Need a little chicken dinner inspiration? I’ve gathered the best chicken breast recipes to spark your creativity in the kitchen. These reader favorites transform plain chicken breasts into exciting, flavorful meals with the help of homemade sauces, marinades, and foolproof cooking methods.
Photo: Gayle McLeod
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Breast Recipes
If there’s one protein I always have stocked in my freezer, it’s chicken breast. I like to buy it in bulk when it’s on sale to save money, and it cooks up quickly for easy weeknight meals. A true win-win! Many of these recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less. On top of that, these chicken breast ideas:
- Use the best seasonings and marinades. I’ll show you how to whip up fresh, flavorful chicken marinades and spice blends from scratch. No bottled stuff here!
- Prioritize easy and healthy meals. Two things I always look for when cooking dinner.
- Great for weekly meal prep. Most of these recipes store well for several days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Batch cooking at its finest!
Chicken 101: Poached and Baked Chicken Breast
You can’t deny how great the basics are! When it comes to foolproof, speedy chicken dinners, it’s hard to beat poaching or baking. All you have to do is add a few herbs for a simple yet elevated flavor.
1
Best Baked Chicken Breast
This is hands-down my favorite way to cook chicken breasts. It’s a no-fail recipe packed with an epic seasoning blend that gives your chicken real flavor.
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2
Herb Baked Chicken Breast
Switch up your baked chicken repertoire with loads of fresh herbs for a lighter, aromatic approach.
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3
Easy Poached Chicken
Poached chicken is the secret to juicy, tender meat without any oil. Just toss in a few aromatics and let it gently simmer!
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Best Chicken Breast Recipes (The Classics)
These tried-and-true recipes are the ones you’ll come back to again and again. They’re easy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or a fancy-ish dinner at home!
4
Ultimate Chicken Soup
Whenever I’m under the weather or need something cozy and quick, this soup always hits the spot.
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5
Best White Chicken Chili
Comforting, hearty, and packed with veggies and protein, this one’s a winter favorite I make all year.
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6
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This community favorite combines juicy, Italian-seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce.
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7
Best Chicken Marsala
Mushroom lovers, this one’s for you. It’s rich, savory, and made with a classic Marsala wine sauce.
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8
Chicken Piccata
This Italian-American dish is bright, garlicky, and ready in 30 minutes. Think golden, pan-fried chicken in a lemony wine sauce!
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Easy Chicken Breast Recipes
These are the recipes I turn to when I need dinner in a pinch! But that doesn’t mean it has to be bland. These dinner ideas get creative with spices, sauces, and pantry staples to turn dinner into something delicious.
9
Best Chicken Fajitas
My weeknight MVP! Sautéed chicken with bell peppers and onions served in the ultimate fajita spread.
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10
Most Delicious Teriyaki Chicken
Sounds fancy, but it only takes 20 to 30 minutes to make! The secret? A homemade teriyaki sauce that’s better than takeout.
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11
Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken
If you love a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, this one’s for you. Just make my homemade salsa verde ahead of time and let the slow cooker do the rest.
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12
Kung Pao Chicken
For stir-fry nights, this one’s always a hit. It’s sweet, spicy, and ready in 30 minutes.
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13
Italian Sheet Pan Chicken Breast
One of my favorite sheet pan dinners that’s easy, colorful, and bursting with Italian flavor thanks to my homemade Italian seasoning.
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14
Lemon Pepper Chicken
My personal weeknight favorite. It’s ready in 15 minutes with a bold lemon pepper seasoning and finished in a garlic butter sauce.
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15
Coconut Curry Chicken
Craving something cozy and full of spice? This curry comes together fast with Indian spices and creamy coconut milk.
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16
Turmeric Chicken and Rice Casserole
A healthy one-pan wonder packed with warming spices, sneaky veggies, and tender chicken.
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17
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Think of this as a classic combo, reimagined. Chicken breast, broccoli, and mushrooms are cooked with the creamiest vegan alfredo sauce.
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Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes
There’s nothing like grilled chicken in the summertime. Whether it’s juicy kabobs or hearty salads, these recipes come off the grill with beautiful char and tons of flavor.
18
Grilled Chicken
Marinated in my favorite Italian dressing, these chicken breasts turn out juicy and charred every single time.
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19
Chicken Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad
Dice up the grilled chicken above and toss it into this ultra-satisfying chopped salad! The fresh ranch dressing tops it off perfectly.
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20
Greek Chicken Kabobs
My favorite kabobs to grill for cookouts! Lemon herb marinated chicken is threaded with colorful veggies and dipped into my homemade tzatziki sauce.
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21
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
A simpler (but still delicious) take on Greek kabobs. Pair it with my homemade tzatziki sauce!
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22
Southwest Chicken Salad
Tex-Mex flavors shine in this hearty grilled chicken salad loaded with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy avocado dressing.
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Refreshing Chicken Salads
Chicken is the ultimate protein boost for salads, whether you’re going creamy or crisp and refreshing. Here are a few favorites I make on repeat.
23
Ultimate Chicken Salad
Use your poached chicken here! Toss it with celery, green onion, grapes, and tarragon for the best summer lunch.
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24
Cobb Salad
A classic that never fails with crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and more.
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25
Greek Chicken Salad
All the goodness of a classic Greek salad, but bulked up with juicy grilled chicken slices.
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26
Kale Salad with Apples and Chicken
This one belongs on your holiday table! With massaged kale, apples, dried cherries, and crunchy toppings, it’s fall in a bowl.
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27
Mandarin Chicken Salad
Juicy, sweet, and fresh, this one’s a no-brainer during mandarin orange season!
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If you make any of these chicken breast recipes, I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
These chicken breast recipes will surely spark your creativity in the kitchen. Get started with my fresh and vibrant mandarin chicken salad below!
Calories: 553kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 2271mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 8673IU | Vitamin C: 88mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 4mg
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Recipe roundup originally posted May 2021, but updated to include new recipes I know you’ll love!
