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Quick and Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

These easy chicken breast recipes are the best! From the stovetop to the oven and many more, they are simple chicken recipes perfect for quick dinner ideas.

A collage of photos with quick and easy chicken breast recipes.
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The Versatility of Chicken Breast

I know chicken breasts sometimes gets overlooked for their more flavorful counterpart, chicken thighs or even whole roasted chicken.

I, however, think the chicken breast reigns supreme for adaptability. I love how many different ways I can cook a chicken breast and how it absorbs flavor through simple seasoning or in a marinade. Plus, the possibilities are endless for ways to cut, shred, slice or dice it; and I love them all.

I always keep chicken breasts in my freezer for those nights I need a quick dinner, because I know I can make any of these easy chicken breast recipes in the oven, stovetop, crockpot, or grill in a pinch.

How to Tell a Chicken Breast is Cooked

This is an important question and one that really matters when cooking a chicken breast recipe. Undercooked chicken is a big no-no for health reasons, while overcooked chicken breast can be dry and flavorless. Thankfully, there are two surefire ways to know when a chicken breast is cooked.

  • Digital thermometer. A chicken breast is cooked when the internal temperature reads 165°F on a digital thermometer inserted in the center.
  • Clear juices. When the juice runs clear instead of pink, the chicken breast is ready to eat. Don’t slice the chicken breast into slices, however, until it has a chance to rest properly or it will be dry.

FAQs

What is the secret to juicy chicken breast?

While brining your chicken in salt and water for at least 30 minutes does ensure a tender chicken breast sometimes we don’t have that type of time! In that case investing in an instant read meat thermometer is the next best thing for perfectly cooked chicken breast that is juicy and tender. The USDA Food Safety recommends that chicken breast be cooked to 165°F degrees. Removing your chicken breast a few degrees before it reaches 165°F and then covering with foil, will ensure it stays moist and allow it to raise the remainder temp until done.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast without drying it out?

Cooking chicken breast quickly over high heat can help it stay moist. Baking, grilling, cooking in the skillet or stir-frying chicken breast are all great ways to ensure it does not get overcooked.

What meals can be made from chicken breast?

There are so many types of chicken breast recipes that you can make meals from! You can make skillet, grilled or baked chicken breast. You can stuff chicken breast, make chicken soup recipes, chicken salad recipes, chicken pasta recipes, chicken casseroles and even use leftover chicken to make meals. Save this list and visit it often when you need chicken breast recipes for dinner!

What can I add to chicken breast to make it taste better?

A marinade can impart so much flavor as well as seasoning. This easy chicken marinade is a flavorful combination of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic and spices and one of our favorites. Some of my favorite seasonings for chicken breast recipes include this lemon pepper seasoning and Greek seasoning.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipes

The oven is a great way to bake chicken breast that is stuffed, put in a pastry, covered in a sauce, or rolled up. Since I don’t need to stand over the stove, I have more time to focus on making sides or setting the table.

Sliced baked chicken breast on a white plate with fork.

Stovetop Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas

I am a huge fan of quick dinner recipes, especially on busy weeknights, and these stovetop chicken breast recipes make it easy to make a meal.

Chicken alfredo in a bowl with fettuccini noodles.

One-Pan Simple Chicken Breast Recipes

Who has time for cleaning multiple pots and pans? Not me. That is why I love any meal that requires just one pot or pan. These easy chicken breast recipes make it so simple to cook and clean with very little effort.

Sheet pan chicken and potatoes on counter.

Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipes

Is there anything better than dinner that is already ready when it’s time to eat? Most of these easy chicken breast recipes take less than 10 minutes of prep time but taste like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Crockpot chicken fajitas in a white pot.

Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes

I love the flavor you get when you grill, and these easy chicken breast recipes are super simple to make and are sure to become your summer staples.

Greek chicken kabobs on the grill.

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A collage photos with quick and easy chicken breast recipes.

Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

5 from 4 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
From the stovetop to the crockpot, these easy chicken breast recipes prove that this humble protein deserves a place on your table. This is one of my favorite ways to cook chicken breast that can be used in a myriad of other recipes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , plus more to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If you have extra time, brine your chicken (see notes below).
  • Place the chicken breasts between 2 pieces of parchment paper or in a zip-top bag. Lightly pound with a mallet or rolling pin until the chicken is an even thickness. I prefer mine about 1-inch thick. Trim any fat and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the chicken and then cover evenly with the seasonings. Place in the baking dish.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to absorb. Do not skip this step or your chicken will not be as juicy. Serve while warm.

Notes

Brining chicken: To make your chicken even juicier, try soaking it in a brine before cooking. I love to do this when I have extra time. Simply fill a large bowl with lukewarm water (not hot) with 3 to 4 Tablespoons Kosher salt. Place the chicken in and let sit 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry. 
Chicken: You may also use chicken thighs, but for this recipe I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breast. 
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months.  If freezing, I prefer to slice first. When ready to eat, allow the chicken to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or the oven at 200°F for 10 minutes, or until warm. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 442mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 166IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

The Full List of Chicken Breast Recipes

Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the delicious chicken breast recipes mentioned above.

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Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
This homemade chicken pot pie is the best comfort food! With a flaky pie crust, tender chicken, savory vegetables and an easy creamy sauce.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Sliced baked chicken breast on a white plate with fork.
Oven Baked Chicken Breast
This is the juiciest and most flavorful easy oven baked chicken breast recipe! It's made with or without a brine, a handful of simple seasonings, then baked to perfection every time!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
A classic take on chicken cordon bleu with tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese then coated in breadcrumbs, baked and served with a creamy Dijon sauce.
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
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Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Oven baked chicken parmesan is a quick and easy take on the classic recipe. It's crispy on the outside and topped with fresh mozzarella and basil. Your whole family will it!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Chicken doesn’t have to be bland and with this spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe, you can enjoy incredibly flavorful tender chicken stuffed with a cheesy spinach filling and cooked until golden brown in under 45 minutes!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Chicken Florentine
This chicken florentine is made with pan seared chicken that is smothered in a rich and creamy spinach sauce. Tomatoes add a pop of color in this dish that is both easy and satisfying!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Baked BBQ Chicken
Juicy and tender baked chicken breast coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze is an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. This is a no fuss baked BBQ chicken recipe made with only 2 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Sweet and Sour Chicken
Skip takeout and make this sweet and sour chicken recipe at home! Made with crispy pan-fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy sauce then baked, it's the perfect weeknight dinner.
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Tender baked lemon chicken coated in a flavorful lemon butter sauce. An easy 30-minute meal that requires only 7 simple ingredients!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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These pizza chicken roll ups are stuffed with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and marinara sauce. A dish the whole family will love!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
Topped with a delicious teriyaki sauce and served with steamed vegetables, this baked teriyaki chicken bowl is a yummy dinner recipe that tastes better than the take-out!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a one-skillet dish made of stir fry chicken, veggies, peanuts, and a flavorful heat. It's coated in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce that gives us every reason to skip the line at Panda Express. Make an even better, quick, and budget-friendly version at home!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Honey Sesame Chicken
Crispy golden chicken bites coated in a glossy sweet and savory sauce made with honey, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and a tangy sauce. This honey sesame chicken comes together quickly any night of the week for a delicious family-friendly meal worth skipping takeout for!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Chicken fettuccine alfredo in a white skillet.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Tender fettuccine noodles covered in a creamy homemade alfredo sauce and then topped with seasoned chicken. This chicken fettuccine alfredo is easily made in under 30 minutes and is loaded with Italian flavor! 
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Crispy parmesan crusted chicken is made with chicken cutlets dredged in a freshly grated Parmesan coating then pan fried until chicken breasts are tender, juicy and golden brown.
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Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort soup on a chilly day. Simple to make and full of delicious flavor. It will become an instant favorite!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This lemon chicken orzo soup is so comforting made with wholesome ingredients including lemon, chicken and healthy vegetables. It's easy to make for a weeknight dinner!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is made in ONE pot in 30 minutes. Always a crowd pleaser and tastes great loaded with cheese, avocado and tortilla chips. 
