35 Chicken Recipes That Take 30 Minutes Or Less

These recipes will come in handy on chaotic weeknights or when you're in a time crunch.

Southern Living Hot Honey Chicken on a plate to serve with green beans
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We all have those days where we don't feel like putting a lot of effort into dinner or we're just too busy to cook a long meal. These recipes require very little time and energy. Even though they're made in 30 minutes or less, many of these dishes will surprise you with how flavorful an easy dinner can be. Green Chili-Chicken Soup, Chicken Scallopini, and Balsamic-Garlic Chicken Breasts all come together in a flash.

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Bourbon Chicken

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken on a platter to serve

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

The sweet-tangy sauce in this Cajun-Asian hybrid dinner gets a wonderful smoky flavor with the addition of Bourbon. Serve over rice so every drop of the sauce is enjoyed.

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Chicken Nachos

Southern Living Chicken Nachos on the pan ready to serve

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whether for dinner or a tailgate, this sheet pan full of chicken, tortilla chips, and cheese is a welcome sight to all. Rotisserie chicken makes this dish ready in less than 30 minutes. Finish with your favorite toppers, and every last chip will surely disappear.

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Chicken Cutlets with Sun- Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Chicken Cutlets with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce served in a skillet

Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

These perfectly cooked chicken cutlets soaked in creamy tomato sauce only take 25 minutes but will leave you full and satisfied. You won't be leaving a messy kitchen with this one-pan recipe.

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Skillet BBQ Chicken

Southern Living Skillet BBQ Chicken in the pan to serve

Alison Miksch

If the photo alone isn't enough to convince you to cook up this chicken supper, the fact that it comes together in just 30 minutes should do the trick.

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Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders

Southern Living Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders on a platter to serve

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

In just 30 minutes, you can delight the family with a batch of homemade chicken tenders that have a little kick – thanks to the spicy dill pickle juice. Count on getting this recipe requested from the entire crew from here on out.

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Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Southern Living Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a plate to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bored with the typical grilled chicken sandwich? Leave it to a Southern favorite (also known as pimiento cheese) to liven up this anytime recipe.

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Chicken Fries

Chicken Fries - Southern Living

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

These crispy chicken fries can be a fun appetizer or main dish. And don't skip the homemade honey mustard dipping sauce.

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Both adults and kids will love this simple yet flavorful chicken dinner. Plus, you likely have most all of the ingredients on hand in your kitchen already.

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Hot Honey Chicken

Southern Living Hot Honey Chicken on a plate to serve with green beans

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A quick bit of pan frying will have this chicken crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. Let the hot honey sauce provide just the bit of sweet and spicy that will have your family excited for dinner.

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Avocado Chicken Salad

Southern Living Avocado Chicken Salad in a bowl to serve on a bed of greens

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

If you're looking for another way to use ripe avocados when you have them on hand instead of guacamole, whip up this 15-minute chicken salad instead.

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Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta

Buttermilk Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The spinach in this dish allows you to get your veggies in while enjoying a tasty meal. Plus, since it uses rotisserie chicken and pantry pasta, it comes together in a flash.

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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup - Southern Living

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

If you want to serve up a homemade chicken noodle soup but also want to try a new recipe, this creamy take on the classic is a good option. It just might replace the original in your dinner rotation!

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BBQ Chicken Salad

Southern Living BBQ Chicken Salad in bowls to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

Enjoy the flavors of a backyard barbecue on a weeknight with this salad recipe that takes just 20 minutes to pull together. You can also use pork instead of chicken, if desired.

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Greek Chicken Bowls

Southern Living Greek Chicken Bowls ready to serve with more tahini dressing beside

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This one-bowl dinner, including the homemade dressing, comes together in just 3o minutes.

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Green Chile Mac And Cheese With Chicken

Green chile mac and cheese with chicken in white casserole dish

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

We're here to prove that decadent dinners just like this one can come together without a long ingredient list or spending hours in the kitchen. This one comes together in just 15 (yes, 15!) minutes.

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Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini
Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Your family will love this healthy chicken recipe. Sprinkle chicken with lemon zest to add a tangy, citrusy touch.

