When it comes to dinner, chicken is the ultimate blank canvas. It can go spicy, crispy, saucy, or slow-cooked and still feel like a meal you actually want to eat. These recipes take that idea and run with it — bold flavors, weeknight-friendly methods, and a few dishes that might just surprise you.
Whether you’re in the mood for the heat of gochujang, the crunch of mochiko, or something rich and saucy from the Instant Pot, this list has something that’ll keep you coming back. Comfort doesn’t have to mean predictable, and these dishes are proof.
Mochiko Chicken
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This Hawaiian favorite balances sweet and savory with a crisp rice flour coating that locks in all the juiciness. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and quietly addictive.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Harissa Chicken
North African harissa paste brings smoky, slow-building heat to this easy chicken dinner. A few pantry ingredients and an oven are all it takes to turn an ordinary night into something worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Filipino adobo gets the pressure-cooker treatment here. The chicken turns fall-apart tender in a soy-vinegar sauce that’s equal parts salty, tangy, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Ramen Fried Chicken
Yes, crushed ramen noodles can make an incredible crispy crust. This clever recipe delivers that deep-fried crunch and umami-rich flavor without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Fried Chicken
Gochujang Chicken
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Korean gochujang paste gives this dish its signature deep-red glaze and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Sticky, spicy, and a little sweet, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Also known as Drunken Noodles, this Thai stir-fry is fast, fiery, and loaded with flavor. Wide rice noodles soak up a savory sauce that hits all the right notes for a quick but bold meal.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Chicken Karaage
Japanese-style fried chicken gets its signature crunch from potato starch and a quick marinade. The result is golden perfection with a juicy bite every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage
Thai Chicken Curry
Rich coconut milk, bright aromatics, and tender chicken come together in a curry that’s as comforting as it is full of character. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something better.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Middle Eastern spices meet weeknight convenience in this Instant Pot version of shawarma. It’s bold, aromatic, and easy enough to throw together after work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Chicken 65
This Indian fried chicken dish is fiery, tangy, and completely addictive. It’s quick to make and guaranteed to disappear fast once it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65
