Chicken breasts are a go-to ingredient for many home cooks. They’re easy to find, affordable, and simple to prepare.
With the right recipes, you can turn this basic protein into exciting meals your family will love.
These 35 chicken breast recipes will give you plenty of options to keep dinner interesting. You’ll find dishes ranging from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate weekend creations.
Whether you prefer baked, grilled, or pan-seared chicken, there’s a recipe here to suit your tastes and cooking skills.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Grilled lemon herb chicken is a tasty and easy meal. You start by marinating chicken breasts in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
Popular herbs for this dish include rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least an hour.
When you’re ready to cook, fire up the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until it’s cooked through.
The result is juicy chicken with a bright, zesty flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Honey garlic chicken breast is a tasty dish you can make in just 12 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious.
To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts, flour, salt, pepper, and a simple sauce. The sauce uses honey, garlic, and a few other pantry staples.
Start by pounding the chicken to 1/2-inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly.
Then coat it in the flour mixture and cook it in a pan.
For the sauce, mix honey, minced garlic, and other ingredients. Pour this over the chicken as it cooks. The sauce will thicken into a yummy glaze.
You can add frozen veggies or make it spicy with red pepper flakes if you want. Serve your honey garlic chicken with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a tasty dish you can make in just 30 minutes. Start by seasoning chicken breasts with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Set the chicken aside and use the same pan to cook garlic, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Make a creamy sauce by adding butter and heavy cream to the pan. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce until fully cooked.
This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can serve it over pasta or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan takes a classic dish to the next level. You start by cutting a pocket in chicken breasts and filling them with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Next, coat the stuffed chicken in flour, eggs, and a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
Place the fried chicken in a baking dish with tomato sauce. Top with more cheese and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This dish combines crispy breading, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce for a delicious twist on traditional Chicken Parmesan. Serve it with pasta or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
5. Baked Pesto Chicken
Baked pesto chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make for dinner. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
Spread pesto sauce over chicken breasts in a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for extra flavor.
Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes until it’s fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken before baking.
You can add sliced tomatoes on top of the pesto for more color and taste. This dish goes well with pasta or a fresh salad.
6. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
This tasty dish combines tangy lemon, savory garlic, and rich butter to create a mouthwatering chicken breast meal. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare.
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Make the sauce by melting butter in the pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and let it simmer.
Pour the sauce over your chicken breasts. Let them cook for a few more minutes, soaking up all the flavors.
Serve your lemon garlic butter chicken with your favorite sides. Rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad all work well.
7. Teriyaki Chicken Breast
Teriyaki chicken breast is a flavorful and easy dish you can make at home. You’ll need chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce, and a few simple ingredients.
To prepare, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in.
You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For extra flavor, brush more teriyaki sauce on the chicken while it cooks. This creates a delicious glaze.
Serve your teriyaki chicken with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a tasty alternative to takeout that you can easily make yourself.
8. Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken tenders are a tasty twist on plain chicken breasts. You can make them easily at home.
Start by cutting chicken breasts into strips or use pre-cut tenders.
Coat the chicken in seasoned flour, then dip in egg and flour again. Fry the tenders until golden brown and crispy.
For the buffalo sauce, mix hot sauce with melted butter. Toss the fried tenders in this spicy sauce. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
These tenders are perfect for game day snacks or a fun weeknight dinner. They’re crispy, saucy, and full of flavor.
9. Caprese Chicken Skillet
Caprese Chicken Skillet brings Italian flavors to your dinner table. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
To make it, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook them in a skillet with olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side.
Top the cooked chicken with basil pesto, mozzarella slices, and tomato slices. Put the skillet in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts.
For extra flavor, drizzle balsamic reduction over the dish before serving. Pair it with a side salad or pasta for a complete meal.
10. Crispy Chicken Schnitzel
Chicken schnitzel is a tasty dish you can easily make at home. Start by pounding chicken breasts thin. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Next, coat the chicken in flour, then dip in beaten eggs. Finally, cover it with seasoned breadcrumbs. The triple coating creates an extra crispy exterior.
Pan-fry the coated chicken in oil until golden brown on both sides. For a healthier option, you can bake it in the oven instead.
Serve your crispy schnitzel with lemon wedges and a side salad. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
11. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 35 minutes. Start by pounding chicken breasts thin and dredging them in flour.
Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove the chicken and make a sauce in the same pan. Add wine, capers, lemon juice, and chicken stock. Simmer to reduce slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it warm in the sauce. The result is tender chicken in a bright, tangy sauce perfect for a weeknight dinner.
12. Honey Mustard Chicken Breast
Honey mustard chicken breast is a tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It combines sweet honey with tangy mustard for a flavorful sauce.
To make it, mix honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Put the chicken in a baking dish and pour the sauce over it.
You can marinate the chicken for an hour or overnight if you have time. This helps the flavors soak in better.
Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until it’s cooked through. The sauce will get sticky and coat the chicken nicely.
This recipe is easy to make and goes well with many side dishes. You can serve it with rice, veggies, or a salad for a complete meal.
13. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish you can make at home. It features chicken breast cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.
To make it, coat thin chicken cutlets in flour and brown them in a pan. Set the chicken aside and cook sliced mushrooms in the same pan.
Add Marsala wine and chicken broth to create a flavorful sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce until fully cooked.
The result is tender chicken in a savory wine sauce. Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta or with a side of vegetables for a satisfying meal.
14. Smothered Chicken Breast
Smothered chicken breast is a tasty Southern dish. You cook the chicken in a flavorful gravy with onions and spices.
Start by seasoning the chicken and coating it in flour. Brown it in a skillet, then set aside. Cook bacon in the same pan, then sauté onions in the drippings.
Make a gravy with broth and seasonings. Add the chicken back to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce. The result is tender chicken covered in rich, creamy gravy.
Serve your smothered chicken over rice or mashed potatoes for a filling meal. It’s comfort food at its best.
15. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese. To make it, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ham slices, and Swiss cheese.
Start by pounding the chicken breasts until they’re about 1/4 inch thick. Season them with salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
Place a slice of ham and folded Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll the chicken around the filling and secure it with toothpicks.
Coat the rolled chicken in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior. You can either bake or fry the chicken cordon bleu.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey cheese and savory ham inside the crispy chicken.
16. Balsamic Chicken Breasts
Balsamic chicken breasts are a tasty and simple meal you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook more evenly.
Mix balsamic vinegar with olive oil, garlic, honey, and herbs like rosemary and basil. Pour this mixture over the chicken in a baking dish.
Bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F inside.
For a creamy version, you can make a sauce with cream and mushrooms. Cook the chicken first, then make the sauce in the same pan. Add the chicken back to warm it up at the end.
17. Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken
You’ll love this tasty chicken dish that combines juicy meat with creamy cheese and nutritious spinach. Start by cutting a pocket in boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Mix together spinach, cheese, and seasonings for the filling. Stuff this mixture into the chicken pockets.
Season the outside of the stuffed breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook them in a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Finish by baking the chicken in the oven until it reaches 165°F internally. This ensures the meat is fully cooked while keeping it moist and flavorful.
18. Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan crusted chicken is a delicious way to dress up plain chicken breasts. You’ll coat the chicken in a crispy mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
To make it, dip chicken breasts in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley or garlic powder to the coating.
Bake the chicken in a 375°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The result is juicy chicken with a crunchy, cheesy crust.
This dish pairs well with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
19. Maple Dijon Chicken
Maple Dijon chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors. You’ll love how the maple syrup and Dijon mustard create a delicious glaze for the chicken.
To make this recipe, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for better cooking.
Coat the chicken with the maple-Dijon mixture and bake it in the oven at 400°F. The high heat helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
You can add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and red onions to make it a complete meal. Roast them alongside the chicken for an easy one-pan dinner.
20. Garlic Butter Stuffed Chicken
This tasty dish combines tender chicken with flavorful garlic butter. Start by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness. Mix softened butter with crushed garlic and herbs.
Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff it with the garlic butter mixture. Seal the opening with toothpicks. Dip the stuffed chicken in flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Bake the coated chicken at 375°F for about 25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The result is juicy chicken with a crispy exterior and a rich, garlicky center.
