Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 1 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More Next
    • 2 The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More Next
    • 3 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More Next
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 45-Minute Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid Approved
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Cooking Questions
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
    • Videos
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done

    Well Done

    See All Well Done
    • Homemade vs. The Internet
    • How-to and Explainers
    • Mom vs.
    • Recipe Videos
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Ingredients Chevron Right
  3. The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Chevron Right
  4. 50 Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

50 Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

Updated January 16, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Johnny Autry and Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

A chicken breast dinner doesn't have to be a boring dinner. Check out some our favorite easy chicken breast recipes for a new take on a classic meal. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Breast Tenders with Garlicky Dipping Sauce

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Breast Tenders with Garlicky Dipping Sauce Recipe

A crunchy coating from a snacktime favorite is sure to win big with the kids--especially when paired with a creamy garlic dip. Honey mustard would be good, too.

1 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Parmesan Chicken Breast Tenders

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Parmesan Chicken Breast Tenders Recipe

We call for chicken breast tenders here to keep things easy, but you can also use skinless, boneless chicken breasts (which are less expensive). Just cut each breast lengthwise into 3 strips. (Cost for 4: $8.61)

2 of 50

3 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Weeknight Lemon Chicken Skillet Dinner

Credit: Justin Walker; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Weeknight Lemon Chicken Skillet Dinner Recipe

It doesn't get much easier, or more satisfying: a complete dinner in one pan in half an hour. Lemon brightens this cozy winter meal.

3 of 50

Advertisement

4 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey and Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe

This is, quite honestly, the only recipe for grilled chicken breasts you’ll ever need. The simple combination of olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a clean, summery flavor profile that brings out the best of lean, white meat. Fresh garlic and red pepper elevate the marinade, as well as the inherent flavor of the bird. Relative to the amount of oil and liquid going in, the amount of each aromatic called for in the marinade may seem like a lot—however, this marinade is intentionally intense by design. Using a marinade this flavor-forward allows for overall less marination, which is what you want when it comes to chicken breasts.

4 of 50

5 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Mojo Grilled Chicken Breasts

Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Mojo Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe

The red onions develop a nice char on the grill, but they finish cooking and develop a depth and sweetness once left to steam. Drizzle any juices from the onion mixture over the grilled chicken. Fresh cilantro and zesty lime add a refreshing brightness to this light summer meal, perfect for the whole family. For a sensitive palate, use less or omit red pepper flakes.

5 of 50

6 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Satay Sauce

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Catherine Crowell Steele; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Satay Sauce Recipe

We turn the traditional appetizer of chicken skewers and dipping sauce into a main course by spooning the satay sauce over sliced grilled chicken breasts. This dish pairs well with Cucumber, Carrot, and Orange Salad.

6 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe

If you need a break from chicken tenders, try this no-fuss, kid-friendly meal that will also please the adults around the table. The creamy sauce is a delicious companion to the chicken and potatoes, and it can be used as a salad dressing as well. Choose pieces of center-cut, not thick-cut bacon because they will wrap around the chicken more easily.

7 of 50

8 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Two spice rack staples—cinnamon and nutmeg—give this chicken a wonderful depth of flavor, and fresh tomatoes, lemons, and herbs add zest. Buy bone-in chicken breasts that are about the same size so that they cook evenly.

8 of 50

9 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sandwich

Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sandwich Recipe

Your favorite fast food sandwich just got a little bit better. Soaked in a tangy, pickle juice solution, the chicken is then dredged in flour and tossed in an egg mixture. After a hot pan sear, the chicken breasts acquire a crispy, crunchy outside, while maintaining a succulent, flavorful interior. Served with toasted buns and adorned with pickle chips, this sandwich will make you seriously wonder why you'd ever go back to the drive-thru.

