17 Chicken Recipes That Are Faster Than Ordering Takeout
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On busy days, I want dinner on the table fast without relying on takeout or delivery apps. These chicken recipes are built for speed, using simple ingredients and cooking methods that fit real schedules. They’re the kind of meals I turn to when time is tight but a homemade dinner still matters.
Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders
These chicken tenders cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a smart pick when dinner needs to move faster than calling for food delivery. They’re easy to portion, simple to serve, and work well for weeknight meals or casual lunches. The bold sauce brings strong flavor without adding extra prep time. This recipe fits perfectly when you want hot food on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken comes together fast thanks to the air fryer, cutting down cooking time compared to waiting on takeout. It’s a dependable option for lunch or dinner with minimal cleanup. The familiar barbecue flavor makes it great for both adults and kids. It’s a practical choice when you want something filling without slowing down the evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
This chicken salad works well when you want a full meal that doesn’t take long to assemble. The chicken adds protein while keeping the meal light enough for busy days. It’s a good alternative to ordering food when time is limited but you still want something balanced. This recipe fits lunch or dinner without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This teriyaki chicken cooks quickly and evenly, helping dinner come together sooner than placing an order. It’s a solid option for weeknights when schedules are tight. The familiar sweet-and-savory flavor pairs well with simple sides. This recipe works well for both family meals and quick solo dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings
These wings are ready faster than traditional methods, making them a strong choice when hunger hits unexpectedly. They work well for casual dinners, game nights, or quick snacks. The bold seasoning keeps things interesting without needing extra effort. This recipe helps keep dinner plans simple and timely.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings
Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken cooks fast and serves easily, making it ideal when you want food quicker than delivery. It’s a flexible option for meals, snacks, or sharing at the table. The bite-sized pieces help with portion control and quick serving. This recipe fits busy evenings without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken
Creamy Chicken Curry
This chicken curry is filling and comes together faster than waiting for restaurant orders. It works well for dinner when you want something warm and comforting without a long wait. The creamy sauce makes it suitable for pairing with simple sides. It’s a practical meal that doesn’t slow down the evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry
Cream Cheese Chicken
This chicken dish is straightforward and quick, making it easier than ordering food during a busy night. It’s a good option for a comforting dinner that doesn’t require extra planning. The creamy texture pairs well with common side dishes. This recipe fits well into a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Panko Chicken Breast
These chicken breasts cook efficiently and are easy to serve, making them a reliable choice when time matters. They work well for lunch or dinner without feeling rushed. The crisp coating keeps the meal interesting while staying simple. This recipe helps you skip the wait and eat sooner.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
This chicken melt delivers familiar restaurant-style flavor without the delivery delay. It’s a solid choice for quick lunches or relaxed dinners. The combination of chicken and avocado makes it filling without being complicated. This recipe keeps meals moving when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
Chicken Chop Suey
Chicken chop suey cooks quickly and uses simple ingredients, making it faster than ordering out. It’s a dependable dinner option for busy evenings. The mix of chicken and vegetables keeps the meal balanced and filling. This recipe fits well when you want something warm and fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are ready in less time than it takes to wait for takeout. They’re easy to portion and work well for both kids and adults. Cleanup stays minimal, which helps on busy nights. This recipe keeps dinner plans simple and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This pasta bake brings together chicken and pasta in a way that saves time compared to restaurant orders. It’s a strong option for family dinners or leftovers. The bold sauce adds flavor without complicating the meal. This recipe works well when you need something filling and timely.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken
This chicken dish comes together quickly, making it a good replacement for ordering delivery. It’s well-suited for dinner when time is short but you want a complete meal. The bold pepper flavor keeps things interesting without added effort. This recipe helps keep weeknights on track.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs cook fast on the grill, helping dinner happen sooner than takeout. They’re easy to serve and work well for both weeknights and weekends. The barbecue flavor makes them familiar and family-friendly. This recipe fits when time and simplicity matter.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is a comforting dinner option that comes together faster than waiting on delivery. It works well for family meals and reheats easily. The combination of chicken and sauce makes it filling without extra steps. This recipe keeps dinner plans moving smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
This fried chicken offers a hearty meal that’s ready sooner than ordering from a restaurant. It works well for dinner when you want something filling and familiar. The honey butter coating adds flavor without extra complexity. This recipe helps keep meals timely and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken