If you're searching for simple, healthy chicken breast recipes that actually turn out juicy and flavorful, you're in the right place. As a professional chef, I've tested and perfected these 40+ chicken breast recipes to help you create restaurant-quality meals at home-without the fuss.
From sheet-pan dinners and creamy skillet dishes to grilled favorites and nourishing salads, you'll find easy weeknight ideas and make-ahead options for meal prep. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, these tried-and-true recipes prove that lean chicken breast can be anything but boring!
Learn how easy it is to cook juicy chicken breasts every time, with our foolproof method. My go-to oven-baked chicken breast recipe (in the recipe card) is the best place to start, and it’s where I share my best chef tips.
Our Top 5 Chicken Breast Recipes!
Whether you want to learn the secret to the most flavorful chicken, or the best way to cook chicken breasts to keep them tender and moist, hee are our top 5 chicken recipes on the blog!
Baked Chicken Breasts
This is my go-to chicken breast recipe! Discover the the easiest way to cook chicken breast that turns out juicy, flavorful chicken breast every single time! Use this recipe to serve up chicken many different ways!
Chinese Chicken Salad
This Chinese Chicken Salad recipe is made with crisp napa cabbage, sesame chicken, crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and the best dressing ever, topped with sesame almond brittle. Vegan-adaptable.
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Easy Chicken Enchiladas made with the simplest of ingredients. With just a few minutes of assembly time, bake it for 20 minutes, and dinner is ready. Everyone is happy!
Feel Better Chicken Soup
This recipe for Feel Better Chicken Soup with lemon and ginger is healing and soothing and will warm you to your bones! I share the secret to the most flavorful chicken broth.
Chicken Piccata
A simple, classic Italian dish brimming with flavor- Chicken Piccata is easy enough for weeknight dinners or elegant enough for entertaining
Chicken Sheet Pan Dinners
These Chicken Breast Sheet Pan Dinners are quick and easy and full of flavor! Tender, delicious and flavorful, easy to clean up and made with little hands-on time!
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken with chickpeas, veggies, olives and herbs baked until tender and succulent. A delicious sheet pan dinner that is easy to make and quick to clean up!
Baked Chicken Shawarma
Quick and flavorful Baked Chicken Shawarma can made with either chicken or tofu (or both!). Turn it into healthy Shawarma Bowls, then repurpose into Shawarma Wraps. Vegan and gluten-free-adaptable!
Tarragon Chicken with Asparagus
A healthy, delicious sheet-pan dinner that features the best of spring produce! Make it in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Vegan adaptable, GF and paleo!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick easy one-pan dinner! Deliciously marinated chicken and veggies are roasted until juicy and lightly charred. Fold them into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings or serve over rice. Either way, you’ll love this quick easy meal!
Easy chicken breast recipes for weeknights
Perfect for weeknights or anytime you need a fast, easy dinner! These chicken breast recipes are super tasty and are sure to become family favorites.
Szechuan Chicken
This Szechuan Chicken Stir fry is fast and flavorful! Made in under 30 minutes, with tongue tingling Szechuan (Sichuan) peppercorns, dried red chilies, thinly sliced chicken, and your choice of veggies!
Chicken Pad Thai
An easy recipe for Pad Thai with simple, accessible ingredients with the most amazing flavor! The best part … once you have your ingredients prepped it only takes 15 minutes of actual cooking time! See recipe notes for tips and tricks!
Kung Pao Chicken
Learn how to make authentic Kung Pao Chicken! Tender chicken breast is stir-fried with the most flavorful Kung Pao Sauce. Serve with fluffy Jasmine rice for a fast, easy weeknight dinner!
Zucchini Chicken Curry
Zucchini Curry is a delightful dish made with Thai red curry paste and coconut milk. It's a quick and easy dinner – the perfect meal for end-of-summer produce. Make this with chicken breast or Crispy Tofu.
Lemongrass Chicken
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for Lemongrass Chicken that comes together in under 20 minutes, a flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
Burmese Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
Fiery Burmese Chicken and Veggies- a fast, full-flavored, Burmese-style stir-fry that can be made in 20 minutes. Vegan and Gluten-free adaptable, this meal is low in carbs.
Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
Here are some favorite light and healthy chicken breast recipes -quick and easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Thai Red Curry
This Thai Red Curry recipe is bursting with authentic Thai flavor and can be made in 30 minutes on the stove or in your Instant Pot! A quick and easy dinner recipe the whole family will love. Serve it with jasmine rice and save the amazing leftovers for lunch! Vegetarian-adaptable. Video.
