15 Easy Chicken Recipes and Simple Drinks for Daily Meals

Cooking chicken doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want something tasty after a long day, these recipes will help you make delicious meals without stress. From traditional favorites to exciting new flavors, each dish comes with simple instructions and easy-to-find ingredients that won’t break your budget.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Sticky, sweet, and savory flavors combine in this family friendly dish. Start by mixing 60ml honey, 30ml soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon ginger powder in a bowl. Place 6 chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the mixture over them. Bake at 190°C (370°F) for 35 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. The natural juices from the chicken blend with the honey to make a thick glaze that coats the meat.

2. Coconut Water Mint Cooler

This refreshing tropical drink takes just minutes to prepare. Pour 500ml fresh coconut water into a pitcher and add 15 fresh mint leaves, juice from 2 limes, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir everything together and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes so the mint can release its oils. Add ice cubes and serve in tall glasses. The natural electrolytes in coconut water make this drink both tasty and healthy for hot summer days.

3. Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Experience India food with these colorful and flavorful skewers. Cut 500g chicken breast into cubes and marinate them in 125ml plain yogurt, 2 teaspoons tandoori spice mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Thread the pieces onto metal skewers and grill for 12 minutes, turning once. The yogurt keeps the meat tender while the spices give it a beautiful red color and smoky taste.

4. Lemon Ginger Sparkling Water

Homemade sparkling drinks taste better than store-bought versions and cost less too. Grate 2 tablespoons fresh ginger into a small pot with 250ml water and 3 tablespoons sugar, then boil for 5 minutes to make a syrup. Strain the mixture and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. Mix 30ml ginger syrup with 15ml fresh lemon juice in a glass. Top with 200ml sparkling water and add ice cubes for a fizzy drink that aids digestion and refreshes your palate.

5. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Skip the bread and wrap your chicken in crispy lettuce leaves for a lighter meal. Cook 400g ground chicken in a pan with 1 tablespoon oil until browned, then add 60ml hot sauce, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce coats the meat. Wash and dry 8 large lettuce leaves, then spoon the chicken mixture into each one. Top with diced celery and a drizzle of ranch dressing for crunch and cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.

6. Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca

This Mexican-drink brings together sweet fruit and aromatic herbs in the most refreshing way. Blend 600g cubed watermelon with 10 fresh basil leaves, 30ml lime juice, and 2 tablespoons sugar until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh to remove pulp and seeds. Pour over ice in glasses and garnish with a basil sprig. The natural sweetness of watermelon balances the earthy basil, while lime adds just enough tartness.

7. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Warm spices and tender meat make this North African dish. Brown 6 chicken thighs in 2 tablespoons oil, then add 1 diced onion, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 150g dried apricots. Pour in 400ml chicken broth and simmer covered for 45 minutes. The fruit becomes soft and sweet while the chicken falls off the bone. Serve over rice or couscous to soak up all the rich, aromatic sauce that develops during the slow cooking process.

8. Cucumber Lime Mint Water

Sometimes the simplest drinks are the most fulfilling, especially when you want something light and clean-tasting. Slice 1 large cucumber and 2 limes into thin rounds, then layer them in a large pitcher with 15 mint leaves. Fill with 1 liter cold water and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavors become. This naturally detoxifying drink helps you stay hydrated while the cucumber provides a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the citrus and mint.

9. Korean Fried Chicken Wings

Crispy outside, juicy inside, and coated in a sticky glaze that makes your fingers messy in the best way. Toss 1kg chicken wings with 60g cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper, then fry in oil at 180°C (350°F) for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, mix 80ml soy sauce, 60ml honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large bowl. Drain the wings and immediately toss them in the sauce while they’re still hot so the glaze sticks properly.

10. Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Tropical flavors meet digestive benefits in this creamy drink that tastes like vacation in a glass. Blend 200g frozen pineapple chunks, 1 banana, 250ml coconut milk, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth. Add ice cubes if you want it thicker and colder. The natural enzymes in pineapple help with digestion while ginger soothes your stomach. Pour into tall glasses and drink immediately for the best texture, or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours and stir before serving.

11. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Fresh vegetables and herbs turn leftover chicken into something completely new and exciting. Dice 300g cooked chicken breast and mix with 200g cherry tomatoes, 150g cucumber, 100g feta cheese, and 60g black olives. Whisk together 60ml olive oil, 30ml lemon juice, 2 teaspoons oregano, and 1 teaspoon salt for the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss gently. The salty feta and briny olives contrast beautifully with the fresh vegetables, while the herbs make bites taste better.

12. Iced Hibiscus Tea

This ruby-red drink tastes tart and floral, with a hint of cranberry. Steep 30g dried hibiscus flowers in 1 liter boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain out all the petals. Add 80ml honey while the tea is still warm so it dissolves completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving over ice. The natural tartness enhances your taste while the deep red color makes any meal feel more elegant and restaurant-.

13. Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy tomato sauce hugs tender chicken pieces in this restaurant favorite you can make at home. Marinate 500g chicken cubes in 125ml yogurt, 2 teaspoons garam masala, and 1 teaspoon turmeric for 30 minutes. Cook the chicken in a hot pan, then add 400ml coconut milk, 200ml tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander. Simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken becomes incredibly tender, then serve over basmati rice.

14. Rosemary Lemon Iced Tea

Herbal and citrusy aroma in this sophisticated drink that enhances any ordinary meal. Boil 1 liter water with 6 black tea bags and 4 fresh rosemary sprigs for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Add juice from 3 lemons and 60ml honey, stirring until dissolved. Remove tea bags and rosemary, then chill for 3 hours. Serve over ice with a fresh rosemary sprig and lemon wheel for garnish that releases more aroma as you drink.

15. Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Golden breadcrumbs give way to melted cheese and tender chicken in this comfort food classic. Pound 4 chicken breasts to even thickness, then dip in beaten eggs and coat with 150g breadcrumbs mixed with 60g grated parmesan. Fry in oil until golden, then top with 200ml marinara sauce and 200g mozzarella cheese. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles. The contrast between the crunchy coating and gooey cheese makes every bite satisfying, especially when served over pasta or with a side salad.