15 Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Boneless chicken breasts are a fantastic option for quick and healthy meals. These versatile cuts of meat can be prepared in many ways, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a little creativity, you can turn simple chicken breasts into delicious dishes that everyone will enjoy.
From grilling to baking, there are countless recipes to explore. You’ll find that boneless chicken breasts absorb flavors well, allowing for a variety of seasonings and marinades. Whether you prefer something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a recipe out there to satisfy your cravings.
1) Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a delicious dish featuring boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich mushroom wine sauce. The sauce is made with Marsala wine, which gives it a unique flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
To make this dish, start by lightly frying the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add sliced mushrooms and Marsala wine to the pan. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
This meal is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Serve it with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add mushrooms and pour in Marsala wine.
- Simmer until chicken is no longer pink, about 10 minutes (165°F or 74°C).
2) Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious dish that combines tender boneless chicken breast, ham, and Swiss cheese. It’s a great choice for dinner when you want something tasty and impressive.
To make this dish, start by flattening your chicken breasts to make them easier to roll. Then, layer ham and cheese on top before rolling the chicken tightly.
You can bake it in the oven or pan-fry it for a crispy outer layer. Both methods keep the inside juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of oil (for frying)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet.
- Layer ham and cheese on each breast.
- Roll up the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken on all sides.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
3) Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is a delicious and easy dish you can make at home. It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a lemony sauce with capers. The sauce complements the chicken perfectly and adds great flavor.
To get started, you’ll need to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Next, you will dredge the chicken in flour. This adds a nice texture and helps create a flavorful crust when you cook it.
The last steps involve cooking the chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Then, you’ll make the sauce in the same skillet, bringing in the lemon juice and capers for that signature taste.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thick.
- Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan.
- Cook for another minute and serve, garnished with parsley.
4) Honey Soy Chicken with Broccoli
Honey soy chicken with broccoli is a tasty and simple dish. It combines tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce. This meal is perfect for busy nights.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need boneless chicken breasts, broccoli, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and olive oil.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and cornstarch. Cook the chicken in a skillet until lightly browned. Add the broccoli and cook until it turns bright green.
Pour in the honey soy mixture and let it cook until the sauce thickens. Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the honey soy mixture and stir for 1 minute until thickened.
5) Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a delicious dish that mixes tender chicken with creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
You start by cooking boneless chicken breasts, seasoned with Cajun spices. This gives your dish a bit of heat and flavor.
Next, you’ll combine the chicken with fettuccine pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce. The creamy texture makes it even more delightful.
To finish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color and extra taste.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then add to sauce.
- Mix well and garnish with parsley before serving.
6) Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. The bright flavor of lemon combined with garlic makes it a favorite. You can prepare it quickly, perfect for busy nights.
Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet and add minced garlic. Cook your chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes, until it’s browned on both sides.
Next, add chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to the pan. Bring it to a boil and let the chicken cook through. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Serve this dish with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet and add minced garlic.
- Cook chicken for 10-12 minutes, browning on both sides.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring to a boil.
- Cook until chicken is done. Enjoy!
7) Baked Pesto-Stuffed Chicken
Baked pesto-stuffed chicken is a tasty and easy dish you can prepare for dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful pesto and cheese filling. It is perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight meal.
To start, you will need to cut pockets in your chicken breasts and fill them with a mix of pesto and cheese. Coat the chicken with olive oil and season with salt for extra flavor. Baking the chicken allows the flavors to blend and the meat to stay juicy.
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken until it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut pockets in the thick side of each chicken breast.
- Mix pesto and cheese in a bowl.
- Fill each pocket with the pesto mixture.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
8) Chipotle Lime Chicken
This Chipotle Lime Chicken is packed with flavor. It combines the smokiness of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime. You can use boneless chicken breasts for a juicy and tender result.
Start by marinating your chicken in a mix of lime juice, minced garlic, and chipotle peppers. The marinade helps keep the chicken moist while adding a spicy kick.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This will give you a nice char while keeping the inside juicy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, garlic, chipotle, olive oil, honey, and salt.
- Add chicken to the marinade. Coat well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
9) Honey Butter Chicken
Honey Butter Chicken is a tasty dish that’s both sweet and savory. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
To make this dish, start with boneless chicken breasts. You’ll cook them until golden brown. The delicious honey butter sauce adds a delightful flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
You can serve Honey Butter Chicken with rice or vegetables on the side. This meal is sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: soy sauce and garlic for added flavor
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden.
- In another pan, melt butter and mix in honey.
- Pour the honey butter sauce over cooked chicken.
- Serve hot.
10) Red Curry Chicken
Red curry chicken is a flavorful dish that’s both simple and delicious. The combination of coconut milk and red curry paste adds a rich taste to tender chicken. You can serve it with rice for a complete meal.
To start, heat some oil in a pan. Add cubed boneless chicken breasts and cook until they turn white. Then, mix in red curry paste and coconut milk. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
You can customize the recipe by adding veggies like bell peppers or green beans. This not only adds color but also nutrients. Enjoy a tasty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional: bell peppers, green beans
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Add the chicken and cook until it turns white.
- Stir in the red curry paste and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add vegetables if desired and cook until tender.
11) Basil Chicken Salad
Basil chicken salad is a fresh and tasty dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can make it with cooked, chopped boneless chicken breasts for a quick meal.
Start by mixing cooked chicken, chopped celery, green onions, and basil in a bowl. This adds flavor and crunch.
For dressing, combine mayonnaise with your favorite seasonings. Gently toss the chicken mixture in the dressing.
Serve the salad on a bed of spinach. Sprinkle with pine nuts for extra texture and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, chopped boneless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- Mayonnaise (to taste)
- Spinach leaves (for serving)
- Pine nuts (for topping)
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, green onions, and basil.
- Add mayonnaise and mix gently.
- Place spinach on serving plates.
- Spoon chicken mixture onto spinach.
- Top with pine nuts and serve.
12) Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a tasty and quick meal you can make at home. Using boneless chicken breasts makes it easy and flavorful.
You’ll start by seasoning the chicken and preparing a creamy sauce with spices like garam masala. The Instant Pot makes cooking this dish fast and simple.
You can serve this butter chicken over rice or with naan bread. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken, tomato sauce, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (210°F / 99°C).
- Quick release the pressure and stir in the heavy cream.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan.
13) Air Fryer Spiced Chicken
Air fryer spiced chicken is a quick and tasty dish you can easily prepare. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, making it a healthy option for dinner.
Start by seasoning your chicken with your favorite spices. You can use garlic powder, paprika, or any herbs you love. Drizzle some olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to enhance the flavors.
Cook the chicken in your air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) before serving.
14) Sheet Pan Garlic Chicken
Sheet Pan Garlic Chicken is an easy and delicious meal. You’ll enjoy the flavors of tender chicken and roasted veggies all cooked in one pan.
You’ll need boneless chicken breasts, garlic, potatoes, and your choice of vegetables. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the ingredients together in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings. Spread them out on a sheet pan for even cooking.
Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be fork-tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450 g) potatoes, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., green beans, carrots)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine chicken, garlic, potatoes, and mixed vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread mixture on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
15) One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken is a simple and tasty recipe. It combines chicken breasts with fluffy rice, all cooked in one pot. This makes cleanup easy!
You’ll start by browning the chicken in a bit of butter. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Next, add jasmine rice and some chicken broth. The lemon juice gives it a bright taste that makes it stand out.
Let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy.
This meal is perfect for busy nights. You can serve it with your favorite veggies on the side too.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Brown chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add rice, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.