21 Chicken Recipes That Start in Your Skillet and End in Your Favorites Folder

These chicken recipes are perfect for quick, one-pan meals that save time and minimize effort. They’re great for busy weeknights or when you want something flavorful without a lot of prep. With just a skillet and a few ingredients, you can have dinner ready fast.

There’s a wide range of options—from creamy sauces and vegetables to bold spices and grains. You can keep it simple or mix things up with different flavors and add-ins. Chicken cooks quickly and stays tender, making it ideal for this kind of meal.

These recipes are flexible, easy to adjust, and great for leftovers too. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, skillet meals make the most of your time and ingredients. They’re practical, filling, and easy to enjoy.

Chicken Marsala

This classic dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors works well with pasta or mashed potatoes. It comes together in one pan, making it both simple and comforting. Great for weeknights or when you want something that feels a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Juicy chicken and tangy pepperoncini bring a nice kick to this bold, flavorful dish. It’s easy to throw together and works well served over rice, in a sandwich, or on its own. The heat level is adjustable depending on how much spice you like. A great option when you want something with a little punch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are coated in a sticky glaze with hints of citrus, sweetness, and peppery spice. The skin crisps up beautifully in the pan while the inside stays juicy. It’s simple but full of flavor, and works great with roasted veggies or rice. Perfect for quick dinners with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

This fried rice is a mix of sweet pineapple chunks, tender chicken, and crisp veggies all tossed together in one skillet. It’s colorful, quick, and makes great use of leftovers. You can keep it mild or spice it up with some chili flakes or sriracha. A fun way to switch up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

A fresh twist on the traditional version, these meatballs are packed with lemon and capers for that signature tangy flavor. They’re light, bright, and great served with pasta, rice, or even on their own. The sauce is buttery and vibrant without feeling heavy. A quick option that still feels thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Crisp green beans and tender strips of chicken are tossed in a savory sauce that rivals your favorite takeout. It cooks up fast in one pan and is great served over steamed rice. You can keep it classic or add extra veggies for variety. A go-to option when you want something homemade that still hits those familiar flavors.
Get the Recipe: String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

This dish turns leftovers into something new with the help of green chiles, cheese, and a few pantry staples. It’s creamy, mildly spicy, and perfect for layering into burritos, tacos, or over rice. You can throw it together in minutes and still feel like you made something fresh. Ideal for busy days or fridge clean-outs.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

This one-pan meal features crispy chicken thighs, salty bacon, and tender green beans all cooked together. The flavors blend nicely with just the right amount of richness from the bacon. It’s hearty without being heavy, and cleanup is a breeze. A solid choice when you want dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Chicken Piccata

Lemon, butter, and capers make this dish bright and balanced, with a sauce that’s just as good spooned over the chicken as it is over pasta. The chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. You don’t need many ingredients to pull it off. Simple, flavorful, and easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This dish pairs chicken with a creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. The sauce is rich without being too heavy, and it’s perfect for spooning over pasta or rice. Everything comes together in one skillet. A cozy option when you want something comforting but still fresh.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Golden, seared chicken thighs are smothered in a creamy tomato sauce with hints of garlic and herbs. The cast iron skillet gives them a nice crispy edge while keeping the inside tender. This dish works well with pasta, bread, or even on its own. A flavorful way to make use of pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

This skillet dish uses apple cider to create a lightly sweet and savory sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. The apples break down just enough to add texture without taking over the dish. It’s great for fall, but works year-round with simple ingredients. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Creamy Dijon Chicken

This recipe combines sharp Dijon mustard with a smooth, creamy sauce that coats each piece of chicken. The flavor is bold but balanced, with just a hint of tang. It’s great with rice or veggies and comes together quickly in one pan. A nice change of pace from basic chicken dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Delicious and Healthy Chicken Celery Stir-Fry Recipe

Lean chicken and crunchy celery are cooked together in a light, savory sauce that lets the freshness of the ingredients shine. It’s fast, full of texture, and perfect for pairing with steamed rice or noodles. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Great for a lighter meal that still has plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Delicious and Healthy Chicken Celery Stir-Fry Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garlic and cream come together to create a smooth, flavorful sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces. It’s comforting without being too rich, and pairs well with almost anything—from pasta to steamed vegetables. You can add herbs or mushrooms for a little extra flair. One pan, lots of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

This recipe brings together juicy chicken thighs and tender artichoke hearts in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. It’s a great option for something a little different that still comes together easily. The artichokes add a briny contrast that keeps things interesting. Serve with rice or crusty bread to scoop up every bit.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl Recipe

Sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce and juicy pineapple come together in a bowl that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful. The chicken cooks up quickly and pairs well with rice, veggies, or even noodles. You can serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple for a fun touch. A great mix of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl Recipe

KFC Fried Chicken

This homemade version of the fast food favorite is crispy, juicy, and full of bold seasoning. The crust is crunchy without being too heavy, and the inside stays tender. You can bake or fry depending on your preference. A crowd-pleaser for any gathering or comfort food craving.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Chicken pieces are coated in a thick, glossy sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a bit sticky—in the best way. It’s great over rice or paired with steamed veggies for a full meal. The sauce clings to every bite, making each one full of flavor. A fun option when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Delicious Chinese Zucchini Stir Fry: With Chicken

Tender chicken and soft zucchini are cooked together in a light sauce that brings out the natural flavors of each ingredient. It’s a quick, easy dinner with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Serve with rice for a comforting meal that feels fresh and fast. A great way to use up extra zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Chinese Zucchini Stir Fry: With Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken

This recipe uses ranch seasoning to create a creamy, herby sauce that’s easy to love. The chicken stays tender and juicy, and the sauce is great over potatoes, pasta, or veggies. It’s a no-fuss option with big flavor from just a few ingredients. Great for busy nights when you need something reliable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken