16 Chicken Recipes You Can Make In 30 Minutes or Less
Getting dinner on the table doesn’t have to take all evening. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or just a packed schedule, having a few quick go-to recipes can make all the difference. These chicken recipes come together in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
This recipe comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients, making it a solid pick for busy evenings. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy while creating a slightly crisp finish. It’s ideal when time is short but a home-cooked dinner is still on the table. Great for anyone needing a reliable weeknight option.
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Keto Collard Green Salad with Chicken
This salad uses collard greens and cooked chicken to create a balanced, no-fuss meal that doesn’t take long to assemble. It works well for lunch or dinner when you need something fresh that comes together fast. Pre-cooked or leftover chicken makes it even quicker to put on the table. It’s a solid pick when time is limited but you still want a real meal.
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Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders
These chicken tenders are coated in a bold sauce and cooked fast in the air fryer, which makes cleanup easier, too. It’s a strong choice for evenings when you’re short on time but don’t want to cut corners on flavor. Serve them with a simple side for a full dinner in no time. Great for both kids and adults who enjoy something with a bit of heat.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
With sweet and savory flavors, this recipe delivers a quick meal that pairs easily with rice or vegetables. The air fryer cuts down on time and effort, making this a helpful option for hectic weeknights. You can have everything ready in less than half an hour without hovering over the stove. It’s a practical and flexible dinner idea.
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Chicken Chop Suey
This stir-fry is a quick way to get dinner ready using chicken and vegetables in a light sauce. It cooks fast and works well for anyone looking to get a full meal on the table with just one pan. It’s also a useful choice if you have extra vegetables that need using up. Quick prep and cook time make it easy to fit into a busy day.
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Cream Cheese Chicken
This creamy dish uses just a few ingredients and can be pulled together in one skillet, which helps with both prep and cleanup. It’s a practical choice for nights when you want something warm without spending too long in the kitchen. The rich texture pairs well with pasta or rice. Perfect when you want something fast that still feels like dinner.
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Popcorn Chicken
These bite-sized pieces of chicken cook fast and are easy to serve with dipping sauces or over a salad. Great for casual dinners, after-school snacks, or even lunchboxes. Since they’re ready in minutes, they’re a dependable go-to when time is short. A family-friendly option that’s easy to work into any evening routine.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
This recipe offers a fast way to make a familiar favorite with just a few pantry items. The air fryer gives them a crisp finish without the need for oil, and they’re ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you need something simple and quick. Great served on their own or as part of a larger meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Panko Chicken Breast
Lightly breaded with panko, this chicken cooks quickly and pairs easily with sides like salad or roasted vegetables. It’s a handy option for nights when you don’t have much time to cook but want something that still feels put-together. Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, it works well for both lunch and dinner. This one is easy to prep and clean up, too.
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Chinese Black Pepper Chicken
This stir-fry brings bold flavor with a short cook time, making it a good pick when you need a fast but full meal. It uses common ingredients and a single pan, which cuts down on both prep and cleanup. It’s especially useful for weeknights when things are tight but takeout isn’t the answer. Fast to make and easy to adjust to what you have on hand.
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Creamy Chicken Curry
This mild curry uses a creamy base that brings everything together quickly in one pot. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it helpful for quick meal planning. Pairs well with rice or naan, and you can adjust the spice depending on who’s eating. A dependable pick for nights when you need a warm meal without the long cook time.
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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs cook quickly on a grill or grill pan, making them great for evenings when you’re short on prep time. The BBQ flavor pairs well with classic sides and doesn’t require much seasoning. Since boneless thighs cook faster, this meal can be on the table in well under half an hour. It’s an easy pick that feels a little more like a weekend meal.
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Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
This recipe brings together bold chicken flavor and creamy avocado for a fast sandwich-style meal. It’s great for lunch or dinner when you don’t have time for a full cooking session but want something more than just leftovers. Quick to assemble and easy to serve with chips, salad, or soup. A solid option for when you need something done fast but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish combines pasta and chicken in a spicy sauce, all baked briefly for a warm finish. It’s perfect when you need a hearty meal that doesn’t take much time to prep or cook. Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie cuts down on the time even more. A solid choice for anyone looking for comfort food that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
This chicken has a crisp outside and a sweet glaze that adds flavor without taking extra time. It’s made with everyday ingredients and cooks fast, making it practical for any night of the week. Pair it with something simple like coleslaw or steamed vegetables. A quick meal that still feels a bit special without the extra work.
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Chicken Divan
This baked chicken and broccoli dish uses a creamy sauce and comes together quickly when using pre-cooked chicken. It’s ideal for those nights when you need something filling without starting from scratch. Works well as a main meal with rice or alone. A helpful recipe to keep on hand when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan