If you’re tired of the same old takeout routine, these chicken recipes will give you something to look forward to at dinner. Each one brings big flavor with minimal fuss, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving something spicy or savory, there’s a recipe here to satisfy your hunger. Skip the delivery and try these dishes that are easy to make and hard to forget. Say goodbye to takeout with these 13 chicken recipes that are sure to become household favorites.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a flavorful dish packed with a balance of spicy, salty, and savory notes. Tender chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a zesty sauce that will make you forget about takeout. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish brings the perfect amount of heat and crunch. It’s a great option for when you need something quick but don’t want to compromise on flavor. This recipe will easily replace your usual Chinese takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles
Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles is a simple yet satisfying dish that packs a punch with its bold black pepper sauce. The juicy chicken and chewy noodles are perfectly complemented by stir-fried veggies, creating a balanced meal. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. The heat from the black pepper gives it just the right kick, without being overpowering. Say goodbye to takeout when you have this flavorful dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Black Pepper Chicken and Udon Noodles
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is a crispy, golden treat that’s healthier than the traditional deep-fried version. With a flavorful, sweet and spicy glaze, the chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. In just 25 minutes, you can have a batch of this addictive fried chicken ready to go. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick and impressive dinner that beats takeout every time. The air fryer makes this version easier and quicker than you might expect.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Thai Chicken Satay
Thai Chicken Satay is a deliciously simple dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, peanut-based dipping sauce that’s hard to resist. This dish is light, satisfying, and full of flavor with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly smoky notes. It’s a great appetizer or a main course for a casual dinner. You’ll find yourself making this one over and over instead of reaching for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Chicken Pakora
Chicken Pakora offers a crispy, spiced-up twist on chicken that will make you forget about the usual fried options. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful batter and fried until golden brown. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a snack when you want something crunchy and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create this comforting dish in just under 30 minutes. Forget about takeout — this chicken pakora will quickly become your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce are the perfect balance of juicy grilled chicken and creamy peanut sauce. Marinated and grilled to perfection, the chicken is served on skewers and paired with a smooth, savory peanut sauce that ties everything together. The recipe comes together quickly and makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a great appetizer for a gathering. These skewers are a crowd-pleasing dish that will make you forget about ordering takeout. Once you try this, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Want to save this recipe?
Instant Pot Chicken Korma
Instant Pot Chicken Korma is a rich, flavorful curry with tender chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce. With the help of your Instant Pot, this dish comes together quickly, bringing the taste of Indian takeout to your table in under an hour. The warm spices and coconut milk create a comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that makes takeout seem like an afterthought. Once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma
Harissa Chicken
Harissa Chicken is full of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that will make you forget about ordering takeout. The chicken is marinated in a rich harissa paste and roasted until golden and crispy. Paired with a side of couscous or veggies, this dish is satisfying and full of bold flavors. In just about 40 minutes, you can have a flavorful dinner that rivals any takeout meal. This recipe brings the flavors of North Africa straight to your kitchen, making takeout unnecessary.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken
Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce
Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm nights or when you want something different. The soba noodles are tossed in a creamy peanut sauce and topped with grilled chicken, offering a balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is quick to make and incredibly satisfying without being too heavy. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something simple and filling. Ditch the takeout and enjoy this easy, flavor-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Cold Soba Noodles with Chicken and Peanut Sauce
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful dish that will remind you of your favorite Mexican takeout — but better. Shredded chicken is wrapped in tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe is easy to make and ready in about an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The bold flavors and cheesy goodness will have you coming back for more. Once you’ve had homemade enchiladas, takeout will feel like a distant memory.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken
Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken is a spicy, creamy noodle dish that will have you craving more. The noodles are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and topped with crispy chicken for a satisfying, flavorful meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Asian takeout to your kitchen. The balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess will keep you coming back for seconds. Say goodbye to takeout with this easy, satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Noodles with Chicken
Pad See Ew with Chicken
Pad See Ew with Chicken is a savory, flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that will make you forget about takeout. The chicken, rice noodles, and vegetables are tossed in a savory soy sauce, then stir-fried until caramelized and slightly smoky. It’s an easy, quick dish that brings all the bold flavors of your favorite Thai takeout to your table. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a perfect choice when you want something comforting and filling. Once you try it, you’ll be ditching takeout for good.
Get the Recipe: Pad See Ew with Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a quick and easy take on the Filipino classic, packed with savory, tangy flavors. The chicken is braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, then cooked to tender perfection in your Instant Pot. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful, hearty meal without the wait. It’s a great alternative to takeout, offering the same rich flavors in a fraction of the time. Once you’ve tasted this homemade version, you’ll forget about ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Robin Donovan is an AP syndicated writer, recipe developer, food photographer, and author of more than 40 cookbooks including the bestsellers Ramen Obsession and Ramen for Beginners. Her work is featured by major media outlets including Huffington Post, MSN, Chicago Sun-Times, Orlando Sentinel, Buzzfeed, Cooking Light, Mercury News, Seattle Times, Pop Sugar, and many others. More about Robin