Big Flavor, Crispy Edges, Saucy Bites—10 ‘Must Make’ Chicken Recipes

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If you think chicken is boring, it’s only because you haven’t met these recipes yet. We’re talking Creamy Cajun Chicken that brings the heat, Honey Garlic Chicken so sticky-sweet it practically demands finger-licking, and Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets that put the drive-thru to shame. There’s Chicken Grilled Under a Brick with Harissa for when you’re feeling a little fancy, Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowls for the weeknight win, and Sweet and Spicy Baked Orange Chicken Tenders that somehow manage to be both playful and grown-up. And let’s not forget Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers—they’re bold, smoky, and exactly what your grill’s been waiting for. These are the kinds of chicken recipes that make you wonder why you ever settled for plain.

French Onion Chicken

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Closeup of french onion chicken in a skillet on a white background. Next to it there are ingredients like shredded cheese, and toasted baguette slices
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This French Onion Chicken recipe is comfort food at its finest. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are baked in a rich French onion sauce made with Vidalia onions, beef stock, and Gruyere cheese. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken with white rice and a clear bowl of sauce on a white serving platter.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple way to elevate your chicken game! With a sweet and savory glaze made from common pantry staples, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch!
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Satay Chicken

chicken satay.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Craving an authentic Thai dish? This Satay Chicken recipe features marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, paired with a delectable homemade satay sauce. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a delicious and accessible meal for everyone!
Get the Recipe: Satay Chicken

Creamy Cajun Chicken

Cajun chicken with mashed potatoes
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Tender chicken simmers in a luscious, creamy sauce packed with vegetables and a kick of Cajun spice, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Chicken

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

top view of garnishing slow cooker honey garlic chicken recipe in a bowl with rice with green onions and sesame seeds
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a winner for busy weeknights! With less than 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful dish with a sweet, spicy, tangy, and garlicky honey garlic sauce that everyone will love. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowls

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls | foodiecrush.com #crockpot #slow #cooker #teriyaki #chicken #rice #bowls #recipe
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowls are a simple and delicious dinner option for busy weeknights. Prepare the teriyaki chicken in the slow cooker and then quickly stir-fry your favorite vegetables to toss with the chicken and rice. It’s a healthy and customizable meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowls

Tropical Chicken Nachos

oval serving platter with tropical chicken nachos topped with pineapple, avocado, sour cream, and jalapenos
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These tropical chicken nachos bring the party—sweet and spicy chicken, juicy pineapple, creamy avocado, tangy lime, jalapeños, sour cream, and melty cheese all piled high for a fresh-meets-comfort kind of bite. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Chicken Nachos

Sweet and Spicy Baked Orange Chicken Tenders

A glazed chicken tender with crispy edges is garnished with chopped green onions on a white plate. Juicy orange slices are placed nearby.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

These Sweet and Spicy Baked Orange Chicken Tenders by Carlsbad Cravings are coated in a tantalizing orange sauce with a sweet heat that you won’t be able to resist. This recipe is so good, you’ll be ditching your usual Chinese takeout! Enjoy these tender chicken bites as a fun dinner or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Baked Orange Chicken Tenders

Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets -- easy to make, baked instead of fried, and irresistibly delicious! | gimmesomeoven.com
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

These Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets are an easy and delicious twist on a classic favorite! Made with simple ingredients like almonds, paprika, and garlic powder, these bite-sized nuggets are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish!
Get the Recipe: Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Grilled Under a Brick with Harissa

Chicken Grilled Under a Brick with Harissa Marinade on foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This recipe for Chicken Grilled Under a Brick with Harissa is a summer dinner winner! Butterflying the chicken ensures faster cooking and perfectly crispy skin, while the citrus-spiked harissa sauce adds a delicious kick. Get ready to grill up a flavorful and healthy meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Grilled Under a Brick with Harissa

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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