15 Classic Chicken Dishes That Are Seriously Underrated
Trends have a way of making even great recipes disappear. Somewhere between kale chips and sheet-pan everything, some seriously good chicken dishes got pushed aside. But these meals had real staying power for a reason. They filled tables, fed crowds, and delivered big comfort without overcomplicating things.
It’s time to bring them back because they still work. Here are 15 underrated chicken classics that deserve another round.
Chicken Marbella
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First published in The Silver Palate Cookbook in 1982, this dish pairs chicken with prunes, capers, garlic, vinegar, and white wine. After an overnight marinade, it roasts into a balance of sweet and savory that feels timeless. It’s the rare recipe that fits just as easily on a weeknight table as at a formal dinner.
Tetrazzini
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Named after soprano Luisa Tetrazzini, this creamy spaghetti bake blends chicken, peas, and cheese with a sauce that can be made using common pantry items. Cheddar and Parmesan add the crunch up top, and condensed soup pulls it like a pro.
Chicken Pot Pie
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One whiff of buttery crust and nobody’s talking anymore. The combination of roasted chicken, carrots, peas, and a gravy-thickened sauce feels like it should be more work, but a rotisserie bird and store-bought crust solve that. Bake until golden, and it’s instantly 1974 in the best possible way.
Chicken Divan
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It came from a hotel and stuck around because it made broccoli interesting. Add creamy sauce, cheddar, a heap of breadcrumbs, and maybe a splash of sherry if you’re feeling nostalgic. It’s hearty without being heavy. Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for the classic finish.
Croquettes
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There was a time when showing up with a tray of golden, crisp croquettes meant you really brought it. Shaped from seasoned chicken and bound with just enough sauce to hold together, they’re fried (or baked) until irresistibly crunchy. Finish with a drizzle of cream sauce, or keep it retro with a side of gravy.
Chicken Cacciatore
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This hunter-style Italian stew is low on effort and high on flavor. Bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and wine simmer with bone-in chicken until tender. It’s a great slow cooker option. Just toss everything in and come back to a hearty, saucy dish that pairs easily with polenta, rice, or pasta.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
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Cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken meet nutty wild rice for a dish that feels old-school in a dependable way. Celery and onions keep it savory, and a cheesy-cracker topping makes it perfectly flavorful and crunchy.
Coronation Chicken Salad
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This dish was created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. It combines chicken with curry spices, mayonnaise, chutney, dried fruit, and a touch of citrus. The mix is sweet, savory, and lightly spiced, and it works in sandwiches, over greens, or on its own.
Chicken Almondine
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This dish coats sautéed chicken cutlets with butter, lemon, garlic, and toasted almonds. The idea comes from French fish preparations but adapts cleanly to poultry. It’s quick to cook, straightforward to plate, and flexible enough to pull together with pantry basics.
Chicken à la King
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Creamy, colorful, and surprisingly adaptable, this dish had a solid run at bridal showers and Sunday dinners. Peas, pimentos, and rich gravy over toast points or puff pastry meant it looked like effort without actually being difficult. Bonus: it’s one of the few things that makes canned mushrooms work.
Tamale Pie
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Call it a casserole or call it a pie, either way, it layers seasoned chicken with beans, corn, and a cornbread crust that bakes into a hearty dinner with flair. Add sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce depending on your mood. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears before the oven cools.
Coq au Vin
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This French classic doesn’t ask for much besides time. Chicken braised in red wine with garlic, carrots, and mushrooms tastes like you know what you’re doing, even if it’s your first try. It’s even better after a night in the fridge, which makes it oddly perfect for prepping ahead.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta
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This one is surprisingly balanced with sweet corn, savory chicken, and a creamy sauce that feels like summer comfort food. A handful of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of bacon gives it a lift, and the whole thing’s done in under an hour. It’s unfussy without being boring.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
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Chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, carrots, potatoes, and broth go into the slow cooker and cook until tender. The result is a hearty one-pot meal with a creamy, savory sauce that doesn’t need much else on the side.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
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This classic layers ham and Swiss inside thin chicken cutlets, then coats them in breadcrumbs before baking or frying. A creamy or mustard-based sauce is the usual finish. It became a dinner party staple because the crisp crust, melted cheese, and savory filling deliver plenty of flavor without much complication.