Tired of the same old fried chicken routine? These 18 recipes will make you wonder why you ever bothered with the deep fryer. From baked to air fried, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy chicken without the grease and mess!
Chicken Fajita Casserole
This Chicken Fajita Casserole is a quick, hassle-free way to enjoy bold flavors without turning to deep frying! Juicy chicken, bell peppers, and a rich sauce come together in one dish, keeping cleanup easy and effort low. It’s packed with flavor but requires almost no work, making it perfect for busy nights!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps bring crunch, freshness, and bold flavors to the table—without the heaviness of fried food! Juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and a rich peanut sauce create the perfect balance of textures in every bite. They’re quick to prepare and light yet filling, making them an easy choice when you want something flavorful but not greasy!
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Skip the deep fryer and try this Air Fryer Caprese Chicken for a meal that’s crisp on the outside and loaded with fresh flavors inside! The air fryer locks in the juiciness while giving you that perfect golden crust, all without extra oil. Mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes add a light, vibrant touch, making this a dish that feels special but takes almost no effort!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings
This bowl of comfort proves you don’t need a deep fryer to get that rich, soul-warming flavor! The tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the creamy broth, making every bite better than the last. This Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. If you think fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food, this dish will make you forget all about it!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings
Chicken Thighs With Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tangy, and deeply flavorful, these Chicken Thighs With Cranberry Sauce are a perfect reminder that chicken can shine without a crispy coating! The juicy thighs are coated in a glossy cranberry sauce that balances tartness with just the right amount of sweetness. Baking them brings out a richness you can’t get from frying. One bite, and you’ll never miss the grease!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs With Cranberry Sauce
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach
Juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and garlicky spinach come together for a meal that’s anything but boring! Each bite is packed with flavor, proving you don’t need a crunchy coating to make chicken unforgettable. Once you taste these Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach, fried chicken won’t even cross your mind!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach
Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets
Your next get-together just got a whole lot better with these crispy, spicy, and downright addictive Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets! Baked to golden perfection, they deliver all the heat and flavor of wings—minus the mess and deep frying. The flaky crust and gooey filling make every bite a winner. One batch, and you’ll be ditching fried snacks for good!
Get the Recipe: Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets
Chicken Pot Hand Pies
These Chicken Pot Hand Pies are everything you love about a hearty chicken pot pie, wrapped in a flaky, handheld crust! The creamy filling, loaded with tender chicken and veggies, is tucked inside a golden pastry that crisps up in the oven. No fryer, no mess—just pure, homey comfort in every bite. After this, fried chicken won’t even be on your radar!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Hand Pies
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Crispy, juicy, and packed with fresh pesto flavor, this Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich takes the crown for the best no-deep fry chicken meal! The air fryer gives the chicken a perfect crunch while keeping the inside tender and moist. Topped with melty cheese and fresh basil, every bite is bursting with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt
Rich, creamy, and impossibly tender, this Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt proves you don’t need a frying pan to get incredible flavor! The Greek yogurt adds a tangy richness that keeps the chicken moist while blending beautifully with the spices. Letting it cook low and slow makes it fall-apart delicious!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Flaky, buttery crescents wrapped around creamy, cheesy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls make for the easiest comfort food you’ll ever bake! The golden crust crisps up beautifully, while the filling stays warm and gooey. One bite, and you’ll realize fried chicken isn’t the only way to get a satisfying crunch!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Healthy Chicken Piccata
Lemon, capers, and a buttery sauce make this Healthy Chicken Piccata anything but ordinary! Lightly seared and simmered to perfection, it’s proof that you don’t need a heavy breading for an unforgettable meal. The bright, tangy flavors make every bite feel refreshing yet rich!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Piccata
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole
Spicy, creamy, and loaded with bold flavors, this Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole takes all the best parts of jalapeño poppers and turns them into a hearty meal! The gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken make every spoonful a knockout. Baking brings out all the rich flavors without a greasy mess!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Thick, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food! The rich broth coats every noodle, making it irresistibly satisfying. Slow-cooked flavors bring out everything you love about home-cooked meals—without a frying pan in sight!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden, and packed with Southern flavor, this Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken will make you rethink everything about frying! The seasoning blend seeps into every bite, creating that perfect balance of crunch and juiciness. The air fryer locks in all the moisture without any greasy heaviness. You’ll never miss deep-fried chicken again!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sticky, sweet, and bursting with flavor, these Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs make fried food seem forgettable! The pomegranate glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, tangy coating that clings to the juicy meat. Pan searing brings out the deep flavors while keeping everything moist and tender!
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, this Ultimate Chicken Casserole is everything you want in comfort food. Baked to perfection, it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. The layers of pasta, chicken, and sauce make each bite better than the last. You’ll forget all about fried chicken once you dig into this!
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
Crispy and packed with bold flavors, this Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken proves you don’t need oil for a perfect crunch! The gochujang glaze brings heat, sweetness, and just the right amount of tang. Every bite is coated in a thick, caramelized sauce that clings to the crispy chicken. One taste, and you’ll never go back to deep-frying!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
20 Sweet and Savory Potluck Bites That Will Outshine Everything Else On The Table
Potlucks are the perfect chance to share a variety of flavors, and these 20 sweet and savory bites will definitely get attention! Whether you’re serving up savory delights or sweet indulgences, there’s something here for every taste. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these dishes will leave a lasting impression. Prepare for empty platters and a heap of compliments!
15 Heavenly Desserts To Serve At Any Celebration (Or Treat Your Sweet Tooth)
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, these irresistible desserts are exactly what you’re looking for! Simple to make, indulgent, and full of flavor, they’ll add the perfect touch to any gathering. One bite, and you’ll be hooked—your guests will be coming back for more!
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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