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Quick and Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

From the stovetop to the crockpot, these easy chicken breast recipes prove that this humble protein deserves a place on your table.

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. 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.

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 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
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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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