30 Best Chicken Recipes for Thanksgiving

Whether you’re a turkey hater or just don’t need such a huge bird, these chicken recipes for Thanksgiving are flavorful, festive, and fantastic for families.

Plus, they take way less prep and cook time!

30 Easy Thanksgiving Chicken Dinner Ideas

Why not mix it up this year and try one of these tasty chicken recipes for Thanksgiving? 

After all, not everyone likes turkey. Or maybe you have fewer mouths to feed.

Either way, these chicken dinners are phenomenal. Try them and see for yourself!

1. Thanksgiving Chicken & Gravy

If you’re looking for something to warm your soul and fill your stomach, give this recipe a try – it’s guaranteed to hit the spot!

The combination of spices, herbs, and vegetables provides an explosion of unique flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. 

Serve it hot with warm biscuits and mashed potatoes for an extra delicious treat.

2. Beer Can Chicken

Are you lucky enough to live somewhere that’s warm over the holidays? Then you have to try this beer can chicken recipe.

As you can see from the picture, there’s a whole can of beer inside that bird. Plus, a few key herbs and spices.

Make this on the grill, and it’ll be one impressive centerpiece.

3. Ina Garten’s Roast Chicken

When in doubt, let Queen Ina lead the way.

Her roasted chicken is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s lemony, garlicky, and brimming with fruity thyme. 

And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! 

4. No-Peek Chicken

A lot of people turn to chicken over turkey because they just don’t need that big old bird.

And if you’re going with chicken anyway, why not make something infused with flavor that doesn’t need babysitting?

This no-peek chicken is ideal for smaller feasts but is just as impressive as any whole chicken dish.

5. White Chicken Chili

I know there are expectations for a Thanksgiving dinner. But there are no rules about what you have to serve.

So long as it’s made with love, the family will be thrilled.

And if you’re not an avid cook, this chicken chili is a terrific alternative. Serve it with cornbread, and everyone will want seconds.

6. Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Thighs With Mushrooms

But if you want more festive flavors, you can’t beat this balsamic and cranberry dish.

It’s bold, zesty-sweet, and deliciously rich with plenty of earthy boldness from the mushrooms. 

This humble skillet supper is enough for even the heartiest appetite yet is simple to prepare. 

Serve it over comforting mashed potatoes for a truly enjoyable meal.

7. Campbell’s Chicken Pot Pie

You’ve got pumpkin and pecan pie, so why not make it a hat trick?

Chicken pot pie is loaded with juicy meat and veggies, and it’s all encased in a tasty flaky pastry case.

You can even serve it with the usual Thanksgiving sides!

8. French Onion Chicken

Serve the starter and main course in one tasty dish with this stunning French onion chicken dinner.

There’s a boatload of caramelized onions in this one. Plus plenty of juicy, herby chicken.

Every bite is better than the last. And the leftovers are even more impressive.

9. Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

As the name suggests, this chicken is impossibly tender.

It’s also rich, salty, buttery, and cheesy – just what you need with potatoes and veggies.

And all you have to do is smother chicken breasts in mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake!

10. Chipotle Chicken

This chipotle-infused wonder strikes the perfect balance between spicy and savory.

It combines flavorful ingredients for a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.

And while it is lightly spiced, it still pairs well with Thanksgiving faves, like cornbread and stuffing.

11. Cranberry Apple Skillet Chicken

Nothing beats the delicious combination of sweet and savory. And this recipe harnesses both in one yummy skillet dinner! 

Juicy chicken meets tart apples and sweet cranberries to create a completely unique flavor profile. 

Everything’s made in one pan, though it does need a quick spin in the oven to cook the chicken.

12. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Here’s another comfy cozy soup that’s perfect for the holidays.

It’s crazy rich and creamy with a luxuriously thick taste and texture.

And since it calls for pre-cooked chicken, it’s ready in a flash.

13. Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry and orange are key holiday flavors. And this chicken dinner showcases them beautifully.

First of all, it’s vibrant and picture-perfect with those colorful berries and orange halves.

And luckily, it tastes just as good as it looks!

14. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Feeding a crowd but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Try this king ranch casserole.

It’s a mammoth dish that’ll feed a bunch of hungry mouths with ease.

And while it may not be traditional, you won’t hear any complaints!

15. Harvest Chicken Casserole

This lavish harvest chicken casserole may very well be the ultimate fall comfort food!

With a medley of incredible flavors and colors, it truly hits all the right notes. 

The subtle sweetness of the potatoes enhances the sharpness of the cheese, and the cranberries add a hint of sweetness and texture to the mix.