9 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Credit: Kelsey Hansen; Prop Styling: Kashara Johnson; Food Styling: Adam Hickman and Briana Riddock

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce Recipe

Are you ready for the best chicken enchiladas of your life? While you could use a rotisserie chicken for this cheesy enchilada recipe, poaching chicken breasts in a delicately flavored liquid both creates succulently tender meat (that won’t dry out as the casserole bakes) and adds another layer of flavor to the dish. The key to successful poaching is temperature control; you want to keep your poaching liquid from ever reaching a boil. In fact, you should aim to keep the water at a state of releasing wispy spouts of steam from the surface, but never bubbling, throughout the entirety of the cooking process. (It’s not nearly as intense/difficult as it seems.) You should also try to purchase chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate. While the total prep time on this recipe isn’t exactly what you might consider “speedy,” it’s a fun dish to prepare and assemble with another helper in the kitchen. Prep a pan (or two, so you have one for the freezer!) on Sunday to enjoy heading into a new week. Featuring smoky ancho chili powder and some of the poaching liquid, the homemade enchilada sauce is another distinguishing delight of this dish; however, if you’re looking to shave time off of the recipe, you can substitute store-bought sauce. And if you opt to use rotisserie or leftover chicken as a shortcut, but still want to make your sauce from scratch, simply substitute water and/or chicken stock for the liquid called for. 

10 of 50

11 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Credit: Time Inc. Video Studios

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Sure, they may be known for steak (being a steakhouse and all), but everyone knows that Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the real MVP on their menu. Enjoy this cheesy chicken dinner any night you please with our easy copycat recipe. 

11 of 50

12 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey and Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe

This is, quite honestly, the only recipe for grilled chicken breasts you’ll ever need. The simple combination of olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a clean, summery flavor profile that brings out the best of lean, white meat. Fresh garlic and red pepper elevate the marinade, as well as the inherent flavor of the bird. Relative to the amount of oil and liquid going in, the amount of each aromatic called for in the marinade may seem like a lot—however, this marinade is intentionally intense by design. Using a marinade this flavor-forward allows for overall less marination, which is what you want when it comes to chicken breasts.

12 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

One-Pan Chicken with Lemon, Olives, and Artichokes

Credit: Greg DuPree

One-Pan Chicken with Lemon, Olives, and Artichokes Recipe

You’ll love the bold flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish. Lemony chicken and artichokes are topped with a bright and tangy relish of green olives, parsley, and thyme. We love serving this dish over pearl couscous to soak up the delicious pan sauce, but you can swap it out for rice or even pasta.

13 of 50

14 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Five-Spice Chicken Breasts with Sesame-Orange Beans

Credit: Photography: Kelsey Hansen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower

Five-Spice Chicken Breasts with Sesame-Orange Beans Recipe

Five-spice powder packs some serious aromatic punch; it's all you need to season the chicken breasts here. You can sub broccoli florets or chopped kale for the green beans.

14 of 50

15 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Chicken with Cauliflower and Carrots

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Chicken with Cauliflower and Carrots Recipe

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a sheet pan supper that’s high on flavor and low on cleanup. This tangy sheet pan chicken supper gets a little kick from cayenne pepper that’s balanced in the sauce with caramelized grapes. Roasted cauliflower and carrots offer a savory touch to the dinner, while couscous makes it hearty and healthy. Since the chicken is bone-in, it takes a little longer to roast than thin filets; but the amount of flavor in the end is more than worth it! The seedless grapes are definitely the secret ingredient in this dish. They melt and caramelize while roasting, adding a subtle hint of sweetness to the sauce.

15 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Herbed Wheat Berry and Roasted Tomato Salad with Grilled Chipotle Chicken Breasts

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Herbed Wheat Berry and Roasted Tomato Salad with Grilled Chipotle Chicken Breasts Recipe

The fresh flavors of the wheat berry tomato salad pair perfectly with the chipotle chicken in this dish. If preferable, you can substitute cooked farro or barley.

16 of 50

17 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Chicken Cutlets with Strawberry-Avocado Salsa

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chicken Cutlets with Strawberry-Avocado Salsa Recipe

This colorful, flavor-forward dish makes the most of peak-season produce with a sweet and tangy fruit salsa that would be equally delicious served over pork chops or with whole-grain tortilla chips. The heat from the seeded jalapeño is mild, but it can be omitted. To round out your plate, try serving the chicken and salsa over a bed of rice or with a simple side salad.

17 of 50

18 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken

Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe

The tangy-sweet flavor combination of this sauce will work equally well with chicken thighs or pork. Serve with hot cooked rice and steamed haricots verts or a tossed green salad.

18 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Flattened Chicken with Almond and Paprika Vinaigrette

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Flattened Chicken with Almond and Paprika Vinaigrette Recipe

While pounding the chicken breast thin and searing is a French technique, the flavor profile here is decidedly Spanish.

