25 Essential Chicken Recipes Basically Every Adult Should Know How To Make

Just wing it.

Chicken is possibly the most versatile protein, and it can be prepared about a million ways for just about any occasion, from an easy weeknight dinner to a special meal. Here are a handful of chicken recipes to master and make on repeat.

1. Ina Garten's Whole Roast Chicken

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Everyone should know how to make a whole roasted chicken. Paired with roastd veggies and your favorite grain, it's a classic and easy meal to feed the whole family. Get the recipe for Ina Garten's whole roast chicken here.

2. Oven-Fried Chicken

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This crispy golden-brown chicken is baked entirely in the oven, so you get all of the delightful fried flavor but none of the mess. Get the recipe for oven-fried chicken here.

3. Italian Chicken Parmesan

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Get the recipe for Italian chicken Parmesan here.

4. Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

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Sometimes the most simple dishes can be the most satisfying, like in the case of this breaded chicken dish cooked in a butter lemon sauce and topped with capers and fresh parsley. Get the recipe for creamy lemon chicken piccata here.

5. Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

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Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs are very cheap, but when cooked correctly, they're incredible tasty. Make sure to get your skillet sizzling hot before adding the chicken, then cook it skin-side down without moving it for that perfect sear. Get the recipe for crispy baked chicken thighs here.

6. Classic Chicken Marsala

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This chicken dish made with mushrooms and Marsala wine takes only about 30 minutes, but it's indulgent enough to make for your next date night in. Get the recipe for classic chicken marsala here.

7. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

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Quite possibly the king of all party dips, this creamy and spicy creation starts with rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts slow cooked with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, Ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar. Get the recipe for Crock Pot buffalo chicken dip here.

8. Coq au Vin

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This quintessential French recipe sounds fancy, but it's basically just braised chicken that is stewed in red wine with mushrooms, more veggies, and pancetta.

9. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

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This sweet and tangy glaze is made with ingredients you probably have sitting around like soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and garlic. Get the recipe for grilled teriyaki chicken here.

10. Baked Chicken Nuggets

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You don't have to be a kid to crave this comforting childhood classic. These nuggets are baked in the oven from start to finish, but they still manage to get deliciously crunchy. Whatever you do, don't forget the secret ingredient: pickle juice for marinating. Get the recipe for baked chicken nuggets here.

11. Hasselback Baked Caprese Chicken

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Light and refreshing, this chicken breast stuffed with slices of mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil deserves a spot on your summer cookout menu. Get the recipe for hasselback baked Caprese chicken here.

12. Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Broccoli

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Need an easy weeknight dinner to throw into your recipe rotation? This cheesy chicken gets cooked entirely on one sheet pan so it's easy, breezy, and no-mess. Get the recipe for sheet pan Parmesan-crusted chicken and broccoli here.

13. Baked Chicken Meatballs

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This crisp-on-the-outside-moist-on-the-inside chicken meatballs are the perfect addition to a basic bowl of spaghetti pomodoro. Get the recipe for baked chicken meatballs here.

14. Butter Chicken

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This Indian-inspired chicken dish is creamy, indulgent, and a welcome addition to your recipe arsenal. It's similar to tikka masala, cooked in a decadent curry sauce, and tastes incredible over rice. Get the recipe for butter chicken here.

15. 20-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry

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Need an easy weeknight dinner recipe the whole family will enjoy? Start with chicken and stir-fry it with whatever veggies you have on hand, tossing everything in a simple mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Get the recipe for 20-minute chicken stir fry here.

16. Baked Chicken Katsu

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A Japanese take on the chicken cutlet, boneless chicken breasts are coated in panko bread crumbs and either baked or fried. Try eating it as a sandwich on milk bread with cabbage or slaw. Get the recipe for baked chicken katsu here.

17. Jerk Chicken

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Transport yourself to the Caribbean with this Jamaican-inspired jerk chicken. The homemade marinade calls for green onion, shallot, lime, apple cider vinegar, and lots of spices, and it's well worth the extra effort. Get the recipe for jerk chicken here.

18. Chicken Pot Pie

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Name a more comforting food. We'll wait... This simplified version is made with a pastry sheet so there's no making the crust from scratch. Get the recipe for chicken pot pie here.

19. Chicken Souvlaki

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These Greek grilled chicken skewers — marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices — taste delicious tucked into pita bread, on a bed of rice, or on top of a big salad. Get the recipe for chicken souvlaki here.

20. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

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Coated with a honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic sauce, these wings are then baked in the oven until sticky and crisp on the outside but super tender on the inside. Get the recipe for honey garlic chicken wings here.

21. Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

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Chicken breasts cook in a mixture of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and spices in the crock pot until they're tender enough to be shredded with a fork. Serve it on hamburger buns for a perfect summertime dish. Get the recipe for Crock Pot BBQ pulled chicken here.

22. Cashew Chicken

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Skip the takeout and whip up this favorite at home. You'll be surprised how easy it actually is, and you'll want to put this hoisin, soy, and Sriracha sauce on just about everything. Get the recipe for cashew chicken here.

23. Juicy Barbecue Chicken

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It doesn't get much easier than this three ingredient recipe, which calls for just chicken breasts, olive oil, and your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce (plus some salt and pepper for flavor). Get the recipe for juicy barbecue chicken here.

24. Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes

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There's nothing fancy about this hearty meal, but boy does it hit the spot. Best of all, there's almost no cleanup necessary. Get the recipe for sheet pan chicken and potatoes here.

25. Chicken Noodle Soup

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Step away from the salty canned stuff. Homemade chicken noodle soup is worlds better than anything you could buy from the grocery store. You can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for lazy, cozy nights. Get the recipe for chicken noodle soup here.