15 Easy Low-Prep Chicken Recipes

We all want dinner to be quick and easy during the work week, right? So you’ve got chicken in the fridge… and you want something tasty, not boring, but also super easy. No crazy chopping, no making complicated sauces from scratch, just delicious.

Does that exist? You know it!

White bowls of Cajun chicken and rice on a wooden surface with salt and pepper shakers.

As a busy foodie, I know the struggle. That’s why I’ve been making low-prep chicken recipes for a while now. Whether you’re in a rush, feeling lazy, or simply not in the mood to spend lots of time in the kitchen, these recipes are IT.

Here are 15 easy, low-prep chicken recipes that will simplify your weekday meals.

1. Easy Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Recipe for Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

These simple chicken burrito bowls are a total flavor fiesta! Grab some chicken breast, canned beans, corn, and spices – that’s pretty much it. It’s one of my favorite ways to get a delicious, customizable dinner on the table without a ton of effort. Perfect for a quick meal prep bowl!

2. Grilled Chicken Tenders

Close-up of grilled chicken tenders on a white serving plate.

You’re favorite meal as a kid, but elevated. These grilled chicken tenders are fresh, zesty, and perfectly smoky. A simple marinade using pantry staples needs only 30 minutes before grilling. Enjoy them in salads, wraps, or on their own.

3. Stovetop Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken on a blue plate with a side of broccoli.

Busy people, this one’s for you! Sweet, savory, and gloriously sticky, this honey garlic chicken is a flavor-packed, quick recipe made with just a few simple ingredients. The hot honey sauce comes together effortlessly, coating golden-brown chicken in sweet and garlicky goodness. Serve it with rice, or use it in wraps, salads, or sandwiches.

4. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Chili

Delicious instant pot creamy chicken chili, one of the easiest low-prep chicken recipes.

This creamy chicken chili is the ultimate dump-and-go meal. Just toss ingredients like chicken, beans, and simple spices into the Instant Pot for about 30 minutes. Once it’s done, the chicken shreds easily and the cream cheese melts into a dreamy, delicious broth. It’s a great way to get a comforting, flavorful dinner on the table with almost no effort.

5. Best Damn Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Air fryer whole chicken, one of my favorite low-prep chicken recipes.

A whole chicken… in the air fryer? You heard that right. This chicken turns out unbelievably tender and juicy with deliciously crispy skin. It cooks in about an hour, and all you need is a simple mix of spices from your pantry. Seriously, get ready for that first bite… it’s a goodie.

6. Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

Cajun chicken and rice in an Instant Pot ready to eat.

Get all those classic Cajun flavors in one easy dish! This Cajun chicken and rice is packed with bold spices, tender chicken, and light, fluffy rice, all cooked together in the Instant Pot. No endless dishes here. Just chop some bell peppers, onion, and garlic, toss it all in, and trust the process.

7. Sheet Pan Balsamic & Rosemary Chicken with Potatoes

sheet pan balsamic and rosemary chicken quarters with potato wedges

Ya gotta love a chicken dish made all in one sheet pan! This recipe pairs juicy chicken quarters with melt-in-your-mouth potato wedges, all seasoned with a fantastic balsamic and rosemary sauce. Just chop some potatoes and herbs, get it all in the oven, and whip up the simple sauce. It’s ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep.

8. Stuffed Chicken Breast with Asparagus & Cheddar

Stuffed chicken breast with asparagus and cheddar ready to go into the oven.

You’d think stuffed chicken would be complex, but this cheesy asparagus-stuffed chicken breast only needs four ingredients! The zesty Italian dressing does all the heavy lifting, acting as both marinade and seasoning. Just give your chicken breasts a quick pound (cutlets make it even easier!), let them soak up the flavors for an hour in the fridge, and you’re good to go.

9. Best Damn Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Two Instant Pot chicken tacos on a white plate loaded with toppings.

Taco night has never been easier! These Instant Pot chicken tacos practically cook themselves. Just toss chicken with some simple homemade seasoning, and it’ll come out super tender, ready for all your favorite toppings. You’ll have an awesome dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, soaking up rich, delicious flavors. All you really need to do is chop an onion (and maybe a jalapeño!).

10. Air Fryer Honey Chipotle Chicken Tenders

Honey chipotle chicken tenders in a white bowl with lime wedges.

Skip the stove-top chaos and enjoy these perfectly juicy air fryer chicken tenders! These guys are tossed in a smoky-sweet honey chipotle sauce inspired by Chili’s classic dish. Just chop some chipotle peppers, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes, and let the air fryer handle the rest.

11. Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice

A fork dipping into a bowl of chicken and rice with a slow cooker in the background.

Cooked low and slow, this slow cooker chicken and rice is perfect for weekly meal prep. Juicy chicken, cheesy rice, and veggies come together for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s ready when you are! Just portion it into airtight containers, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for the week.

12. Best Damn Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A spatula taking a slice of buffalo chicken tater tot casserole out of a baking dish.

This buffalo chicken tater tot casserole brings together all your favorites: crispy tots, creamy ranch, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty hot sauce. It’s super easy to throw together, perfect for game day or just a fun weeknight meal. Just mix it all up and bake for an awesome dish that’ll make everyone happy.

13. Easy BBQ Chicken Nachos

BBQ chicken nachos in a sheet pan, one of the easiest low-prep chicken recipes.

The ultimate party snack, these BBQ chicken sheet pan nachos can be made in a flash. Just grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken, toss it in BBQ sauce, and layer it over chips with cheese, beans, and corn. They’re ready in under 30 minutes and are sure to be popular for game day or a convenient family feast.

14. Best Damn Chicken Thighs and Brown Rice

This chicken thigh and brown rice dish is a cozy classic for good reason! Juicy, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s an all-in-one meal that saves you from a post-dinner dish pile-up. With pantry staples and a simple chop-and-stir marinade, you’ll have a meal that feels gourmet with barely any effort.

15. Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken & Potatoes

Lemon chicken and potatoes on a sheet pan.

Bright and zesty, this sheet pan lemon chicken and potatoes dinner is a weeknight winner! Juicy, crispy chicken thighs and golden potatoes, seasoned with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, make this dish irresistible. Just chop the potatoes, mix up some dry seasonings, and let the oven do the rest.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

So next time you need a good chicken recipe that doesn’t take up all your personal time at the end of the workday, remember this roundup.

Dinnertime doesn’t have to be a stressful scramble or a choice between takeout and a complicated project. With these low-prep chicken recipes in your arsenal, you can trade culinary stress for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

So, enjoy the process! Because with these recipes, it’s all simple.