17 Elegant Chicken Dishes With Five-Star Reviews

Nothing beats a perfectly cooked chicken dinner that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. These elegant chicken recipes transform simple ingredients into show-stopping meals.

Each dish has earned rave reviews from home cooks who love impressing their families and guests with restaurant-quality flavors.

01. Herb Butter Chicken Kiev

Golden panko-crusted chicken breasts filled with fragrant herb butter. When you cut into these beauties, the aromatic garlic and parsley butter flows out like liquid gold.

Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 6 tablespoons butter (softened), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs (beaten), 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs, salt and pepper to taste, vegetable oil for frying.

How To Make Herb Butter Chicken Kiev

1. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Shape the mixture into a log and freeze for 30 minutes until firm enough to slice.

2. Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle, leaving one side attached. Pound between plastic wrap until evenly flattened to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.

3. Place a slice of frozen herb butter in the center of each flattened breast. Fold the chicken over the butter and secure with toothpicks, ensuring the butter is completely enclosed to prevent leaking during cooking.

4. Set up your breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko in separate dishes. Coat each stuffed breast in flour, then egg, then panko, pressing gently to help the coating stick.

5. Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet. Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

02. Buttery Almond Chicken

Tender chicken tenderloins dressed up with a rich, nutty almond sauce. This simple yet elegant dish transforms basic pantry ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken tenderloins, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup sliced almonds, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons white wine, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Buttery Almond Chicken

1. Season chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This coating helps create a beautiful golden crust when pan-fried.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken tenderloins for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.

3. Add sliced almonds to the same skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

4. Pour in chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Swirl in remaining butter and return chicken to the pan, spooning the almond sauce over each piece before serving immediately while hot.

03. Bacon Feta Stuffed Chicken With Creamy Potatoes

Crispy-skinned chicken breasts stuffed with tangy feta, smoky bacon, and herbs. The golden crust makes an impressive first impression that leads to an even better flavor experience.

Ingredients: 4 large chicken breasts, 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled), ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled), 3 tablespoons sour cream, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 pounds Yukon potatoes, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 large onion (caramelized), butter, salt and pepper.

How To Make Bacon Feta Stuffed Chicken With Creamy Potatoes

1. Create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.

2. Mix crumbled bacon, feta cheese, sour cream, and oregano in a bowl. Stuff each chicken breast with this mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.

3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.

4. Flip chicken and transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.

5. Meanwhile, boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with heavy cream, caramelized onions, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the filling from spilling out. Serve over the onion mashed potatoes with pan juices drizzled on top.

04. Rochester-Style Chicken French

Egg-battered chicken cutlets in a bright lemon butter sauce. This Rochester specialty combines Italian techniques with French flavors for a uniquely American comfort dish.

Ingredients: 6 chicken cutlets (pounded thin), 4 large eggs, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, ½ cup white wine, ½ cup chicken stock, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, salt and pepper.

How To Make Rochester-Style Chicken French

1. Beat eggs with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Place flour seasoned with salt and pepper in another dish for dredging the chicken cutlets.

2. Dredge each chicken cutlet in seasoned flour, then dip completely in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. The egg coating should be generous for the signature fluffy texture.

3. Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the egg-coated cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and puffy, working in batches if necessary.

4. Remove chicken and keep warm. Add white wine to the pan, scraping up browned bits, then add chicken stock and lemon juice. Simmer until reduced by half.

5. Whisk in remaining butter and fresh parsley to create a silky sauce. Return chicken to the pan briefly to warm through before serving with the lemon butter sauce spooned over top.

05. Mediterranean Chicken Marbella

Sweet and savory chicken with olives, capers, and prunes. This iconic 1980s dish perfectly balances briny Mediterranean flavors with dried fruit sweetness for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs, ½ cup pitted prunes, ½ cup green olives, 3 tablespoons capers, 6 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 bay leaves, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup white wine.

How To Make Mediterranean Chicken Marbella

1. Combine prunes, olives, capers, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and bay leaves in a large bowl. This marinade mixture creates the signature sweet and briny flavor profile.

2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat all pieces thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer in a large baking dish, spooning all the marinade ingredients around the pieces.

4. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the chicken and pour white wine around the edges of the dish. The sugar caramelizes during baking for a beautiful glaze.

5. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, basting occasionally with the pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.