21. Coconut Curry Chicken Breast
Coconut curry chicken breast is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts, curry powder, coconut milk, and various spices.
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in a pan until browned.
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic.
Add curry powder, ginger, and other spices. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan and let it cook in the sauce until fully done.
Serve your coconut curry chicken breast over rice for a satisfying meal.
22. Lemon Asparagus Chicken
Lemon Asparagus Chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make in one pan. It combines tender chicken breast with crisp asparagus and zesty lemon flavors.
Start by seasoning chicken breasts and searing them in a hot skillet. This creates a golden-brown crust on the outside.
Add fresh asparagus spears to the pan with the chicken. Squeeze lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with garlic for extra flavor.
Bake the chicken and asparagus together until the chicken is cooked through. The asparagus will become tender but still have a slight crunch.
This meal is both healthy and delicious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without much fuss.
23. BBQ Pineapple Chicken
BBQ Pineapple Chicken is a tasty twist on classic barbecue chicken. It combines sweet pineapple with tangy barbecue sauce for a flavor-packed meal.
To make this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and pineapple. You can use fresh or canned pineapple chunks.
Bake the chicken in the oven with the BBQ sauce and pineapple. The result is juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze.
This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can serve it with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
24. Chicken Alfredo Bake
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting dish that combines pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
Start by cooking your pasta and adding frozen peas in the last minute. Mix the cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce, milk, cooked chicken, and cheese.
Pour this mixture into a baking dish. Top with more cheese for extra gooey goodness. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
The result is a hot, bubbly casserole with golden cheese on top. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a filling meal.
25. Mediterranean Chicken Breast
Mediterranean chicken breast is a tasty and healthy dish. You can make it easily at home with common ingredients.
To prepare, marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Oregano and parsley work well for flavor.
Grill or bake the chicken until it’s juicy and cooked through. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the breasts.
For extra zest, try adding za’atar spice blend before cooking. It gives a unique Mediterranean flair.
Serve your chicken with a side of tomatoes and olives for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
26. Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce
Chicken breast with mushroom sauce is a tasty and simple meal. You start by cooking chicken breasts in a pan until golden brown. Then you make a creamy sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and herbs.
The sauce uses ingredients like cream, broth, and white wine. This gives it a rich flavor that goes well with the chicken. You can add different mushrooms like button, cremini, or shiitake for variety.
This dish is quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy mushroom sauce keeps the chicken moist and adds lots of flavor.
27. Spicy Peanut Chicken Stir Fry
This dish combines tender chicken with a zesty peanut sauce. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures.
Start by whisking peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and spices in a bowl. This creates your flavorful sauce.
Cook chicken in a hot wok or skillet until it’s no longer pink. Add bell peppers and broccoli for color and crunch.
Pour the peanut sauce over everything and let it bubble. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken and veggies.
Garnish with chopped peanuts for extra crunch. Serve your spicy peanut chicken stir fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal.
28. Feta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Feta and spinach stuffed chicken breasts offer a tasty twist on plain chicken. This dish combines tangy feta cheese with nutritious spinach for a flavorful filling.
To make it, cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Mix feta, spinach, and herbs for the stuffing. Carefully fill each pocket with the mixture.
Season the outside of the chicken with spices like garlic powder and paprika. Cook the stuffed breasts in a skillet or bake them in the oven until done.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. It’s both delicious and impressive, yet simple to prepare. You can serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
29. Chipotle Lime Chicken Breasts
This zesty chicken dish combines smoky chipotle flavors with tangy lime. Mix olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, cilantro, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and honey for the marinade.
Let the chicken soak in the mixture for 2-6 hours in the fridge. This helps the flavors really sink in.
Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. Keep brushing it with the marinade as it cooks.
Your chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
30. Almond Crusted Chicken
Almond crusted chicken is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. To prepare it, you’ll need chicken breasts, ground almonds, and some seasonings.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Mix ground almonds with Parmesan cheese, spices, and herbs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat an egg.
Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat it with the almond mixture. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The almond crust will give your chicken a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
31. Lemon Dill Chicken
Lemon dill chicken is a tasty and easy dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It combines the bright flavors of lemon and dill with juicy chicken breasts.
