Easy Chicken Recipes with Simple Ingredients

Cooking dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. When your pantry is stocked with basics and your time is limited, chicken becomes the perfect foundation for stress-free meals. These easy chicken recipes with simple ingredients are designed for everyday life—no fancy techniques, no hard-to-find items, and no long prep times. Just comforting, flavorful meals that work for busy weeknights, beginner cooks, and anyone who wants reliable results.

This guide focuses on approachable cooking methods, affordable ingredients, and practical tips to help you turn plain chicken into meals your whole household will love. Whether you prefer skillet dinners, oven-baked meals, or quick stovetop recipes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

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Why Simple Chicken Recipes Work So Well

Chicken is one of the most forgiving proteins, especially when paired with everyday pantry ingredients. It absorbs flavor easily and adapts to nearly any cooking style.

Benefits of Cooking with Simple Ingredients

• Less time spent shopping

• Lower grocery costs

• Easier cleanup

• Consistent results

• Less stress during busy evenings

Simple doesn’t mean boring—it means dependable, flexible, and satisfying.

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Essential Pantry Ingredients for Easy Chicken Recipes

You don’t need a long ingredient list to make great chicken. These staples form the base of most recipes in this article.

Basic Seasonings

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Dried herbs like oregano or thyme

Cooking Fats

• Olive oil

• Butter

Liquids

• Chicken broth

• Water

Optional Add-Ins

• Lemon juice

• Mustard

• Honey

• Plain yogurt

With these basics, you can create dozens of flavorful meals.

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Easy Skillet Garlic Chicken

This recipe is a go-to when you need something fast, warm, and comforting.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden.

4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and rest before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes

• Steamed vegetables

• Simple rice

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Oven-Baked Chicken with Everyday Seasonings

This is one of the easiest ways to cook chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet.

3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings.

4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Let rest before serving.

Why It Works

Oven baking allows even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy without constant attention.

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One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

This meal uses simple ingredients and only one pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1½ pounds potatoes, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss potatoes with olive oil and seasoning.

3. Arrange chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet.

4. Season chicken generously.

5. Roast for 45–50 minutes, turning once.

Optional Additions

• Carrots

• Onions

• Green beans

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Simple Creamy Chicken Without Heavy Ingredients

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Season chicken and cook in olive oil until golden.

2. Remove chicken and add broth to skillet.

3. Lower heat and stir in yogurt gently.

4. Return chicken and simmer until warmed through.

Best Served With

• Rice

• Pasta

• Steamed broccoli

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Easy Shredded Chicken for Multiple Meals

This recipe is perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts

• 2 cups chicken broth

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place chicken and broth in a pot.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook for 20–25 minutes until tender.

4. Shred with two forks.

Ways to Use It

• Tacos

• Wraps

• Salads

• Rice bowls

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Quick Chicken Stir-Fry with Pantry Staples

A fast and flexible dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Mixed vegetables

• ¼ cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan.

2. Cook chicken until lightly browned.

3. Add vegetables and cook until tender.

4. Pour in broth and simmer briefly.

Flavor Tip

Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.

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Easy Chicken Cutlets

Perfect for picky eaters and fast meals.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Season chicken cutlets.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.

3. Cook cutlets 2–3 minutes per side.

4. Serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

• Sandwiches

• Salads

• Rice plates

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Slow Cooker Chicken with Minimal Prep

Great for hands-off cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs

• 1 cup chicken broth

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

3. Shred or serve whole.

Why It’s Ideal

Slow cooking guarantees tender, juicy chicken with almost no effort.

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How to Keep Chicken Juicy with Simple Ingredients

Use Moderate Heat

High heat dries chicken quickly.

Season Early

Salt helps lock in moisture.

Don’t Overcook

Remove chicken as soon as it reaches doneness.

Let It Rest

Resting keeps juices inside the meat.

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Easy Side Dishes Using Simple Ingredients

Vegetable Sides

• Steamed carrots

• Roasted potatoes

• Sautéed spinach

Grain Sides

• Rice

• Couscous

• Quinoa

Fresh Options

• Garden salad

• Cucumber slices

• Tomato salad

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Meal Prep Tips for Easy Chicken Recipes

Cook Once, Eat Twice

Make extra chicken and reuse it throughout the week.

Store Properly

Keep chicken in airtight containers with a little broth.

Reheat Gently

Low heat and added moisture prevent dryness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to cook chicken?

Pan-searing or baking are the simplest and most reliable methods.

Can I cook chicken with only salt and pepper?

Yes, and it can still be very flavorful when cooked properly.

How do I know when chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and juices should run clear.

Are chicken thighs easier than breasts?

Yes, thighs are more forgiving and stay moist longer.

Can I freeze cooked chicken?

Yes, freeze it with a little broth for best texture.

How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly.

Can beginners cook these recipes?

Absolutely. These recipes are designed for all skill levels.

What oil works best for chicken?

Olive oil is versatile and easy to use.

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Final Thoughts

Easy chicken recipes with simple ingredients prove that great meals don’t need complicated steps or specialty items. With a few pantry staples and basic techniques, you can create comforting, flavorful dinners any night of the week. These recipes are flexible, budget-friendly, and perfect for building confidence in the kitchen.

Once you master these basics, you’ll always have a dependable answer to the question, “What’s for dinner?”