Crispy, Saucy, Iconic: 18 Chicken Recipes That Eat Every Time

Some meals hit the spot—and then there are these chicken recipes. Crispy cutlets, sticky wings, tender thighs, and saucy masterpieces that steal the show every single time. These 18 dishes are all about big flavor and no stress, giving your dinner routine the upgrade it’s been begging for. Because when chicken’s done right, it absolutely slays.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Paleo

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs is a simple late night dinner. They come out juicy and delicious! These boneless skinless chicken thighs have only 2 ingredients and cooks in less than 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Paleo

Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Four seasoned and cooked chicken thighs garnished with herbs on a white plate, placed on a light-colored surface. — Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: From Ice Cream To Steak.

If you’re looking for an easy dinner when you’re short on time, you’ll love making frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer. And don’t worry, they will come out juicy and not rubbery!
Get the Recipe: Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Chicken Nuggets

Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe. Making these kid-friendly crunchy nuggets takes less than a half hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For an irresistible game day appetizer, try these lemon pepper chicken wings. They are juicy and flavorful
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings taste like they’re fresh off the grill. They’re spicy, sweet, a little smoky, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps are infused with the intense flavors of the Middle East. Authentic Shawarma is spit-roasted for hours, but this quick air fryer version captures those delicious shawarma flavors and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Don't skip the rich, tangy Lemon Tahini Sauce!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Sweet Chili Wings

Sweet chili wings have tender, crispy chicken covered in a sticky, sweet & spicy sauce! You'll be licking the sauce off your fingers and reaching for another!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board. — Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer fried chicken is tender & juicy on the inside with a crispy coating. Enjoy air fryer fried chicken at home with less grease & mess!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ultra-crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are a healthier knock-off recipe for the deep fried restaurant version. Perfect for an easy crave-worthy appetizer or main dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Plate of chicken nuggets on a wooden serving board. — Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Make these easy two ingredient chicken nuggets for the family!
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making Chicken Cordon Bleu in your air fryer is super easy, especially when you take a few shortcuts!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

A tray of chicken fajitas with bell peppers, onions, lime slices, and cilantro garnish. — Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas are a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious fajitas at home. These juicy and flavorful chicken strips are cooked with peppers, onions, and seasoning all together in the air fryer basket. No need for dirtying up extra pans or firing up the grill, which makes this dish a favorite weeknight recipe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Air Fryer Chicken Quarters

A white platter with four seasoned and cooked chicken quarters, garnished with fresh parsley. — Air Fryer Chicken Quarters. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer Chicken Quarters are a super easy and budget-friendly dinner. These juicy and tender chicken quarters get that perfect crispy skin without drying out the meat. Ready in no time and you can easily double or triple the recipe for meal prep or serving a large family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Quarters

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

A white plate with several air-fried chicken meatballs garnished with parsley and wooden picks. — Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are a quick, easy, and delicious option for a weeknight meal or a party appetizer. These juicy meatballs are made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and the best seasonings. They're a healthier choice than traditional meatballs and are ready in just 15 minutes. If you've got picky eaters, this recipe includes the option to sneak in a healthy dose of zucchini that blends in perfectly. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken chunks in a glossy sauce, served on a white plate with garnish. — Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a healthier take on the popular Chinese dish without sacrificing flavor. The cripsy air fryer chicken is drizzled with a tangy, sweet red sauce and paired with bell peppers and sesame seeds. This recipe gives you all the flavors you love from takeout but with more control over the ingredients, creating a healthier meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Crispy jerk chicken wings with a spicy glaze, served on a white plate with garnish. — Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get ready to spice things up with Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings! With their bold, spicy flavors and crispy texture, these wings are a game-changer. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and a kick of heat will have you reaching for another wing. Great for game days, parties, or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes. — Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This Lemon Garlic Chicken is easy and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

These air fryer chicken leg quarters roast to perfection in under 25 minutes. With crispy skin, a mouthwatering spice rub and tender, juicy meat, you will love this easy dinner!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters