Cooking for one? Here are 20 different chicken recipes for one person. These recipes include soup recipes, pasta recipes, salads, flatbread/pizza, and easy lunch recipes that all use chicken. Single serving recipes at their best.
[This chicken recipes for one round up was originally posted in February 2023. It has been updated with additional tips and more chicken recipes]
Chicken is such an easy protein to have on hand. Buy some fresh chicken at the store whenever you go, stock up on frozen chicken breasts or tenders, or get a rotisserie chicken and use it for the week, or store for longer.
I often buy a big package of frozen chicken tenders (these are cut chicken breasts, I think) at Costco and grab what I need. I usually don't defrost them, and cook them, covered, with water until defrosted, then cook to brown them.
This is easy for me, is less expensive than buying it fresh, and it lasts a long time in the freezer. If you can bulk buy ingredients, and have some freezer storage, this is a great option.
It's often a less expensive meat, and can be used in so many recipes!
Tips to Cook for One
If you're new to cooking for one or your cooking is feeling stale, here are a couple resources to get you started/re-inspire you. Remember, there's no need to always cook at home, but if you like cooking, this will make it easier and more enjoyable.
What Should I Cook for One Person?
Soup
Chicken soup is a comforting classic. For good reason. Make this easy chicken recipe for one person for a quick, comforting dinner. White wine and lemon are added for a boost of flavor.
Chicken and mushrooms is such a classic, delicious combination. Add both to this easy soup, that you can make in your Instant Pot. Double or triple this chicken recipe for one person so you can have leftovers.
Pasta
Chicken parm is such a delicious dish, but it honestly takes more work than I'd like. With a few hacks, like pan frying breadcrumbs, you get all the delicious chicken parm flavors, without the mess and time.
Chicken, mushrooms, and bacon with pasta! Need I say more? I love this flavor combo, and what makes it even better is that it's ready in 20 minutes. It's a delicious chicken recipe for one person.
Salad
I usually enjoy seasonal watermelon plain, but why not enjoy it with other ingredients in this easy watermelon chicken salad. It's easy, and perfect for a light summer meal.
This chicken salad is great over greens, but it's really delicious with a crusty chunk of bread, or served as a sandwich. It's a great winter-y take on a classic chicken salad, which again, is the epitome of easy chicken recipes for one person.
This is one of my favorite meals, it's got so much flavor, so many textures, and is just so tasty. Adapt it to use what you have, here's a YouTube video to show you how to make it flavorful with what you have.
Add some cooked chicken to a simple strawberry spinach salad. It's a great way to enjoy summer flavors in a very delicious and refreshing way.
Flatbread/Pizza
Pizza is my favorite way to use up random vegetables in the fridge, it's fun, always something to look forward to, and a great way to reduce food waste. This buffalo chicken flatbread/pizza is a nice vehicle for random ingredients.
Chicken, bacon, AND ranch on a pizza/flatbread? Yes please, enjoy this easy dinner as is or add some random veggies in your fridge to reduce food waste.
Easy Lunch Ideas
Like I said, chicken salad options are endless. Here's a classic version that's great in a pita, bread, or on greens. It's great as is or with even more add-ins.
I never would have thought of adding chicken to an omelet, but this omelet is so comforting and delicious. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken in a slightly unexpected way. It makes an easy chicken dinner or breakfast.
If you like crunchy chicken salads, this chicken pecan and apple salad is perfect for you. Chicken salad is a classic quick chicken recipe for one person, and for good reason-it's easy, tangy, and add-in options are endless.
This easy sandwich can be made with leftover rotisserie chicken, crunchy bacon, some ranch and vegetable sandwich toppings. It's so flavorful and feels fancy without much effort.
I love a good burrito bowl, lots of textures, flavors, and a delicious sauce... in a bowl?! yes please. Another great way to use up random ingredients in your fridge, but in a delicious way.
Other Chicken Recipes
I'll be the first to admit, a recipe that takes 45 minutes to make? Not usually something I'd wait for. But this recipe is assembled quickly, is easy to clean up, and, well it has chicken and bacon. So it's worth trying. Again-chicken and bacon.
Serve this chicken and broccoli over rice for a delicious, easy recipe. It makes 2 servings, but honestly you'll want the leftovers. It's as good, if not better day two.
This easy mushroom chicken with rice is so creamy and delicious, it's also made in one pot in less than 30 minutes, so it doesn't require much clean up either.
If you don't have leftover rice, this Instant Pot chicken fried rice is a great way to enjoy fried rice, without the right, leftover rice. It takes about 30 minutes, and is made in an Instant Pot for super easy clean up.
This is one of my go-to meals. It's so easy and simple, yet flavorful with a few spices and mustard added before the breading. A special, simple sauce below the breading seals in the juices so your baked chicken is very tender and juicy.
FAQ
There are lots of ways to cook chicken for one person, it doesn't have to be boring at all. Check out the chicken recipes listed above for some delicious and easy chicken recipes for one person.
There are lots of delicious single serving recipes. Here is a list of some of my most popular/favorite Single Serving Recipes.
Did you make any of these chicken recipes for one person? Leave me a comment & rating to share how your recipe(s) turned out!
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Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started.
Sandra says
Fabulous list of chicken recipes for one person. So handy to have in one spot. I've bookmarked it for later. Thanks!
Rebecca says
great! enjoy when you need one
Katherine says
This is such a handy list for small portion meals! Bookmarking as I'm sure I'll use it a lot.
Rebecca says
totally! enjoy
Dannii says
This is so helpful for those nights that I just have me to cook for. So much great choice.
Rebecca says
awesome!
Rachna says
This is a fantastic collection. I have shared it with my college going son who is always looking for recipes for one. Thank you so much!
Rebecca says
fantastic!
Ned says
These are the best recipes! I love making them for lunch. Thank you so much!
Rebecca says
great to hear