Enjoy a little comfort when you taste these scrumptious chicken dishes

When you think of comfort food, chicken probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Meals that make us feel warm, safe and nurtured aren't often poultry-based. The following meals might change your perception of comfort food, especially considering the time and effort that goes into making such dishes.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be surprisingly tender and juicy when prepared correctly. The following recipes provide a bevy of cooking options, yet each meal comes together in about 30 minutes. As an added bonus, most of them require only one pot or casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze as well.

How to make creamy one-pot chicken and rice
When you need a comforting meal on a cold night, nothing beats chicken and rice. To get dinner on the table in a hurry, cook onions in butter until softened, and then add chopped chicken breasts, garlic and seasoning. Add rice and chicken broth to the pan, and finish it off with half-and-half and Parmesan cheese for a one-pot meal that's creamy and satisfying. Get the recipe here.How to make garlic lemon chicken
Did you know you can make healthy stir-fried garlic chicken without using a wok? Grab a large skillet, and heat olive oil just until it smokes. Quickly sauté thinly sliced chicken breasts, and then add bell peppers, onions and kale to round out the meal. Finish everything with a splash of lemon juice and freshly ground pepper, and you'll be eating healthy in no time. Get the tutorial here.How to make easy chicken carbonara
Few foods are as decadent as chicken carbonara. Unfortunately, most people enjoy this dish only in restaurants. Treat yourself to an Italian favorite any day of the week by tossing cooked linguine with chicken, bacon, garlic, shallots and eggs. Frozen peas give the meal added fiber and color, and Parmesan cheese lends a savory, creamy touch that will leave you wanting more. Get the recipe here.How to make skillet chicken with balsamic caramelized onion cream sauce
When you're looking to impress your family and friends, chicken probably doesn't come to mind. This recipe, however, will change how you view this simple staple. By caramelizing onions in butter and seasoning them with a sweet and spicy blend, you'll create a complex dish. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet-tart note to the mix, and heavy cream rounds out the meal with a rich, impressive sauce. Get the recipe here.How to make pineapple chicken and rice
Sneaking away to Hawaii is certainly a fabulous way to beat the winter blues. If you're craving tropical flavors but can't set aside the time for a vacation, try this tangy riff on a Polynesian favorite. Sear boneless chicken breasts, and mix Dijon mustard with honey, garlic and pineapple juice. A cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce. Try this over steamed white rice tonight. Get the recipe here.How to make French onion chicken and rice casserole
It can be a struggle to put together a meal after a busy day. No one likes leftovers, but this recipe breathes new life into precooked chicken and rice. Instead of reheating last night's meal, combine onion soup mix with cream of chicken soup, chicken, rice and shredded Swiss cheese for a comforting casserole. Get the recipe here.Stay creative!