Chicken got its crown as the darling of the dinner table for a reason. It’s lean, versatile and easy to cook, and it also lays the foundation for some of our favorite comforting recipes. Your mother’s chicken noodle fixes you up like nothing over the counter ever could, and a spicy Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili proves that comfort foods don’t have to be dull. Whether you’re cutting into a full chicken, nibbling it by the wing or taking in tender shreds with a spoon, these comforting chicken recipes are stick-to-your-ribs good.

Let’s start with something cheesy. Chicken Noodle Casserole (pictured above) is prepped similarly to the favorite soup, but it comes out of the oven with a bubbly Gouda top.

Ree’s Chicken Spaghetti bake is mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce before being topped with cheddar cheese. 

This time, what’s comforting is what’s crunchy. The Neely's Oven-Fried Chicken skips the deep-fry dunk for a lighter dose of home-cooked goodness — without forsaking that vital crispy exterior. For another oven-baked main, Ina’s bright Lemon Chicken Breasts are boneless, but she keeps the skin intact for added flavor.

When it comes to comfort, a big bowl of soup is the name of the game. For some, a steaming bowl of Matzo Ball Soup or Ree’s Chicken and Noodles is a weekly necessity. 

For others, Southern-style recipes like Sunny’s Easy Chicken and Dumplings bring it all home.

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of homemade tomato sauce simmering on the stove. Use it to make Giada’s Chicken Parmesan, complete with gooey mozzarella and loads of flavorful herbs.

When your boots are caked with snow and a warm meal feels like a matter of survival, a hearty chicken casserole can be a saving grace. Just like your favorite lasagna, Trisha’s Chicken Tortilla Casserole is all about layering.

Digging into the pastry top of classic Chicken Pot Pie is enough to put your winter blues at ease, but don’t be afraid to reinvent the comforting standby with Food Network Magazine’s Mini Chicken Pot Pies or Jeff’s fun Chicken Pot Pie Sandwich.