Chicken – from drab to fab in 13 easy must-try recipes

Chicken is affordable, pairs well with a variety of flavours and cooking methods, and is loved precisely for that versatility. It’s an age-old favourite but, sadly, sometimes even favourites get a bit boring at times. That’s why we’re bringing you these 14 recipes that are anything but boring.

Nothing complements the subtle flavours of chicken quite like wine. Chicken thighs roasted in white wine, lemon and herbs is an easy and convenient way to enjoy weekday meals with chicken. Added bonus: this recipe only calls for ‘some’ wine, not the entire bottle… So yes, you get to sample it as you cook, because wine simply cannot be wasted.

Looking for an excuse to eat huge amounts of buttery mashed potatoes? This chicken-and-leek casserole pairs flawlessly with mashed potatoes, which also helps to mop up the delicious savoury cream sauce. 

This red masala chicken with balanced notes of cumin, chilli, garlic, ginger and masala makes for a great alternative to a traditional roast. 

Salty bacon makes this creamy chicken with lemon and rosemary so moreish, you’ll be craving leftovers. It’s perfect for a busy weekday dinner, as it’ll be ready in no time.

More of a traditionalist when it comes to roasting chicken? Try this roast chicken in garlic, chilli and cream for an interesting twist on a family favourite.

Who doesn’t love a good pan roast? The oven does all the work – you simply prep, pop it in the oven then enjoy! Zola Nene’s chicken-and-butternut pan roast incorporates all the things we crave about a good chicken dish. 

Chorizo makes all things better, chicken included. The way this chicken-and-chorizo dish with tomatoes encapsulates smoky Spanish flavours makes it a must-try. 

Pan-roasted chicken thighs with mushrooms bring back nostalgic memories of chicken-and-mushroom pies. Notes of fragrant sage make for a warming meal even without the pastry in this recipe. 

If you can take the heat, this superb peri-peri chicken is spiced just right, served up with crispy potato wedges.

Tomato and basil is a classic combination, creating for the ultimate taste bud sensation. What could possibly be better? Tomato and basil chicken with creamy polenta, of course. 

Not for the faint-hearted, this oven-roasted chicken satay combines all the good things in life. The umami will have you going back for seconds and thirds. 

The cheat’s answer to a sticky, golden brown BBQ chicken is apricot jam. The perfect balance between sweet and savoury, this easy chicken with garlic and apricot is a sticky must-try.

One-dish-wonders are not only convenient, but also make for effortless clean-up afterwards. This lemon chicken rice bake is a terrific weekday one-dish-wonder for a busy household.

Changing things up with different flavours is a great way to reinvigorate your love for an old favourite.

ALSO READ… 8 Speedy chicken dishes ready in 30 minutes