20+ Delicious Chicken Dishes and Recipes for the Main Course

Chicken is one of the most versatile and beloved proteins in the culinary world. Whether grilled, roasted, fried, or simmered, it serves as the star ingredient in a wide range of main course dishes. From traditional favorites to innovative new recipes, chicken dishes cater to every taste and occasion. Here, we present 20+ chicken dishes and recipes that are perfect for the main course, each offering unique flavors and cooking techniques. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a quick dinner, or a gourmet feast, these chicken recipes are sure to delight.

1. Classic Roast Chicken

A simple yet flavorful dish where whole chicken is seasoned with herbs and roasted to golden perfection, creating a juicy and crispy delight.

2. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken strips, and fettuccine pasta come together in this rich and indulgent Italian-inspired dish.

3. Chicken Parmesan

Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with pasta or on its own as a hearty meal.

4. Butter Chicken

A beloved Indian dish with chicken cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy, enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices.

5. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection, offering a light yet flavorful dish.

6. Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory, this dish features chicken glazed with a sticky honey garlic sauce, perfect over rice or noodles.

7. Chicken Stir-Fry

Quick and healthy, stir-fried chicken with fresh vegetables in a flavorful soy-based sauce makes for a satisfying meal.

8. Chicken Tikka Masala

Grilled chicken chunks simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce, a globally loved Indian-inspired dish.

9. Chicken Cacciatore

A rustic Italian stew with chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives, slow-cooked for deep, hearty flavors.

10. BBQ Chicken

Tender, smoky chicken slathered in barbecue sauce, grilled or baked to perfection for a finger-licking meal.

11. Chicken Biryani

A fragrant, spiced rice dish layered with marinated chicken and slow-cooked for an aromatic, flavorful feast.

12. Chicken Marsala

Pan-seared chicken cooked in a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce, served with pasta or mashed potatoes.

13. General Tso’s Chicken

A crispy, deep-fried chicken dish tossed in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce, a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine.

14. Chicken Fajitas

Sautéed chicken strips with bell peppers and onions, served in warm tortillas with toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

15. Thai Green Curry Chicken

A creamy, spicy Thai dish with tender chicken in coconut milk, flavored with green curry paste and fresh herbs.

16. Chicken Shawarma

Middle Eastern-style marinated chicken cooked on a rotisserie or pan-seared, served in pita with tahini sauce.

17. Chicken Piccata

Chicken breasts pan-fried with lemon juice, capers, and white wine sauce, offering a tangy and elegant main course.

18. Coq au Vin

A classic French dish where chicken is braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon for deep, rich flavors.

19. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs seared in a buttery garlic sauce, perfect with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

20. Chicken Enchiladas

Rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, covered in enchilada sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbly and delicious.

21. Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy double-fried chicken coated in a spicy, sticky Korean-style sauce for an addictive crunch and flavor.

22. Chicken Jambalaya

A spicy, flavorful Creole dish featuring chicken, sausage, and rice cooked in a bold, seasoned broth.

These 20+ chicken dishes offer a variety of flavors, cooking styles, and international influences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Try these recipes to elevate your main course meals and enjoy the delightful taste of chicken in new and exciting ways!