Ready to Cook Up Something Delicious? 🍽️
🔥 Get ready to cook up something amazing! Scroll down for step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and variations to make these recipes your own.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of a homemade meal—especially when it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re craving something sweet and savory, creamy and indulgent, or packed with bold spices, I’ve got you covered. These five tasty recipes are not only delicious but also simple enough for anyone to make at home.
From the crispy goodness of Honey Garlic Chicken to the bold, creamy richness of Chicken Tikka Masala, each dish brings something special to the table. Let’s dive in and start cooking!
1. Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, Savory & Crispy
This Honey Garlic Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a finger-licking honey garlic sauce. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with an optional spicy kick. Serve it over steamed rice, alongside sautéed vegetables, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium works best)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Dredge the chicken tenders in flour, dip them into the beaten eggs, then coat them in flour again. This double coating makes them extra crispy!
- Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the crispy chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or with stir-fried veggies.
👉 Pro Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a touch of tanginess!
2. Pesto Pasta – Fresh, Herby & Irresistible
A bowl of Pesto Pasta is like a taste of summer, no matter the season. The homemade pesto sauce is bright, nutty, and packed with fresh basil flavor. It’s a perfect tasty recipe that tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, nuts, Parmesan, and garlic until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss & Serve: Mix the pesto sauce with the drained pasta. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with extra Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. Add cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra protein.
👉 Pro Tip: Toast the nuts before blending for a deeper, richer flavor!
3. Marry Me Chicken – Creamy, Dreamy & Irresistible
If you’re looking for another tasty recipes that might just inspire a marriage proposal, this one’s for you! Marry Me Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of deep, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
👉 Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine while making the sauce!
If you are looking for a more protein-packed chicken recipe and avoid the added calories of heavy cream, check out this recipe High-Protein Marry Me Chicken.
4. Chicken Alfredo – Rich, Creamy & Comforting
A classic Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, silky fettuccine, and a creamy Parmesan sauce—what’s not to love?
Don’t overcook the chicken. Have you ever eaten chicken that felt chewy? Well, you most likely overcooked or undercooked it. We recently purchased this CHEF iQ Sense Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer with 2 Ultra-Thin Probes and Unlimited Range Bluetooth Meat Thermometer from Costco, and it’s made cooking chicken and every other meat, like steak, flawless. I highly recommend grabbing this on Amazon or Costco. Plus, it makes a great Father’s Day Gift!
Want to lighten it up? Let’s not kid ourselves – this is a rich, creamy, high-calorie meal. But you can cut back a little by using half-n-half or whole milk instead of the heavy whipping cream. Just keep in mind that the lower the fat content, the thinner the sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in butter over medium heat until cooked through. Slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine Everything: Add pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
👉 Pro Tip: Want extra richness? Stir in a bit of cream cheese!
5. Chicken Tikka Masala – Bold, Spiced & Comforting
This Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, spiced, and utterly delicious dish that pairs perfectly with warm naan or fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken (breasts or thighs), cubed
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear until golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add tomato sauce and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, then add the chicken back. Simmer until fully heated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
👉 Pro Tip: For extra depth, add a dash of smoked paprika or a spoonful of butter! Serve with Naan and tzatziki sauce.
Which of these recipes are you trying first? Let me know in the comments!
🍽 Happy Cooking! 🍽
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
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Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a finger-licking honey garlic sauce. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with an optional spicy kick. Serve it over steamed rice, alongside sautéed vegetables, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium works best)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Dredge the chicken tenders in flour, dip them into the beaten eggs, then coat them in flour again. This double coating makes them extra crispy!
- Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the crispy chicken into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice or with stir-fried veggies.
Notes
👉 Pro Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a touch of tanginess!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese American
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
-
Preparation:
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
-
Make the Lemon Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels, including the cavity.
- Gently separate the skin from the meat over the breast area by carefully sliding your fingers under the skin to create pockets. Be cautious not to tear the skin.
