30 Chicken Lunch Ideas To Help You Get Through the Day!

October 14, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Lunch can be a tricky thing to manage, particularly when you need to come up with something on a weekday. Well, with these chicken lunch ideas, you don't have to worry about being stuck for recipes ever again! From sandwiches and wraps to salads and soups, there are so many options for you to choose from - go ahead and check them out! 

chicken lunch ideas

1. Chicken Salad Wrap

A chicken salad wrap is a classic for a reason - it is filling, tasty, and simple to make! Mix cooked chicken, cranberries, and walnuts together and then season with mayo, white wine vinegar, shallots, and herbs. Lay lettuce leaves on a tortilla, add the chicken salad, and then roll! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Salad Wrap

2. Chicken Citrus Halloumi Salad 

This salad is just what you need on a warm summer day! This recipe boasts chicken, grilled halloumi, oranges, pomegranate, toasted nuts, grains, and greens all toasted in a delicious dressing made from orange juice, lemon juice, and olive oil!  

Get the recipe here

Chicken Citrus Halloumi Salad

3. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This is a great recipe for when you want a low carb lunch that is also filling. Here, the chicken is cooked in aromatics and sauces, making it super flavorful. Then, it is just a matter of spooning the chicken into lettuce leaves and topping with your desired veggies or herbs! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

4. Chicken Pitas

While these pitas may look elaborate, they are actually quite simple to make! Start by marinating the chicken in a balsamic vinaigrette and then grilling until tender. Then, add the chicken to pita pockets along with veggies and feta. Drizzle a homemade yogurt cucumber sauce on top! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Pitas

5. BBQ Chicken Sandwich 

These chicken sandwiches make for a delicious sandwich. Simply toss the chicken in spices and then fry until browned. Coat in barbecue sauce and then add to buns along with a homemade ranch slaw! 

Get the recipe here

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

6. Chicken Salad Croissant 

Want a slightly more decadent lunch? Give this recipe a try - the creaminess of the salad is perfectly partnered with the buttery flakiness of the croissant. Slice the croissants in half and then place lettuce and tomato on top. Add the filling made from chicken, mayo, spices, herbs, pickle, and mustard on top. 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Salad Croissant

7. Chicken Fajitas

The flavors of these fajitas are sure to make it easier for you to get through the week! Coat the chicken in a homemade fajita seasoning and then cook. Next, saute the bell peppers and onions and mix everything together. Spoon into tortillas and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Fajitas

8. Chicken Noodle Stir Fry

Yes, you can enjoy this stir fry on a weekday because it comes together so quickly! Cook the chicken and veggies in aromatics and then add in cooked or soaked noodles. Pour a homemade stir fry sauce over this all and toss until everything is coated! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Noodle Stir Fry

9. Chicken Burrito Bowl

A chicken burrito bowl is a great way to cover all the major food groups in your lunch! Start by seasoning the chicken and then cooking. Add to a bowl with cooked rice, along with corn, black beans, and lettuce. Top this off with avocado, salsa, cheese, and any other toppings you like! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Burrito Bowl

10. Zesty Chicken Avocado Toast

Why not switch things up and make avocado toast for lunch? It is healthy and delicious and a breeze to prepare! Mix chicken, avocado, edamame beans, cucumber, and lemon juice. Then, spoon this on top of toasted bread. Season and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Zesty Chicken Avocado Toast

11. Soy Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl 

This is a sweet and savory dish that comes together easily! Marinate the chicken in various savory sauces and garlic. Then, saute the chicken, glazing it with coca cola! Add this chicken to a bowl of cooked rice and sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top! 

Get the recipe here

Soy Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl

12. Chicken Mushroom Spinach Quesadilla 

This is a truly dreamy lunch and it is pretty simple to make too! Saute the mushrooms and spinach with garlic and add to a cheese topped tortilla. Add shredded chicken, the veggies, and more cheese before folding and cooking on each side! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Mushroom Spinach Quesadilla

13. Chicken Souvlaki

Prep these skewers the night before for a truly flavorful meal! The chicken is marinated in herbs, spices, and vinegar. It is then threaded through skewers and grilled on either side. Serve the meat in pita bread, topped with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Souvlaki

14. Quick Chicken Tacos

This is just the recipe to make when you feel like you need a little treat - these tacos come together in less than 30 minutes! All you have to do is to cook the chicken in spices and broth until it is nice and savory. Then, add to tortillas or taco shells and add your chosen toppings! 

Get the recipe here

Quick Chicken Tacos

15. Sesame Chicken with Quinoa

This lunch idea is proof that you can balance healthy with indulgence! Here, the chicken is tossed in a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and aromatics. Once the chicken is nicely glazed, sprinkle on sesame seeds and add to cooked quinoa! 

