Bone-in chicken breasts are a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be prepared in many delicious ways. From roasted to grilled, slow-cooked to air-fried, these recipes offer a variety of cooking methods to suit your taste and schedule. You’ll find options ranging from simple weeknight meals to more elaborate dishes perfect for special occasions.
Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to try something new, these recipes showcase the juicy tenderness that bone-in chicken breasts can provide. With seasonings like garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices, you can create meals that are both comforting and exciting. Get ready to explore a world of tasty possibilities with these bone-in chicken breast recipes.
1. Garlic Herb Bone In Chicken Breast
This tasty dish combines garlic and herbs to create a flavorful chicken meal. You’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, garlic, and a mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Mix minced garlic with chopped herbs and olive oil to make a paste. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, getting it under the skin too.
Place the chicken in a baking dish and cook it in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin will turn golden and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat extra juicy.
2. Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Lemon rosemary chicken is a tasty and easy recipe for bone-in chicken breasts. You’ll need chicken breasts, lemon, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.
Start by creating a pocket under the chicken skin. Stuff it with butter, rosemary, and lemon for extra flavor. Season the skin with salt and pepper.
Bake the chicken in the oven with potatoes, garlic, and more herbs. The result is juicy chicken with crispy skin and a zesty lemon-herb taste.
This dish works well for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor in warmer months.
3. Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Balsamic glazed chicken is a tasty dish you can make with bone-in chicken breasts. To start, mix balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and herbs in a bowl.
Coat your chicken breasts with this mixture and let them marinate for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors soak into the meat.
Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and continue cooking until it’s fully done.
The result is juicy chicken with a rich, tangy glaze. The balsamic reduction creates a delicious coating that caramelizes on the chicken as it cooks.
4. Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey mustard chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make with bone-in chicken breasts. The sauce blends sweet honey with tangy mustard for a perfect flavor balance.
To prepare, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Pat the chicken dry and place it on a baking sheet. Spoon the honey mustard sauce over each piece.
Bake the chicken at 400°F until it’s cooked through. The result is juicy chicken with a flavorful glaze. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky twist.
This recipe is quick to make and full of flavor. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests.
5. Buffalo Chicken Breast
Buffalo chicken breast brings spicy flavor to your dinner table. You can make this tasty dish at home with a few simple steps.
Start by marinating bone-in chicken breasts in buffalo sauce. Add some ranch seasoning and garlic for extra flavor. Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Cook until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
Serve your buffalo chicken breast with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make any night of the week.
6. Crispy Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken is a classic comfort food that’s hard to resist. To make it, start by marinating your bone-in chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least an hour.
Next, mix flour with your favorite spices like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Dip the marinated chicken into the seasoned flour, then into beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps maintain its crispy texture.
7. Smoked Chicken Breast
Smoked bone-in chicken breasts are juicy and flavorful. You can make them easily on a pellet grill or smoker. Set your grill to 250°F for best results.
Keep the skin side up while cooking. Rotate the breasts every 15 minutes to avoid hot spots. Smoking takes about 90 minutes for bone-in breasts.
You can brine the chicken first for extra moisture. Use a simple rub or seasoning before smoking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
This method works well for both chicken breasts and thighs. It’s a quick way to get tender, smoky chicken without much effort.
8. Barbecue Chicken Breast
Barbecue chicken breast is a tasty way to enjoy bone-in chicken. Start by preheating your grill to 450°F. Trim any excess skin from the chicken.
Mix oil and lemon pepper seasoning, then coat the chicken evenly. Place the breasts on the grill and cook for about 25-30 minutes.
Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
For a baked version, preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the chicken and pour BBQ sauce over it in a baking dish. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
9. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a tasty Italian dish you can make with bone-in chicken breasts. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge it in flour for a light coating.
Cook the chicken in a hot pan with butter and oil until golden brown. Remove it and make a sauce in the same pan. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce. The flavors will soak into the meat as it cooks. Some recipes add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Serve your chicken piccata with pasta or vegetables. The tangy lemon-caper sauce pairs well with many sides.
10. Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuffed chicken breast takes bone-in chicken to the next level. You can fill it with tasty ingredients like cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
To make it, cut a pocket in the thickest part of the breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through. Stuff the pocket with your chosen fillings.
Season the outside of the chicken with herbs and spices. Bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
This dish is versatile and impressive. You can try different flavor combinations to suit your taste. Serve it with a side of vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
11. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty dish that uses bone-in chicken breasts. You start by pounding the chicken to about 1/4 inch thick. This helps it cook evenly.
Next, you dredge the chicken in flour and cook it in a pan. After that, you make a sauce with mushrooms, Marsala wine, and chicken broth.
The chicken goes back in the pan to simmer in the sauce. This makes it tender and flavorful. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
This dish is great for a fancy dinner or a weeknight meal. It’s rich and satisfying without being too heavy.
