Chicken Recipes That Make Less Leftovers

Making dinner doesn’t have to mean dealing with a pile of dishes or an overload of leftovers. These small portion chicken recipes are designed to help you keep things simple, with just enough food for one or two or three, so there’s no need for extra storage or cleanup.

Using fewer pans and focusing on smaller portions, these dishes are perfect for weeknights when you want something quick, easy, and delicious. From one-pan meals to chicken cooked in simple sauces, these recipes let you enjoy all the flavor without spending too much time in the kitchen—or worrying about what to do with extra servings.

Less mess, less fuss, and a great meal every time! And if you do happen to have leftovers, they make great lunches for a budget-friendly lifestyle.

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Ranch chicken in a blate with a salad.
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Oven baked ranch chicken combines the savory flavors of ranch seasoning with tender chicken, baked to perfection. This easy recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it great for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken offers a creamy, rich flavor in every bite. With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and is perfect for those looking for an easy dinner that doesn’t overfill the table.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Oven fried chicken with cherry tomatoes.
Oven Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven Fried Chicken

Get the crispy, crunchy texture of fried chicken without the mess of deep frying. Oven fried chicken is baked to perfection with a golden crust, giving you all the flavor with less work. It’s an ideal recipe for when you want a comforting meal but don’t need extra portions to store.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

A salad with crispy chicken and dressing on top.
Crispy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Crispy Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken salad combines tender greens with crunchy chicken, offering a perfect balance of textures. It’s a light yet filling meal that’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of cleanup. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this salad keeps things simple without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Salad

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

This chicken and stuffing casserole is a comforting dish that brings together seasoned chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and uses just the right amount of ingredients for a small batch. No need to worry about leftover stuffing with this one!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper chicken wings offer a tangy, zesty flavor that’s perfect for a quick snack or casual dinner. These wings are easy to make and don’t require a lot of ingredients, keeping things simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken breasts on a plate with vegetables around it.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Air fryer stuffed chicken breasts are a great way to enjoy a flavorful, juicy meal with minimal effort. The air fryer ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside while the filling stays perfectly tender. This recipe is portioned just right, making it an easy, no-fuss option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

A cast iron skillet with chicken and apples in it.
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Apple cider chicken skillet combines the sweetness of apples with savory chicken for a fall-inspired dish. It’s cooked all in one pan, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. A great way to enjoy a seasonal meal without worrying about leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that brings together sweet pineapple and savory chicken. The slow cooker does all the work while you get on with your day, leaving you with just the right amount of food for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken is a bright, flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying. With a simple marinade of lemon and garlic, the chicken cooks up tender and delicious. Perfect for when you want a fresh, light meal without needing to cook extra portions.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Chinese black pepper chicken is a quick stir-fry that delivers bold flavor without the need for a lot of ingredients. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something different but manageable. Serve with rice for a complete meal that doesn’t leave too much behind.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Grilled BBQ chicken is a classic, smoky dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and a quick cook time, it’s perfect for a small gathering or a quiet dinner. The recipe gives you just enough for a satisfying meal without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken

Chicken Nuggets

These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a quick meal or snack. They’re simple to make and portioned just right, so you can enjoy a fun, bite-sized dish without the need for extra storage.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Copy-cat KFC fried chicken on a plate served with a ketchup.
KFC Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

KFC Fried Chicken

KFC-inspired fried chicken brings the iconic crispy coating and flavorful chicken to your own kitchen. This recipe is easy to follow and makes just enough for a satisfying meal without having to deal with too many leftovers. Enjoy all the taste with less effort.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish that’s packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a flaky crust. It’s a complete meal in one, perfect for a cozy dinner without the need for extra servings. This small batch version gives you all the comfort without the excess.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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