Instructions
Chicken is the ultimate staple for weeknight cooking. It’s incredibly versatile and perfect for quick and easy meals. It’s also the perfect blank slate for your favorite seasonings and herbs. Whether you are in the mood for something crispy and baked, bright and citrusy, or smoky and savory, easy weeknight chicken dinners offer endless inspiration for satisfying meals. We’ve rounded up the best chicken recipes that are simple and tasty, featuring everyday ingredients and McCormick seasonings.
Chicken Rollatini
Chicken rollatini is an approachable weeknight dinner that looks as impressive as it tastes. Thin chicken cutlets are filled with a savory blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and herbs, then rolled and generously coated in McCormick® Chicken Parmesan One Sheet Pan Seasoning Mix. Baked to golden brown perfection with a crispy finish, it pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and spaghetti sauce.
Garlic Lemon Chicken
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that is sure to please the entire family, garlic lemon chicken is the obvious choice. Juicy chicken thighs, tender potatoes, and colorful vegetables are seasoned with classic McCormick spices like Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Oregano Leaves, then finished with a fresh burst of lemon zest for vibrant flavor in every bite. Best of all, it comes together on a single pan, making it perfect for busy nights. Serve alongside asparagus or a crisp green salad for a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is a delicious weeknight meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make. This classic dish is all about capturing the perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
To get the perfect flavor, combine McCormick® Chicken Parmesan One Sheet Pan Seasoning Mix with Parmesan cheese and bake. Serve the chicken on a bed of salad greens lightly tossed with an Italian vinaigrette for a restaurant style meal at home.
Rosemary Chicken Recipe
McCormick® Whole Rosemary Leaves and other savory herbs infuse this chicken dish with a rich and rustic flavor. Simply toss about 2 pounds of chicken and some veggies with oil, paprika, rosemary, sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake for 35–40 minutes until perfectly tender and golden. This recipe is a great way to utilize bone-in chicken thighs, which are generally a more budget-friendly protein option.
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
Coating chicken with McCormick® Chicken Parmesan One Sheet Pan Seasoning Mix is the shortcut to restaurant-style chicken parm in only half the time. You can bake the chicken with broccoli florets for a well-rounded, easy meal, or you can serve the breaded chicken on toasted hoagie rolls for a hearty chicken parmesan sandwich. No matter how you decide to serve it, this sheet pan chicken parmesan offers a simplified twist on an Italian classic, with only one pan to wash afterward.
Garlic Ranch Crunchy Chicken
This family-friendly recipe delivers creamy ranch flavors with an irresistible and satisfying crunch. When combined with mayonnaise, McCormick® Garlic Ranch Crunchy Chicken Seasoning Mix creates a flavorful coating that sticks perfectly to chicken breasts, locking in moisture and maximizing flavor. The result — tender, juicy chicken on the inside, and a bold, crispy garlic ranch crust on the outside.
Applewood Smoked BBQ Chicken
The sweet and smoky flavors in McCormick® Air Fryer Applewood Smoked BBQ Seasoning Mix can change up the flavor of your boring air fryer chicken. Simply brush chicken breasts with oil, coat with the seasoning mix, then air fry for 15 minutes. This recipe proves that bold flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it an effortless go-to for busy weeknights. No air fryer? This seasoning can also be used in the oven.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
It doesn’t get much simpler than this four-ingredient chicken recipe. McCormick® PERFECT PINCH Lemon Pepper Seasoning delivers a bright, citrus-forward kick that instantly elevates any chicken dish. Quick to prepare and easy to pair with simple grains or steamed vegetables, this recipe makes weeknight dinner both seamless and satisfying.
Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken
Golden, crispy fried chicken is easy to achieve at home—no deep fryer required. Ready in just 15–20 minutes, this oven fried version uses only seven simple ingredients. The secret is in the flavor-packed spice blend and crunchy coating, featuring Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with oregano and Lawry's® Seasoned Salt.
Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos
Chicken Caesar smash tacos offer a fun, fusion-style weeknight dinner idea that combines classic salad flavors with the ease and portability of a taco. To give the ground chicken a punchy taste, mix Garlic Powder, Parsley Flakes, Onion Powder, and Black Pepper together with some Parmesan cheese. Cook the chicken until browned and assemble for the ultimate, tasty taco.
Adding Flavor to Weeknight Chicken Dinners
To get the most out of your weeknight recipes, remember these quick tips for ultimate seasoning storage and preparation:
- Use top quality spices where able. McCormick spices provide rich aromatic flavor to any meal, resulting in maximum flavor.
- Keep your seasonings in a cool place away from the stove to preserve their potency and flavor. Learn more about spice longevity and storage solutions here.
- Add a garnish where able! Finish your weeknight chicken plates with fresh lemon, parsley, or cilantro to add a pop of color or an extra burst of freshness.
- Marinate for deeper flavor. While our recipes are perfect for fast, weeknight meals, prepping in advance and letting your chicken marinate for 30+ minutes helps lock in flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! Our recipes are tried and true, but it’s important to have fun in the kitchen. If you love a particular flavor, feel free to increase the amount for a bolder flavor profile.
