We cook a lot of chicken breast in our house. Not only is it affordable and a great lean protein choice, but it takes well to all different cooking methods and acts as a blank canvas, taking on the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with. Trying to live a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to hectic weeknights or, well, hectic lifestyles. Luckily, each of these chicken breast recipes can be safely stored in your arsenal and enjoyed at a moment’s notice.
Benefits of eating chicken breast
There are plenty of reasons to incorporate chicken into your weekly diet. Here are some of the reasons we love cooking chicken breasts:
Low-calorie and high-protein. Chicken is one of the leanest proteins, with just 110 calories and 24 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving. Packed with nutrients. Chicken breast is rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, to name a few. Affordable. Chicken tends to be one of the cheaper proteins since it’s such a staple in most diets, so it’s a great budget-friendly option. Versatile. Chicken absorbs whatever flavors it’s cooked with, so you can incorporate it as your main protein in everything from stir fries to breakfast sausages.
Tips for buying and storing chicken breasts
Before we get into the recipes, there are a few tips for selecting chicken breasts and storing them so you can always have them on deck.
Buy frozen chicken breasts. Frozen chicken tastes just as good as fresh, though it’s often cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about cooking it right away. Look for the freshest chicken. Fresh chicken breasts should be pink or flesh-colored. Avoid any chicken that’s greying or dull in color. Don’t wash your chicken. Washing chicken increases the chance of contamination since water inevitably splatters and can cover your kitchen with raw chicken juices. No thank you!
Simple grilled and baked chicken breast recipes
When it comes to foolproof chicken recipes, you really can’t beat baking or grilling chicken, especially when you decorate it with subtle seasonings or a delicious marinade.
Baked chicken breast– Good old-fashioned baked chicken breast you can dress up with spice rubs or marinades. Sheet pan chicken and veggies– It doesn’t get more effortless than chicken and veggies cooked together on the same sheet pan. Keto chicken parmesan– If you love chicken parm, you’re going to fall head over heels for this low-carb version made with chicken crusted in almond flour, a rich tomato sauce, and two kinds of cheese. Greek chicken– A light and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired recipe made with chicken breasts marinated in a zesty mix of lemon, olive oil, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Huli Huli chicken– A unique twist on classic grilled chicken, Huli Huli is a Hawaiian-inspired dish with chicken marinated in a tangy ketchup-based marinade.
Chicken breast recipes in 30 minutes or less
We can always count on chicken to make quick and easy meals. Each of these recipes comes together in just 30 minutes and makes for a flavorful and delicious dinner. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any night.
Air fryer chicken breast– When my family and I are on a health kick, the air fryer tends to make a regular appearance. This recipe takes chicken breast and cooks it in 8 minutes, but it tastes like you spent all day working on it. Cast iron chicken breast– When time is of the essence, stick to cast iron chicken. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll get juicy, tender chicken with the perfect crust. Pan-fried chicken breast– Breaded with flour and Italian seasonings, this effortless technique guarantees perfectly crispy yet juicy chicken. It’s perfect for adding to high-protein pasta, salad, or roasted veggies. Chicken parmesan patties– Made with canned chicken breast and fresh green veggies, this effortless recipe comes in under 1 gram of carbs and is the perfect swap for meatballs or burger patties. Instant pot chicken breast– Made in 20 minutes with zero prep work, this takes the trophy for the most effortless chicken breast recipe. Bacon wrapped chicken– Juicy in the middle and ultra crispy on the outside, anything with bacon is always a winner. Parmesan crusted chicken– Crispy, juicy, and seasoned with parmesan and Italian herbs.
Refreshing lunch recipes with chicken
We probably have chicken for lunch more than any other protein since it’s usually good hot or cold and makes for great meal prep.
Asian chicken salad– Enjoy fresh Asian flavors with chicken breast (or chicken tenders) tossed with greens and an irresistibly creamy dressing. Avocado chicken salad– Bite-sized chunks of grilled chicken breast with sweet corn and creamy avocado tossed in a zesty lime dressing. No mayo is needed. Keto chicken salad– Trust me, even my non-keto friends love this creamy chicken salad recipe. Chicken lettuce wraps– Juicy ground chicken is cooked with the perfect blend of spices and piled high on fresh butter lettuce cups. It’s the perfect lunch, appetizer, or dinner recipe. Caesar salad with chicken– I can never resist a good old-fashioned chicken Caesar salad. This recipe is made even more satisfying with hard-boiled eggs and crispy bacon.
Easy chicken skillet dinners
Sometimes, you just need to go big or go home. Each of these recipes takes your average chicken recipe up a notch with elevated ingredients and incredible flavor.
Honey mustard chicken– The sweet and tangy sauce alone is reason enough to make this recipe. Trust me, you’ll want to bottle the stuff! Stuffed chicken breast– Tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with the most delicious cheese and spinach filling. Lemon pepper chicken– Light, bright, and zesty, this easy chicken recipe comes together with 20 minutes (and a handful of simple ingredients). Tuscan chicken– Juicy chicken simmered in a rich cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and spinach. It’s hard to believe it’s super low-carb. Chicken piccata– An Italian classic, chicken piccata is made up of thinly pounded chicken breasts pan-fried in a refreshing lemon caper sauce. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
