35 Dutch Oven Chicken Dinner Recipes From Easy To Elegant
Break out the beloved Dutch oven for these chicken recipes for soups, stews, chilis, pasta, and fried chicken.
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
A Dutch oven is one piece of kitchen equipment that we couldn't live without, and these Dutch oven chicken recipes prove why. From easy Chicken Bog, which makes use of rotisserie chicken to cut your cooking time in half, to elegant dinner-party-worthy dishes like Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Lemons, these chicken dishes prove just how versatile your Dutch oven can be.
Don't think these recipes are only for the winter—a nice Chicken-Andouille Gumbo is a Cajun staple any time of year, and Chicken Caprese Pasta is a light, fresh, and herb-forward springtime meal. So what are you waiting for? It's time to break out that beloved piece of equipment and cook these warming, stick-to-your-bones Dutch oven chicken recipes.
Chicken-And-Rice Casserole
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
We think every Southerner should have a go-to Chicken-And-Rice Casserole recipe. We're biased but this recipe, made entirely in a Dutch oven, is our favorite way to make the Southern staple.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
We turned our popular Marry Me Chicken recipe into a hearty casserole. We cook the chicken and build the sauce in a Dutch oven before transferring the mixture to a baking dish.
Chicken And Rolled Dumplings
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
This version of the Southern classic comes courtesy of our Senior Food Editor, Josh Miller, although its really his grandmother's beloved recipe. Her version uses rolled dumplings that look similar to noodles instead of drop dumplings.
Chicken Mull
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Never heard of a Chicken Mull? It's a super humble dish made from a whole chicken, water (or stock), and crackers. We build our recipe in a Dutch oven with a few extra ingredients, like hot sauce and a touch cream, but still keep it super simple.
Roasted Lemon-Pepper Chicken
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
The Dutch oven is crucial for this easy roast chicken recipe. It produces both a golden brown skin and, thanks to the tall sides that prevent a ton of evaporation, a delicious pan sauce to serve over the meat.
Chicken-Andouille Gumbo With Roasted Potatoes
This meal is super hearty thanks to the dual proteins of chicken and sausage. We gave it a different twist by serving it over roasted potatoes. Start with a milk-chocolate-colored roux in your Dutch oven and build up the flavors from there. This dish takes time but also provides plenty of leftovers.
Country Captain Chicken
This dish starts and finishes in your Dutch oven, making it a resounding mess-free weeknight favorite. In this Lowcountry dish, chicken pieces are browned in butter or bacon fat and then braised in an aromatic, spicy tomato sauce. Some make it with drumsticks, but we like using chicken thighs.
Chicken Chili
A chili that comes together in just 50 minutes, with only 15 minutes of active time? This recipe sure is a keeper. This fresh alternative to beef chili uses rotisserie chicken as a time-saver.
Chicken Caprese Pasta
Thanks to fresh linguini, pre-made pesto, and rotisserie chicken, this light and summery pasta will be ready to hit your table in just 20 minutes. Cook the pasta in your Dutch oven, and make sure to save some of that starchy cooking water to help the sauce stick to the noodles when it all comes together.
Old Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings
Just like grandma used to make. If your childhood sick days were filled with big batches of Nana's chicken soup, this warm recipe will bring back a blast of nostalgia. In this version, buttermilk gives the dumplings a light texture.
Green Chile-Chicken Stew
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis
Nothing quite welcomes winter like a warming stew, and this version—heated up with green chile—puts a slightly spicy, Tex-Mex twist on the classic dish. Creamy Great Northern beans help temper the spice. Garnish with sliced radishes and sour cream.
Chicken-And-Brisket Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew is a storied Southern classic, and everyone's got their own opinions of the proper ingredients to add. With both chicken and brisket, our crowd-pleasing version has the best of both worlds. It's best when it has at least two hours to simmer on the stove.
White Lightening Chicken Chili
Navy beans, onion, and chicken form the base of this lightened-up white chili. The best part of all? It'll be ready in 30 minutes. This chili is especially delicious with a side of cornbread.
Mama's Fried Chicken
A Dutch oven may be the perfect vehicle for slow-cooking soups and stews, but it also works overtime as an at-home frying vessel. This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and is as juicy as it gets. Homemade, crispy fried chicken, here we come.
Braised Chicken Thighs With Carrots And Lemons
This party-worthy dish may look extra impressive, but it's actually shockingly simple. Just brown the chicken skin and let your Dutch oven do the rest of the work. Serve the chicken and delicious pan sauce over mashed potatoes.
