Chicken is a versatile meat that lends itself well to quick and easy preparation. Simply seasoning chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and then pan-searing or grilling them is an easy way to make a flavorful meal. For extra flavor, you can also make a simple sauce or topping to serve with the chicken.
Marinating the chicken in an acidic ingredient like lemon or lime juice helps break down the meat and infuses it with bright, tangy flavor. Try marinating chicken breasts in the juice from half a lemon, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Pan-sear the marinated chicken until cooked through. The leftover marinade can be boiled and served as a sauce over the top of the chicken.
A creamy mushroom sauce is a classic pairing for chicken. Sauté a pound of sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme. Once the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to brown, whisk in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced. Pour the sauce over grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Pesto is a quick and easy sauce to make in a food processor or blender. Combine 2 cups of fresh basil, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of pine nuts. Blend until smooth and toss with cooked pasta such as penne or linguine. Top the pasta with grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a complete meal. The fresh, herby flavor of the pesto pairs beautifully with chicken.
For extra protein, add chickpeas or beans. Toss cooked chickpeas with pesto, grilled chicken, and pasta for a hearty dish. Black beans also pair well with flavors like chili, cumin, and lime juice—season grilled chicken thighs with a chili-lime spice rub and serve over rice and black beans. Quick, vibrant, and satisfying meals don’t get much easier than this.
With a variety of quick and easy recipes like these, you’ll never run out of new ways to enjoy flavorful chicken dishes. Let chicken be your go-to for a satisfying weeknight meal.
