Let’s be honest—cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest ingredients. And when it comes to chicken, all you really need is one extra ingredient to turn it into something amazing.
That’s right—just two ingredients, and you’re all set!
I know it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, these 14 two-ingredient chicken recipes will make you rethink how easy cooking can be.
From 3 ingredient orange chicken to marmalade chicken, these recipes will save you time without sacrificing flavor.
So, if you’re all about health quick meals or just looking for simple ways to mix up dinner, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
1. 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken (But We’re Using Just 2!)
Forget takeout—this 3 ingredient orange chicken is just as good, if not better! And guess what? We’re doing it with only two ingredients.
All you need is boneless chicken and orange marmalade.
Yep, that’s it! Cook the chicken in a pan until golden, then add a generous spoonful of marmalade. The heat will turn it into a sticky, citrusy glaze that coats every bite.
Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a meal that looks way fancier than it is.
2. Marmalade Chicken
This marmalade chicken is the easiest way to add a sweet, tangy twist to your meal.
Chicken and orange marmalade might sound unusual, but the result is a dish with the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness.
Bake it, pan-fry it, or toss it in an air fryer—any way you cook it, you’ll love how the glaze caramelizes over the chicken.
3. Chicken and Greens Recipes
Looking for something healthy? Chicken and greens recipes are lifesavers when you want a quick, nutritious meal.
Just grab some chicken and your favorite greens—spinach, kale, or even arugula. Sauté the greens with the chicken, and let the flavors blend.
Add a little seasoning if you like, but honestly, the natural flavors do all the work here.
4. Chicken and Rice Prep Meals
Meal prepping doesn’t get easier than this. Chicken and rice prep meals are perfect when you need something simple but filling.
Cook the chicken, mix it with rice, and boom—lunch for the whole week.
You can season it however you like or leave it plain for a clean, healthy meal that you can dress up later with sauces or veggies.
5. BBQ Chicken
This is a backyard barbecue classic, and it couldn’t be simpler. Just take chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the magic happen.
Bake it, grill it, or slow-cook it until the sauce caramelizes into that perfect, smoky glaze. It’s sticky, juicy, and ridiculously delicious.
6. Ranch Chicken
If you haven’t tried this, you’re seriously missing out.
Ranch seasoning and chicken are a match made in heaven. Just coat the chicken in a packet of ranch mix and bake or pan-fry it.
The result?
Juicy, flavorful chicken with zero effort. Serve it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, and dinner is done.
7. Honey Garlic Chicken
Two ingredients and a whole lot of flavor! Honey and garlic turn plain chicken into something incredible.
The honey caramelizes beautifully, while the garlic gives it that savory depth.
Cook the chicken in a skillet, drizzle with honey, toss in some garlic, and let it all cook together into a sticky, flavorful dish.
8. Italian Dressing Chicken
Who knew salad dressing could double as a marinade?
Pour some Italian dressing over your chicken, let it sit for a bit, then bake or grill.
The dressing infuses the chicken with herbs, garlic, and a slight tang that makes it taste like you marinated it for hours. Easy, flavorful, and no extra effort required!
9. Soy Sauce Chicken
This one is an absolute lifesaver when you need something quick. Just cook your chicken in soy sauce, and let the salty, umami-rich flavors soak in.
The soy sauce caramelizes slightly, giving the chicken a deep, rich taste that pairs well with rice or noodles.
10. Salsa Chicken
Toss some chicken into a slow cooker or a baking dish and cover it with salsa.
That’s it.
As it cooks, the chicken absorbs all the spicy, tangy goodness, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or even on its own. No extra seasoning needed!
11. Teriyaki Chicken
Got teriyaki sauce?
Then you’re all set for a super easy dinner. Just coat the chicken with teriyaki sauce and cook until the glaze gets nice and sticky. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect with steamed rice and veggies.
12. Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo sauce isn’t just for wings! Coat your chicken in buffalo sauce and bake or pan-fry it for a spicy, zesty kick.
This works great for sandwiches, salads, or just as a protein-packed snack. Bonus points if you serve it with ranch or blue cheese dressing!
13. Pesto Chicken
Pesto isn’t just for pasta! Slather some pesto over chicken and bake it for a flavor-packed meal.
The basil, garlic, and parmesan in the pesto soak into the chicken, making every bite incredibly tasty. Serve it with roasted potatoes or a simple salad.
14. Lemon Pepper Chicken
Simple, fresh, and full of flavor—lemon juice and black pepper turn chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
The acidity of the lemon tenderizes the meat, while the pepper adds just the right amount of spice. Grill it, bake it, or sauté it—either way, it’s a winner.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and these 14 two-ingredient chicken recipes prove it!
With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up meals that are packed with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, spicy, or savory, there’s a simple recipe here for you.
Next time you need a quick meal, grab some chicken and one of these magic ingredients, and dinner will be ready in no time!