Talk about harmony in a dish!

16. Chicken Divan

Juicy chicken with crunchy broccoli and plenty of crunchy, buttery goodness on top, this is one the kids will go nuts for.

It’s got a few holiday faves in one dish, but it’ll still work well with potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and more.

17. Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Apples and Brussels Sprouts

Sheet pan chicken with sweet potatoes, apples, and Brussels sprouts is the ultimate flavor explosion.

It combines tangy and savory flavors. And it all comes together on one tray. That means fewer dishes for you!

Talk about a win-win.

18. Cheddar and Apple Stuffed Chicken with Apple Cider Gravy

Stuffed chicken breasts are a terrific way to jazz up this usually mild meat.

And this recipe with tart apples, herbs, and cheese is about as Thanksgiving-inspired as it gets.

Oh, and that apple cider gravy is heaven-sent – so make extra!

19. Skillet Chicken and Stuffing

Perfect for a family of four, here’s another one-pan skillet dinner that’s ideal for Thanksgiving.

You’ll season and sear the chicken in cast iron, then let it rest while you make the stuffing in the same pan.

Add broth and the chicken, then cook it all in the oven for about 20 minutes.

How easy is that?

20. Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Breasts

A lot of Thanksgiving recipes are rich and heavy. And while these lemony chicken breasts certainly are rich, they’re wonderfully light.

The citrus lifts everything on your plate and complements them beautifully.

And all you need is white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and salt.

21. Chicken Roulade

Bacon-wrapped chicken will always be a welcome sight.

But this version with spinach, mushroom, garlic, ricotta, and Parmesan in the middle is out of this world incredible.

You’ll need to split and pound the chicken so it’s nice and thin. Then add the filling, roll it up, and secure it with bacon.

It’s easier than it sounds, and it’ll look incredible sliced on a platter.

22. Apple Cider Chicken

Apple cider chicken is a cozy, fall-flavored meal that will delight everyone who smells its delightful aroma!

With one bite, you’ll savor sweet and smoky tones, along with lots of juicy apple chunks,

Best served with herby, crispy potatoes, it’s a Thanksgiving treat!

23. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy

It doesn’t get any easier than this slow cooker chicken recipe.

Just whisk water with gravy mix, chicken soup, and some spices, Then pop it in the Crockpot with the chicken.

Set it, forget it, and enjoy your day with the family!

24. Maple Roast Chicken with Cornbread Stuffing

If that doesn’t sound like the ideal Thanksgiving dinner, then I don’t know what will.

I mean, the maple-butter coating is already pretty sensational. And the chicken is baked on a bed of carrots and potatoes.

But the cornbread stuffing is what you’ll crave again and again!

25. Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken

This stuffed chicken looks pretty impressive, don’t you think?

Filled with garlic, onions, spinach, cranberries, thyme, and Brie, it’s a heavenly blend of creamy, tangy, and tart.

It may not be wrapped in bacon, but it’s not lacking in flavor one bit.

26. Fig, Goat Cheese and Pistachio Stuffed Chicken with Fig-Balsamic Pan Sauce

Ready to take your stuffed chicken game to new heights? I’ve got just the thing!

Between the figs, tangy goat cheese, and pistachio-stuffed chicken, it’s already a step above the rest.

But the rich fig and balsamic pan sauce makes it a million times more indulgent.

This dish is sure to make all of your dinner guests swoon from the first bite to the last. 

27. One-Pan Chicken with Prosciutto Pears and Parmesan

This extraordinary recipe combines a few bold flavors in one delicious dish. 

The sweet pears with the salty Prosciutto is a stroke of genius. Meanwhile, the creamy Parmesan adds depth to this hearty meal. 

And all it takes is 30 minutes from start to finish.

28. Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Skillet

Prepare yourself for a flavor-filled ride! 

This skillet recipe combines honey with punchy garlic and herby Italian seasonings for a taste sensation.

The pecans are optional, but they bring a delightful crunch.

29. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Is there anything better than a batch of warm, buttery biscuits?

How about this chicken pot pie with tender meat, lots of veggies, and plenty of creamy sauce, plus biscuits baked right on top?

Yeah, that oughta do it!

30. Glazed Hazelnut Chicken

This sweet and savory combination of chicken, glaze, and nuts will tickle your fancy in all the right ways. 

The hazelnuts bring such fun flavor and crunch to the chicken.

And I love the sweet apricot! It’s just what you need if you’re not a fan of tart cranberries.