19+ Chicken Recipe Ideas For Thanksgiving Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 3, 2024
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's time to start planning your menu. While the traditional turkey may be the star of the show, there are plenty of delicious chicken recipes that can elevate your Thanksgiving feast. Not only is chicken a versatile and affordable protein, but it also provides a tasty alternative for those who may not be big fans of turkey. So, if you're looking to switch things up this year, here are some chicken recipe ideas for Thanksgiving that are sure to impress your guests.
Southern Smothered Chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful gravy that will have your taste buds singing. The secret to this dish is slow cooking the chicken in a beer can, which infuses it with delicious flavor and keeps it incredibly moist. Serve this dish over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Beer Can Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Beer, Olive Oil, Brown Sugar, Tarragon, Salt
Beer Can Chicken is a popular and delicious way to cook chicken. The beer can not only keeps the chicken moist but also infuses it with delicious flavor. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy night in. Simply season the chicken, place it on a beer can, and let it cook on the grill or in the oven. The end result is a tender and flavorful chicken that will have your guests asking for seconds.
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Chicken Adobo
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bay Leaves, Soy Sauce, White Vinegar, Garlic
Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish that is known for its sweet and tangy flavors. This dish is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices before being slow cooked to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is perfect for serving over rice. Add some fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream
The name says it all – this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and indulgent dish that is worth every bite. This casserole combines tender chicken with creamy cheese, flavorful vegetables, and crunchy bread crumbs for a dish that is sure to impress. Serve it for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight meal.
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Baked Crack Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ranch Dressing Mix, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese
If you're a fan of the popular crack chicken dip, then you'll love this Baked Crack Chicken Casserole. This dish takes all the flavors of the dip and combines them with tender chicken and al dente pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. Top it with crispy bacon and green onions for an extra punch of flavor.
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Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose
This Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. This hearty stew combines tender chicken with spicy andouille sausage, vegetables, and traditional Cajun spices for a dish that is bursting with flavor. Serve it over rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Chessy Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Chicken, Butter, Bread Crumbs, Medium
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite comfort foods. This dish combines tender chicken with healthy broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce for a dish that is both indulgent and guilt-free. Top it with some crispy breadcrumbs for an added crunch.
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Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes – Both Homers Would...
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bone, Russet Potatoes, Kosher Salt, Freshly
This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes dish is a favorite among both Homer Simpson and Homer of the Odyssey. This dish combines tender chicken with zesty lemon, flavorful Greek herbs, and crispy potatoes for a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing. Serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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Chicken Noodle Casserole
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Chicken, Frozen Peas And Carrots, Frozen
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any occasion. This casserole combines tender chicken with creamy noodles and flavorful vegetables for a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Top it with some crushed crackers for an added crunch.
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Chicken & Rice
Main Ingredients: Cream Of Chicken, Water, Minute Rice, Italian
Chicken & Rice is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Combine tender chicken with flavorful rice and fresh herbs for a dish that is both satisfying and healthy. This dish can be made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
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Chicken Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Enchilada Sauce, Corn Tortillas, Chicken, Shredded
Chicken Enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for a fiesta or a cozy night in. This dish combines tender chicken with spicy enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and flavorful spices for a meal that is sure to impress. Top it with some fresh avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
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Southwest Chicken Skillet
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Salsa, Chicken, Black Beans
This Southwest Chicken Skillet is a one-pan wonder that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Combine tender chicken with spicy black beans, flavorful corn, and savory rice for a dish that is both satisfying and colorful. Top it with some creamy avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
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Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Dijon Mustard, Dill Weed
Chicken Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe combines tender chicken with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy dressing for a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or in a flaky croissant for a fancy twist.
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Chicken Spaghetti
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Chicken, Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper
This Chicken Spaghetti is a kid-friendly dish that will have the whole family asking for seconds. This dish combines tender chicken with savory spaghetti and a flavorful tomato sauce for a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Top it with some freshly grated cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
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Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Enchilada Sauce, Kosher Salt, Chicken, Ground
Shredded Chicken Enchiladas are a tex-mex favorite that is perfect for a crowd. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with spicy enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and flavorful spices for a meal that is sure to please. Serve it with a side of guacamole and sour cream for an extra kick.
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Grandma's Homemade Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Garlic, Onion, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Basil
Grandma's Homemade Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe combines tender chicken with nutritious vegetables and hearty noodles for a dish that will warm your soul. This soup is perfect for a sick day or a cozy night in. Serve it with some warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Chicken Scampi
Main Ingredients: Linguini, Chicken, Cornstarch, Italian Seasoning, Salt
Chicken Scampi is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a fancy dinner party or a romantic date night. This recipe combines tender chicken with garlicky pasta and a buttery white wine sauce for a dish that is both indulgent and delicious. Serve it with a crisp white wine for the perfect pairing.
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BEST EVER Chicken and Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Cream Of Mushroom Soup
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is the best of the best. This dish combines tender chicken with flavorful rice and creamy cheese for a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Top it with some crispy fried onions for an added crunch. This casserole is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
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Million Dollar Chicken – It’s Worth Every Taste Bud
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Kraft Mayonnaise, Chutney, Mustard, Apricot
The name says it all – this Million Dollar Chicken is a dish that is worth every bite. This recipe combines tender chicken with creamy mushrooms and savory bacon for a dish that is both indulgent and delicious. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Chicken Tinga
Main Ingredients: Roma Tomatoes, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Olive Oil
Chicken Tinga is a Mexican dish that is bursting with flavor. This recipe combines tender chicken with spicy chipotle peppers, sweet tomatoes, and savory onions for a dish that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve it in tacos or over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
1. Roasted Chicken with Herbs and Root Vegetables
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry
1 onion, quartered
3 garlic cloves, peeled
2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
2 potatoes, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large roasting pan, place the chicken breast side up and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, toss together the onion, garlic, carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with the fresh herbs and olive oil. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a delicious and hearty meal.
2. Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice, cooked
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh sage. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the rice stuffing mixture on top of each chicken breast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Pour the glaze over the chicken breasts and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze is thickened.
3. Apple Cider Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. In the meantime, boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with milk, butter, and salt and pepper to make a delicious sweet potato mash. Serve the chicken with the sweet potato mash for a fall-inspired Thanksgiving dish.
Try out one of these chicken recipe ideas for Thanksgiving and add some variety to your holiday feast. With the right seasoning and cooking techniques, chicken can be just as delicious and festive as a traditional turkey. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving meal with these chicken dishes.