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Home » Roundups

20 Chicken Recipes That Would’ve Been the Star of Every ‘80s Dinner Table

By: Ksenia Prints · Updated: Apr 18, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Chicken was on almost every dinner table in the '80s, and these recipes show why. They’re practical, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor that still holds up. Whether baked, grilled, or simmered in sauce, each one brings something solid to the plate. These chicken recipes would’ve been the talk of any neighborhood dinner party.

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried chicken, red and green bell peppers, and onions steals the show like a star at an '80s dinner table. A pair of chopsticks rests on the edge, while a red and white checkered cloth adds a nostalgic touch to the scene.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Creamy Citrus Chicken with Rosemary takes about 35 minutes and balances brightness with richness. It’s made with chicken breasts, fresh citrus juice, cream, and rosemary. The flavor is tangy, savory, and smooth with just a touch of herb. It works well as a weeknight main course or a dinner party dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

The Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and makes a complete meal with minimal cleanup. It’s made with sliced chicken sausage, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. The flavor is smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy, depending on the sausage. It’s fast, colorful, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

A grilled chicken breast, a star in many grill recipes, is served on a plate alongside a mixed green salad containing various leafy greens. The dish rests on a dark surface, showcasing the chicken's perfect grill marks.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken is ready in 25 minutes and brings together sweet and sharp flavors. It’s made with chicken thighs or breasts, maple syrup, mustard, and garlic. The flavor is tangy, sticky, and slightly smoky from the grill. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes like summer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab takes about 30 minutes and turns ground chicken into skewered bites with bold flavor. It’s made with ground chicken, onion, garlic, herbs, and warm spices. The taste is juicy, savory, and aromatic with a little char from the grill. It works well with rice, salad, or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts takes about 1 hour and mixes sweet, tangy, and nutty notes in every bite. It’s made with chicken thighs, pomegranate molasses, and crushed walnuts. The flavor is bold, slightly tart, and rich. It’s a hearty dish that feels a little different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

A casserole dish filled with a baked chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole. The dish features visible pieces of chicken, broccoli florets, and melted cheese, garnished with chopped herbs.
Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin takes about 45 minutes and loads a lot into one pan. It’s made with cooked chicken, quinoa, roasted pumpkin, broccoli, and cheese. The flavor is savory, slightly sweet, and filling without being heavy. It’s great for leftovers or a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A close-up of a baked dish in a black ceramic pot, filled with a creamy, golden-brown casserole. The top is garnished with chopped green onions, and a portion is scooped out, revealing the texture inside.
Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole takes about 1 hour and brings comfort food straight to the table. It’s made with shredded hash browns, cooked chicken, cheese, and a creamy base. The taste is rich, salty, and soft with a golden crust on top. It’s built for potlucks or cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Colombian tamales on a plate.
Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chicken Colombian Tamales take about 2 hours and pack meat, vegetables, and corn dough into one wrapped bundle. They’re made with chicken, masa, potatoes, peas, and spices. The flavor is tender, savory, and slightly sweet from the corn. They’re a traditional dish that feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A white plate featuring chicken curry garnished with herbs sits alongside a bed of fresh arugula. Nearby, part of the dish is visible in a pan, ready to serve. A silver fork rests on the table, completing this effortlessly curated auto draft culinary masterpiece.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet takes about 30 minutes and brings bold flavor to the pan with very little effort. It’s made with chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and cream. The flavor is tangy, rich, and just sweet enough to balance. It pairs well with pasta or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of grilled chicken drumsticks coated in a glossy barbecue sauce, garnished with small pieces of green herbs. The drumsticks are piled on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are done in 25 minutes and make crispy, saucy drumsticks without the grill. They’re made with bone-in drumsticks, barbecue sauce, and a few seasonings. The taste is smoky, sticky, and slightly charred on the outside. They’re fast, easy, and kid-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes takes about 50 minutes and cooks everything in one dish. It’s made with bone-in chicken, potatoes, buttermilk, and spices. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and savory with crisp skin and soft potatoes. It’s one of those meals that doesn’t need extras.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chicken Marbella takes about 1 hour and combines sweet, salty, and briny flavors in one dish. It’s made with chicken, prunes, olives, capers, and white wine. The taste is rich and unexpected with juicy meat and a glossy sauce. It’s an ‘80s classic that still holds up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Close-up of a crowd-pleasing sandwich with a folded flatbread containing a slice of yellow omelet and a spread of hummus. The flatbread, with charred spots, rests invitingly on a plate, ready to be enjoyed at family gatherings.
Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Chicken Shawarma Plate takes about 40 minutes and brings Middle Eastern street food to your kitchen. It’s made with chicken thighs, garlic, lemon, and warm spices like cumin and paprika. The flavor is smoky, herby, and full of bite. It’s perfect with rice, salad, or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies takes about 35 minutes and simplifies dinner into one pan. It’s made with chicken thighs, carrots, onions, and smoked paprika. The flavor is warm, a little sweet, and deeply savory from the roasted edges. It’s a practical meal with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks take about 45 minutes and build flavor from a simple spice blend. They’re made with drumsticks, garlic, onion, vinegar, and cumin. The taste is tangy, bold, and just spicy enough to stand out. It’s great for baking or grilling.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

French Onion Chicken Skillet

A close-up of a skillet containing melted cheese-topped French onion chicken. A piece of chicken with caramelized onions and melted cheese is being lifted with a spoon, garnished with fresh thyme. The dish appears golden and bubbling.
French Onion Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken Skillet takes about 40 minutes and combines chicken with the deep flavor of caramelized onions. It’s made with chicken breasts, onions, broth, and melted cheese. The flavor is rich, savory, and just a little sweet. It’s like French onion soup turned into dinner.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

A skillet brimming with cooked chicken pieces, vibrant red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and onions. A wooden spoon lifts the savory mix, revealing its delicious texture. Perfect for when you're too tired to fuss over dinner—just wing it and enjoy this herb-garnished delight!.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet is ready in just 20 minutes and makes a fast main full of flavor. It’s made with chicken chunks, garlic, oil, and herbs. The taste is sharp, salty, and well-seasoned with a crispy edge. It’s good with rice, noodles, or tucked in a wrap.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers with yellow bell pepper, offering a quick lunch solution, are arranged on a white plate. The seasoned skewers are deliciously charred and rest atop a blue and white checked cloth on a gray surface.
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs take about 30 minutes and offer zesty flavor with a charred finish. They’re made with chicken, lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano. The taste is bright, smoky, and herby with juicy meat on each skewer. They’re easy to serve and always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Grilled chicken breasts on a plate with charred cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and basil leaves make a perfect choice for quick lunches. The chicken is seasoned with herbs, and the plate is artfully arranged for a colorful presentation.
20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Tomatoes and Avocado is ready in 20 minutes and stacks a lot of flavor into one plate. It’s made with chicken breasts, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. The flavor is fresh, creamy, and herby with a little char. It’s a fast meal that looks good, too.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried chicken, red and green bell peppers, and onions steals the show like a star at an '80s dinner table. A pair of chopsticks rests on the edge, while a red and white checkered cloth adds a nostalgic touch to the scene.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken takes about 25 minutes and brings a sharp, peppery kick with every bite. It’s made with chicken, black pepper sauce, bell peppers, and onion. The flavor is savory, spicy, and just a little sweet. It’s quick, bold, and pairs well with rice.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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