6 Back-to-School Chicken Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Back-to-school season has a way of turning dinner into a nightly puzzle. Between packed schedules and after-school activities, it pays to have a few reliable recipes in your back pocket.

Chicken is a family favorite for a reason: It's endlessly versatile, protein-packed and usually a safe bet for everyone at the table, from the grown-ups looking for a satisfying meal to the little ones still negotiating their relationship with vegetables. Below, find six of our favorite chicken recipes, including a few freezer-friendly options to keep on-hand when the week gets away from you.

1. HexClassic Roast Chicken

A great roast chicken is nonnegotiable when it comes to easy family dinners. Ours roasts atop rosemary-and-thyme-scented potatoes that soak up every drop of those delicious drippings, but you can throw any vegetables into the pan and let the chicken work its magic. Make the recipe in batches, then use the bones to make stock for future soups. Plus, the remaining meat pairs with nearly anything, from roasted vegetables to creamy pastas. Shred it into hearty salads or grain bowls, or slice it up for easy sandwiches. And did we mention roasting a chicken on an autumn hight is surefire way to shake off the summer blues? Trust us.  

2. HexClassic Halal Cart-Style Chicken

If you have a hankering for the delectable spiced meat and garlicky sauce that halal carts do so well, you’ll be pleased to know it doesn’t require a ticket to New York City. A spiced marinade tenderizes boneless, skinless chicken thighs before they’re seared on your Double Burner Griddle, recreating the charred edges and sizzling flavor of the iconic street-cart cooktop. Paired with turmeric-infused rice, white sauce, shredded lettuce and tomatoes, it’s as effective as a yellow cab at transporting you straight to the heart of the Big Apple.

3. HexClassic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

If butter chicken is your go-to Indian takeout order, it’s time to make room for it in your regular recipe rotation. This ultra-creamy classic never gets old, with tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato sauce layered with warm spices and made for soaking up with steamed basmati rice. Fresh naan is a must, too. Order extra from your favorite restaurant or, if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own and freeze them between sheets of parchment paper before transferring to an airtight zip-top bag. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them on your Double Burner Griddle and brush with melted ghee before serving.

4. HexClassic Chicken Parmesan

One of the best ways to get the family excited about dinnertime is to make it feel like an occasion. Pull out the red-and-white-check tablecloth, light some candles (reach for battery-operated ones if there are grabby little hands at the table) and call it Italian-American night. A red-sauce joint classic, our chicken Parm perfects the form, with Parmesan mixed right into the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of finer Italian-style breadcrumbs gives these cutlets the crisp, crunchy texture you’re after. If you have it in you to make a double batch, freeze one for future you. All that’s left to do is put on a playlist of crooners and poor a glass of Barolo for the cook. 

5. Cheesy Red Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Think of this dreamy hybrid as the love child of enchiladas and lasagna. Layer homemade enchilada sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans and plenty of cheese between corn tortillas to create a casserole that delivers all the best parts of both dishes. If you don’t have it in you to make homemade sauce, store-bought works just fine. On the flip side, if you’re moved to make this a project, why not try your hand at homemade tortillas? The finished dish is a fantastic reheater and freezes beautifully, making it a great one to stash away for future dinners. Serve it with chips and guac, light beers and a toast to a very good meal.

6. HexClassic Chicken Noodle Soup

When in doubt, homemade chicken noodle soup is always the move. Not only does it set the tone for a grounded (and delicious) fall, it’s good to have on hand for the inevitable sick day once classroom germs are back in the picture. Freeze batches without the pasta, then reheat on the stove and cook the noodles right before serving.

Before we go, it must be said: winner, winner chicken dinner.