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Best New Chicken Recipes of 2020: A Culinary Deep Dive into Allrecipes.com’s Top Picks

The year 2020, despite its global challenges, proved to be a vibrant year for home cooking, and chicken recipes on Allrecipes.com saw an explosion of innovation, comfort, and flavor. This comprehensive exploration delves into the best new chicken recipes that graced the platform, dissecting their appeal, the culinary trends they represent, and why they resonated so strongly with home cooks. From weeknight warriors to weekend showstoppers, these dishes showcase the versatility of chicken and the creativity of the Allrecipes community.

One of the most prominent themes emerging from the 2020 chicken recipe landscape was the continued dominance of sheet pan meals and one-pot wonders. These recipes, designed for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, perfectly suited the altered lifestyles of many home cooks who found themselves spending more time in their kitchens. A prime example of this trend is the rise of sheet pan lemon herb roasted chicken and vegetables. This dish, often featuring chicken thighs or breasts roasted alongside a colorful array of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and red onion, infused with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, and brightened with the zest and juice of lemons, offered a complete meal in a single pan. The simplicity of preparation – tossing ingredients with oil and seasonings, arranging on a baking sheet, and roasting – made it an instant favorite. The visual appeal of the roasted vegetables, caramelized chicken, and glistening herbs also contributed to its popularity, making it a visually as well as culinarily satisfying option. The inherent adaptability of this recipe format allowed home cooks to easily swap out vegetables based on seasonality or personal preference, further cementing its status as a go-to for busy evenings. The inclusion of citrus, specifically lemon, was a recurring element, providing a much-needed brightness and acidity that cut through the richness of the chicken and roasted vegetables, preventing the dish from feeling heavy. The herbaceous notes added complexity without requiring exotic ingredients, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Another significant trend that gained momentum in 2020 was the exploration of global flavors, and chicken recipes were a prime canvas for this culinary adventure. Dishes inspired by Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisines saw a surge in popularity. For instance, recipes for Korean Gochujang chicken, a fiery and slightly sweet dish featuring the fermented Korean chili paste, became a standout. The gochujang, when combined with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey or brown sugar, creates a complex glaze that caramelizes beautifully on roasted or pan-fried chicken. This recipe tapped into the growing interest in authentic international flavors and the desire for dishes with a bold flavor profile. The umami-rich nature of gochujang, coupled with its subtle heat, provided a satisfying depth that many home cooks were seeking. The versatility of this flavor profile also allowed it to be applied to various chicken cuts, from drumsticks to thighs, making it an adaptable choice for different preferences and cooking methods.

Similarly, Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipes continued their reign, with dishes like Greek lemon chicken and orzo or creamy Tuscan chicken gaining significant traction. The Greek version often involved chicken marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic, then baked with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, creating a flavorful one-pot meal. The bright citrus notes, briny olives, and tender orzo provided a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The Tuscan chicken, typically featuring chicken breasts pan-seared and then simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, offered a comforting and decadent option. This dish encapsulated the essence of Italian comfort food, with its rich sauce and savory ingredients creating a truly indulgent experience. The creamy sauce, often thickened with a touch of flour or cornstarch and enriched with cream and Parmesan, coated the chicken and vegetables in a luxurious embrace. The sun-dried tomatoes provided an intense burst of sweetness and a slightly chewy texture, while the spinach added a welcome touch of freshness and color.

The persistent popularity of comfort food, amplified by the circumstances of 2020, also saw classic chicken dishes receive modern updates and innovative twists. Recipes for elevated chicken noodle soup, featuring ingredients like fresh herbs, root vegetables, and even artisanal pasta, became a sought-after comfort. Beyond the traditional, recipes for creamy chicken pot pie with flaky, homemade crusts and richly flavored fillings also saw renewed interest. These recipes, while familiar, offered a sense of nostalgia and homey goodness that many craved. The emphasis was often on using high-quality ingredients and adding thoughtful touches that elevated the everyday. For chicken noodle soup, this might involve using a homemade chicken stock, incorporating parsnips or celery root for added sweetness, and finishing with fresh parsley and thyme. For chicken pot pie, the focus was on creating a truly buttery and flaky crust, and ensuring the filling was packed with tender chicken and a variety of vegetables in a savory, creamy sauce.

