5 Easy Chicken Recipes for One That’ll Make You Want to Cook Again

Let’s be honest: cooking for one can feel like a never-ending loop of sad salads, toast dinners, and the occasional “why did I think a whole roast chook was a good idea?” moment. But don’t stress — if you’ve ever stood in your kitchen holding a chicken breast like it holds the meaning of life, you’re not alone. At Plan4One.com, we’ve perfected the art of single-serve meals that actually taste like something you’d want again tomorrow. And chicken? It’s our MVP.

Packed with protein, loaded with vitamins, and versatile enough to go from weeknight stir-fry to Sunday comfort food, chicken is one of the best go-to ingredients for solo cooks. Whether you’re looking to eat clean, boost your immune system, or just avoid eating cereal for dinner (again), these five Plan4One favourites are here to save your week.

1. 🥦 Turmeric Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Red Capsicum

Why it’s a keeper:
Quick, colourful, and quietly healing, this anti-inflammatory stir-fry ticks all the solo cooking boxes: under 20 minutes, packed with flavour, and you only need one pan (praise be). The turmeric gives it a golden glow while broccoli and red capsicum deliver a veggie hit your immune system will thank you for.

Nutritional gold:
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, broccoli is high in fibre and vitamin C, and lean chicken breast gives you a solid 25–30g of protein per serve.

Pro tip:
Add a dash of chilli flakes if you’re in a mood. Or just want to feel alive again on a Tuesday.

2. 🍚 Creamy One-Pot Chicken & Rice

Why it’s a keeper:
This is comfort food without the drama. Like risotto, but less needy. You chuck it all in one pot and boom — creamy, dreamy chicken and rice that doesn’t require emotional support stirring. Plus, it reheats like a dream if you happen to make two portions. (Oops.)

Nutritional gold:
You get slow-digesting carbs from the rice, complete protein from the chicken, and bone-warming satisfaction from every spoonful. Think of it as a hug in a bowl — with better macros.

Pro tip:
Use chicken thigh if you want a richer flavour and juicier texture. Or use breast if you’re being angelic.

3. 🍋 Lemon Herb Roast Chicken Thighs with Couscous & Roasted Carrots

Why it’s a keeper:
It looks like something you’d order in a wine bar, but it’s secretly low-effort. The lemon herb marinade gives the chicken that crispy-outside, juicy-inside perfection, while the couscous and roasted carrots soak up all the good vibes.

Nutritional gold:
This is your skin-loving, gut-happy meal. The carrots bring beta-carotene, the herbs bring antioxidants, and the chicken thighs offer iron, zinc, and flavour to boot.

Pro tip:
Make a double batch of couscous. Tomorrow You will be thrilled to find it waiting in the fridge.

4. 🥬 Moo Shu Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Why it’s a keeper:
Fresh, crunchy, saucy, and ready in 15 minutes — this is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Packed with veggies, scrambled egg, and chicken strips all tossed in hoisin-y goodness, it’s your light-but-satisfying dinner solution.

Nutritional gold:
Low-carb, high-protein, and full of micronutrients from the rainbow of veg. Lettuce instead of tortillas = genius way to feel like a responsible adult.

Pro tip:
Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh if you’re having a meat-free day. You virtuous thing, you.

5. 🍯 Honey Mustard Chicken with Steamed Green Beans

Why it’s a keeper:
This recipe understands you: sweet, tangy, minimal cleanup. It’s ideal when you want dinner done in 20 minutes and you’re craving something “nice” but not boring. The honey mustard glaze is so good it might make you forgive chicken for being a fridge staple.

Nutritional gold:
Green beans bring fibre, folate, and vitamin K. Chicken gives you protein and selenium. Together, they make a balanced plate that doesn’t require mental gymnastics.

Pro tip:
A squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving = chef’s kiss.

🧠 Why Chicken Deserves Your Love (Nutritional TL;DR)

Chicken isn’t just a lean meat option — it’s a nutritional workhorse:

Protein powerhouse – Helps build and repair muscle tissue (especially good if you’re working out or just, you know, living).
Rich in B vitamins – Supports metabolism, brain function, and energy.
Low in fat – Particularly breast meat, if you’re watching your intake.
Minerals like selenium and phosphorus – Important for bone strength and a healthy immune system.
Budget-friendly & meal-prep adaptable – A no-brainer for solo living.

When cooked right (as seen in the five masterpieces above), it’s anything but boring.

🥄 One Chicken, Five Ways — Sorted

Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. With these five Plan4One chicken recipes, you’ve got a whole week of delicious options that tick all the nutrition boxes, won’t break the bank, and (most importantly) won’t leave you with four days’ worth of sad leftovers.