15 Easy Chicken Breast Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

15 Easy Chicken Breast Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Easy chicken breast recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a variety of tasty dishes that your family will love.

A cutting board with raw chicken breast, surrounded by various fresh herbs, spices, and cooking utensils

Whether you’re looking for something quick and comforting or a dish to impress guests, there are countless options available. From baking and grilling to stir-frying, these recipes make it easy to enjoy chicken in many ways.

Grab your apron and get ready to whip up some scrumptious meals!

1) Quick Lemon Pepper Chicken

A sizzling chicken breast seasoned with lemon pepper in a hot skillet

Quick Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple dish that packs a lot of flavor. You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes!

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning. The fresh lemon adds a bright taste that makes the chicken delicious.

Start by marinating the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil. Then, sprinkle lemon pepper over the chicken before cooking. Pan-frying works best for a crispy finish.

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet.
  4. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
  5. Season with lemon pepper and salt before serving. Enjoy!

2) Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet

A sizzling skillet with golden-brown chicken breasts in a honey garlic sauce, surrounded by fresh herbs and colorful vegetables

Honey garlic chicken skillet is a delicious and simple dish you can make in about 30 minutes. The sweet and savory flavors of honey, soy sauce, and garlic come together to create an amazing sauce that makes the chicken really tasty.

To start, you’ll need chicken breasts. Slicing them into cutlets helps them cook evenly and quickly. Then, season the chicken and coat it in flour for a nice crust.

In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. While the chicken cooks, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.

Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce over it and let it simmer until thickened. This will give your chicken a wonderful glaze.

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper
  • Flour, for dredging
  • Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into cutlets.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge chicken in flour.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
  6. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
  7. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer until thickened.

3) Pesto-Stuffed Baked Chicken

A golden-brown chicken breast, sliced open to reveal vibrant green pesto oozing out, surrounded by fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet

Pesto-stuffed baked chicken is a delicious and simple meal. You can fill chicken breasts with pesto and cheese, making them flavorful and juicy. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

To start, you’ll need to create pockets in the chicken breasts. Fill them with a mixture of pesto, mozzarella cheese, and sundried tomatoes for added flavor.

Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Ensure the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for the best taste.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Create pockets in each chicken breast.
  4. Stuff each pocket with pesto and mozzarella cheese.
  5. Add chopped sundried tomatoes.
  6. Place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until done.

4) Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A golden-brown chicken breast coated in crispy parmesan crust, resting on a bed of fresh herbs and surrounded by colorful vegetables

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe. You will love how crispy the coating gets while keeping the chicken juicy inside. It’s perfect for dinner or even as a tasty sandwich!

To make this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. The mix gives you that satisfying crunch when you bite in.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In one bowl, beat the egg and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In another bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
  4. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Place on a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

5) Spicy Cajun Chicken Breasts

A sizzling Cajun chicken breast cooking on a hot grill, surrounded by colorful spices and herbs

Spicy Cajun chicken breasts are a delicious way to bring bold flavors to your table. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a perfect kick. With just a few simple steps, you can have a tasty meal ready in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and a little oil. This keeps them juicy and flavorful as they cook.

Place the chicken in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.

For an extra touch, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end to get crispy edges.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
  3. Place chicken in the oven.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Broil for a few minutes for crispy edges, if desired.

6) Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A sizzling skillet of golden-brown chicken bites coated in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a tasty option for busy nights. They’re quick to make and are packed with flavor. Perfect over pasta or rice, this dish will impress your family.

You can make these chicken bites in just 15 minutes. Start with tender chicken pieces coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s a one-pan recipe, which makes clean-up easy!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add chicken bites, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is golden brown.
  5. Serve with chopped parsley if desired.

7) Salsa Chicken in Crockpot

A crockpot filled with seasoned chicken breasts and salsa simmers on a kitchen counter. Chopped vegetables and spices sit nearby

Salsa chicken in the crockpot is a simple and delicious option for dinner. You only need a few ingredients, and it cooks while you do other things.

Start by placing chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour your favorite salsa over the top. You can add taco seasoning for extra flavor.

Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (about 93°C to 100°C) or on high for 3 to 4 hours (about 149°C to 160°C). The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.

Once it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken. Serve it in tacos, on rice, or with veggies.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
  2. Pour salsa over the chicken.
  3. Add taco seasoning if desired.
  4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Shred the chicken and serve as desired.

