Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein option for many meals. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and can be prepared in countless ways. From simple pan-seared cutlets to elaborate stuffed dishes, chicken breast adapts well to different flavors and cooking methods.
These 35 chicken breast recipes will give you plenty of ideas for quick and tasty dinners. You’ll find options for creamy pastas, zesty grilled kabobs, and comforting casseroles. Whether you’re looking for a 30-minute weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, there’s a recipe here for you. Get ready to transform this kitchen staple into exciting new dishes your family will love.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped spinach in a bowl. Add some minced garlic for extra flavor. Stuff this mixture into the chicken pockets.
Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the stuffed breasts in a baking dish and cook for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Baked parmesan-crusted chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix grated parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and herbs in a shallow dish. In another dish, combine melted butter with lemon juice and garlic.
Dip chicken breasts in the butter mixture, then coat them in the cheese mixture. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with juicy, flavorful meat inside.
Buffalo chicken breast brings spicy, tangy flavors to your plate. You can easily make this dish at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix hot sauce and melted butter to create the buffalo sauce. Pour it over the chicken, making sure to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes until it’s cooked through. The result is juicy, flavorful buffalo chicken that you can serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Start by cooking the pasta and steaming the broccoli. While those are cooking, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it in a pan until golden brown.
To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and add garlic. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Mix the sauce with the pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
This dish gives you protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and carbs from the pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Teriyaki chicken breast is a tasty and simple meal you can make at home. To prepare it, start by mixing soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic in a pan. Bring this mixture to a boil to create your teriyaki sauce.
Pat your chicken breasts dry and cook them in a hot pan with some oil. Brown them on both sides until they’re nearly done. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
You can also bake teriyaki chicken breast in the oven. Marinate the chicken in the sauce first, then bake at 400°F until cooked through. This method is great for a hands-off approach.
BBQ chicken breast is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. You start by coating the chicken in a blend of spices. Then you slather it with BBQ sauce.
Pop the chicken in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The result is juicy, tender chicken with a sweet and smoky flavor.
You can serve BBQ chicken breast with various sides. Try it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.
For best results, use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Chicken breast with mushroom sauce is a tasty and easy meal. Start by cooking your chicken breasts in a pan until golden brown. Set them aside when done.
In the same pan, melt some butter and add sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they turn golden. Add minced garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
Pour in some cream and chicken broth to make the sauce. Let it simmer and thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Put the chicken breasts back in the pan. Spoon the sauce over them. Your delicious chicken with mushroom sauce is ready to serve.
Pesto chicken breast is a tasty and simple dish you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by coating chicken breasts with olive oil and pesto sauce.
Place them in a baking dish and cook in a preheated oven for around 20 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the thickness of your chicken.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps keep it juicy. For extra flavor, drizzle more pesto on top before serving.
You can pair this dish with vegetables or pasta for a complete meal. Pesto chicken is both flavorful and healthy, making it great for weeknight dinners.
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish. You’ll love its rich flavors and creamy sauce.
To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts, mushrooms, and Marsala wine. Pound the chicken thin and coat it in flour. Cook it in a pan with butter and oil until golden brown.
Next, add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer and reduce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving a deep, sweet flavor.
You can serve Chicken Marsala over pasta or with mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests.
Serve your Cajun chicken with rice, pasta, or potatoes. It’s a quick meal that packs a punch of flavor. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Roasted chicken breast with vegetables is a tasty and easy meal. You can cook it all on one pan in the oven.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and surround them with chopped vegetables.
Good vegetable options include potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, and zucchini. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Roast for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. The vegetables should be tender and lightly browned.
This dish is healthy and filling. You can change up the seasonings to suit your taste. Garlic, rosemary, or Italian herbs work well.
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese. To make it, you’ll pound chicken breasts thin and stuff them with ham and Swiss cheese.
Roll up the chicken and secure it with toothpicks. Next, coat the rolls in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Bake the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes. While it cooks, you can make a creamy sauce with butter, flour, and chicken stock.
This dish looks fancy but is actually simple to prepare. It’s great for special dinners or when you want to impress your guests.
Chicken Milanese is a tasty Italian dish that’s easy to make at home. You start with chicken breasts pounded thin. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Next, you coat the chicken in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy outer layer when cooked.
