The 24 Best 30-Minute Chicken Dinners to Make When You’re Short on Time

We all know that weeknights get busy—whether you’re working late, shuffling kids to soccer practice or trying to squeeze in an evening yoga class—and there’s not always time to whip up an elaborate meal. That’s why we love having a few tried-and-true 30-minute recipes to rely on. They make meal prep easier and allow you to spend less time in front of the oven and more time enjoying whatever it is you like to do in the evenings.

With the help of shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and naturally speedy dishes like stir-fries, weeknight dinners don’t have to take all night—and we’ve found plenty that feature family-favorite chicken and can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. Read on for our favorite easy ideas.

Curiously, water and oil work together to make a magical one-skillet weeknight chicken dinner in this easy recipe. A true hands-off meal, potatoes cook alongside crispy chicken thighs by first boiling in water until tender, and then fry into golden nuggets in the remaining oil.

This hearty chicken dish is layered with flavor from marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and packaged pepperoni. It’s savory, spicy and perfectly cheesy. Serve this simple chicken with a side of pasta or a heaping pile of salad.

Store-bought tortellini are the star of this quick and creamy weeknight meal. They simmer in their own sauce, making this a one-skillet meal with easy cleanup. Try one-inch pieces of Italian sausage instead of chicken when you need a variation.

This crispy chicken recipe is simple and super versatile. Whether you serve it with roasted potatoes, a simple salad or a side of sautéed green vegetables it’s a light and crisp dish that can be ready quickly and with minimal effort.