28 Hearty Chicken Recipes To Start Dishing Up Now
(Photo: Erik Putz; Food styling by Ashley Denton; Prop styling by Madeleine Johari)
There's always one thing to celebrate in cold weather: comfort food. From saucy butter chicken over hot rice, to lick-your-fingers-delicious fried chicken and creamy pot pie—the options (for poultry alone) are nearly endless.
Find dinner inspiration these amazing hearty chicken recipes below!
Classic Roasted Chicken
The secret to a delicious chicken is buying the best quality bird you can find, such as a locally raised one from a small farm. For an extra-crisp and golden skin, pat chicken dry with paper towel and leave in the fridge (unwrapped) on a baking sheet overnight. Get this classic roasted chicken recipe.
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Summer’s gone, but at least it’s the perfect season for pot pies. This simple one-skillet recipe keeps everyone full, and the dish-duty light. Tip: We used a store-bought pie crust to save time. Get this skillet chicken pot pie recipe.
Saskatoon Berry And Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast Over Orzo Spinach Salad
This dish highlights the delicious flavour of the Saskatoon berry, paired perfectly with the hearty chicken and orzo spinach salad. Get this Saskatoon berry and brie stuffed chicken breast over orzo spinach salad recipe.
Braised Chicken And Tomato Stew
What is braising? A classic method of cooking less-tender cuts of meat and vegetables, braising starts with a pan-sear so the food gains colour and flavour. It’s then cooked gently, covered, in barely bubbling liquid until exceedingly tender. Get this braised chicken and tomato stew recipe.
Butter Chicken
Try your takeout fave homemade: we cut way back on butter and added a secret ingredient—cashew butter! Get this butter chicken recipe.
Chicken Chili Verde
This is a warming chili topped with fresh jalapenos, creamy slices of avocado and a sprinkling of freshly grated mozzarella. Get this chicken chili verde recipe.
Hearty Chicken Stew
Packed with carrots, chicken, navy beans and spinach this is a hearty—and healthy—bowl of comfort food. Get this hearty chicken stew recipe.
Korean Fried Chicken Wings
Homemade KFC! Of course, we’re talking about our Korean fried chicken recipe. If you’re craving hot and spicy fried eats, why not give these wings a try? Get this Korean fried chicken wings recipe.
Nutty Chicken Stew With Squash
Cold weather calls for hearty stews. Big chunks of veg pair with spicy grated ginger and natural peanut butter for an oh-so-satisfying bowl of winter comfort food. Get this nutty chicken stew recipe.
Chicken Soup With Dumplings
Surprise your taste buds with this modern take on an old classic. Just add dill and dumplings! Get this chicken soup with dumplings recipe.
Creamy Chicken Curry With Crispy Chickpeas
Golden roasted chicken over a rich, smooth sauce. Pair it with our oven-roasted chickpeas recipe to make this main a show-stopper for entertaining. Get this creamy chicken curry with crispy chickpeas recipe.
Herbed Chicken Meatballs With Spaghetti
A twist on classic spaghetti, you’ll love our variation. Try to have fresh tomatoes on hand for a rich, homemade sauce. Then, top with parmesan and enjoy! Get this herbed chicken meatballs with spaghetti recipe.
Chipotle Roasted Chicken And Broccoli
The more ingredients we can bake in one dish together, the better! Our secret ingredient in this recipe? Chipotles in adobo. They’re mildly spicy smoked jalapenos; look for them in small cans in the Mexican section of the supermarket. Get this chipotle roasted chicken and broccoli recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie
Shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and our all-purpose baking mix make a hearty pot pie an easy weeknight meal. Get this chicken pot pie recipe.
Chicken Mole Verde
This colourful dish features juicy chicken leg and a spicy sauce made from the perfect blend of green veggies. Get this chicken mole verde recipe.
Middle Eastern Crispy Chicken
Serve this delicious crispy chicken with a festive pomegranate tabbouleh and a rustic garnacha red wine. Get this Middle Eastern crispy chicken recipe.
Kung Pao Chicken Stir Fry
An all-in-one meal. This delicious soy-sherry sauce works just as well with pork or firm tofu as it does chicken. (As with all stir-fries, have all your ingredients prepped and measured before starting to cook.) Get this Kung Pao chicken stir fry recipe.
Lemon-Garlic Chicken With Spinach
Skip messing up the kitchen tonight, and try a zesty, aromatic dish you can make using just one pan. Get this lemon-garlic chicken with spinach recipe.
Maple-Cider Chicken And Nutty Quinoa
Keep it short and sweet with glazed chicken and crunchy quinoa salad, sprinkled with fresh parsley. (All in 30 minutes!) Get this maple-cider chicken and nutty quinoa recipe.
Gingery Chicken Congee
This simple but delicious rice porridge is a classic Asian breakfast and a test-kitchen staff favourite. It’s especially good for anyone who prefers savoury over sweet on a chilly morning. (It’s great in a thermal container on a ski trip too.) Get this gingery chicken congee recipe.
Finger-Lickin’ Cajun Chicken
Topped with saucy tomatoes, this five-ingredient cajun chicken will have you licking your plate clean, too. Get this finger-lickin’ Cajun chicken recipe.
Chicken Enchiladas
Loaded with cheese and vegetables, this family-friendly Mexican meal will have you fighting over the leftovers. Get this chicken enchiladas recipe.
Chicken Tajine With Oranges And Olives
Tonight, serve up a comforting Moroccan meal. Best served with a side of couscous with currants. Get this chicken tajine with oranges and olives recipe.
Sweet And Spicy Faux-Fried Chicken
Every element of this Southern classic is better for you. Whole wheat waffles, oven-baked chicken and a drizzle of spicy honey…what’s not to love? Get this sweet and spicy faux-fried chicken recipe.
Chicken And Dumplings
While chicken thighs get golden, whip up a batch of herbed dumplings. The result? A warm and hearty family staple. (We also have a gluten-free version.) Get this chicken and dumplings recipe.
Herbed Chicken With Mint-Pepper Salsa
This simple salsa-topped chicken livens up the weeknight with a little extra kick on the side: crisp jalapeno pan fries. Get this herbed chicken with mint-pepper salsa recipe.
Crispy Chicken Thighs Grilled Celery Orange Salad
Charred, crispy chicken thighs with a zesty salad. Get this crispy chicken thighs grilled celery orange salad recipe.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Beat the chill with a bowl of classic chicken soup. At under 400 calories, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Get this classic chicken noodle soup recipe.
Chicken, Pear and Roasted Parsnip Salad
Combine fresh pear with sharp gorgonzola cheese for a plate of sweet and salty goodness. Get our chicken, pear, and roasted Parsnip salad recipe.
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