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These 13 Make-Ahead Chicken Recipes Won’t Let Busy Weeks Beat You

Isn’t it nice knowing busy schedules won’t derail your dinner plans? These prepped chicken recipes offer an intelligent way to manage your time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Getting ahead on your meal prep means dodging the drive-thru line and opting for wholesome, home-cooked options. Plus, these dishes provide that comforting feeling of knowing exactly what’s going into your food. No more stressing over daily cooking—pull out a dish, heat it, and get ready to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. It’s meal prep magic at its finest and ready to ease those busy weeks.

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

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Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Regarding BBQ, Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock is a standout choice. Flattening the bird ensures even cooking and a smoky flavor that permeates every bite. It’s a make-ahead wonder that’s easy to reheat and packed with flavor. Just toss it in the smoker and let it do its thing while you tackle your to-do list. This dish promises to make weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

Chicken Scampi

A white plate with Chicken Scampi and green beans resting in the center.
Chicken Scampi. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a twist on a classic, Chicken Scampi hits all the right notes. This dish swaps the traditional seafood for tender chicken in a garlic butter sauce. It’s prepped ahead, so you just heat it up and get a restaurant-quality meal quickly. Enjoy the rich flavors without the fuss, making your evenings more relaxed. Your family will be impressed and well-fed with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Three pieces of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a white rectangular plate.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Easy and delicious, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are perfect for busy nights. The air fryer makes cooking a breeze, achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy. With a sweet and spicy honey garlic glaze, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Make them ahead, store them in the fridge, and they’re ready to reheat when you need them. Less stress, more flavor—ideal for any hectic weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Giving the nod to traditional flavors, Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is both unique and convenient. The smoky, marinated chicken offers a burst of flavor that stands out. Prep it ahead, and letting the flavors meld ensures a tastier meal. Ideal for tacos or rice bowls, this dish brings something special to the table. Make your weeknight meals effortlessly exotic and simply delicious.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplicity at its best, 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken keeps things easy without compromising taste. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for when you have many other things to do. When dinner time comes, it’s ready to serve, saving you from the last-minute scramble. Comfort food has never been this easy.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light and flavorful, Coronation Chicken Salad is a refreshing change of pace. Combining cooked chicken with a creamy, spiced dressing and a hint of sweetness, it’s great for lunches or light dinners. Prepare it in advance, and you’ve got a quick meal on standby. It’s perfect for stuffing into sandwiches or serving over greens. It’s a versatile dish that fits into any busy week.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas bring a fusion of smoky and spicy flavors into a handheld delight. These quesadillas are prepped, allowing the chicken to fully marinate and develop rich flavors. Crisp them up quickly on a busy weeknight for a fulfilling meal. The combination of melty cheese and seasoned chicken will surely be a hit. It’s a convenient and tasty way to make dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For something different, Smoked Dill Pickle Wings may become your new favorite. The brine from the pickles adds a unique twist, complemented by the smokiness from cooking low and slow. A make-ahead marvel, these wings can be stored and reheated without losing their deliciousness. Perfect for game nights or casual dinners. They’ll impress friends and family alike with their distinctive flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Two bowls of creamy chicken & wild rice soup on a wooden table.
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy evenings. This hearty blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy broth is both nourishing and fulfilling. Make it ahead and simply reheat it for a quick, warming meal. It’s perfect for colder nights or when you need something cozy. It’s a bowl of comfort that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up weeknight dining with Chicken Piccata. The tangy lemon and caper sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, creating a dish that feels gourmet. Make it ahead to save precious time during your busy week. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day. What seems like an indulgent dinner is now incredibly convenient.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keep it simple yet flavorful with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Prepping this dish ahead means all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready. The lemon and rosemary seasoning permeates the chicken, creating a light yet filling meal. It’s an easy way to ensure dinner is not an afterthought. Enjoy a balanced meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A person holding a bowl of chicken and zucchini soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fresh and light, Chicken Zoodle Soup offers a low-carb twist on a classic. With zucchini noodles standing in for pasta, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Make it ahead, and this soup is ready to be reheated for a quick, nutritious meal. It’s perfect when you want to eat light but need something comforting. An easy, delicious solution for midweek dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This combination of flavors in Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is a treat. This salad is perfect for prep-ahead lunches, combining juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. A creamy dressing ties it together, making it great for sandwiches or over-greens. Make a big batch and enjoy easy meals throughout the week. It’s a versatile dish that adds a touch of elegance to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

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