicken from the slow cooker has a sticky, sweet sauce with pineapple that’s way better than takeout. Perfect for family dinners that bring everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Gochujang Chicken
Gochujang chicken ready in 30 minutes with a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce. Great over white rice and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
A fresh, light summer lunch with honey mustard chicken, sweet corn, and peaches. This salad is a game-changer on hot days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant
This stuffed eggplant with chicken and cheddar cheese is easy and ready in 30 minutes. A comforting dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Chicken stuffed poblano peppers with cheese, black beans, and Mexican spices. Comfort food that makes you feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Coconut Lime Baked Chicken
Coconut lime baked chicken served with coconut-infused mango sticky rice. Crispy, tender, and perfect for a tropical dinner vibe.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
This creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas is a one-skillet meal. Serve it over rice with a cilantro garnish for a quick dinner in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Fried Chicken Tacos
Crispy fried chicken tacos that combine Southern comfort with a Mexican twist. A fun and flavorful dinner option that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Tacos
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Grilled Hawaiian chicken stuffed with ham, fresh pineapple, and melted smoked cheese, topped with a sticky sweet teriyaki glaze.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Indian Chicken Burgers
These Indian chicken burgers topped with yogurt cucumber slaw are a flavorful alternative to beef. Perfect for grilling season and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Burgers
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Buffalo chicken soup with orzo, cheesy and spicy, ready in just 30 minutes. Great for fans of buffalo wings looking for something new.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Cheddar Chicken Bake
This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is an easy, healthy casserole. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a simple, budget-friendly dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream cheese chicken is a great way to spice up boring weeknight meals. Seasoned with five spices, it’s creamy and full of savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Maple Miso Chicken
Maple miso chicken is simple yet delicious. Coated in a buttery glaze of miso paste, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger, baked until golden and sticky.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
This stuffed chicken marsala takes the classic Italian dish to the next level with melted mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil inside the chicken.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Pecan crusted chicken served with a honey dijon yogurt sauce. Crunchy and packed with flavor, this easy weeknight meal will become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken sorrentino is a classic Italian dish with breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, baked in hearty tomato sauce. A dish that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
