Chicken is a versatile and tasty protein that can be used in many different dishes. It's also relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it a popular choice for home cooks. Here are 5 chicken recipes to try for your next meal:
Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken is a classic recipe that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then roasted until tender and juicy. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, sliced
Method- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the giblets from the chicken and rinse it with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and rub it in, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cover the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a roasting pan. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon slices.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Serve the Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Chicken Tikka MasalaThis classic Indian dish is made with marinated chicken that is grilled or broiled and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It's typically served with rice or naan bread.
Ingredients 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup canned tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Method- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the tomato puree and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.
Chicken FajitasFajitas are a Tex-Mex classic that are easy to make and always crowd-pleasing. Simply marinate sliced chicken in lime juice, cumin, and chili powder, then cook with sliced bell peppers and onions. Serve with tortillas, cheese, and guacamole.
Ingredients 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow onion, sliced into strips
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8-10 flour tortillas
Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Method- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant.
- Warm the tortillas in a microwave or oven.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture on the warm tortillas, along with your desired toppings.
This Chicken Fajitas recipe is easy to make and customizable to your liking. You can add or remove any toppings you prefer and adjust the spice level to your taste. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and warm tortillas make for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Chicken ParmesanThis Italian-American classic is a favorite for a reason. Breaded chicken cutlets are topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. Serve over spaghetti or with a side salad.
Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Method- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process. Place the flour in one dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the chicken breast in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it in firmly to ensure it sticks.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato sauce.
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot with your favorite pasta, a salad, or garlic bread.
Honey Mustard ChickenThis sweet and savory recipe involves marinating chicken in a mixture of honey, mustard, and garlic, then baking until golden and crispy. It's a delicious and easy way to add flavor to boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Ingredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
Method- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
- Bake the chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Baste the chicken with the sauce every 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Serve the Honey Mustard Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
Variations- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon mustard for a more rustic flavor.
- Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Add some lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy flavor.