To cook, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. It should turn golden brown and cook through.
Serve your Chicken Milanese hot. It goes well with a simple salad or lemon wedges on the side. You can also top it with arugula and tomatoes for extra flavor.
Greek chicken breast with tzatziki is a tasty Mediterranean dish. You marinate chicken breasts in lemon, olive oil, and Greek herbs. Then grill or bake until tender and juicy.
Top the cooked chicken with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This yogurt-based sauce has cucumber, dill, and garlic. It adds a refreshing tang to the flavorful chicken.
Serve with a Greek salad and pita bread for a complete meal. This recipe is healthy, protein-packed, and full of bold flavors. It’s perfect for a summer dinner or any time you want a taste of Greece.
This tasty dish combines sweet honey with tangy mustard for a flavorful chicken breast. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the honey mustard mixture over them. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour in the fridge.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for about 25 minutes until cooked through. The sauce will caramelize, creating a sticky glaze.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic or paprika to the sauce. You can also grill the chicken instead of baking it. Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
You can make a tasty chicken dish with white wine sauce at home. Start by browning chicken breasts in a pan with oil. Then add white wine and broth to create a flavorful sauce.
Garlic and herbs like thyme go great in this recipe. They add nice flavor to the sauce. Some recipes use lots of garlic cloves for extra taste.
You can finish the dish by adding cream or crème fraîche to make the sauce richer. Sprinkle some cheese on top before serving for more flavor. This meal pairs well with vegetables of your choice.
Chicken Caprese is a tasty twist on the classic Italian salad. You’ll love this quick and easy meal that combines juicy chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
To make it, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook them in a hot pan until golden brown on both sides.
Top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes. Then add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Pop the pan in the oven to finish cooking and melt the cheese.
When done, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. The result is a colorful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Szechuan chicken breast brings fiery flavors to your plate. This dish combines tender chicken with a spicy sauce that will make your taste buds tingle.
To make it, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Stir-fry the chicken with dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns. Add vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra crunch.
The sauce typically includes garlic, ginger, and chili oil. It’s both spicy and slightly sweet. Serve your Szechuan chicken over rice to balance out the heat.
Season chicken breasts with cilantro, lime, and spices. Grill until cooked through and nicely charred.
For the salsa, combine diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
Top the grilled chicken with the cool, creamy avocado salsa. This meal is quick to make and perfect for warm summer evenings.
It’s also a good choice if you’re watching carbs or following a keto diet. The protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado will keep you feeling full.
Cilantro lime chicken breast is a zesty and flavorful dish. You start by marinating chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices.
The marinade infuses the chicken with bright, tangy flavors. You can cook the chicken using various methods – grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Grilling gives the chicken a nice char and smoky taste. Baking is an easy hands-off option. Pan-frying creates a golden crust.
The result is juicy chicken with a punch of citrus and herb flavors. Serve it with rice, in tacos, or on top of salads for a tasty meal.
This tasty dish combines juicy chicken breast with a zesty pineapple salsa. To make it, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Grill or pan-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through. While it cooks, prepare the salsa by mixing diced pineapple, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.
Add some lime juice and a pinch of salt to the salsa for extra flavor. Once the chicken is done, serve it topped with the fresh pineapple salsa.
This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s a great option for a light summer meal or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Lemon pepper chicken breast is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home. Start by seasoning chicken breasts with lemon pepper, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and cook for about 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
For extra flavor, make a lemon pepper sauce on the stovetop while the chicken bakes. When the chicken is done, add it to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
Serve your lemon pepper chicken with sliced lemons for garnish and added zest. This dish pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. You’ll love the rich taste and creamy texture.
Start by sautéing minced garlic in a skillet with olive oil. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Next, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and Italian seasoning. Pour in some white wine to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
Serve the chicken with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce spooned over the top. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish that combines chicken breasts with spinach and a creamy sauce. To make it, you’ll dredge chicken cutlets in seasoned flour.
Then cook the chicken in a skillet until browned on both sides. Set it aside and make the sauce in the same pan.
The sauce starts with butter, garlic, and flour. Add wine, broth, and cream, then simmer until it thickens. Stir in spinach and let it wilt.
