Dinner Ideas With Chicken

Summer is on its way. (Despite the snow in May.) Therefore, you might be thinking about how to slim down for summer. Chicken is a healthy choice! It’s low in fat and high in protein. However, we always have people ask us for new things to try. So, in this month’s blog, we will share all our favorite dinner ideas with chicken.

Are you sick of eating the same meal over and over? Well, this one’s for you!

Chicken Breast in the Oven

Firstly, let’s address the most common way to cook chicken. Of course, cooking chicken breast in the oven is a go-to method for most. It’s easy. And, a healthy choice. However, there are ways to make your meal even better. Follow these simple tricks to creating the best chicken breast in the oven. It’s easier than you think. All it needs is a little love.

Step 1: Brine

While you don’t have to brine your chicken, we suggest it. But, if you’re short for time, you can skip this step. Realistically, you only need about 15 minutes. Just take some warm water, throw in a handful of salt, and soak your chicken breast. If you are making this ahead, brine for up to 6 hours. Then, rinse and cook. However, 15 minutes will do the trick. As a note, make sure the water is not hot. As with all dinner ideas with chicken, you must keep the meat in the “safe zone”.

Step 2: Season

If you’re looking to keep things simple, just a little salt and pepper will do. In fact, if you’re looking to use it the next day, this is a great choice. Personally, we love making extra chicken for lunches throughout the week!

Yet, chicken is so versatile. So, throw on some extra spices. For instance, savory herbs, paprika, and garlic make excellent add-ons. Alternatively, you can wait to add sauce at the end. It’s your choice. Get creative!

Step 3: Roast

When you think dinner ideas with chicken, you probably think: roast chicken. Right? It’s a classic. For that reason, we suggest using high heat versus low heat. You’ll get that nice crispy skin. Not to mention, the meat inside will be perfect. Roast your chicken breasts in the oven at 450 for 15-20 minutes.

Chicken Curry

Do you love chicken curry? It’s one of those meals that most people only get for takeout. It seems decadent and complex – but is it? Creating chicken curry at home is easier than you think. And, if you don’t like spice, don’t worry. It’s not all about the spice.

To start off, we want to talk about butter chicken. Is it considered chicken curry? Absolutely! It’s one of the best for beginner cooks.

You can make this meal in about 20 minutes. You also have two options:

1. Buy all the ingredients and make the sauce from scratch.
2. Buy a quality pre-made curry paste.

In conclusion, they will both be delicious. So, don’t fret. If you are looking for more straightforward dinner ideas with chicken, go with the paste. There are tons of great brands out there.

One Pan Dinner Ideas with Chicken

Now, for the good stuff. These dinner ideas with chicken are for the people who like to put it in the oven and walk away. Does that sound like you?

In other words, these are the “one-pan meals” you always hear about. Easy peasy! Not to mention, you can prepare ahead. And last but not least, most of these easy dinner ideas with chicken can also be frozen. What more could you ask for?

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is another classic. But, not everyone has time to make the grandmother’s crust. So, we have a few quick tips.

• First, make your own broth. At the Hilltop Acres Store, we offer just what you need. If you aren’t sure how to go about it, check out last month’s blog! It has all the information you need to get started.

• Secondly, don’t feel bad about a store-bought dough. Use it to your advantage. Just grab a pre-made pie crust, and you’re good to go. That goes for frozen vegetables as well. Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious.

• Lastly, if you are short on time, use the crust as a topper. No one said the crust has to be on the bottom and top? Consequently, it makes for a lighter meal as well. At the end of the blog, we will have recipes for both.

Chicken pot pie is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Nevertheless, if you are looking to purchase chicken, we can help. We can help you take a whole chicken and turn it into meals for the whole week. Just ask us how.

Chicken Thighs with Vegetables

If you’re looking for a way to make chicken thighs, this is the easiest. And, it’s a good way to use up whatever is in your fridge. The end result will have you feeling like you slaved away for hours. Yet, you can prep in under 10 minutes.

In terms of flavor, it’s up to you. Potatoes, onions, carrots, and peppers are all good choices. We love to add salt, pepper, rosemary, and paprika as well. Oh, and fresh garlic. You can’t forget the garlic.

Then, toss all your ingredients together. From there, you can spread out on a sheet pan and toss it in the oven. Roast for 35-40 mins at 425. Or, until your chicken reads 170. Alternatively, you can marinate overnight. If you have time, this will step your meal up a notch. The flavors will be unheard of. It’s worth planning ahead.

Recipes for Dinner Ideas with Chicken

As promised, we have a list of recipes for you. Whether you are looking for decadent, or health-conscious meals, it’s all here. From family meals to frozen dinners, you won’t be searching for dinner ideas with chicken anymore.

Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie (Homemade Crust)

Baked Chicken Breast

Thai Green Curry Chicken

One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Quick Butter Chicken

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie (Crust Top Only)

30 Minute Chicken Curry

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs & Veggies

If you are looking for chicken, come visit us first. You care about what goes on your kitchen table. But, so do we. As a result, we care about the products we serve. Likewise, if you don’t see what you’d like – give us a call. Above all, our customers come first. In short, we have food you can feel good about. And in the end, isn’t that all that matters?