Chicken is a versatile and beloved protein, making it a staple in many kitchens across the globe. From creamy soups to spicy grilled dishes, there are countless ways to prepare this protein to suit every palate. In this article, we will dive into seven different chicken recipes that showcase the diversity and richness of chicken dishes, from comforting soups to bold, grilled creations. Each recipe is designed to highlight different flavors and cooking techniques, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a special event, these recipes have something for everyone.
1. Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Delight
A comforting twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu, this soup brings together the flavors of Swiss cheese, ham, and tender chicken in a creamy, dreamy broth. This dish is perfect for a cold evening or when you’re craving something rich and hearty.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent.
- Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Cook for an additional minute to create a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Protein and Herbs: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced ham, dried thyme, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy. Mix in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This soup is an indulgent dish that combines the classic flavors of a chicken cordon bleu in a cozy, liquid form. The Swiss cheese and ham meld beautifully with the creamy broth, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
2. Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
For those who enjoy a kick of heat with their chicken, this recipe delivers a smoky, spicy flavor profile thanks to Cajun seasoning. Paired with a tangy Alabama white sauce, it creates a wonderful balance of spicy, savory, and creamy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they are well-coated.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Alabama White Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Serve: Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat and drizzle generously with the white sauce.
This dish combines the smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken with the creamy tang of Alabama white sauce, creating a delicious and memorable meal that’s both spicy and cooling at the same time.
3. Crispy, Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
This dish combines the crispiness of fried chicken with the luxurious creaminess of chicken cordon bleu, making it a true indulgence. It is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli turkey or chicken
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil or cooking oil for frying
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of turkey on each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over to enclose the filling and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat each stuffed chicken breast in flour, dip it in egg, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake and Finish: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Mix the cream of chicken soup with milk and pour over the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
This crispy, creamy version of chicken cordon bleu is ideal for anyone craving a dish that combines texture and flavor in every bite.
4. Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese
For a satisfying meal that combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements, this recipe offers a perfect harmony between the honey pepper chicken and the creamy, cheesy macaroni side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
For the Macaroni Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
- Make the Macaroni Cheese: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Add milk gradually, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken alongside the creamy macaroni cheese for a complete meal.
This sweet and spicy combination of honey pepper chicken with rich macaroni cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, blending multiple flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
5. Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that’s known for its delicious blend of spices. When paired with a creamy garlic sauce, this dish becomes a flavorful, comforting option for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pita bread or flatbreads for serving
- Fresh vegetables for garnish
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil with cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Combine minced garlic, yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and serve in pita bread or flatbreads, drizzled with the creamy garlic sauce and topped with fresh vegetables.
This chicken shawarma recipe offers a satisfying taste of the Middle East, with its deep, spiced flavor and smooth, creamy garlic sauce complementing the tender chicken.
6. Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest on a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and chopped parsley, mixing well.
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and arrange it on a serving plate alongside the buttered noodles. Garnish with extra parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
7. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve the garlic butter chicken bites over the creamy Parmesan pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
8. Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Alfredo Penne
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
While the salmon is baking, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Once the salmon is done, flake it into large pieces and gently fold it into the pasta mixture. Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh basil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
9. Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alabama White Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the Alabama White Sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (optional). Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
Serve the grilled chicken with a generous drizzle of Alabama White Sauce or on the side for dipping. This dish brings a taste of Southern cuisine to your table with rich and zesty flavors.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
10. Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of a large baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, and pour this mixture over the rice. Arrange the chopped onion evenly over the rice and soup mixture. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 90 minutes | Total Time: 105 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
Chicken is undoubtedly a versatile and timeless ingredient, and these seven recipes showcase just how varied and exciting it can be. From creamy, indulgent soups to fiery grilled dishes, these recipes offer something for every taste preference and occasion. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, a spicy grilled dish, or something with international flair, you’ll find these recipes to be both satisfying and enjoyable. Try them out for yourself and discover the many delicious ways to prepare chicken.