There's no doubt that chicken is a bodybuilding staple. Whether it's paired with rice, broccoli, or the ever-complex sweet potato, this prime piece of poultry is packed with the lean protein you need to grow. If you're looking to build muscle, lean out, or simply drop body fat, it's likely that a serving or two of poultry is a constant presence on your plate.

But, let's face it, while chicken is high in the ranks of popular, muscle-building foods, it can also be one of the most frustrating foods to cook. It often turns out dry, stale, and uninspiring. Before you know it, your diet will start showing signs of #strugglechicken.

When chicken's what's for dinner on a day-to-day basis, it can get old, fast. Variety is critical to sticking with it. Add a new layer of flavor and learn how to jazz up the everyday protein powerhouse with these five recipes. They'll prove that you don't have to be a Michelin-starred chef to turn your chicken from a don't into a do!

Note: Need a primer on cooking chicken breast before getting started? Check out this quick video on one of the ways that I've learned to cook chicken so that it is enjoyable and fresh for the entire week!

How To Cook Moist Chicken So It Doesn't Taste Like Death

Watch the video: 06:19

1 Texas Gold Rush Chicken Breast

This recipe melds sweet and savory into a flavor bomb that will brighten up your plate and palate. I dubbed this one "the gold rush" because of the yellow-orange glow, but it's also a muscle-building recipe worth its weight in gold. It's easy to make in large batches and can always be customized to meet your goals and any occasion.

Add this to the menu for your gameday or fight-night party, and you'll have an instant crowd favorite. Looking to cut back on sugar and carbs—just use less honey. The best part? The hint of cinnamon-infused sweetness will be enough to curb your post-workout cravings without thwarting your progress.

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2 Spicy Chicken Fried Quinoa

If you're in the market for a comfort-food overhaul, you've found the right dish. Kiss the temptation of that sauce-covered, fried favorite goodbye with this healthy modification. With quinoa and chicken—hello, protein overload!—this comfort food recipe will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Throw in some edamame for added color and that extra boost of protein.

How To Make Healthy Chicken Fried Quinoa

Watch the video: 04:44

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3 Crispy Omega-3 Protein Chicken Fingers

These faux-fried chicken fingers are bread crumb, egg, and oil-free, and they're 100-percent delicious. With a boost of omega-3s in the form of walnuts and added protein with a coating of low-carb, baked Quest chips, they pack a texture and flavor punch that will rival the once-tempting, grease-covered fast-food staple!

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4 Spicy "Cup o' Joe" Chicken

Best described as an explosion of robust flavors, this dish brings the #BOOM. The smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors all collide to hit your palate with a winning combination. During the winter months when it's too cold to grill, there's always a Cup o' Joe (COJ) to provide the grilled flavors we love.

The good thing about making your own chicken rub is that you can customize it to fit your needs and tastes. So, feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking but just go easy on the coconut sugar!

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5 Spicy Coconut Chicken Curry

Who doesn't love a good curry dish? If you're not already reaping the benefits, it's time to add the joys of curry—which include blood sugar control, heart health, and the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric—to your diet. When plain chicken just won't do, add this spin on a traditional Indian favorite to your list.

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