Let’s face it: sometimes cooking dinner after a long, busy day is an unappetizing thought. We know everyone can be short on time, so we’ve put together 10 of our favorite weeknight chicken dinners that come to the table in 40 minutes or less.
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Complete Chicken Meals
1. Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl
Total Time: 30 Minutes
The classic chipotle burrito bowl gets a makeover by swapping out rice for quinoa, a nutritious seed full of plant-based protein. You assemble your own bowl so you can have your way! Each protein-packed serving delivers 36 grams of high-quality protein from lean chicken, pinto beans and quinoa.
2. One-Pan Lemony Chicken with Green Beans
Total Time: 20 Minutes
This high-protein recipe is ready to serve in just 20 minutes. Basic chicken breasts are dressed up with zesty lemon and Dijon-style mustard, and served alongside sautéed green beans.
3. Peanut Noodles with Chicken & Veggies
Total Time: 30 Minutes
This Asian-inspired dish is lower in sodium than your typical takeout. Creamy peanut noodles are served with skillet-seared chicken and tender veggies. And it's made with just eight ingredients!
4. One-Pan Roasted Chicken & Brussels Sprouts
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Cut down on clean up with this low-carb, high-fiber sheet-pan dinner. Just toss tender chicken and Brussels sprouts with a smoky paprika and thyme seasoning, then spread onto a sheet pan. About half an hour later, you've got a healthy, flavorful meal to bring to the table that the whole family will love.
5. Crunchy Chicken Tenders & Cauliflower Mash
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike! These are served with cauliflower mashed into Yukon potatoes—a great way to sneak in veggies.
6. Chicken & Spiced Apples
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Short on time? This speedy recipe has an easy French-inspired pan sauce that elevates simple chicken and apples. Add some steamed brown rice for a complete meal.
7. Cornmeal-Crusted Chicken Nuggets with Blackberry Mustard
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Crunchy cornmeal chicken nuggets go highbrow with the addition of a tangy fresh berry and mustard dipping sauce. Add a side salad or pop a sheet pan of parmesan tossed broccoli florets into the oven to roast while you're making the nugs.
8. Paprika-Rubbed Chicken
Total Time: 25 minutes
Paprika & herbs de Provence, flavor this easy chicken breast recipe. Make a double batch to slice over a blue cheese and spinach salad, tuck into a Mediterranean wrap for lunch or serve next to garlic roasted potatoes for a fancy weeknight dinner.
9. Lemon & Dill Chicken
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Juicy, lean chicken is pan-seared in garlic, lemon and fresh dill. Yum! With some multitasking you can enjoy this chicken alongside baked sweet potato fries and roasted cauliflower. Both side dishes bake at 425° F, but have different cook times, so remember to set your timer.
10. Lightened General Tso’s Chicken
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Enjoy flavorful Chinese food without the extra grease with this version of General Tso’s chicken. In this version, chunky bites of chicken thigh are bathed in sweet and savory sauce and tossed with snow peas and scallions. Serve hot on a bed of brown rice or your favorite grain for added fiber.
For more quick dinner inspiration, check out Foodsmart’s 30 Minutes or Less recipe category.
| For personalized nutrition support, plus more tips like these, meet with a Foodsmart registered dietitian – a nutrition expert – today!
Dietitian visits cost as low as $0 and may be covered by insurance. |