Get the recipe here

Sesame Chicken with Quinoa

16. Chicken Caprese Sandwich 

This sandwich is just what you need for an elegant lunch that can be put together quickly! Season the chicken with Italian seasoning and then cook until tender. Then, toast slices of bread along with fresh mozzarella, top with the tomatoes, basil, and chicken, and sprinkle with a homemade herb drizzle! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Caprese Sandwich

17. Warm Chicken Salad 

Craving a salad on a cold day? Well, give this recipe a shot! Roast the chicken alongside cubes of bread. In the meantime, mix greens, beets, and goat cheese. Once the chicken and bread are done, add to the salad and drizzle with a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar! 

Get the recipe here

Warm Chicken Salad

18. Chicken Pesto Panini 

If you have cooked chicken breast on hand, then this sandwich comes together in no time at all! Slice focaccia in half, spread with pesto, and top with chicken, bell pepper, onion, and provolone. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Pesto Panini

19. Teriyaki Chicken Noodles

These Japanese inspired noodles can be  whipped up in less than half an hour! For this recipe, you marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce before cooking. This is spoon on top of noodles tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil as well as blanched veggies! 

Get the recipe here

Teriyaki Chicken Noodles

20. Easy Chicken Curry

This Western style curry is sure to hit the spot when you are craving something cozy but don't want anything too spicy! Here, the chicken is simmered in a coconut milk and broth gravy until tender. You can serve over rice or with flatbread! 

Get the recipe here

Easy Chicken Curry

21. Lemon Chicken Skewers

Don't worry,these skewers aren't time consuming to make at all! And, as an added bonus, they are delicious, with the perfect amount of tang! The chicken and veggies are marinated in lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and herbs. They are then threaded onto skewers and grilled, being basted with the marinated as they cook! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon Chicken Skewers

22. Mango Salsa Chicken 

If you want to feel like you are on vacation, give this recipe a try! Simply add rice to a pan and top with water and mango salsa. Boil this and then add browned chicken on top. Then, simmer all of this until the rice and chicken are tender. Serve with more mango salsa! 

Get the recipe here

Mango Salsa Chicken 

23. Creamy Chicken Wrap

These wraps are something else and pretty simple to make too! Shred the chicken and mix with cream cheese, barbecue sauce, cheese, sweet corn, and onion. Add this to a tortilla, roll tightly, and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Creamy Chicken Wrap

24. Chicken Noodle Soup

This is a great lunch when the weather is cold or you feeling a little under the weather. This soup cooks up really quickly. Cook the chicken and veggies in broth before shredding the chicken and adding back in along with aromatics, herbs, and egg noodles. When the noodles are tender, serve! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Noodle Soup

25. Thai Chicken Wrap

If you are looking to spice up your wraps, this recipe is sure to do it for you! Brush the chicken with sesame oil and cook on each side until golden brown. Add the chicken to tortillas spread with peanut sauce along with crisp veggies tossed in tamari and vinegar. 

Get the recipe here

Thai Chicken Wrap

26. Garlic Chicken Pasta

This pasta is delicious and comforting, just what you need to perk you up in the middle of a long day! Here, the chicken, spinach, and pasta are all coated in a garlic and tomato sauce. Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess to the mix! 

Get the recipe here

Garlic Chicken Pasta

27. Taiwanese Chicken Noodles

This is an incredibly flavored dish and one that you can put together on a busy day! Simply saute the chicken with aromatics and chili. Then, add in cooked noodles and the stir fry sauce. Finally add in lots of Thai basil and finish it off! 

Get the recipe here

Taiwanese Chicken Noodles

28. One Pot Chicken and Rice

This is a great recipe to make when you have other things to do! Simply add the rice, chicken, aromatics, herbs, veggies, and broth to a pan. Then, let all of this simmer together until everything is tender and flavorful! 

Get the recipe here

One Pot Chicken and Rice

29. Spicy Shredded Chicken Sandwich 

This recipe will show you how to add a real zing to your sandwich! Make a homemade lime mayo and spread this on the bread. Top with lettuce, tomato, cilantro, shredded chicken, and jalapenos. This sandwich works best with a crusty baguette! 

Get the recipe here

Spicy Shredded Chicken Sandwich 

30. Chicken Burritos 

These are going to be some of the best burritos you have tried! Season the chicken with spices and then cook with veggies and refried beans. Add this filling to the tortillas along with cheese, rice, and corn. Wrap and toast! 

Get the recipe here

Chicken Burritos

With these recipes in hand, you never have to suffer through a boring or lackluster lunch again! Instead, you can have fun with so many flavors and textures. As an added bonus, these recipes come together quickly, allowing you to whip them up on a weekday morning! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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