Finally, return the chicken to the pan and coat it with the sauce. Some recipes add Parmesan cheese or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Chicken tikka masala is a tasty Indian-inspired dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll marinate chicken in yogurt and spices, then cook it in a creamy tomato sauce.
To start, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with yogurt, garam masala, and other spices. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the marinated chicken in a pan until golden. Then, make a sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and more spices. Add cream at the end for richness.
Serve your chicken tikka masala over rice. It’s a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.
This tasty dish combines the rich flavors of sundried tomatoes with crisp asparagus. Start by cutting a pocket in each chicken breast.
Mix cream cheese, chopped sundried tomatoes, and herbs in a bowl. Stuff this mixture into the chicken pockets along with a few asparagus spears.
Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
The result is a juicy chicken breast filled with creamy, tangy sundried tomatoes and tender asparagus. It’s an impressive meal that’s actually quite simple to make.
Balsamic chicken breast is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. To prepare it, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a bowl.
Add some honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Pour this mixture over your chicken breasts and let them marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours.
Cook the chicken in a hot pan or bake it in the oven until it’s fully cooked. While it cooks, you can boil the leftover marinade to make a thick sauce.
Serve your balsamic chicken with vegetables or over rice. The tangy, sweet flavor of the balsamic vinegar makes this dish stand out.
Chicken breast is packed with protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 26 grams of protein. This helps build and repair muscles. It’s also low in fat, with only 3 grams per serving.
Chicken breast has no carbs, making it great for low-carb diets. It’s rich in B vitamins, which boost energy and brain function. You’ll also get minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
For weight control, chicken breast is ideal. It’s filling but low in calories. A serving has about 140 calories. This makes it easy to fit into many meal plans.
Versatility In Recipes
You can cook chicken breast in many ways. Grilling, baking, and pan-frying are common methods. Each gives a different flavor and texture.
Chicken breast works well in salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. You can slice it thin for quick-cooking dishes. It’s also great for meal prep. Cook a batch on Sunday for easy lunches all week.
It takes on flavors well. You can use marinades, rubs, or sauces to change things up. Try lemon and herbs for a light taste. Or use BBQ sauce for a bolder flavor. Chicken breast fits into cuisines from around the world.
Essential Tips For Perfect Chicken Breast
Mastering chicken breast preparation ensures juicy, flavorful results every time. These tips will help you elevate your chicken dishes from basic to outstanding.
Choosing Quality Chicken
Pick fresh chicken breasts with a pinkish color and no strong odors. Avoid pieces with bruises or discoloration. Organic or free-range options often have better flavor and texture.
Look for breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking. Thicker parts cook slower, so choose pieces with consistent thickness.
Check the packaging date and use chicken within 1-2 days of purchase. If freezing, wrap tightly and use within 6 months for best quality.
Marination Techniques
Marinating adds flavor and helps keep chicken moist. Use a mix of oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and seasonings.
Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge. Avoid marinating too long, as acids can make the meat mushy.
Pat chicken dry before cooking to help seasonings stick and promote browning.
Cooking Methods
Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook for 18-22 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook 6-8 minutes per side, turning once.
Pan-frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 5-7 minutes per side.
For all methods, let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to keep juices inside.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken is safe at 165°F, but cooking to 160°F and letting it rest will result in juicier meat.
To prevent dryness, avoid overcooking. Remove chicken from heat when it’s just done.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky. Many home cooks make errors that lead to dry, tough, or flavorless results. Here are some key mistakes to watch out for:
Not seasoning enough. Salt and pepper are must-haves, but don’t stop there. Try herbs, spices, or marinades to boost flavor.
Skipping the brine. A quick salt water soak can make your chicken juicier and more tender. Even 15 minutes helps, but longer is better.
Overcooking. Chicken breasts dry out fast when overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
Cooking at high heat. Too much heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use medium heat for even cooking.
Not letting it rest. Cutting into chicken right away lets all the juices escape. Give it 5-10 minutes to rest after cooking.
Choosing only boneless, skinless breasts. Bone-in, skin-on options often have more flavor and stay moist easier.
Forgetting to pound. Uneven thickness leads to uneven cooking. Pound thick parts to match thinner areas for best results.
By avoiding these common errors, you’ll be on your way to perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
