50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (2024)

Super easy weeknight chicken dinners! These simple, kid-friendly chicken dinner recipes are perfect for busy families with picky eaters.

50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (1)

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Sometimes we get stuck in a loop of making the same 10 dinners over and over.

We know our family likes chicken, and we like that it’s affordable and easy …

… but it feels impossible to keep thinking of new things to do with it!

Plus, we’re busy, and don’t want to spend forever making dinner.

(Because really, will the kids actually eat it?)

To give you some fun new ideas, I put together a list of easy, kid-approved chicken dinner recipes.

They’re simple and fun, use easy-to-find inexpensive ingredients, and don’t take long to cook – making them perfect for busy weeknights.

(Pro-tip: I like to buy meat in bulk from Butcher Box and use my Foodsaver vacuum sealer machine to divide it into freezer-safe, usable portions. It stays fresh for YEARS in the freezer!)

Let’s check ‘em out!

💡 Psst: Want 6 weeks of kid-friendly dinners planned FOR you, with easy recipes and coordinating weekly shopping lists included?

Grab my 6 Week Meal Plan – dinnertime doesn’t get easier than this! 👇 👇 👇

50 Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners

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Chicken Foldover Tortilla Quesadillas

Photo Credit:easychickenrecipes.com

Make the viral Tik Tok Folded Quesadillas yourself with this easy recipe! Fill it with chicken, corn, avocado, cheese, and beans, or your favorite quesadilla ingredients.

KIds will get such a kick out of this!

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Chicken Taco Pizza

Photo Credit:easychickenrecipes.com

When you can’t decide between tacos or pizza, make Chicken Taco Pizza!

It’s assembled and served like a pizza topped with everything you love about tacos.

The best of both worlds!

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Photo Credit:https://www.livingsmartandhealthy.com

Make better-than-restaurant chicken tenders right in your air fryer.

Kids will gobble these down, with their favorite dipping sauce of course.

The parents can eat them on a salad or wrap, if you’re not into dipping.

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One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

Photo Credit:thishomekitchen.com

Featuring tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned chicken thighs nestled into creamy parmesan rice, this easy one-pan stovetop comfort food is one you'll want to make on repeat.

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Honey Chicken

Photo Credit:www.modernhoney.com

This Honey Chicken is tender chicken tossed in a skillet with butter, honey, garlic, fresh lemon juice, spices, and soy sauce, and makes for a quick and easy 15-minute chicken dish.

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Baked Chicken Parm Sliders

Photo Credit:www.modernhoney.com

Chicken topped with a fresh marinara sauce topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and baked on Hawaiian sweet rolls and slathered with garlic butter.

Super kid friendly!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Photo Credit:theoregondietitian.com

If you’ve been on the lookout for an easy, healthy, mostly hands-off recipe to add some spice to your weeknight dinner routine, this is for you.

These quick and simple Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are made with fewer than 10 ingredients and just a few minutes of active prep time.

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Pizza Chicken Bake

Photo Credit:strengthandsunshine.com

Just 3-ingredients for this easy Pizza Chicken Bake! A healthy dinner idea that can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, allergy-free, low-carb keto, or paleo.

Kids will love this chicken casserole recipe that can be customized with homemade marinara sauce and any pizza toppings you want.

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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Photo Credit:strengthandsunshine.com

A healthier, super crunchy version of your fast food favorite that's not only top 8 allergy-free, but a mom-approved quick & easy kid-friendly dinner idea.

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Quick Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Photo Credit:nestandnosh.com

Tender, juicy chicken breasts are tossed with a homemade marinade of lime, cumin, and chili powder.

Quickly sauteed with bell peppers and onions to crisp perfection, then piled high in a warm tortilla, it tastes like restaurant food at home.

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Melt in your Mouth Chicken Bake

Photo Credit:thecookinchicks.com

Enjoy diced chicken, coated in a creamy Parmesan mayonnaise sauce, then baked to perfection.

It’s juicy, tender, and ideal for any day of the week. Serve it over pasta, zoodles, rice, potatoes, or on its own.

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Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Photo Credit:creativecynchronicity.com

Just like Mom used to make, this chicken and rice dish is easy enough for beginners because it’s a dump and bake casserole.

Comfort food made extremely easy!

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Baked Ranch Chicken

Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com

This chicken recipe is so easy to make and totally packed with flavor.

The shredded Italian cheese gives it a delicious cheesy taste, while the cornflakes add a nice crunch.

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Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Photo Credit:savingdollarsandsense.com

This Chicken Stuffing Casserole dinner is the ultimate comfort food and SO easy to make too!

It can easily be made ahead of time and put into the oven when you are ready to cook it for dinner.