Creamy Chicken Sausage-And-Kale Soup
Chicken soup season calls for more than just the run-of-the-mill chicken noodle. Try adding sausage, kale, and cream instead. Garnish with Swiss cheese and hot sauce.
Fried Chicken Wings
Since the Dutch oven doubles as a great deep fryer, why not cook up a batch of chicken wings? Nothing beats one hot and fresh with a crisp, thick, golden brown crust. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven on a rack.
Chicken Fricot
Hiding behind the star power of gumbo and boudin is Chicken Fricot. While it might not have the same press, it's no less tasty. Our version features a whole chicken and sausage-filled dumplings.
Cajun Fried Chicken
Add a little kick to your standard fried chicken with the addition of some hot sauce and Cajun seasoning. The best part is that the spices are to your taste, so add as little or as much as you please.
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
It's the pasta dish we all know and love—but made Cajun. This one-pot meal is ready in about 40 minutes, making dinnertime a breeze. Boiling the pasta in the chicken broth mixture adds extra flavor and depth.
Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Be sure to use fresh corn, per Martina McBride's advice. You can also control the spiciness by adding jalapeño and smokiness with chipotle chili powder. "I do love making soups, and I feel like it's something you can put on the stove and let it simmer all day, and it makes the whole house smell good," she says.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
This rotisserie-chicken soup requires minimal hands-on time, but is so flavorful thanks to lemon juice, sweet potatoes, and rosemary. Serve with a tossed green salad or warm, homemade bread and cozy up next to the fireplace.
Chicken Spaghetti
For a quick dinner, cook and shred your chicken in advance so that you're ready to go the day of. This meal starts on your stovetop in the Dutch oven and finishes in a casserole dish. Twirl the spaghetti into nests to make this simple meal look fancy.
Creamy Chicken And Rice Soup
Don't you love a soup that's ready in about half an hour? Chicken soup and rice is one of the ultimate comfort dishes. We brighten up this version with a generous handful of collards, fresh thyme, and leeks.
Chicken And Sausage Gumbo
If you need a gumbo recipe for your recipe box, make it this one. The key to success? Make sure to really brown the chicken and sausage for extra flavor. And, make sure your roux is a nice chocolate hue.
Smoked Chicken Corn Chowder
Bacon, potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh corn all in one pot? This recipe is for soup lovers. While it'd be a comforting meal all on its own, the addition of some smoked chicken makes it extra hearty.
Andouille Sausage And Smoked Chicken Gumbo
Simmering a pot of this gumbo in your Dutch oven on a cold day might be the definition of cozy. No andouille sausage? Replace with any smoked sausage or kielbasa.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
We've taken the classic Mexican dish and added corn and beans for more heft. Place chicken breasts right in the soup and then shred the meat once it's cooked through. Garnish with tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Stacy K. Allen; Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
We've taken everything you love about this comforting casserole and tossed it into the soup pot. The entire dish can be prepared in your trusty Dutch oven, and you can even speed up the process with rotisserie chicken when you're in a rush. While your soup simmers on the stove, stick a tray of refrigerated biscuits in the oven.
Chicken-And-Collards Pilau
This pilau recipe is similar to a chicken bog, but with even more flavor. Chicken, smoked sausage, rice, and greens cook in one soulful pot on the stove. The dish is finished off in the oven, allowing all the juices to seep into the fluffy long-grain rice.
Cajun Chicken Cassoulet
This easy recipe for cassoulet won't take you all day. Sear the meat and vegetables on the stove, then bake for 40 minutes. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up all the juices.
Chicken-And-Vegetable Pot
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Jillian Knox
This soul-food favorite comes from Ruth L. Gaskins' 1968 cookbook A Good Heart and A Light Hand. Just about everything from the produce drawer gets thrown in the pot along with a whole chicken. Leave your Dutch oven to simmer undisturbed until everything is fall-apart tender.
Pasta-Chicken-Broccoli Bake
This dish begins with a Dutch oven, where you'll create a creamy wine sauce and then toss in the tortellini, chicken, and broccoli. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and top with cheese and pecans before putting it into the oven to bubble and brown. Veggies are included, so we won't blame you if you fill your whole plate with a helping.
Chicken Bog
This comforting, one-pot meal is a Lowcountry favorite. Packed with protein from shredded rotisserie chicken, our 30-minute version is also convenient for busy weeknights and a great way to feed a crowd.
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
One Southern Living reader, Julie T., writes of this extra easy chicken soup that, "This is truly a gem of a chicken noodle soup recipe. I probably cooked the vegetables and broth longer than the time stated, but it was very hearty and tasty!" And she's far from the only 5-star reviewer of this recipe.
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