Family Favorites: Quick And Easy Weeknight Recipes: Chicken Recipes For Every Occasion: From Weeknight To Feast
There’s something special about gathering around the table with your loved ones and enjoying a meal together. But on weeknights, when time is limited and everyone’s schedule seems to pull them in different directions, it can be challenging to put together a meal that’s both quick and family-approved. That’s where this chapter comes in. Whether you have picky eaters or a crowd to feed, these quick and easy chicken recipes are sure to please every member of your family.
From crispy chicken tenders to one-pan chicken dinners, these recipes are designed to bring the whole family to the table in just 30 minutes. They’re simple, flavorful, and flexible enough to fit any taste, making them the perfect weeknight solution.
---
1. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Kids (and adults!) love crispy chicken tenders, but instead of frying, this version is baked for a healthier twist. These tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned for a meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard or ketchup.
Why It’s Great:
These crispy chicken tenders are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re easy to make, healthier than fried tenders, and can be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal.
---
2. Chicken Fajitas
A fun, interactive dinner that the whole family can enjoy together, chicken fajitas are quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. Everyone can build their own fajita with their favorite toppings, making it an exciting meal for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small flour tortillas
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, lettuce
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
3. Sprinkle the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add it back to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Serve the chicken mixture with the tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Why It’s Great:
Chicken fajitas are quick, flavorful, and offer a fun, customizable dining experience for the whole family. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!
---
3. One-Pan Chicken and Vegetable Bake
Sometimes, the best weeknight dinners are the simplest. This one-pan chicken and vegetable bake is a great example. It’s quick, easy to clean up, and full of delicious flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red onion, cut into wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, then arrange them on the baking sheet.
4. Add the sweet potatoes, broccoli, and onion to the baking sheet, tossing with a little olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve immediately.
Why It’s Great:
This one-pan meal takes minimal effort, and it’s full of nutritious vegetables. It’s perfect for a hassle-free dinner, and cleanup is a breeze!
---
4. BBQ Chicken Sliders
BBQ chicken sliders are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. Whether you're feeding a small family or a larger crowd, these sliders will satisfy everyone’s hunger and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
8 slider buns
1/4 cup coleslaw (optional)
Pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Grill or cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. In the last minute of cooking, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce to coat it evenly.
4. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
5. Assemble the sliders by placing a generous amount of shredded BBQ chicken on each bun. Add a spoonful of coleslaw and pickles if desired.
6. Serve with your favorite side dish.
Why It’s Great:
BBQ chicken sliders are a fun and flavorful dinner option that’s easy to eat with your hands. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and quick.
---
5. Chicken and Rice Casserole
A classic comfort food, chicken and rice casserole is a perfect dish to feed the family on a busy weeknight. It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and has all the comforting flavors you crave in one dish.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the rice is almost tender.
5. Stir in the frozen peas, cooked chicken, and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot.
Why It’s Great:
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, and it has everything you need in one dish. It’s also perfect for leftovers!
---
Conclusion
Weeknights don’t have to mean boring or bland dinners. With these quick and easy chicken recipes, you can put together meals that are both delicious and family-friendly. From crispy tenders to flavorful casseroles, these recipes are designed to be quick, simple, and satisfying for everyone at the table. So next time you’re in need of a family dinner in a pinch, turn to these favorites to make mealtime a breeze.
