I love making chicken dinners for Christmas because they always bring comfort, warmth, and happiness to the table. There’s something special about the smell of roasted chicken filling the house while everyone waits to eat together. Whether it’s sweet honey garlic, creamy Parmesan, or a cozy pot pie, these recipes make the holiday feel extra homey and full of love.

Each of these 12 chicken recipes is simple to make but still looks beautiful enough for a Christmas feast. They are full of rich flavors, creamy sauces, and golden crusts that everyone will enjoy. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just good, honest food that tastes amazing and makes your family smile.

Cooking during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With these easy chicken dinners, you can relax, enjoy the process, and focus on spending time with your loved ones.

Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken

This sweet and savory roasted chicken is coated with a rich honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The chicken turns juicy on the inside and sticky on the outside, creating a holiday dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables on Christmas night.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier after roasting.
2. Prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the honey dissolves and everything forms a smooth, glossy sauce. The mixture should have a strong garlic smell and a sweet aroma.
3. Arrange the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture — this helps them brown better. Place them in the baking dish skin side up, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
4. Coat the chicken. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, then use a spoon or brush to coat each thigh thoroughly. Make sure the sauce covers all sides so the flavor soaks into the meat while roasting.
5. Roast the chicken. Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the pan and spoon some of the sauce from the bottom of the dish over the chicken (this is called basting — it keeps the meat moist). Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, until the chicken skin is golden and crispy.
6. Check for doneness. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced. The sauce around the edges should look thick and sticky.
7. Finish and serve. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Spoon the caramelized sauce from the pan over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or buttered vegetables.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy chicken dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for Christmas dinner. Each chicken breast is pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a thick garlic Parmesan sauce that’s silky, flavorful, and satisfying. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed broccoli for a festive meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps them brown nicely instead of steaming in the pan. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be crispy and the center should no longer be pink. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the garlic base. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. When melted, add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned — this builds a strong flavor base for your sauce.
4. Create the creamy sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add rich flavor. Once the cream begins to warm, add Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts into the sauce.
5. Thicken the sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until it thickens and coats the back of your spoon. If it gets too thick, add a few tablespoons of water or milk to loosen it slightly.
6. Combine and finish. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over each piece, and let it simmer on low heat for another 3–5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
7. Serve warm. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over rice or pasta.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are sweet, smoky, and sticky — a fun and festive main dish for Christmas dinner. The meat stays juicy inside while the outside gets perfectly caramelized in the thick barbecue glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top so the heat can circulate and crisp the skin.
2. Season the chicken. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the drumsticks and toss until each one is evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Bake the first round. Arrange the drumsticks on the rack and bake for 25 minutes. The skin should start to crisp and turn light golden.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce. Remove the tray from the oven and brush each drumstick generously with barbecue sauce. Turn them over and brush the other side too.
5. Finish baking. Return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, brushing once more halfway through. The sauce should bubble and form a sticky glaze.
6. Check doneness. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) — that’s when the meat is perfectly cooked and tender.
7. Serve hot. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

This creamy mushroom chicken skillet is a comforting one-pan meal full of rich flavor. The tender chicken soaks in a velvety mushroom sauce that feels fancy but is easy to make — ideal for your Christmas table.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the mushrooms. In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until soft and browned. The mushrooms will release their juices and then start to caramelize.
4. Add garlic and herbs. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the sauce. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all the browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine everything. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender.
7. Serve. Once the sauce coats the chicken nicely, remove from heat and serve immediately with mashed potatoes or steamed rice.

Baked Lemon Herb Chicken

This lemon herb chicken is light, refreshing, and full of bright holiday flavor. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs make it perfect for those who love a fresher Christmas dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until blended.
3. Prepare the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the dish and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands or tongs to coat each piece evenly.
4. Marinate (optional). If you have time, let the chicken rest for 15–30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Bake the chicken. Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through. The skin should turn golden brown and the meat tender.
6. Rest before serving. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the lemony pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
7. Serve warm with roasted vegetables or rice pilaf.

Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken

This dish is rich and full of cheesy flavor, with a creamy spinach filling tucked inside juicy chicken breasts. It looks elegant but is surprisingly simple to prepare — a showstopper for Christmas dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the spinach. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Make the filling. In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and well combined.
4. Stuff the chicken. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Stuff the pocket with 2–3 tablespoons of the spinach filling and secure with toothpicks.
5. Season and bake. Sprinkle the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Arrange in the baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and the cheese filling is bubbling.
6. Rest before serving. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve warm. Spoon any melted cheese and juices from the pan over the top.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

This baked Chicken Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner. Tender pieces of chicken are baked with pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce made with cream, butter, and Parmesan. The golden top adds the perfect festive touch, making it a dish everyone will love.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Add the cream. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently as the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add the cheese. Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until it melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the bake. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken cubes, and Alfredo sauce. Stir well so every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Layer and top. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for that bubbly, golden crust.
7. Bake the dish. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Finish and serve. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm with garlic bread or salad.

Cranberry Glazed Chicken

This Cranberry Glazed Chicken is the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors for Christmas dinner. The tender chicken is roasted and brushed with a tangy homemade cranberry glaze that gives it a beautiful glossy finish. It’s festive, colorful, and wonderfully flavorful.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 5 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil and lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Warm over low heat, stirring often until smooth and glossy. Turn off the heat and set aside.
3. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
4. Coat the chicken. Arrange chicken pieces in the baking dish and brush each one with a generous layer of cranberry glaze.
5. Bake the first round. Roast for 25 minutes, then remove the dish and brush with another layer of glaze.
6. Bake again. Return to the oven for another 20 minutes, basting once more halfway through. The glaze should thicken and caramelize slightly on the chicken.
7. Check for doneness. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is shiny and slightly sticky.
8. Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then spoon extra glaze from the pan over the top before serving.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This cozy casserole combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy sauce all baked together with melted cheese on top. It’s a warm, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for Christmas night when you want something hearty and comforting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the filling. Add shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the shredded cheese to the bowl. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
4. Transfer to the dish. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Make the topping. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
7. Finish and serve. Let cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and serve warm with a side salad or rolls.

Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken is simple but luxurious — the chicken is seared until golden, then coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s an easy Christmas dinner that tastes elegant enough for guests.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
4. Coat the chicken. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the melted garlic butter over the top. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the sauce soaks into the meat.
5. Finish and serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

This easy, creamy bake combines juicy chicken, tender rice, and melted cheese for a filling, family-style Christmas dinner. It’s baked to perfection with a golden top and soft, flavorful center.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Mix the base. In a big bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the chicken and rice. Fold in the cooked chicken, rice, and frozen vegetables. Mix gently so everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Assemble the bake. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
6. Rest and serve. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to make it easier to scoop. Serve warm with bread or salad.

Christmas Chicken Pot Pie

This homemade chicken pot pie is the ultimate holiday comfort food. It has a flaky golden crust filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce — every bite tastes like Christmas warmth and nostalgia.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• ½ cup peas
• ¼ cup butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 package pie crust (top and bottom)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it into a deep 9-inch pie dish. Press gently to fit and trim the edges.
2. Cook the vegetables. In a saucepan, boil the potatoes and carrots for about 8 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the filling. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and milk while whisking until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
4. Add the ingredients. Stir in cooked chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well so everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Assemble the pie. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Cover with the second pie crust, pinch the edges to seal, and cut a few small slits on top to let steam escape.
6. Bake. Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool and serve. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the filling can set. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cozy holiday flavor.