Chicken with Chocolate and Herbes de Provence

Prep/cook time: 23 minutes

Serves 4 / The sauce is delicious in such an unusual way, chances are no one will be able to put their finger on the secret ingredient. Prep tips: Fresh herbs are marvelous, but if you can’t find them, just substitute with ½ teaspoon of dry herb for whichever ones are lacking. (Be sure to use fresh parsley, however.) Serving tip: Serve with asparagus spears, broccolini, or French beans. View recipe.

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Chipotle-Avocado Salsa

Prep/cook time: 30 minutes

Serves 4 / Ingredient tip: Look for canned chipotles in adobo sauce in the Latino foods section of your store; these smoky chipotles also are delicious added to omelets or puréed and added to bean soups. Serving tips: Combining the cooked chicken with the salsa is an easy fix to the common taco problem of getting a bit of everything in one bite. If you like, add crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for added richness. View recipe.

Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Garlic

Prep/cook time: 15 minutes

Serves 4 / Prep tip: If your kids don’t like artichokes, they can be omitted; the dish still will be delicious. View recipe.

Chicken Breasts with Mushrooms and Scallions

Prep/cook time: 30 minutes

Serves 4 / Ingredient tip: The peppercorn mixture adds a complex, almost floral aroma, but ordinary black pepper may be substituted. Prep tips: Clarified butter (ghee) is preferable to olive oil for this kind of high-heat cooking. Flattening the chicken pieces is easy with a rolling pin, empty wine bottle, or large flat knife, but if it seems too time-consuming, simply bypass that step and add a bit more cooking time. View recipe.