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25 Chicken Dinners That Are Perfect For Two

Break these out when you really want to impress someone special.

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marry me chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

On those nights you really need to razzle and dazzle, a chicken dinner made for two is the only way to go. After all, we think the way to everyone's heart is through the stomach (especially if it means chicken Alfredo is on the menu). No matter if it's for you and and your boo (or just someone really special in your life), these 25 easy-yet-impressive chicken dishes are the most effortless way to show you care on a romantic Valentine's Day, a birthday, or just a Tuesday you want to make extra special.

If you feel like you need to bust out all the fancy kitchen gear to tackle a complicated project recipe, there's no need to sweat. Truth be told, sometimes the most classic dish is also the most impressive to your dinner guest, especially our tried and true recipes. Just be careful, once you make our recipes for chicken Parm, sizzling chicken fajitas, or chicken piccata, you're going to find yourself on dinner duty a lot more often.

Ready to go the next level? We think having a few upgraded favorites in our back pocket is the way to make every dinner for two all the more memorable, no matter the occasion. Try our tomato butter roast chicken for when you need to make a big display. This chicken Alfredo broccoli pizza is the best way to make a movie night-in with your bestie/mom/partner into an event. And of course, if you have an important question to ask, our Marry Me chicken just might help you find the words!

1

Marry Me Chicken

marry me chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

This simple chicken is one of our most romantic recipes ever. If you (or your boo) is a sun-dried tomato hater (we feel you), use fresh ones instead. It won’t have as much of a tangy kick, but it’ll still be just as impressive.

Get the Marry Me Chicken recipe.

2

Chicken Tacos

flour tortillas on a plate filled with chicken, tomatoes, avocado and red onion
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

When we’re looking for something simple to load up with all of our favorite toppings, we turn to these simple chicken tacos. While far from being authentic, these Americanized tacos load up corn tortillas with seasoned chicken and any variety of toppings to make your perfect taco.

Get the Chicken Tacos recipe.

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3

Greek Lemon-Butter Chicken & Smashed Potatoes

greek lemon butter chicken with smashed potatoes and olives on a sheet pan
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Smashed potatoes and an herby feta and olive topping lend an exciting spin to one of our most beloved recipes: lemon-butter chicken.

Get the Greek Lemon-Butter Chicken & Smashed Potatoes recipe.

4

Chicken Fajitas

chicken fajitas on a steaming plate with peppers and onions
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Focusing on only 3 key ingredients, our chicken fajita recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, meaning dinner on the table FAST. Follow our classic recipe for our best-ever version or use it as a jumping-off point to experiment with your favorite proteins, veggies, and toppings.

Get the Chicken Fajitas recipe.

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5

Chicken Alfredo

creamy alfredo with chicken breast and fresh parsley
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPEN

Oh, chicken Alfredo: It's the classic pseudo-Italian pasta we just can't seem to get enough of. Of course there are tons of jarred pasta sauces you can buy, but making Alfredo sauce from scratch is actually SO easy (and surprisingly fast!).

Get the Chicken Alfredo recipe.

6

Caprese Chicken Stuffed Peppers

caprese chicken stuffed peppers
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

It's true—we can't get enough of stuffed peppers, especially since it's our favorite way to add a veggie boost to classic weeknight dinners. For this recipe, we decided to fit everything you love about our Caprese chickenchicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic—all into these gorgeous stuffed peppers for a satisfying (and eye-catching) meal.

Get the Caprese Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe.

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7

Chicken Stir-Fry

chicken stir fry with broccoli, cashews, and red pepper
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

A stir fry is our go-to weeknight dinner when we just don’t have the time to hit the grocery store but still want something perfect for two—this chicken recipe is no exception. Make it as is, then use it as a jumping-off point to create your own perfect version.

Get the Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.

8

Chicken Tostadas

chicken tostadas
PHOTO: ANDREA MONZO; FOOD STYLIST: BROOKE CAISON

Tostadas might just be the perfect meal—these crunchy corn tortillas are easy to buy (or make!) AND they can act as a vehicle for whatever toppings you like. Here, that means creamy refried beans and a chile-spiked shredded chicken topping, but feel free to get creative.

Get the Chicken Tostadas recipe.