06. Classic Chicken Marsala

Pan-seared chicken in a rich mushroom wine sauce. This Italian-American restaurant favorite combines earthy mushrooms with sweet Marsala wine for an elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (pounded thin), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), ¾ cup Marsala wine, ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons flour, salt and pepper.

How To Make Classic Chicken Marsala

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour. This coating helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce naturally as it cooks.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

3. Add sliced mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown, stirring occasionally.

4. Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.

5. Stir in heavy cream and butter, then return chicken to the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken beautifully and everything is heated through.

07. Blue Ribbon Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ham and Swiss-stuffed chicken with a golden breadcrumb crust. This award-worthy dish combines classic French techniques with comfort food appeal for a meal that truly deserves its blue ribbon reputation.

Ingredients: 4 large chicken breasts, 4 thin slices ham, 4 slices Swiss cheese, 1 cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 1½ cups fine breadcrumbs, 4 tablespoons butter (melted), 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika.

How To Make Blue Ribbon Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Butterfly each chicken breast and pound to ¼-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Brush the inside lightly with Dijon mustard for extra flavor depth.

2. Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened breast. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks, ensuring the filling stays enclosed during cooking.

3. Set up three stations: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Roll each stuffed breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Place breaded chicken seam-side down on a buttered baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter to help achieve that perfect golden crust during baking.

5. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing to serve.

08. Spiced Indian Tomato Chicken

Aromatic chicken simmered in fragrant spices and tomato sauce. This surprisingly simple skillet dinner features warm spices like turmeric, cardamom, and cloves for an exotic flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken pieces, 1 large onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt and pepper.

How To Make Spiced Indian Tomato Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.

2. Add diced onion to the same pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Stir in minced garlic, turmeric, cardamom, and cloves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the spices burn.

4. Add crushed tomatoes and return chicken to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.

5. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed to prevent sticking.

09. Simple Chicken and Mushrooms

Perfectly seared chicken with golden mushrooms in butter sauce. With just a few basic ingredients and proper technique, this unfussy dish transforms into something genuinely fancy and restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 pound mixed mushrooms (sliced), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup white wine, fresh thyme, salt and black pepper.

How To Make Simple Chicken and Mushrooms

1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2. Place chicken skin-side down and cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip and cook 5 minutes more, then remove.

3. Add sliced mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and their moisture has evaporated, stirring occasionally for even browning.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits, then swirl in butter and fresh thyme.

5. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through and the sauce coats everything beautifully with rich, savory flavors.

10. French Coq Au Vin With Herbs

Traditional braised chicken in red wine with rosemary and thyme. This classic French dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal perfect for entertaining guests or special family dinners.

Ingredients: 8 chicken pieces, 2 cups red wine, 6 strips bacon (chopped), 1 onion (diced), 2 carrots (sliced), 8 oz mushrooms, 3 cloves garlic, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons flour, butter.

How To Make French Coq Au Vin With Herbs

1. Cook chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy. Remove bacon but leave the rendered fat in the pot for browning the chicken pieces.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown all pieces in the bacon fat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Add diced onion and sliced carrots to the pot, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in mushrooms and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits, then add rosemary and thyme sprigs.

5. Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.

6. Remove herbs before serving and finish with a pat of butter stirred into the sauce for extra richness and glossy appearance.

11. Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Rich Italian hunter’s stew made easy in the pressure cooker. This traditional dish with peppers, onions, and tomatoes delivers five-star restaurant flavors in just one hour from start to finish.

Ingredients: 8 chicken pieces, 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes, ½ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

1. Set your pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes total.

2. Remove chicken and add sliced bell pepper and onion to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

3. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then pour in white wine to deglaze the bottom.

4. Add diced tomatoes and return chicken to the pot. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the lid and simmer on sauté mode for 5-10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency.

12. Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken With Goat Cheese

Elegant chicken breasts wrapped in salty prosciutto and stuffed with herbed goat cheese. The addition of sweet dates creates a perfect balance that makes this dish absolutely restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 8 thin slices prosciutto, 4 oz goat cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chopped), 6 dates (pitted and chopped), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

How To Make Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken With Goat Cheese

1. Mix softened goat cheese with chopped fresh herbs and diced dates in a small bowl. This mixture mellows beautifully as it bakes inside the chicken.

2. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part. Stuff each pocket with the goat cheese mixture, securing with toothpicks if needed.

3. Wrap each stuffed breast with 2 slices of prosciutto, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface. The prosciutto will crisp up and protect the chicken during cooking.

4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the wrapped chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until the prosciutto is golden and crispy.

5. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

13. Caribbean Trinidad Chicken

Spicy Caribbean-style chicken with bok choy in just seven ingredients. This Trinidad-inspired dish requires only 15 minutes of prep time but delivers bold, exciting flavors that will impress any dinner guest.

Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken pieces, 2 heads bok choy (chopped), 3 scotch bonnet peppers (minced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons curry powder, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 large onion (sliced), salt to taste.

How To Make Caribbean Trinidad Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and curry powder, rubbing the spices into the skin for maximum flavor.

2. Brown chicken pieces on all sides for 8-10 minutes total until golden and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside while preparing the vegetables.

3. Add sliced onion to the same pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and scotch bonnet peppers, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Return chicken to the pan and add chopped bok choy. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bok choy is tender.

5. Adjust seasoning with salt and serve immediately while hot, making sure to spoon the flavorful pan juices over each serving for maximum taste impact.

14. Lemon Chicken Piccata

Pan-fried chicken in bright lemon caper sauce. This classic Italian dish looks fancy but comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special.

Ingredients: 4 chicken cutlets (pounded thin), ½ cup all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons olive oil, ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice, ½ cup chicken broth, 3 tablespoons capers, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, salt and pepper.

How To Make Lemon Chicken Piccata

1. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess. The light flour coating creates a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.

2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Remove chicken and keep warm. Add lemon juice and chicken broth to the pan, scraping up browned bits to create the flavorful base for the sauce.

4. Stir in capers and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. The capers add a briny pop that balances the bright lemon perfectly.

5. Whisk in remaining butter and fresh parsley, then return chicken to the pan. Spoon the piccata sauce over each piece before serving immediately while hot.

15. Provençal Style Chicken

French-inspired chicken with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and melted provolone. This elegant dish combines tangy flavors with creamy cheese for an indulgent meal that feels like fine dining.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 shallots (sliced), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 4 slices provolone cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, fresh thyme.

How To Make Provençal Style Chicken

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This tangy mixture serves as both marinade and sauce base.

2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Remove chicken and add sliced shallots and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes until mushrooms are golden and shallots are softened and fragrant.

4. Pour the balsamic mixture over the vegetables, scraping up browned bits. Return chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece.

5. Top each chicken breast with a slice of provolone cheese and transfer to a 375°F oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

16. Bourbon Glazed Pecan Chicken

Pecan-crusted chicken with rich bourbon sauce from an upscale New York restaurant. This fabulous recipe features a crunchy nut coating and an indulgent sauce that makes every bite absolutely divine.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1½ cups pecans (finely chopped), ½ cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), ¼ cup bourbon, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, vegetable oil for frying, salt and pepper.

How To Make Bourbon Glazed Pecan Chicken

1. Set up three breading stations: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and finely chopped pecans. The pecans create an incredibly crunchy, flavorful coating that’s better than regular breadcrumbs.

2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, then season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, then eggs, then press firmly into chopped pecans.

3. Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Fry pecan-crusted chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.

4. Meanwhile, make the bourbon sauce by combining bourbon, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Stir heavy cream into the bourbon mixture and cook for 1 minute more. Pour this rich, velvety sauce over the hot pecan-crusted chicken just before serving.

17. Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Restaurant-quality chicken with crispy crust and conservative sauce application. This version sets itself apart from average chicken parm with its perfectly balanced coating and expertly applied marinara and cheese layers.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (pounded thin), 1 cup flour, 3 eggs (beaten), 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), olive oil, salt and pepper.

How To Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan

1. Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor in the coating. Set up breading stations with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture.

2. Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper, then bread each piece: flour, eggs, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy all over.

4. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and top each piece with a thin layer of marinara sauce. The key is using just enough sauce without making the coating soggy.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce and bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden, and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Final Thoughts

These elegant chicken recipes prove that restaurant-quality meals are absolutely achievable in your own kitchen. Each dish combines simple techniques with premium ingredients for impressive results.

Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or treating your family to something special, these five-star recipes deliver the flavors and presentation that make every meal memorable.