19 of 50

20 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Honey and Sesame-Glazed Chicken Breasts with Green Beans

Credit: Linda Pugliese; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross Walker

Honey and Sesame-Glazed Chicken Breasts with Green Beans Recipe

Sweet honey and toasty sesame team up for a flavor combo everyone at the table is sure to love. Serve with precooked brown rice for a quick and easy side to soak up sauce from the chicken.

20 of 50

21 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Grilled Chicken Florentine Pasta

Credit: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Grilled Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

Add grilled chicken, spinach and a light cream sauce to linguine for an easy one-dish meal.

21 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Bacon-and-Sage-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Lynn Miller

Bacon-and-Sage-Wrapped Chicken Breasts Recipe

These juicy chicken breasts are wrapped with bacon and sage—and make a mouthwatering dinner option. They're even more delicious alongside mashed potatoes and crunchy green beans.

22 of 50

23 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Italian-Seasoned Roast Chicken Breasts

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Italian-Seasoned Roast Chicken Breasts Recipe

Fresh Italian herbs and seasonings make these roast chicken breasts taste out-of-this-world delicious.  Serve with sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. 

23 of 50

24 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Chicken Breasts with Brown Butter-Garlic Tomato Sauce

Credit: VIctor Protasio

Chicken Breasts with Brown Butter-Garlic Tomato Sauce Recipe

Browned butter is the quick cook's best-kept secret: It takes less than 2 minutes to caramelize the milk solids in butter for a fragrant, nutty note in any dish.

24 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Chicken Breast with Pancetta Cream and Peas

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Ginny Branch

Chicken Breast with Pancetta Cream and Peas Recipe

You can substitute bacon for pancetta, and cream cheese for mascarpone.

25 of 50

26 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Seared Chicken Breasts with Green Piri Piri Sauce

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Seared Chicken Breasts with Green Piri Piri Sauce Recipe

Piri piri is a bright herb-and-chile sauce popular in Portugal and parts of Africa. It's traditionally red, but we go green with fresh poblano, jalapeño, and cilantro. Seed or omit the jalapeño for less heat.

26 of 50

27 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Credit: Justin Walker; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

27 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Lemon-Grilled Chicken Breasts

Credit: Greg DuPreeFood Styling: Rishon HannersProp Styling: Thom Driver

Lemon-Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe

This is a perfect basic grilled chicken recipe, simple and versatile enough to meal prep, whip up on a hectic weeknight, or serve to company. Make sure to cook the chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees—about six minutes on each side. Save three of these grilled chicken breast halves to make our Hearts of Romaine Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken. Garnish the plate with grilled lemon slices.

28 of 50

29 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Basil, Feta, and Quinoa Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Basil, Feta, and Quinoa Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Sweet piquanté peppers, also called sweet cherry or Peppadew peppers, are about the size and shape of a strawberry. Look for them at the olive bar or in the pickle section.

29 of 50

30 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe

Coconut milk tames the heat and combines deliciously with shredded chicken breast in Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup.

30 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Kale

Credit: Greg Dupree

Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Kale Recipe

This dish gets a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, which becomes satisfyingly rich when stirred into the kale, artichoke hearts, and baked chicken. We found that smaller chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each) will cook more easily in the time frame. Trim larger breasts and use the remaining chicken for tomorrow’s soup or stir-fry. Avoid thin cutlets here; the thickness of the breasts will keep them juicy as they roast.

31 of 50

32 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Flattened Chicken with Almond and Paprika Vinaigrette

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Flattened Chicken with Almond and Paprika Vinaigrette Recipe

While pounding the chicken breast thin and searing is a French technique, the flavor profile here is decidedly Spanish.

32 of 50

33 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken and Leeks

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken and Leeks Recipe

Chicken cutlets get great flavor from a lemon-rosemary marinade while the leeks cook into a silky, caramelized vegetable side dish. If you’ve never enjoyed the darker green leek tops, give them a try in this recipe. The chicken marinade does double-duty here: it seasons the chicken while the leeks cook and then becomes a light sauce for the whole meal. If you can’t find chicken cutlets, you can make your own: For 4 cutlets, cut two 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast in half horizontally and lightly pound into an even thickness with the smooth side of a meat mallet.

33 of 50

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 50

Save Pin
Facebook