10+ Football Chicken Recipes to Score Big at Your Game Day Party

Football season brings friends and family together for thrilling games and great food. One fan-favorite is chicken, loved for its versatility and flavor. Finding the perfect chicken recipes can elevate your game day experience and keep everyone cheering.

Whether you’re tailgating outside the stadium or hosting a viewing party at home, chicken dishes can be quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. They range from spicy wings to hearty sliders, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during those exciting moments of the game.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo chicken sliders are a perfect game-day snack. They’re easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll love serving these at parties or gatherings.

To start, gather some shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. Mix these ingredients until the chicken is well coated in sauce.

Next, take slider buns and cut them in half. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish, then add the buffalo chicken mixture. Top with cheese, if you like. Finally, place the top halves of the buns on and bake.

These sliders are not only delicious but also a hit with everyone. They offer the spicy taste of buffalo chicken in a fun, bite-sized form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 12 slider buns
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing.
3. Cut slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
4. Spread the chicken mixture on the bottoms.
5. Add cheese if desired, then place the tops on.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Honey Mustard Chicken Wings

Honey mustard chicken wings are a delicious treat for any football gathering. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

To start, gather your chicken wings and a simple honey mustard sauce. You can make your own sauce with honey and mustard, or use store-bought for convenience. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy taste that most people love.

Bake the wings in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 40-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

These wings pair well with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They make the perfect addition to game day snacks!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey and mustard.
3. Toss the wings in the honey mustard sauce until coated.
4. Place wings on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

3) Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

Spicy BBQ chicken skewers are a great choice for game day. They are flavorful and easy to make. You can enjoy them hot off the grill or prepare them in the oven.

To start, you will need chicken thighs. These are juicy and tender, making them perfect for skewers. Marinate the chicken in a spicy BBQ sauce for a bold flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 190°C). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and coat with a bit more sauce. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Let your skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, giving you a delicious bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in spicy BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes and serve.

4) Cheesy Chicken Nachos

Cheesy chicken nachos are a fantastic treat for football gatherings. You can create a delicious plate filled with crispy tortilla chips, savory chicken, and gooey cheese.

Start with a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Then, add shredded cooked chicken seasoned to your liking. Top it off with plenty of cheese. You can use cheddar or a blend for extra flavor.

Once you’ve built your nachos, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts, about 10 minutes.

Feel free to add your favorite toppings. Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or black olives all work great. Serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping!

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños (optional)
• Black olives (optional)
• Salsa or guacamole for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
3. Layer shredded chicken over the chips.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
6. Add your desired toppings and serve.

5) Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are a fantastic choice for game day. They’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor. The bright taste of lemon combined with pepper makes each bite delicious.

You can make these tenders in just 15 minutes. They are tender and juicy, thanks to a mix of lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. This gives them a zesty kick that everyone will love.

Serve these chicken tenders with ranch or blue cheese for an extra tasty dip. They’re great as an appetizer or part of your main meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix lemon juice, zest, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
3. Dredge chicken tenders in flour, then dip in the lemon mix.
4. Place tenders on a baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

6) Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy baked chicken drumsticks are a tasty option for game day. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare. The secret is getting the skin super crispy.

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Placing a rack on top allows hot air to circulate around the drumsticks.

For the coating, mix flour with seasonings like paprika and garlic powder. Dip each drumstick in the seasoned flour. Make sure to coat them evenly.

Arrange the drumsticks on the rack and spray them lightly with cooking spray. This helps them get even crispier while baking.

Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
3. Mix flour and seasonings in a bowl.
4. Dip drumsticks in the flour mixture.
5. Place drumsticks on the rack and spray with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

7) Teriyaki Chicken Bites

Teriyaki chicken bites are a delicious and easy appetizer for game day. They are sweet, savory, and sure to please your guests. You can prepare them quickly and enjoy their amazing flavor.

Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Coat these pieces in a mix of egg, flour, cornstarch, and seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.

Next, heat oil in a pan to 350°F (about 180°C). Fry the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through. You can also bake them for a healthier option.

For a tasty twist, try wrapping the chicken in bacon and baking until crispy. The combination of flavors makes them irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix egg, flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl.
4. Coat chicken pieces in the mixture.
5. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through.

8) Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dip

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dip is a tasty treat perfect for game day. This dip combines creamy cheese with shredded chicken and bursts of garlic flavor. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

You can serve this dip warm with chips or veggies. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer a milder option compared to spicier dips. The blend of garlic and parmesan creates a rich taste that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and garlic salt until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

9) Smoky Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas are perfect for game day. You’ll love how easy it is to make them. These quesadillas are filled with tender shredded chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled between crispy tortillas.

To begin, marinate your chicken with chipotle peppers, spices, and some lime juice. This adds flavor and tenderness. After cooking, shred the chicken for a perfect filling.

Next, layer the chicken, cheese, and any extras you like, such as green onions or bell peppers, on a tortilla. Cook the quesadilla in a hot skillet until golden brown and the cheese melts.

Cut into wedges and serve with your favorite dips like sour cream or salsa. Enjoy these flavorful quesadillas while watching the game!

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: chopped green onions, bell peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with chipotle peppers, lime juice, and spices.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
4. Add chicken, cheese, and optional toppings.
5. Top with another tortilla and cook until golden.
6. Flip and cook the other side until cheese melts.
7. Slice into wedges and serve.

10) Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs

Sweet and sour chicken meatballs are perfect for game day. They’re fun to eat and packed with flavor. You can serve them as an appetizer or a main dish.

To start, make tender chicken meatballs. Mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Then, shape the mixture into small balls.

Next, cook the meatballs. You can choose to bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or pan-fry them in a little oil for a crispy texture.

For the sauce, combine vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce in a pot. Then, heat it until the sugar dissolves. After that, add in the cooked meatballs and stir until they are well-coated.

These meatballs will bring a tasty twist to your football gathering. Enjoy them with toothpicks for easy serving!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chili sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic, and ginger.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. Alternatively, pan-fry until golden.
5. In a pot, mix vinegar, sugar, and chili sauce.
6. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
7. Add meatballs and stir until coated.