- Evenly spread a little more than half of the prepared lemon garlic herb butter under the skin, ensuring it reaches as much of the meat as possible.
-
Stuff the Cavity:
- Inside the chicken cavity, place one quartered lemon, one quartered onion, one halved head of garlic, one sprig of rosemary, and one sprig of thyme.
-
Truss the Chicken:
- Tie the chicken legs together using kitchen twine to ensure even cooking. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken’s back or clip them to prevent burning.
-
Prepare the Roasting Pan:
- In a large roasting pan, arrange the remaining quartered onions, halved garlic heads, quartered lemons, and the remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs to create a vegetable bed.
- Place the prepared chicken on top of this vegetable bed, breast side up.
-
Season the Exterior:
- Rub the remaining lemon garlic herb butter all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
- Season the exterior with an additional teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
-
Add Liquid:
- Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the environment moist and prevent the drippings from burning.
-
Roasting:
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- If certain areas of the chicken brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil. Additionally, if the liquid in the pan evaporates, add more broth or water as needed.
-
Resting:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 4–5 pounds), giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and quartered
- 2 large lemons, quartered
- 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
Instructions
-
Preparation:
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
-
Make the Lemon Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels, including the cavity.
- Gently separate the skin from the meat over the breast area by carefully sliding your fingers under the skin to create pockets. Be cautious not to tear the skin.
- Evenly spread a little more than half of the prepared lemon garlic herb butter under the skin, ensuring it reaches as much of the meat as possible.
-
Stuff the Cavity:
- Inside the chicken cavity, place one quartered lemon, one quartered onion, one halved head of garlic, one sprig of rosemary, and one sprig of thyme.
-
Truss the Chicken:
- Tie the chicken legs together using kitchen twine to ensure even cooking. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken’s back or clip them to prevent burning.
-
Prepare the Roasting Pan:
- In a large roasting pan, arrange the remaining quartered onions, halved garlic heads, quartered lemons, and the remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs to create a vegetable bed.
- Place the prepared chicken on top of this vegetable bed, breast side up.
-
Season the Exterior:
- Rub the remaining lemon garlic herb butter all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
- Season the exterior with an additional teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
-
Add Liquid:
- Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the environment moist and prevent the drippings from burning.
-
Roasting:
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- If certain areas of the chicken brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil. Additionally, if the liquid in the pan evaporates, add more broth or water as needed.
-
Resting:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
Notes
This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a delightful centerpiece for any meal, offering juicy meat infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of citrus. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Meal
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Pesto Pasta with Chicken
A bowl of Pesto Pasta is like a taste of summer, no matter the season. The homemade pesto sauce is bright, nutty, and packed with fresh basil flavor. It’s a perfect quick meal that tastes gourmet.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 People 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, nuts, Parmesan, and garlic until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss & Serve: Mix the pesto sauce with the drained pasta. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with extra Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. Add cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Notes
👉 Pro Tip: Toast the nuts before blending for a deeper, richer flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Marry Me Chicken
If you’re looking for a dish that might just inspire a marriage proposal, this one’s for you! Marry Me Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of deep, savory flavors.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 People 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
👉 Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine while making the sauce!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Rich, Creamy & Comforting
A classic Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, silky fettuccine, and a creamy Parmesan sauce—what’s not to love?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 People 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in butter over medium heat until cooked through. Slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine Everything: Add pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
👉 Pro Tip: Want extra richness? Stir in a bit of cream cheese! Also, easily add some fresh or frozen Broccoli and make this a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Chicken Tikka Masala
This Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, spiced, and utterly delicious dish that pairs perfectly with warm naan or fluffy rice.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 People 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken (breasts or thighs), cubed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear until golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add tomato sauce and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, then add the chicken back. Simmer until fully heated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
👉 Pro Tip: For extra depth, add a dash of smoked paprika or a spoonful of butter!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian American