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Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Photo Credit:www.saltysidedish.com

This mouthwatering dish combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots, all smothered in a rich and creamy ranch sauce.

It’ll become a family favorite with its irresistible blend of savory flavors and textures.

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Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Alfredo

Photo Credit:gritsandgouda.com

Dust off that Instant Pot to make his creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Alfredo. It’s crazy easy because everything cooks right in your pressure cooker, INCLUDING the bacon.

Plus, it doesn’t have too many ingredients, making it really affordable too.

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Easy King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit:gritsandgouda.com

This easy shortcut version of the traditional King Ranch Chicken Casserole takes just 10 minutes to prep with the same cheesy Tex-Mex flavors.

Kid-friendly layers of chicken, cheese, cream soup and tortilla chips make it feel like you’re getting away with eating cheesy salsa dip and chips for dinner!

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Italian Chicken Cutlets

Photo Credit:scarlatifamilykitchen.com

These crispy Italian chicken cutlets are coated in a seasoned breading and fried until perfectly crispy.

It’s perfect atop your favorite pasta, or for flavorful sandwiches and salads.

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Mexican Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit:easyfamilyrecipes.com

This crazy easy Mexican Chicken Casserole is a super simple weeknight meal that packs in the flavor and leaves you craving more.

Made with tender shredded chicken, salsa, black beans, corn, and a special blend of spices, it takes all the best flavors and combines them into a quick and easy one-dish dinner.

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Chicken Rigatoni

Photo Credit:easychickenrecipes.com

This easy Chicken Rigatoni recipe serves up tender, bite sized chicken morsels in a rich and creamy tomato sauce.

Loaded with Italian flavors and comes together so easily, it’s cheesy, hearty and guaranteed to satisfy kids and adults alike!

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Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken

Photo Credit:thesageapron.com

Grilled honey balsamic chicken breasts are grilled juicy and glazed in a sweet and tangy marinade that your family will devour.

Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes, or in a sandwich or wrap.

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Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit:homeatcedarspringsfarm.com

Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole is an easy dinner for any night of the week.

This cheesy casserole is full of chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and Doritos. Kids and picky husbands alike gobble this down!

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Chicken Taco Rice

Photo Credit:kidgredients.com.au

Both kids and adults love food in a bowl! And not only is this chicken taco rice easy to make and eat, it’s packed full of delicious veggies.

Made with delicious Mexican flavors, you can even make it in advance and reheat for dinner. Plus it makes a tasty lunch the next day.

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Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Photo Credit:www.thecountrycook.net

A little sweet and a little spicy, this Air Fryer Orange Chicken is so incredibly tasty!

Serve it with rice and you are ready to enjoy a hearty dinner that is better than takeout.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Photo Credit:joyfilledeats.com

So much easier than a traditional rolled and breaded cordon bleu, this recipe has even more flavor.

With chicken, ham, and swiss in a creamy dijon sauce, you won't miss the breading one bit. It’s pure comfort food!

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Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Photo Credit:www.foxandbriar.com

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is easy and delicious, and doesn’t require any frying.

You can pull together this crispy baked Parmesan crusted chicken for dinner in about thirty minutes.

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Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos

Photo Credit:blessthismeal.com

Boldly seasoned blackened chicken, seasoned to perfection, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with fresh toppings.

These blackened chicken tacos have an explosion of flavors in each bite.

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Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Photo Credit:blessthismeal.com

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe.

Slow-cooked to perfection, tender chicken is shredded in a flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more.

Convenient, versatile, and family-friendly, this easy meal is impressive with its perfect ratio of rich flavors and minimal effort.

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Ground Chicken Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Photo Credit:thesassyfoodie.com

If mashed potatoes are popular in your home, your family will adore this chicken shepherd’s pie.

You can use any veggies you have on hand, fresh or frozen, making it a versatile and convenient dinner.

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Swiss Chicken

Photo Credit:cinnamonandsageco.com

WIth just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this flavorful Swiss Chicken in the oven.

Which reminds us that you can make a totally delicious dinner with minimal effort.

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Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit:organicallyaddison.com

If your family likes buffalo wings, or a bit of spice, they’ll love Buffalo Chicken Casserole.

It is just spicy enough and packed with bold flavors that both kids and adults alike appreciate.

Use regular or cauliflower rice, depending on your preferences.

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Easy Chicken Drumsticks

Photo Credit:www.thediaryofarealhousewife.com

Talk about a classic, simple, and budget-friendly recipe, these baked chicken drumsticks come out perfectly every time.

Serve them with your favorite sides, and watch everyone gobble up dinner.

