Dinner needs to land clean and get eaten. We lean on chicken when the clock is tight and the bar for flavor is high. These meals lock in juicy bites with crisp edges and simple steps that hold up on busy nights. Expect fast methods, familiar cuts, and bold results that keep plates clear!

A cooked chicken leg with browned skin served on a patterned plate alongside sliced potatoes, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot

Whole crock pot chicken cooked until tender with juices pooling at the bottom.
Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooking turns the bird tender and juicy. Lift the lid late to keep steam locked in.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper chicken wings with crisp skin and visible coarse pepper seasoning.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bright citrus rides hot heat for crisp skin and juicy centers. Pat wings dry first so the skin actually crisps.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

One Pan Chicken and Veggies

One-pan chicken and vegetables roasted together until golden and coated with herbs.
One Pan Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sheet pan roasting keeps timing tight with golden edges. We space the pieces so steam doesnโ€™t kill the crisp.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs simmered in apple cider with herbs and golden browned skin in a skillet.
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Skillet heat builds a glossy, tangy glaze with tender meat. Simmer uncovered so the sauce tightens.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air fryer orange chicken coated in sticky orange glaze with lightly crisped edges.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Fast air frying delivers crisp edges with sticky citrus punch. We cook in small batches for even browning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken with golden seared pieces coated in thick sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hot skillet searing builds a golden crust fast. Let the pan heat fully before adding chicken.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Skillet Lemon Chicken

Skillet lemon chicken with browned pieces simmering in bright lemon sauce and herbs.
Skillet Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Clean lemon cuts through juicy, seared chicken. We rest the meat briefly to keep juices in place.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lemon Chicken

Sriracha Honey Sticky Wings

Sriracha honey sticky wings coated in glossy spicy-sweet sauce piled high on a tray.
Sriracha Honey Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sweet heat clings to charred, crisped wings. Brush glaze at the end so it doesnโ€™t scorch.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Sticky Wings

Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Instant Pot pulled chicken shredded tender with juices and seasonings visible in the pot.
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pressure cooking breaks fibers for tender, juicy shreds. We release pressure naturally for softer pulls.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Smoked Half Chickens

Smoked half chickens with browned skin and deep smoke color on a serving board.
Smoked Half Chickens. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Steady smoke sets crisp skin with juicy meat. Dry the skin before smoking to help it render.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Half Chickens

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders crunchy and golden arranged beside dipping sauce.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hot air locks in juicy centers with a crackly bite. Shake the basket halfway for even crisping.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

BBQ chicken sliders cooked in the slow cooker piled onto soft buns with sauce dripping.
Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low heat keeps shredded chicken tender and saucy. We toast the buns so they hold the juices.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Slow Cooker

Marry Me Chicken Sliders

Marry me chicken sliders filled with creamy chicken on soft toasted buns.
Marry Me Chicken Sliders. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Skillet searing builds deep color with juicy results. Donโ€™t crowd the pan or you lose the crust.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Sliders

BBQ Chicken Breasts with Grilled Granny Smith Apples

BBQ chicken breasts topped with grilled Granny Smith apple slices showing char marks and caramelized edges.
BBQ Chicken Breasts with Grilled Granny Smith Apples. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Direct grill heat lays down char with juicy centers. We pull the chicken early and let carryover finish it.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Breasts with Grilled Granny Smith Apples

Easy & Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy white chicken chili served in a bowl with tender chicken and green chiles visible.
Easy & Creamy White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle simmering keeps chicken tender in a creamy broth. Stir late so the beans stay intact.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Creamy White Chicken Chili

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken paprikash simmered in creamy paprika sauce with tender chicken pieces.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow simmer builds a silky, peppery sauce over tender chicken. Bloom spices in fat first for depth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Air fryer bang bang chicken bites coated in creamy spicy sauce on a serving plate.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat snaps a crisp shell around juicy bites. We sauce after frying to keep crunch intact.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Asian glazed chicken in a skillet with lemon slices.
Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Sticky glaze tightens over charred, juicy cuts. Reduce the sauce until it coats the spoon.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken in Cast Iron

Lemon garlic chicken cooked in cast iron with crispy skin and caramelized lemon slices.
Lemon Garlic Chicken in Cast Iron. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Cast iron roasting sets crisp skin over juicy meat. Preheat the pan so the skin renders clean.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken in Cast Iron

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Roasted chicken with parsley and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Hot oven air crisps skin while potatoes turn golden. Flip the chicken halfway for even browning.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken

Sheet pan chicken with golden skin roasted beside vegetables spread across a large baking tray.
Sheet Pan Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat browns fast with juicy results. We use the middle rack for steady airflow.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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