15 Classic Chicken Dishes You Need to Know How to Make

When it comes to cooking chicken, sometimes it's best to turn to the classics. There's a handful of tried-and-true chicken recipes you'll thank yourself for learning and mastering, including chicken piccata, fried chicken, pan-seared chicken thighs, and more. You'll finally look forward to making chicken for dinner once you discover these classic chicken recipes that everyone should know.

01
Chicken Piccata
Cooking For Keeps

Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata, with its lemon- and caper-infused sauce, is so flavorful that you'd never guess how easy it is to make.

Get the recipe: chicken piccata

02
Baked Chicken Breast
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Baked Chicken Breast

All you need for the best-ever baked chicken breast are a little butter (or ghee), lemon, salt, and pepper.

Get the recipe: easy roasted chicken breast

03
Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs
A Modest Feast

Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

The best way to prepare chicken thighs is also the simplest: developing a crispy skin by searing them in a pan before roasting them until they're fully cooked in the oven.

Get the recipe: pan-seared chicken thighs

04
Roast Chicken and Vegetables
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Roast Chicken and Vegetables

You might not be used to buying a whole chicken, but once you try a simple roast chicken with vegetables, you'll want to make it over and over again.

Get the recipe: roast chicken and vegetables

05
Chicken and Rice
Alexandra's Kitchen

Chicken and Rice

Everyone has a different go-to chicken and rice recipe, and no matter which one you choose, it's something you'll want to keep in your weekly dinner rotation.

Get the recipe: Canal House chicken and rice

06
Classic Fried Chicken
Cooking For Keeps

Classic Fried Chicken

Homemade fried chicken is a project, but it's so, so worth it. This combination of a buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour ensures every bite is equally juicy and crispy.

Get the recipe: classic fried chicken

07
Filipino Chicken Adobo
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Filipino Chicken Adobo

Traditional Filipino chicken adobo calls for simmering chicken in an aromatic blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and garlic, and the result is crazy-delicious.

Get the recipe: Filipino chicken adobo

08
Grilled Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Chicken

The key to a juicy, flavorful piece of grilled chicken is the marinade. This recipe calls for brining the chicken in beer before throwing it on the grill.

Get the recipe: easy grilled chicken

09
Sesame Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography

Sesame Chicken

Skip the takeout and try your hand at homemade sesame chicken the next time a craving strikes.

Get the recipe: sesame chicken

10
Baked Buffalo Wings
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Baked Buffalo Wings

Knowing how to make your own buffalo wings means you won't have to resort to takeout for game-day get-togethers and beyond.

Get the recipe: baked buffalo wings

11
Chicken Cacciatore
Creme de la Crumb

Chicken Cacciatore

A classic Italian dish, chicken cacciatore makes use of plenty of pantry staples like canned tomatoes, olives, and chicken broth.

Get the recipe: chicken cacciatore

12
Chicken Parmesan
Well Plated

Chicken Parmesan

Crispy chicken, gooey mozzarella cheese, and warm tomato sauce are what make classic chicken parmesan completely irresistible.

Get the recipe: chicken parmesan

13
Chicken Mole
Well Plated

Chicken Mole

Classic chicken mole has a distinct, rich flavor that can only be achieved with ingredients including cocoa, cinnamon, garlic, and adobo.

Get the recipe: chicken mole

14
40 Cloves of Garlic Chicken
Damn Delicious

40 Cloves of Garlic Chicken

Garlic-lovers, you're doing yourself a disservice if you haven't yet made 40 cloves of garlic chicken (you can turn it into a soup, too).

Get the recipe: chicken with 40 cloves of garlic

15
Butter Chicken
Half Baked Harvest

Butter Chicken

Butter isn't the only thing that makes this Indian staple a standout dish. There's ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and curry powder, too.

Get the recipe: butter chicken