15 Ways To Make Chicken The Star Of Your Meal

A great meal doesn’t need to be complicated, just smart, and chicken is the perfect proof of that. With a few simple techniques, it can go from basic to unforgettable without making anyone spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? It works in just about any dish, which means there’s always an excuse to make it the star.

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Nothing says “this is my plate, back off” like a giant pile of cheesy crunch. Smothered with just the right kick, Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos make every bite a little messy and a lot worth it. Perfect for game nights or just because chips and chicken belong together. Grab a napkin, maybe two, and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta

When comfort food calls, something rich and hearty always answers. That’s where Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta steps in, mixing bold flavors with a little sweetness. It’s got just enough texture to keep things interesting without overcomplicating dinner. A bowl of this, and suddenly, everything feels right again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken And Corn Pasta

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Some salads are just a sad pile of leaves, but this one? This one brings the heat and a little sweetness thanks to Hot Honey Chicken Salad. The mix of flavors makes it anything but boring, and it actually feels like a real meal. Who knew a salad could be the thing you crave?
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

One pan, zero stress, and a flavor combo that just works. Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe makes dinner simple without sacrificing anything. The balance of sweet and savory turns a basic meal into something a little more special. Less time cooking, more time pretending you worked really hard.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in the perfect balance of flavors. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders make you forget about fast food and reach for seconds. They’re ideal for dipping, stacking, or eating straight off the tray. No one’s judging—just don’t hog them all.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Some soups warm you up, and others make you question why you ever ate plain broth. Chicken Tortilla Soup does both with a little crunch and a whole lot of flavor. It’s hearty, filling, and somehow even better the next day. Good luck stopping after just one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sesame Chicken

Sweet, savory, and with just the right amount of crunch, this takeout favorite is always a winner. Sesame Chicken brings that sticky, crispy goodness to your plate in the best way. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget you ever ordered it from anywhere else. Just try not to eat it all straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with bold flavors, this one makes grilled chicken anything but boring. Chipotle Grilled Chicken is perfect for tossing in bowls, stuffing into wraps, or eating straight off the grill. Every bite has just enough heat to keep things interesting. You might want to make extra—it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Hot And Sour Soup

If a soup could wake up your palates, this would be it. Hot And Sour Soup brings a little heat, a little tang, and a whole lot of comfort. It’s bold without being overwhelming and always hits the spot. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Some dishes just make you feel fancy, even if you’re eating in sweats. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta is rich, packed with bold flavors, and way too easy to finish. It’s got just enough kick to keep things exciting without overdoing it. Skip the restaurant—this one’s just as good at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

If crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet sounds like a good time, this one’s for you. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken gives you all the crunch and none of the fuss. It’s bold, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating. Just be prepared to guard your plate.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Some salads try too hard, but this one just works. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings crunch, sweetness, and just the right mix of flavors to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of salad that actually feels like a meal instead of an obligation. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Kung Pao Chicken

Sweet, spicy, and packed with bold flavors, this is a meal that keeps things exciting. Kung Pao Chicken balances heat and crunch in every bite, making it a go-to for anyone who likes a little kick. It’s great over rice, but let’s be real—you might just eat it straight from the pan. No judgment here.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken

Fresh, fragrant, and packed with bold flavors, this one makes every bite interesting. Lemongrass Chicken brings just the right mix of brightness and savory goodness. It’s simple but never boring, and it works with just about anything. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time.
Get the Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

If comfort food had a mascot, this would be it. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings is warm, rich, and exactly what you need after a long day. It’s one of those meals that makes everything feel a little better. Just don’t expect leftovers—this one disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings