While chicken may not be as popular as colostrum or other popular superfoods, it’s a superhero ingredient. It’s a powerful source of protein, a favorite among picky eaters, and the perfect accompaniment to almost any flavor combination. Some people think chicken is boring or bland, but with a little sprucing up, it’s easy to transform chicken into something amazing. When my week gets busy, I always find myself looking for easy chicken recipes with few ingredients that I can pull out of the refrigerator or pantry.
Because like many of us, I prefer to keep things extremely good simple. Adding some vegetables and starch to the chicken, along with a good marinade, can really elevate the flavor of even the simplest of recipes. What are some easy ways to make your chicken better? Invest in a meat thermometer. This tool ensures your chicken is juicy and tender without any dryness. With the combination of perfectly cooked chicken, nutritious veggies, and delicious carbs, it’s hard to imagine dinner getting any better.
13 Easy Chicken Recipes with Few Ingredients
We’ve rounded up some easy chicken recipes with few ingredients and no extra trips to the grocery store. Read on, write a short list, and get started. Meal prep has never been easier.
Looking for more meal prep tips to shake up your weeknights? In this video, Camille shares simple ideas that help her put delicious, healthy meals on the table effortlessly.
Herb Grilled Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Why we love it: This grilled chicken recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with an aromatic blend. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant herbal aroma, while a touch of honey adds a pleasant sweetness.
Hero ingredients: If you haven’t tried marinating chicken in yogurt, try this recipe for the first time.
The Best Grilled Chicken with Tomato, Lemon and Cilantro Salsa Pesto
Why we love it: Roast Chicken with Vegetables is definitely a simple chicken recipe with very few ingredients. Roast the cherry tomatoes with the chicken to create a delicious sauce. When paired with a mouth-watering Cilantro Salsa Pesto, the result is a low-stress, balanced meal.
Hero ingredients: Squeezing lemon is the secret to the best grilled chicken.
Grilled chicken and confit vegetables
Why we love it: One pot meal makes my heart melt. Food stylist Maite Aizpurua shares with us her go-to confit recipe, which uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. All ingredients are baked together and topped with olives and green onions for a juicy main dish with built-in sides!
Hero ingredients: Don’t skimp on the olive oil.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Why we love it: These sheet pan fajitas are one of our most popular recipes. The chicken was juicy with a lime marinade. The best part? The entire dish only requires five ingredients. Talk about an easy chicken recipe with very few ingredients! outstanding.
Hero ingredients: Cilantro and tacos are a match made in heaven.
Lemony Pan Chicken with Artichokes and Spring Vegetables
Why we love it: It took me as an adult to realize that artichokes are a highly underrated vegetable. Whether you’re enjoying artichoke hearts in creamy pasta or roasted with chicken and vegetables like in this recipe, they’re a great ingredient that can add a little flavor to any meal.
Hero ingredients: Roasted cherry tomatoes add sweet, juicy flavor to your chicken.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Why we love it: When I’m low on ingredients, the first thing I do is check to see if I can make a balanced bowl with the groceries I have on hand. The burrito bowl is one of the simplest variations and can be topped with whatever toppings you want. Skip the black beans and pico de gallo sauce, or pair the slow cooker chicken with anything from sour cream to chopped avocado.
Hero ingredients: Enchilada sauce is the secret to the most delicious slow cooker chicken.
Za’ata Crispy Chicken
Why we love it: Za’atar seasoning is one of my latest obsessions, and Mia Rigdon’s recipe showed me how much it can elevate even the simplest of recipes. Served with a simple arugula salad, this skillet-cooked chicken requires a minimal-ingredient brine and a healthier breading than a typical schnitzel.
Hero ingredients: Good za’atar seasoning is a must for any household.
Lemon Chicken Quesadillas with Carrots, Jicama and Mint
Why we love it: Quesadillas are always a good idea—especially when your refrigerator looks especially empty. Here in Texas, I rarely find a refrigerator without toppings like lime, agave, and jalapenos. If you happen to have a jar of jalapeños in your pantry, this recipe’s jalapeño aioli will elevate these tacos to restaurant quality.
Hero ingredients: Buying jicama for these tortillas is a must.
Braised chicken legs with olives, lemon and thyme
Why we love it: To be honest, I’m not always a fan of chicken drumsticks. When I was younger I thought they were too much work compared to chicken breasts. I’ve since seen the light and learned that they are juicier and absorb the marinade better, bringing a rich flavor to the table. This is an easy chicken recipe with few ingredients that’s perfect for dinner. This is home style at its best!
Hero ingredients: In the words of Don Draper, thyme is simple yet profound, and it’s the perfect herb to add a touch of fresh flavor to this recipe.
Seafood Chicken Cabbage Tacos
Why we love it: The chicken in these cabbage tacos is tossed in a mixture of hoisin sauce and lemon juice for the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Top with whatever’s in your vegetable drawer, like carrots, cucumbers and cilantro.
Hero ingredients: Avocado acts as a buffer for the bold flavors of these tacos.
Lettuce-wrapped Thai Chicken Burger
Why we love it: These Chicken Burger Lettuce Wraps are the perfect alternative to red meat. Ground chicken is another frozen staple that only requires a few ingredients and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Hero ingredients: Curry powder brings out the Thai flavor.
Shawarma Marinated Chicken Thighs with Herb Salad and Lemon
Why we love it: Shawarma Seasoning is another blend that can easily elevate any chicken recipe in minimal time. Toss it in a blender with ginger, garlic, yogurt, cilantro, lemon juice, and honey to create a delicious marinade for these grilled chicken drumsticks.
Hero ingredients: Double the yogurt marinade. I love dipping the chicken in the remaining sauce – this simple gesture makes the dish even more delicious.
Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Why we love it: This salad has been a staple of our simple lunches for years. It has all the makings of a perfect salad: color first, the hearty protein provided by the chicken, and a variety of textures and crunches. This is perhaps the most different thing from the boring salads of yesteryear. It’s the perfect, easy meal prep solution to help you get through the work week.
Hero ingredients: This salad is a PSA and you’ll never have to worry about adding fruit to your salad. mango? continue.