Post 1 – Chicken Recipes
Post 2 – Crock Pot Recipes
Post 3 – Vegetarian Recipes
Post 4 – Seafood Recipes
Post 5 – Beef and Pork Recipes
Post 6 – Ultimate Kid-Favorite Recipes

I keep most of my go-to recipes in my recipe binder, but a lot of them can also be found on my Pinterest page. So here are 5 of my go-to’s…believe me, there are many more (Chicken Tacos, Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry, and Chicken and Veggie Kebabs to name a few)…but I was really trying to give you a non-overwhelming little list!

1. Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs

Oven Roasted * Short Ingredient List * Weeknight Meal 

Chicken-thighs are one of my go-to cuts of chicken because they cook up quickly and generally stay full of flavor and juicy. Here is a recipe from the Kitchn for boneless, skinless chicken thighs that couldn’t be simpler. My kids like it on the plain side with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, but the cooking-sauce featured in this recipe—which also includes balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic, and crushed red pepper—is great if you want something with more flavor.

Note: If I buy bone-in chicken thighs I usually pan-sear them first and then finish them off in the oven until they are cooked through. Choosing bone-in means even more flavor, especially when you pan-sear first, but does increase cooking time.

2. Asian Grilled Chicken

Marinate 4 + hours * Grill * Weeknight Meal * Leftovers for Lunch

When cooking chicken breasts, your best bet is to marinate it a bit first, this will help keep the chicken tender and flavorful. This recipe is simple and kid-approved. Cook it on your indoor grill pan in the cooler months and be sure to make extra to add to tomorrow’s lunch salad or rice bowl.

3. Panko Chicken Nuggets 

Kid-Favorite * Weeknight Meal * Lunchbox Friendly 

When my kids were in preschool, pretty much the only chicken they loved was breaded. I was happy to quickly discover that you could easily make your own breaded chicken nuggets and tenders. I love Panko breadcrumbs and often use a combination of half whole wheat and half white Panko.

4. Simple Split Chicken Breast

Oven Roasted * Comfort Food * Weeknight or Weekend

This recipe really is simple and has come out juicy and delicious every time I’ve made it. It takes longer to cook than most of the other recipes on here, but while it’s in the oven you can prepare the rest of your meal or get other stuff done. This recipe is perfect for when you want oven-roasted chicken but don’t have time to cook a whole chicken.

5. Linguini with Chicken Ragu

Pasta Night * Make Ahead * Weekend Meal 

This recipe isn’t difficult but takes a little time to prepare. It’s a perfect recipe to prepare when you have a couple of hours to spend in the kitchen. Make extra so that you have leftovers as it tastes even better the next day. The hearty sauce holds up well to whole-grain pasta but can also be served over spaghetti squash to cut back on total calories.

Now for 2 recipes on my “to-try” list:

1. Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash from Love and Zest

Registered Dietitian Kristina LaRue never disappoints with her delicious recipes and beautiful photography. I can’t wait to try this lightened up version of Chicken Parmesan.

2. Chicken Mushroom Quesadilla by Ellie Krieger

Ellie Krieger is a top dietitian and food network star. You know that her recipes will not only be nutritious but will also taste good. I’m looking forward to trying this one as I love the versatility, simplicity, and kid-friendliness of a quesadilla.

I hope some of these meals will end up on your dinner table and perhaps even into your regular rotation. Enjoy!