Our Top 15 New Chicken Recipes of 2020 (2024)

Garlic-Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs

While chicken breasts may be considered the classic weeknight protein, chicken thighs are quickly gaining fans. They're often cheaper, and they're much more tender because they don't dry out as quickly as the breasts. In this recipe, chicken thighs are cooked in a highly flavorful but incredibly simple mix of butter, garlic, and brown sugar.

"FABULOUS! The sauce is seriously incredible, I ended up doubling it after I tasted it. I didn't have chicken thighs so I used chicken breasts cut into thirds. Delicious!" says reviewer SunnyDaysNora.

Baked Lemon Chicken Breasts

But proving that the type of chicken you use often is a matter of what you have on hand, this recipe meant for chicken breasts was a favorite for a reviewer who used it with chicken thighs.

"I made these with chicken thighs instead of breasts (since that's what we had), and it was delicious! I love the simplicity of the ingredients, but it was still full of flavor," writes home cook fabeveryday.

French Onion-Breaded Baked Chicken

If you keep the ingredients of this five-ingredient chicken dinner on hand, you can have a fabulous dinner in no time any night of the week. Dry French onion soup mix, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, garlic paste, and of course chicken breasts are all you need for a fast and family-friendly chicken dinner.

Baked Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs and Rice

This chicken and rice dinner is comforting and family-friendly, and it's a great option on cool nights when you need a full meal without dirtying up lots of pans — it's made in a single Dutch oven after all.

"Made it exactly like the recipe stated. Was fantastic! Second time I added a touch less water, so the rice was fluffier. AMAZING! This is definitely going into the weekly rotation for quick and easy meal," writes reviewer Audra.

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Air Fryer Apricot-Glazed Chicken Breasts

The Allrecipes community of cooks has really learned to use and love their air fryers in 2020. In fact, it was our top-selling small appliance for the whole year. So it makes sense one of the most popular recipes for the year is an air fryer chicken recipe.

"Made this recipe and it was moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. We ate as a main course with mashed potatoes. We thought it was simply yummy," write home cook kay.

Air Fryer Chicken Katsu with Homemade Katsu Sauce

Another air fryer recipe has made the list of the most popular chicken recipes for 2020, and this one really highlights the air fryer's capability. This chicken katsu recipe is crispy on the outside and juicy-tender on the inside with a lick-your-finger sauce you'll want on everything.

"First time for me to cook chicken in my air fryer too. What a great way to cook chicken! Now, to the recipe: easy, pleasing, and FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY!!!" writes reviewer Sandra Cook

Oven-"Fried" Chicken Thighs

Reviewers for this chicken recipe suggest you add your preferred spices to the breading for more flavor. Suggestions include cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, follow all the directions for truly crispy "fried" chicken without the deep fryer.

"It was pretty good, I used half seasoned pinko and half plain. You'd swear it was fried chicken, I also sprayed it with a little olive oil before baking," wrote reviewer MOMMAMIA12.

Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo

Another small appliance that's been really popular with the Allrecipes community this year: electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot. This new chicken recipe highlights why that multi-cooker is so beloved: you can infuse and cook tender chicken thighs with a flavorful sauce in rapid time while you focus on sides.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

This dinner for two is a fun way to get a restaurant-quality meal in no time. It features crispy chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, all the necessary ingredients of the iconic Cordon Bleu dish.

"I seldom review a recipe, but this one is truly 5 star. My only change was to use Italian bread crumbs instead of panko. The chicken was moist and and flavorful. Fantastic," write reviewer army cook.

Honey-Dijon Chicken Tenders

"I am always looking for easy chicken cutlet recipes and this is one. Tasty and simple to make. I don't normally eat breaded cutlets but I will make this again," writes home cook Mary Martin.

Chicken with Artichokes and Mushrooms

You probably weren't hosting guests for dinner or throwing any parties this year, but when it's safe to gather again, you should put this new chicken recipe right at the top of your list of things to make. It's quite easy to prepare but it looks — and tastes — more complicated. Your guests will surely be impressed.

Parmesan-Crusted Lemon-Pepper Chicken

"Step aside shake and bake! This is one flavorful and crunchy chicken!" writes Allrecipes Allstar Chef Mo. They suggested using up any leftovers with marinara sauce and spaghetti noodles.

Make-Ahead Freezer Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parm is a favorite Italian dinner any day of the week, but if your family wants it Monday through Friday, you probably don't have the time to pound, coat, and fry the cutlets. So instead, use this make-ahead version that lets you get it on the table faster.

But if you're just looking for a great chicken Parmesan restaurant, one reviewer says it's great the first time you cook it, too: "This is so easy and taste better than the Chicken Parmesan at Olive Garden!! I didn't make it ahead, just did it all at once. We did fettuccine noodles with it and it is a definite make again soon from family!" writes Tina O'Neal.

Sheet Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken

Turn one of your favorite dishes into one of the easiest you make. This version of sweet and sour chicken can be made virtually hands-free with the help of your sheet pan.

"Excellent. Subbed squeeze garlic and ground ginger for the garlic ginger paste and Sriracha for the garlic chili sauce. Have passed this recipe around and will make it many times. Served it with brown rice. Thank you for a great recipe!" writes home cook Lovetobake.

Anne's Chicken Chilaquiles Rojas

Recipe contributor Dylan's Nana says this is a great option for a potluck, but if you're not hosting any of those right now, consider this a family dinner that makes excellent leftovers.

"Okay, I probably overdid it with the tortilla chips, and I would make the tomato sauce mixture even bigger ---- but this was a REAL HIT for my family of 7. I got lots of 'thanks for making that , Mom' from all the kids," writes reviewer AustinCook.

• 20 Best New Recipes of 2020