To make it, you’ll need chicken breasts, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken in a baking dish and squeeze lemon juice over it. Sprinkle on chopped dill, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until it’s cooked through. The result is a light, flavorful main dish that pairs well with many sides.
32. Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs
Garlic mushroom chicken thighs are a tasty and quick meal you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by seasoning chicken thighs and cooking them in a skillet until golden brown.
Remove the chicken and add sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook them until tender, then add minced garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
Make a creamy sauce by whisking together chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Add the chicken back to the pan and let everything simmer together.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
33. Pineapple Glazed Chicken
Pineapple glazed chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love how the tropical fruit complements the tender chicken breast.
To make this recipe, start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Brown them in a skillet with oil for about 4 minutes on each side.
For the glaze, mix pineapple juice, honey, and soy sauce. Add a touch of curry powder for extra flavor. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Cover and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, basting it with the sauce occasionally. This creates a delicious glaze and keeps the meat moist.
Serve your pineapple glazed chicken with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
34. Rosemary Chicken Breast
Rosemary chicken breast is a tasty and simple dish. You can make it in the oven or air fryer. Start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Sprinkle fresh rosemary over the chicken. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Place the chicken in a baking dish or air fryer basket.
For oven cooking, bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. In an air fryer, cook at 380°F for around 20 minutes. Cook times may vary based on chicken thickness.
The result is juicy chicken with a lovely herb flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or dinner party.
35. Fiery Szechuan Chicken
Spice up your dinner with this zesty Szechuan chicken dish. Start by marinating chicken pieces in a mix of soy sauce and cornstarch. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
Stir-fry the chicken until it browns. Add bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the pan. For the signature Szechuan flavor, toss in dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns.
Create a sauce using hoisin, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry everything together until the sauce coats the ingredients evenly. Serve your fiery Szechuan chicken hot for a tasty meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a nutritional powerhouse that can boost your health in many ways. It provides essential nutrients to support your body and fitness goals.
High Protein Content
Chicken breast is packed with protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 26 grams of protein. This helps you build and repair muscles.
Protein also keeps you full longer. This can help with weight control. It supports healthy bones and skin too.
Chicken breast protein has all nine essential amino acids your body needs. These amino acids play key roles in many body functions.
Low Fat and Calories
Chicken breast is a lean meat choice. A 3-ounce serving has only about 3 grams of fat and 140 calories.
This makes it great for weight loss or maintenance. You can eat filling portions without excess calories.
The low fat content is mostly healthy unsaturated fats. These fats support heart health when eaten in place of saturated fats.
Vitamins and Minerals
Chicken breast offers many important vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in B vitamins, especially niacin, B6, and B12.
These B vitamins help your body turn food into energy. They also support brain function and red blood cell formation.
Chicken breast provides minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. Selenium acts as an antioxidant. Phosphorus helps build strong bones and teeth. Zinc boosts your immune system.
You’ll also get some iron from chicken breast. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood and prevents anemia.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is versatile and can be cooked in many ways. The right technique can make a big difference in taste and texture.
Baking
Baking chicken breast is easy and hands-off. Set your oven to 375°F.
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Put the chicken in a baking dish.
Cook for 20-30 minutes, until the inside reaches 165°F. For juicier chicken, try brining first.
Mix salt and water in a bowl. Soak the chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps keep it moist.
You can also add herbs, spices, or a sauce to boost flavor. Lemon, garlic, and rosemary work well. Brush on some olive oil to help the seasonings stick.
Grilling
Grilling gives chicken a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Start with a clean, oiled grill. Heat it to medium-high.
Season your chicken and place it on the grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side.
Don’t move the chicken too much. This helps create those nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
For extra flavor, try a marinade. Mix oil, acid (like lemon juice), and spices. Let the chicken sit in it for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling.
Sautéing
Sautéing is quick and great for weeknight meals.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breast.
Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
For thin, even cooking, pound the chicken to 1/4 inch thick. This helps it cook faster and more evenly. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
Try adding veggies to the pan for a complete meal.
Onions, peppers, and mushrooms work well. Cook them with the chicken or after it’s done.