The health-conscious movement also continued to influence chicken recipes, with a focus on lean proteins, lighter preparations, and fresh ingredients. Baked or air-fried chicken breast recipes, often coated in whole wheat breadcrumbs or seasoned with a variety of spices, became a staple. Recipes highlighting chicken salads made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients like quinoa and avocado, also saw a surge in popularity. These dishes offered delicious ways to enjoy chicken while adhering to healthier eating habits. The trend towards incorporating plant-based elements alongside chicken, such as using a variety of vegetables or serving chicken with a side of grains like quinoa or farro, further demonstrated this focus on balanced and nutritious meals. Air frying, in particular, gained traction as a healthier alternative to deep frying, allowing for crispy textures without the excess oil.

For those seeking quick and easy weeknight meals, recipes for skillet chicken dishes, such as skillet chicken with garlic butter and mushrooms or lemon herb skillet chicken, proved incredibly valuable. These recipes typically involved searing chicken in a skillet and then creating a flavorful sauce in the same pan, minimizing dishes and maximizing efficiency. The simplicity of these skillet meals made them ideal for busy families or individuals looking for delicious, home-cooked meals without a significant time commitment. The inherent advantage of a skillet meal lies in the ability to build layers of flavor directly in the pan, from searing the chicken to deglazing with broth or wine, and finally incorporating aromatics and herbs. This method ensures that every component of the dish is infused with the rich, savory notes developed during the cooking process.

The advent and wider accessibility of air fryers also led to an explosion of new chicken recipes specifically designed for this popular appliance. Crispy air fryer chicken wings, breaded air fryer chicken tenders, and even air fryer whole roasted chicken became highly searched and frequently shared recipes. The ability of the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods made it an attractive option for both health-conscious individuals and those seeking convenience. The speed at which air fryers cook also contributes to their appeal, making them a valuable tool for weeknight dinners. The versatility of air fryer chicken recipes extends to various marinades and coatings, allowing for a wide range of flavor profiles.

The exploration of different cooking techniques continued to be a driving force behind innovative chicken recipes. Beyond baking and frying, sous vide chicken, offering unparalleled tenderness and consistency, saw a rise in popularity among home cooks with access to the equipment. Recipes for slow cooker and Instant Pot chicken, designed for hands-off cooking and ultimate convenience, also remained strong contenders, providing tender and flavorful chicken dishes with minimal effort. The ability to prepare meals ahead of time or have them cook while you’re busy with other tasks made these appliances invaluable for many households. Slow cooker recipes, in particular, are known for their ability to meld flavors over extended periods, resulting in incredibly tender and deeply flavored chicken. Instant Pot recipes offer speed and efficiency, transforming tough cuts of meat into tender delights in a fraction of the time.

The visual aspect of food, often amplified by social media, also played a role in the popularity of certain chicken recipes. Vibrant colors, interesting textures, and appealing plating contributed to recipes that were not only delicious but also photogenic. Dishes featuring colorful vegetable medleys, vibrant sauces, or unique garnishes naturally attracted more attention and engagement. This emphasis on presentation encourages home cooks to be more creative in their culinary endeavors, transforming everyday meals into visually engaging experiences. The aesthetic appeal of a dish can significantly influence its perceived deliciousness, and recipes that deliver on both taste and visual impact are more likely to be shared and celebrated.

In summary, the best new chicken recipes of 2020 on Allrecipes.com reflected a dynamic culinary landscape driven by convenience, global flavors, comfort, health consciousness, and innovative cooking techniques. From the simplicity of sheet pan meals to the bold taste of gochujang chicken, the platform provided a rich repository of inspiration for home cooks looking to elevate their everyday chicken dishes. The enduring appeal of chicken as a versatile and accessible protein ensured that it remained at the forefront of culinary exploration, with the Allrecipes community consistently pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity. The year 2020, therefore, was a testament to the enduring power of chicken in the home kitchen, offering a delicious and adaptable solution for a wide range of culinary needs and desires. The continued evolution of these trends suggests that the future of chicken recipes will remain bright, with ongoing innovation and a persistent focus on delivering both flavor and satisfaction to home cooks worldwide. The platform’s ability to capture and disseminate these emerging culinary trends makes it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to discover and recreate the most exciting and relevant dishes of the year.