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe
This Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe is a spot-on copycat version of the original. Complete with the signature flavors of a deliciously seasoned crispy coating tender bites of juicy chicken. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These easy cashew chicken lettuce wraps are made in one pot in just 20 minutes! A better-than-takeout recipe that the whole family will love.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Chicken Gyro
These Greek-style chicken gyros are easy to make at home with marinated chicken and tzatziki sauce piled on warm pita bread.
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Bruschetta Chicken
Juicy and tender seared chicken topped with a flavorful homemade bruschetta made with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This bruschetta chicken is an easy and delicious dinner recipe that has the perfect combination of flavors.
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Lemon Chicken Fettuccine
This lemon chicken fettuccine is a refreshing pasta recipe made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs and a light lemon dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is easy and delicious!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Veggies ...a healthy, EASY and delicious dinner recipe! A meal the whole family will love!
Balsamic Chicken
This one-pan balsamic chicken and veggies is a healthy, EASY and delicious dinner recipe that's full of flavor. A meal the whole family will love!  
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Chicken Marsala
This easy chicken marsala recipe is an Italian-American favorite made with pan-fried chicken, mushrooms and rich marsala wine sauce. Restaurant quality made at home in 30 minutes!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Chicken and Apples
This one pan chicken and apples is an easy and rustic dinner option made with healthy vegetables and apples. This dish is the quintessential fall recipe!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
Sheet pan chicken and potatoes is a simple and delicious meal that can be thrown together quickly. It’s healthy and delicious and best of all, the clean-up is a breeze!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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One Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Tender chunks of ham and chicken combined with flavorful Swiss cheese make this one pan chicken cordon bleu pasta a truly spectacular and easy 30-minute meal!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This one pot chicken parmesan pasta is easy, delicious and one of my go-to dinner recipes! It has all the classic and comforting flavors of chicken parm but in a one-pan pasta dish.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
This sheet pan chicken and veggies is easy to make with tender pieces of chicken, a rainbow of colorful vegetables and herbs and spices all baked on one pan!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These sheet pan chicken fajitas are easy to make with seasoned sliced chicken and bell peppers. Serve this one pan dinner with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
This dump-and-set recipe is an effortless way of making a flavorful Mexican-style dinner any night of the week. Easy crockpot chicken fajitas are made with juicy chicken, taco seasoning, and tender crispy veggies cooked low and slow until the flavors marry and it's ready to serve!
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
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Crockpot Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe
A delicious crockpot chicken tinga tacos recipe that tastes like it came straight from a Mexican restaurant. So easy and only takes 5 minutes to prep. These tinga tacos are authentic and amazing!
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Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
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This crockpot white chicken chili recipe is made with tender chicken, beans, flavorful salsa and a creamy base. Takes just 5 minutes of prep and is great for busy weeknights.
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Jazz up dinnertime with this easy crockpot jambalaya. By combining chicken, sausage, shrimp, and Creole seasoning in a slow cooker, this dish is big on flavor, takes just 15 minutes of prep time, and is sure to wow any crowd!
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A tried and true family favorite recipe that takes just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep! Quick, easy and healthy. These ranch chicken tacos are so juicy, tender and full of flavor!
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Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is one of my favorite crockpot chicken recipes that's quick, flavorful and absolutely delicious. It comes out perfectly tender every time!
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This slow cooker green enchilada soup has everything you love about the classic green chile chicken enchiladas in the form of soup. It only takes about 10 minutes to prep and then the crockpot does all the rest!
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Chicken Vegetable Soup
This chicken vegetable soup is a simple yet hearty recipe that is easy to make in the slow cooker! Made with chicken breasts, vegetables, a flavorful broth and seasonings, it's comfort food in a bowl.
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Grilled Chicken Breast
This easy grilled chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion powder and smoked paprika then finished with a squeeze of lime for tender, juicy and flavorful results every time. This grilled chicken breast recipe will be your new favorite reason to fire up the grill this season.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Pesto Chicken
This pesto chicken is made with baked or grilled chicken breast and homemade basil pesto! With only 2 main ingredients, this low carb dinner is perfect for a weeknight meal.
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This grilled BBQ chicken foil dinner takes 5 simple ingredients and only 30 minutes to make! An EASY and delicious dinner with no clean up. 
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These Greek chicken kabobs are tender, juicy, and infused with a flavorful marinade made in as little as one hour before the meat hits the grill!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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