Chicken is a versatile and popular protein choice for dinner, but it’s easy to fall into a routine of making the same dishes over and over again. If you want to break out of the monotony and try something new, these unique chicken dinner ideas will inspire you. From globally inspired flavours to creative takes on classic dishes, these recipes will elevate your weeknight meals and impress your family and friends.
1. Moroccan Chicken Tagine
This flavorful Moroccan dish combines sweet and savoury elements, creating a rich and aromatic chicken dinner that’s perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Warm olive oil in a sizable skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook with the same skillet until it becomes softened. Incorporate the garlic and spices, then cook for an additional minute until they become fragrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the chicken broth, apricots, and olives. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then lower the heat to a gentle setting. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serve alongside couscous or rice.
2. Thai Basil Chicken
This Thai-inspired dish features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with fresh basil and a savoury sauce, making it a quick and flavorful dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chillies, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the garlic and chillies, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Add the sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and stir to ensure it is evenly coated.
Add the fresh basil leaves and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve the Thai basil chicken over cooked jasmine rice.
3. Chicken and Butternut Squash Risotto
This creamy risotto combines tender chicken with sweet butternut squash and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and cook until it becomes softened. Add the garlic and Arborio rice, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
After adding the third cup of broth, stir in the diced butternut squash. Continue adding the broth until the rice is creamy and the squash is tender.
Stir in the cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, and butter—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
4. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
This spicy and aromatic Jamaican jerk chicken is packed with flavour and perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, green onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight.
Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). If grilling, cook the chicken over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally. If baking, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve the Jamaican jerk chicken with rice and peas or a side of your choice.
5. Chicken Marsala
This classic Italian dish features chicken cutlets cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, making it an elegant and flavorful dinner option.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides, typically around 3-4 minutes per side.
In the same skillet, add the shallot and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.
Incorporate the heavy cream into the skillet and return the chicken to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is thickened.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken Marsala with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
These unique chicken dinner ideas are sure to bring excitement and variety to your weeknight meals. From the exotic flavours of Moroccan tagine and Thai basil chicken to the comforting classics of risotto and chicken Marsala, there’s something here for every palate. By trying these recipes, you can elevate your cooking and enjoy a diverse range of delicious chicken dishes. So, the next time you’re planning dinner, consider stepping out of your culinary comfort zone and experimenting with these unique and flavorful chicken recipes.