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Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Southern Living Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup in a bowl to serve

Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

If you or someone in your family is feeling under the weather and you need to serve up a homemade soup fast, this soup recipe will save the day. Thanks to the convenience of rotisserie chicken, it comes together in just 30 minutes.

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Chicken Bog

Greg DuPree

Chicken Bog combines the best qualities of chicken and rice. The rice soaks up the flavor of the juicy chicken and spices. This dish is an old favorite and it's fairly simple to make.

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Skillet Enchiladas Suizas

Skillet Enchiladas Suizas
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Cook these 25-minute skillet enchiladas for an easy family dinner night. Serve with any toppings like radishes, avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, and cilantro.

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White Lightning Chicken Chili

BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

Lighting Chili gets its name because you can cook it in 30 minutes with 8 ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those weeknights when you want a quick and easy dinner. Serve with cornbread for something to dip.

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Chicken and Fontina Panini

Chicken and Fontina Panini
Greg Dupree

This panini is as delicious as it looks. The bread is crusty and toasted but the chicken and pesto melt in your mouth. No worries if you don't have a panini press, a stove can be used as an alternative.

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Chicken Stir- Fry

Chicken Stir-Fry
Greg DuPree

Who doesn't love an easy, delicious stir fry for dinner? This recipe only takes 10 minutes so whip this together after a long day.

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Chicken Noodle Bowl with Peanut- Ginger Sauce

Chicken Noodle Bowl with Peanut-Ginger Sauce
Greg DuPree

Anyone who tries this noodle bowl with flavorful peanut-ginger sauce will fall in love with it. Only takes 20 minutes to make and no stove is required!

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Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss
Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

There's nothing better than a fresh summer salad that can lighten up your day. Soak up the extra juices with some toasted bread to join the clean plate club.

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Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce

Fried Chicken Tacos with Buttermilk-Jalapeño Sauce
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Who would've thought fried chicken and tacos could taste so perfect together? The creamy Jalapeño sauce compliments the tacos with a nice kick.

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Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

If you're in a time crunch, this sandwich will save the day for a quick and easy—but delicious—lunch or dinner.

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Green Chili- Chicken Soup

Green Chile-Chicken Soup
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

While this soup is simple and only takes 20 minutes to make, it has enough kick for all spice lovers. With green enchilada sauce and poblano chili, you won't have to worry about adding any extra heat.

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Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne

Chicken-and-Artichoke Penne

You'll be looking forward to leftovers with this pasta that's packed with veggies and protein.

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Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Instant Pot Crack Chicken
Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

These comforting chicken rolls are warm, filling, and packed with flavor. Spoon the chicken over egg noodles as an alternative for the buns.

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Sheet Pan Fajitas

Sheet Pan Fajitas
Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Who knew fajitas could take 20 minutes to make? Pop the chicken and veggies in the oven and serve with your favorite toppings.

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Cast- Iron Chicken Piccata

Cast Iron Chicken Piccata
Greg Dupree

All it takes is one cast iron skillet to cook this chicken piccata. Say hello to your new favorite 30 minute dinner.

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Chicken Caprese Pasta

Chicken Caprese Pasta
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Freshen up your day with this 20-minute chicken pesto dish. There's no better way to spend a hot spring or summer day than enjoying this light meal topped with cherry tomatoes and sprinkled with mozzarella.

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Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These no-cook lettuce wraps are tasty as a quick, simple dinner but also impressive as a party appetizer. Whether you're cooking for 1 or 20, give this 15-minute recipe a try.

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Breaded Chicken Salad with Grapes, Honey, Almonds, and Broccoli

Breaded Chicken Salad with Grapes, Honey, Almonds, and Broccoli
Hector Sanchez

We'll never turn down a good salad that features chicken, grapes, and almonds. Serve with vinaigrette and feel free to top with feta cheese.

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Chicken Parmesan Pizza

Chicken Parmesan Pizza
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

When you have extra french bread laying around and are in the mood for Italian, make these chicken parmesan pizzas. Toss together a small Caesar salad as an easy side.

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