8) Chicken Marsala Delight

A sizzling chicken breast cooks in a savory Marsala wine sauce, surrounded by mushrooms and herbs

Chicken Marsala is a simple and tasty dish that brings Italian flavors to your table. The dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

To start, you need skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can pound them to an even thinness for even cooking. Next, cook the chicken in a skillet until golden brown.

After that, add mushrooms and pour in the Marsala wine. Let it simmer to create a savory sauce that’s both creamy and rich. Serve this delightful dish with pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Marsala wine
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
  3. Cook the chicken until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Add mushrooms and sauté until soft.
  5. Pour in the Marsala wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

9) Tangy Lemon Herb Chicken

A sizzling lemon herb chicken breast cooks on a hot grill, surrounded by fresh herbs and citrus slices

Tangy Lemon Herb Chicken is a simple and delicious recipe. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a zesty lemon herb marinade. The bright flavors make it a great choice for any weeknight dinner.

To prepare, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit. This allows the flavors to soak in, making the chicken extra tasty.

You can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
  3. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade.
  4. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken in a baking dish.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).

10) Savory Baked Chicken Cutlets

Golden brown chicken cutlets sizzling in a hot oven. A sprinkle of herbs and spices adds flavor

Savory baked chicken cutlets are easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. You can enjoy them with your favorite sides. The recipe keeps the chicken moist while providing great flavor.

For this dish, you will need boneless skinless chicken breasts. Season them with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. For a crispy coating, use flour mixed with an egg mixture made of eggs and Dijon mustard.

Bake the cutlets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs
  • Dijon mustard

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets.
  3. Season the cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Prepare an egg mixture with eggs and Dijon mustard.
  5. Dip cutlets in flour, then the egg mixture, and back to flour.
  6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.

11) One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli

A skillet sizzling with seasoned chicken breasts, surrounded by vibrant green broccoli florets, simmering in a savory broth

One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy nights. You can make it all in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you.

Start by cooking chicken breasts in olive oil until they are golden brown. Add minced garlic and ginger for flavor. Then, toss in broccoli and just enough chicken broth to cook the rice.

Let everything simmer together. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty dish that’s full of nutrients. It’s a complete meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for another minute.
  4. Add broccoli and chicken broth.
  5. Stir in rice and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Fluff the rice and serve. Enjoy!

12) Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

A skillet sizzling with creamy garlic-coated chicken thighs, surrounded by fresh herbs and colorful vegetables

Creamy garlic chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The juicy chicken thighs cook well and soak up all the tasty flavors from the sauce.

To make them, start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, sear the thighs in a hot skillet until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Next, add heavy cream and minced garlic to the pan. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens. It’s perfect served with rice or pasta to soak up all the creamy goodness.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.

13) Sweet and Sour Chicken

A sizzling skillet of sweet and sour chicken with colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks, garnished with green onions

Sweet and sour chicken is a favorite for many. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delicious blend of flavors that everyone loves.

You can use chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. The chicken is typically stir-fried and then coated in a tangy sauce.

This recipe can also include colorful vegetables like bell peppers and pineapples. They add sweetness and crunch to the dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
  3. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
  4. Stir in bell peppers and pineapple. Cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce and cook until heated through.

14) Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken

A sheet pan lined with parchment paper holds seasoned chicken breasts, surrounded by colorful vegetables and fresh herbs, ready for roasting

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal. By combining chicken breasts with colorful vegetables, you create a full dinner on one tray.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat the sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, season them with your favorite spices. You can add paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper.

Chop up some fresh veggies like bell peppers and onions to roast alongside the chicken. Spread everything on the pan and drizzle with a little olive oil.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a sheet pan with foil.
  3. Season chicken with spices.
  4. Chop vegetables and add to the pan.
  5. Drizzle everything with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

15) Classic Chicken Piccata

A sizzling chicken breast in a golden-brown sauce, garnished with capers and lemon slices, served on a white plate with a side of green vegetables

Classic Chicken Piccata is a bright and delicious dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love its tangy lemon flavor and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

To start, slice and pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. After that, season them with salt and pepper before dredging them in flour.

In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Then, cook the chicken until it turns golden brown on both sides. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and prepare the sauce with lemon juice and capers.

Serve the chicken with the sauce poured over the top. It pairs well with pasta or a fresh salad.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Slice chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet.
  5. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  6. Remove chicken and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and lemon juice.
  8. Stir in capers.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
  10. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Similar Posts