38 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.

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

Caitlin BenselFood 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 lessmany of these dishes will surprise you with how flavorful an easy dinner can be. These quick chicken dishes all come together in a flash.

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Bourbon Chicken

Southern Living Bourbon Chicken on a plate to serve with the platter beside
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Morgan Hunt GlazeFood Stylist: Jennifer WendorfProp 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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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken

Southern Living Melt in Your Mouth Chicken on a plate to serve with salad
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Instead of having to plan ahead for marinatingthese chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of mayonnaiseParmesanand spices that gradually infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderness as it cooks in the oven.

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Chicken Nachos

Southern Living Chicken Nachos on the pan ready to serve
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whether for dinner or a tailgatethis sheet pan full of chickentortilla chipsand cheese is a welcome sight to all. Rotisserie chicken makes this dish ready in less than 30 minutes. Finish with your favorite toppersand every last chip will surely disappear.

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Chicken In A Hurry

Chicken in a Hurry in a bowl to serve over rice
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

On a time crunch but want a good dinner? As the name suggeststhis meal will save you on a weeknight or just a busy day. It takes just 30 minutes total to have ready.

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Chicken Cutlets With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

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

Alison Miksch

If the photo alone isn't enough to convince you to cook up this chicken supperthe 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
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Victor ProtasioFood Stylist: Chelsea ZimmerProp Stylist: Christina Daley

In just 30 minutesyou 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 Sandwiches

Southern Living Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a plate to serve
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Caitlin BenselFood 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
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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
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

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

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Avocado Chicken Salad

Southern Living Avocado Chicken Salad in a bowl to serve on a bed of greens
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Caitlin BenselFood Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

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

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Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta

Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta
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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. Plussince it uses rotisserie chicken and pantry pastait comes together in a flash.

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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup - Southern Living
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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 recipethis 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
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Caitlin BenselFood 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 chickenif desired.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Cutlets

Honey Garlic Chicken Cutlets in the skillet ready to serve
Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Making a chicken dinner doesn't have to be a whole ordeal. With this 30-minute recipeyou'll have a flavorful plate ready in a flash. Make sure to have a hearty side ready to soak up all that honey and garlic sauce.

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Greek Chicken Bowls

Southern Living Greek Chicken Bowls ready to serve with more tahini dressing beside
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This one-bowl dinnerincluding the homemade dressingcomes together in just 30 minutes. Top with crisp pita chips for crunch.

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Green Chile Mac And Cheese With Chicken

Green chile mac and cheese with chicken in white casserole dish
Credit:

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 (yes15) minutes.

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Chicken Scallopini

Southern Living Chicken Scallopini on a platter to serve
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Caitlin BenselFood Stylist: Torie Cox

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

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Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Southern Living Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup in a bowl to serve
Credit:

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 fastthis soup recipe will save the day. Thanks to the convenience of rotisserie chickenit comes together in just 30 minutes.

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Chicken Bog

Chicken Bog
Credit: 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 - Southern Living
Credit:

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 radishesavocadocrumbled Cotija cheeseand cilantro.

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White Lightning Chicken Chili

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BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

Lightning chili gets its name because you can cook it in 30 minutes with eight 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
Credit: 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
Credit: Greg DuPree

Who doesn't love an easydelicious stir fry for dinner? This recipe only takes 10 minutesso 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
Credit: Greg DuPree

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

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Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad on a light pink plate - Southern Living
Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you're in a time crunchthis sandwich will save the day for a quick and easy—but delicious—lunch or dinner. Swap the sweet cranberries for chopped apples if you prefer.

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Green Chile-Chicken Soup

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

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

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Instant Pot Crack Chicken

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

These comforting chicken rolls are warmfillingand packed with flavor. Spoon the chicken over egg noodles or into toasted buns.

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Sheet Pan Fajitas

Sheet Pan Fajitas
Credit: 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
Credit: 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
Credit: 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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Chicken Parmesan Pizza

Southern Living Chicken Parmesan Pizza cut and ready to serve
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When you have extra French bread laying around and are in the mood for Italianmake these chicken Parmesan pizzas. Toss together a small Caesar salad as an easy side.

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Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Southern Living Chicken Piccata Meatballs in the skillet to serve
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Caitlin BenselFood Stylist: Torie Cox

Made in one skillet and ready in 30 minutes? Sign us up. Serve these with ricemashed potatoesor pasta to soak up the delectable pan sauce.

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Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This recipe is a great way to use leftover chickenbut you can also cook your own or pick up a rotisserie chicken at the store. Make these for work lunchespicnicsor tailgating.

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One-Pot Chicken Pasta

One-Pot Chicken Pasta - Southern Living
Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What to do with leftover chicken? Grab a box of pasta from your pantry and get out the Dutch oven. Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.

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Garlic Butter Chicken

Southern Living Garlic Butter Chicken on a platter ready to serve
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Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Garlicbutterand herbs flavor this family-friendly dish. Using cutlets speeds up the cooking time.

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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Southern Living Cajun Chicken Pasta in the pan ready to serve
Credit:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In the time it takes to preheat the oven and bake a frozen pizzayou can have this chicken-pasta dish on the table. Cooked with Cajun or Creole seasoning and filled with peppers and onionsthis dish has the right combination of flavors and textures.

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Hot Honey Chicken

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

Caitlin BenselFood 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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