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Lemon Chicken Pasta

Photo Credit:goodiegodmother.com

Full of flavor, but requiring minimal ingredients, you can have Lemon Chicken Pasta on the table in about 30 minutes.

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One Dish Italian Dressing Chicken and Veggies

Photo Credit:savingbydesign.com

Save yourself the cooking cleanup, and make this super flavorful and easy one-dish Italian Dressing Chicken with Veggies and Potatoes.

With just a few minutes of prep and a few simple ingredients, this recipe just proves how simple ingredients often taste the best.

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Panera Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Photo Credit:www.sweetteaandthyme.com

This rich and creamy chicken alfredo tortellini tastes just like (or even better than!) the now discontinued Panera Bread version.

Made with a homemade alfredo sauce, this easy weeknight copycat recipe is kid-friendly comfort food done right.

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Chicken Broccoli Bake

Photo Credit:thehonoursystem.com

This creamy, cheesy, low carb Chicken Broccoli Bake is an easy way to make a healthy, keto meal for the whole family .

Use shredded rotisserie in this gluten free cheddar chicken broccoli casserole to make it even easier.

You can even serve it with some noodles or rice for the kids.

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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Crunchwrap

Photo Credit:wholesomefarmhouserecipes.com

This is an easy take on a copycat fast food recipe that takes all the flavors of classic fajitas and combines them into a crispy and satisfying wrap.

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Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Photo Credit:www.greedygirlgourmet.com

This easy dinner just might become a new staple in your dinner rotation.

Tender chicken thighs, coated in a sweet and salty sauce is so good with just a simple bowl of plain white rice or other easy side.

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit:www.lowcarbspark.com

Million Dollar Chicken casserole is the definition of easy comfort food.

Made with just a few simple ingredients, it comes together super quickly.

The chicken breast is topped with a creamy mixture of cheese, and crispy bacon, then baked until juicy and creamy.

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Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Photo Credit:www.flavorfuleats.com

The tangy and spicy flavors you love about buffalo wings, combined with enchilada staples like corn tortillas and shredded chicken and the cheesy goodness (and ease) of a casserole, these Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas are just so fun and tasty.

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Ranch Panko Crusted Chicken

Photo Credit:joytothefood.com

Panko Crusted Chicken with Ranch is the best crispy baked chicken you’ll ever make.

It has a crunchy breadcrumb exterior and is seasoned with everyone’s favorite flavor - ranch!

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Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Biscuits

Photo Credit:shesnotcookin.com

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe with Biscuits is the ultimate comfort food that is easy to make, yet sure to impress even the fussiest eaters around the family dinner table.

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Sheet Pan Chicken and Mango Stir Fry

Photo Credit:www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com

Simplify stir fry by making it on a sheet pan!

This sheet pan chicken and mango is packed with flavor and super easy to make on a busy weeknight. Serve over a bed of rice for a balanced meal.

You can even swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or your favorite protein.

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Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole

Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com

Tender seasoned chicken, onions, peppers, and loads of melty cheese, this is everything you love about fajitas in a simple-to-make casserole.

Plus, you can even prepare it in advance and toss in the oven for a quick and delicious dinner.

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Ritz Chicken Casserole

Photo Credit:www.anediblemosaic.com

Packed with flavor, Ritz Chicken Casserole uses rotisserie chicken in a savory creamy sauce with a buttery crushed Ritz cracker topping.

You can serve it with a vegetable on the side or add veggies and/or ricer right to the casserole.

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Pepperoni Pizza Chicken

Photo Credit:healthymomhealthyfamily.com

Enjoy all the flavors of pizza, but on a chicken breast! It’s protein-packed, lower carb, and heartier for big eaters. Such a fun twist on traditional pizza.

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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Baked chicken noodle casserole is pure comfort food.

This cozy, creamy casserole with chicken, egg noodles, and green peas smothered in a quick and creamy sauce gets baked until bubbly.

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Pantry Chicken Taco Soup

Photo Credit:foodfolksandfun.net

Made with canned pantry ingredients, this is the perfect dinner to make when you can’t get to the store.

And it only takes 20 minutes to make!

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Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Believe it or not, a handful of ingredients tossed into the slow cooker makes the most tender flavorful chicken for tacos.

We do love a dinner that cooks itself!

Ready to make some easy weeknight chicken dinners?

I hope this list of family chicken dinner ideas has given you tons of inspiration for new recipes to try.

Coming up with your meal plan can be easier than ever when you add a few of these ideas to your dinner rotation.

And don’t forget to grab the One Year of Dinners Meal Plan for even more fun dinner recipes!

You may also like:

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50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (53)

50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (54)

50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (55)

50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (56)

50 Quick & Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinners for Families (on a budget!) (2024)
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