12. Cajun Spiced Chicken
Cajun spiced chicken brings bold flavors to your bone-in chicken breasts. Start by coating the chicken with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
For extra flavor, make a quick sauce. In the same pan, add minced garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. Cook for a couple minutes, then stir in some butter.
Pour the sauce over your cooked chicken. The result is a spicy, tangy dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
13. Orange Glazed Chicken
Orange glazed chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, orange juice, honey, and seasonings.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet. Mix orange juice, honey, and butter to make the glaze.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brush it with the orange glaze. Bake for 30-45 minutes, basting every 10-15 minutes.
The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside. The glaze will create a sticky, flavorful coating on the chicken. Serve hot and enjoy your orange glazed chicken!
14. Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a tasty way to cook bone-in chicken breasts. You’ll love the sweet and salty flavor of the homemade teriyaki sauce.
To make it, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a pot. Simmer until it thickens. Pour this sauce over your chicken in a baking dish.
Bake the chicken in the oven until it’s cooked through. The sauce will create a sticky glaze on the outside. Your chicken will stay moist and tender thanks to the bone.
Serve your teriyaki chicken with rice and veggies for a complete meal. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
15. Mediterranean Chicken
Mediterranean chicken is a tasty dish that brings sunny flavors to your plate. You can make it with bone-in chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
The recipe often includes ingredients like lemon, garlic, and oregano. These give the chicken a bright, zesty taste.
You might also add olives, tomatoes, and zucchini to the pan. This creates a colorful and nutritious meal.
Za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, can add depth to your Mediterranean chicken. It pairs well with the other flavors.
This dish is usually cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy. You can serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Health Benefits of Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Bone-in chicken breasts offer many health benefits. They are packed with nutrients and can be used to make tasty broths.
Nutritional Advantages
Bone-in chicken breasts are rich in protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 26 grams of protein. This helps build and repair muscles.
These cuts also contain B vitamins. B vitamins boost your energy and support brain function. They’re good for your heart too.
Bone-in breasts have more zinc than boneless ones. Zinc helps your immune system work well. It also aids in wound healing.
They’re a good source of selenium. This mineral acts as an antioxidant in your body. It protects your cells from damage.
Bone-Broth Benefits
You can use bone-in chicken breasts to make broth. This broth is full of good stuff for your health.
Chicken bone broth contains collagen. Collagen may help keep your skin looking young. It might also ease joint pain.
The broth has amino acids like glycine. Glycine can help you sleep better. It may also calm your nerves.
Bone broth might boost your gut health. It contains gelatin, which can help heal your digestive tract.
Drinking bone broth may strengthen your bones. It has minerals that your bones need to stay strong.
Cooking Techniques
Bone-in chicken breasts can be prepared using various methods. Each technique brings out different flavors and textures in the meat. Let’s explore some popular cooking approaches.
Grilling Methods
Grilling bone-in chicken breasts adds a smoky flavor and crispy skin. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken before grilling. A simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
Baking Tips
Baking is a foolproof way to cook bone-in chicken breasts. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and season as desired.
Cook for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
To keep the meat moist, try brining the chicken before baking. Mix 1/4 cup salt with 4 cups water. Soak the chicken in this solution for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking bone-in chicken breasts results in tender, flavorful meat. Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Add vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for extra flavor.
Pour in 1/2 cup of liquid – broth, wine, or even water works well. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat should easily pull away from the bone when done. Shred the chicken and use it in soups, salads, or sandwiches.
Flavor Pairings
Bone-in chicken breasts shine when paired with the right flavors. Try these tasty combinations to enhance your next chicken dish.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs add bright flavors to chicken. Rosemary, thyme, and sage work well with roasted chicken. Dried herbs like oregano and basil are great for Mediterranean-style dishes.
For spices, try paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These create a savory crust when mixed with salt and pepper. Cumin and chili powder give chicken a Southwestern flair.
Mix herbs and spices with olive oil to make a rub. Pat it onto the chicken skin before cooking. This helps the flavors stick and creates crispy skin.
Marinades
Marinades infuse chicken with flavor and keep it moist. A basic marinade mixes oil, acid, and seasonings.
For oil, use olive oil or vegetable oil. Lemon juice, vinegar, or wine provide acidity. Add minced garlic, herbs, and spices for extra flavor.
Try a honey-mustard marinade with Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. For Asian flair, mix soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
Marinate chicken for 2-8 hours in the fridge. Don’t marinate too long or the meat can get mushy.
Sauces
Sauces add moisture and flavor to cooked chicken. Creamy sauces like garlic parmesan work well with roasted chicken.
Make a pan sauce after cooking chicken. Remove the chicken and add wine or broth to the pan. Scrape up browned bits and simmer to reduce. Finish with butter for richness.
BBQ sauce is great for grilled or baked chicken. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
For a lighter option, try a fresh salsa or herb sauce. Chimichurri, made with parsley and garlic, adds bright flavor to grilled chicken.