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9

Chicken Shawarma Bowls

chicken shawarma bowls
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING BARRETT WASHBURNE

Dinner prepping doesn’t need to be complicated, and these chicken shawarma bowls prove that. The chicken is well seasoned with smokey, bold seasonings that you most likely have on hand.

Get the Chicken Shawarma Bowls recipe.

10

Chicken Parmesan

chicken parmesan on spaghetti
PHOTO: KATE JORDAN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Though we’ve done it many different ways here (hi hello chicken nugget Parm casserole), this classic recipe is the chosen one, the holy grail. It has everything you want in chicken Parm—fried crispy cutlets, a perfect blend of mozzarella and Parm, and a tomato sauce that's full of life.

Get the Chicken Parmesan recipe.

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11

Chicken Tikka Masala

chicken tikka masala
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This classic Indian dish is our go-to when we order takeout, but it's actually so easy to make at home. The only ingredient you might not have already have in your pantry is garam masala, but you'll want to add it to everything once you've got a jar on hand. Serve this chicken tikka masala with homemade naan and basmati rice for the perfect meal.

Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.

12

One-Pan Greek Chicken Drumsticks

one pot greek chicken drumsticks
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

Drumsticks are the unsung hero of dinner in this easy-to-execute, one-pan, Greek-inspired chicken meal. To lend the dish Greek vibes, we started off by preparing a creamy, lemon-y orzo that finishes off in the oven with the drumsticks.

Get the One-Pan Greek Chicken Drumsticks recipe.

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13

Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles

chicken with noodles and carrots in a creamy peanut lime sauce topped with peanuts
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Who can resist rice noodles bathed in an abundance of sweet and creamy peanut sauce? Plus, these noodles are easier to make at home than one might think. The trick is getting everything in order before starting to cook.

Get the Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles recipe.

14

Creamy Chicken Marsala

golden pan seared chicken breast in a creamy, slightly sweet, mushroom sauce
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that's crowd-pleasing, quick, and irresistible. The slightly sweet and savory sauce made of mushrooms, aromatics, and Marsala wine is straight-up drinkable. It's the perfect weeknight dinner (or date night stunner)—we don't even feel guilty making it three nights in a row.

Get the Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe.

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15

Harissa Chickpea & Chicken Skillet

harissa chickpea and chicken skillet topped with mint
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

An ideal combination of spice, sweetness, and tang makes this skillet dinner taste like it took much longer than 45 minutes to prepare. Here, chickpeas are coated in a mahogany-hued sauce and caramelized under juicy, seared chicken thighs, resulting in a decadent, protein-packed dinner.

Get the Harissa Chickpea & Chicken Skillet recipe.

16

Chicken Piccata

chicken piccata in a skillet with lemon butter caper sauce
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

A classic recipe, chicken piccata combines thin and delicate chicken breasts with a tart caper, white wine, lemon juice, and creamy buttery sauce topped with briny capers. Its ability to be ready and on the table in 30 minutes makes it an easy sell, whether you’re serving up a dinner party, a simple weekly dinner, or even as meal prep for the week.

Get the Chicken Piccata recipe.

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17

Orange Chicken

orange chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

If you just can't get enough of the classic Panda Express dish, this copycat recipe will be a game-changer. Ready in under an hour with all of the same sweet and savory flavors you love, staying in for weeknight dinner has never been easier.

Get the Orange Chicken recipe.

18

Buffalo Chicken Parm

crispy chicken pieces covered in mozzarella and buffalo sauce
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

What happens when you give chicken Parm the Buffalo treatment? You get this: a crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken cutlet smothered in spicy sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. (Plus a drizzle of ranch, if that’s how you like your wings.) 😍

Get the Buffalo Chicken Parm recipe.

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19

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pizza

chicken broccoli alfredo pizza cut into slices on a black sheet pan
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STLYING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Chicken Alfredo and pizza are two kings of the comfort food realm, so when they join forces, you get something truly magical. Creamy Alfredo sauce is topped with sliced chicken, broccoli, and oodles of gooey mozz for a rich, saucy pizza that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Get the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pizza recipe.

20

Black Pepper Chicken

black pepper chicken
Andrew Bui

This savory, spicy, and saucy Chinese-American inspired stir fry makes for the ideal crowd pleasing weeknight meal or Sunday night meal prep menu item.

Get the Black Pepper Chicken recipe.

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