In today's fast - paced world, finding the time to cook a delicious dinner can be a challenge. However, with the right recipes, you can enjoy a scrumptious chicken meal in 20 minutes or less. Here are some amazing quick chicken dinner ideas that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor.

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

This dish is a classic for a reason. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Season four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 3 - 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, mince three cloves of garlic and zest one lemon. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in half a cup of chicken broth and the lemon zest. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the skillet and stir well. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it soak up the delicious lemon - garlic sauce. Serve this with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. The combination of the tangy lemon, savory garlic, and tender chicken is simply irresistible.

2. Teriyaki Chicken Stir - Fry

Teriyaki chicken is a crowd - pleaser, and this stir - fry version is super quick. Cut one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. In a small bowl, whisk together half a cup of teriyaki sauce, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of honey, and a teaspoon of grated ginger. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5 - 6 minutes until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Push the chicken to the side of the wok and add half a cup of sliced bell peppers, a quarter - cup of sliced onions, and a handful of snow peas. Stir - fry the vegetables for about 2 - 3 minutes until they are crisp - tender. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to combine. Let it cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve this over cooked rice or noodles. The sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, along with the colorful vegetables, makes this a visually appealing and delicious meal.

3. Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a fun and easy dinner option. Shred one cooked chicken breast. In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with a quarter - cup of shredded cheddar cheese, a tablespoon of chopped cilantro, and a teaspoon of chili powder. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place a flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the chicken - cheese mixture evenly over half of the tortilla. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to form a half - moon shape. Press down gently with a spatula. Cook the quesadilla for about 2 - 3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat the process with the remaining tortilla and filling. You can serve these quesadillas with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a snack.

4. Baked Chicken Fajitas

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with two tablespoons of fajita seasoning, one tablespoon of olive oil, and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the seasoning. Spread the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken for about 10 - 12 minutes until it is cooked through. While the chicken is baking, slice half a red bell pepper, half a green bell pepper, and a small onion into thin strips. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the sliced vegetables and cook for about 5 - 6 minutes until they are tender - crisp. Warm up some flour tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds. Fill each tortilla with the baked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. These baked chicken fajitas are a healthier alternative to the traditional skillet - cooked version and are ready in no time.

5. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook eight ounces of your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add eight ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 - 6 minutes until they are golden brown. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Cut two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 4 - 5 minutes until it is cooked through. Pour in half a cup of heavy cream and a quarter - cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be on your table in less than 20 minutes.

In conclusion, these quick chicken dinner recipes are a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or a parent with a hectic schedule, these recipes are sure to become your go - to options for weeknight dinners.