Cashew Chicken
A healthy take on Cashew Chicken! Tender garlicky chicken stir-fried with red bell peppers and roasted cashews tossed with a flavorful, savory homemade stir-fry sauce.
Chicken Marsala
A classic recipe for Chicken Marsala with double the mushrooms! An Italian-inspired dinner resulting in the most tender, moist chicken in a delicious sauce.
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Thai Basil Chicken is simple, fast, and flavorful! Made with ground chicken breast, it’s ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake
Cozy one-pan Chicken Orzo Bake with broccoli, feta, and lemon is easy and delicious! A comforting weeknight dinner, ready in under an hour!
Chicken Breast with Mustard Seed Relish
This flavorful recipe for Mustard Seed Relish can be spooned over seared chicken, grilled eggplant or roasted cauliflower steaks, a delicious twist.
Peach Chicken
Chili Lime Peach Chicken -a fast and healthy weeknight dinner highlighting fresh juicy peaches. It can be made with breast or thigh meat. 25-30 minutes.
Comforting Chicken Dinners with Chicken Breast
These Comforting Chicken Breast Recipes are perfect for those cozy days when you are craving something special. Full of delicious flavor, these dishes do not disappoint!
Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Learn how to make authentic, restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home with this easy, chef-tested recipe-bold, creamy, and full of Indian flavor. Vegetarian-adaptable.
Thai Massaman Curry Recipe
I love how recipes hold the secret to the past. Massaman curry is unlike any other Thai curry in that it pulls flavor from other cultures and cuisines, like India, Malaysia, and Persia.
Gorgonzola Chicken with Mushrooms & Sage
Creamy Gorgonzola Chicken is my husband’s favorite chicken dish. Made with chicken breast, mushrooms and sage it is flavorful, decadent, and perfect for special occasions.
Rosemary Chicken Lasagna
Rosemary Chicken Lasagna is made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, optional mushrooms and mozzarella cheese, and bathed in creamy Béchamel Sauce. Decadent and delicious.
Herby Chicken Pot Pie with Easy Biscuit Crust
How to make Chicken Pot Pie with an easy biscuit crust. Loaded with tender veggies and chicken breast accented with savory fresh herbs, in a creamy wine sauce, this is a delicious comfort food meal the whole family will love.
Creamy PoBlano Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas (AKA White Chicken Enchiladas) made with chicken breast and a flavorful Creamy Poblano Sauce! Vegetarian-adaptable with cauliflower.
Nourishing Chicken Soup Recipes
These Chicken Soup recipes will nourish body, mind and spirit. Full of flavor and so nutritious! Make a pot of your favorite chicken soup recipe and enjoy it through the week.
Feel Better Chicken Soup
Feel Better Chicken Soup with lemon and ginger. A delicious and EASY low-carb, keto, broth-based soup that you can make in an Instant Pot, on the stovetop or a slow cooker. Simple and healthy! Add rice, quinoa, noodles or beans!
Mexican Pozole Verde
Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
Learn how to make authentic Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup). Chicken and mushrooms are bathed in a fragrant coconut broth infused with lemongrass and galanga.
Mexican Chicken Noodle Soup
Flavorful, EASY Mexican Chicken Noodle Soup with cilantro, avocado and lime- a one-pot meal, in under 30 minutes. The Mexican-seasoned broth is delicious! Vegan option, sub chickpeas for the chicken!|
Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup with Dill- a simple easy recipe that can be made with leftover chicken. Healthy, zesty and flavorful!
Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
A flavorful Bowl of Thai chicken Noodle soup, scented with lemongrass and kefir lime. Gluten-free and low-fat.
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes
Juicy and filled with smoky deliciousness, these Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes take the flavor to a deeper level.
The Best Grilled Chicken
How to make Best Grilled Chicken with lemon, garlic and herbs that turns out juicy and flavorful every single time. Pair this with a salad, grilled veggies, or meal prep it for the coming week.
Thai Chicken Satay
This recipe for Chicken Satay with Satay Sauce is bursting with authentic Thai flavor! Chicken (or tofu) is bathed in a fragrant marinade of coconut milk and Thai spices, then grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful peanut dipping sauce. Vegan-adaptable!
Chicken Caprese
This recipe for Chicken Caprese is easy to make with simple ingredients. Grill or sear Chicken breast top with melty mozzarella cheese, and add fresh tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze. Bursting with summertime flavor and can be made in 30 minutes!
Grilled Tandoori Chicken
Here’s a chicken dish that bursts with incredible flavor. Grilled Tandoori Chicken in a flavorful Indian-spiced yogurt marinade. Serve with basmati rice or with naan bread.
Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers
Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers is a delicious summertime meal that is full of flavor!
Grilled Chipotle Chicken
Smoky, spicy, and delicious, this Grilled Chipotle Chicken is bathed in a rich marinade and grilled until tender and juicy.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes
Give these Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes a try for the most tender savory meals, that are mostly hands-off!
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – one of our most popular recipes on the blog! A fast and flavorful recipe that can be made using dry or canned beans, and using chicken breast or thigh meat. Very adaptable!
Instant Pot Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Tikka Masala using chicken breast or thighs, bathed in the most fragrant Indian coconut curry sauce. A fast and easy weeknight dinner! Vegan Adaptable-see notes!
Simple Shredded Chicken
A simple easy recipe for Shredded chicken that can be made in an Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or on the Stovetop. Use breasts or thighs, fresh or frozen, great for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners. Keeps for 5 days in the fridge, or freeze!
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken that can also be made on the Stove Top – a simple, delicious one pot meal that can be made in 30 minutes! Paleo and GF adaptable, this delicious meal can be prepped ahead, or cooked ahead for the busy workweek!
Healthy Chicken Salads
Fresh and crunchy, these flavorful, healthy chicken salads are filled with lean protein and nutritious vegetables. A meal in itself!
Chipotle Chicken Salad with Corn, Peppers and Arugula
Healthy, Easy, Chipotle Grilled Chicken Salad with Grilled Corn, Peppers and Arugula, over a bed of optional quinoa with grilled scallions, avocado and a simple Chipotle Lime Dressing.
Spinach Salad with Grilled Veggies & Herb Chicken
Delicious & hearty Spinach Salad with grilled mushrooms, red onions, sweet peppers, and optional grilled chicken breast, tossed with tangy French Dressing, topped with Coconut Bacon, Feta and hard-boiled eggs. A tasty entree-sized salad, perfect for dinners on the patio!
Quinoa Chicken Salad with Chickpeas, Arugula, Tomatoes and Herbs
A delicious recipe for zesty Quinoa Salad with summer tomatoes, chicken breast, mint, parsley, and a zesty lemony dressing.
Chicken Arugula Quinoa Salad
Lemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Creamy Basil Dressing- an easy, high-protein salad that is full of amazing flavor!
Chicken Salad
The BEST Chicken Salad seasoned with fresh tarragon- easy and full of flavor! Turn this into a wrap or, for a low-carb option, serve over a bed of greens.
Coconut Thai Chicken Salad
Enjoy these Chicken Breast Recipes and share your favorites in the comments below!
40 Easy Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: main, chicken recipes
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Discover 40+ chef-tested, highly rated chicken breast recipes-from baked and grilled to stir-fry and Instant Pot-that are easy, flavorful and family-friendly. Here’s our Baked Chicken Breasts.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lemon Herb Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano, herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, etc)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or use 2 fat garlic cloves, finely minced)
- zest of one small lemon
- Garnish with fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Cut to a similar size so they cook evenly.
- Mix marinade ingredients together in a small bowl to create a paste (see notes for variations). Place chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan and brush all sides generously with the marinade, pouring any remaining marinade over the breasts. (You can also bake in a baking dish, only if there is ample room for heat to circulate. A rimmed sheet pan will make cooking faster and more even. ) Let chicken rest on the counter and come to room temp while oven preheats. Make sure oven is hot.
- Bake on the middle rack for roughly 18- 20 minutes. Smaller breasts, check at 16 minutes, medium breasts at check 20-22, larger breasts may take up to 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness at the thickest part of the biggest breast, using a thermometer (165F).
- Let chicken rest for 8-10 minutes, tenting with foil if you like.
Notes
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days for midweek meals. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve: serve whole, or cut slices across the grain, or cube. Feel free to shred using two forks. If while shredding, the middle of the breast seems difficult to shred, this is an indication chicken is not completely done. Just plop back into the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5.5 ounce portion
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 554.4 mg
- Fat: 8.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 34.2 g
- Cholesterol: 110.3 mg
Chicken Breast FaQ’s
If possible, purchase organic, antibiotic-free, pasture-raised chicken breast. Healthy chickens will always taste better and in turn, be healthier to consume.
Do not overcook. Chicken breast is very lean, meaning low in fat, which can dry out quickly if overcooked.
Boneless chicken breasts are safe and ready when their internal temperature reaches 165F.
Soak chicken breasts in a saltwater brine for 1-12 hours. Pan sear to lock in the juices. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
Chicken breast is a lean and healthy source of protein and amino acids that help build muscle and maintain bone density- especially important as we age.
Chicken breast is so versatile in the kitchen, it can be cooked in many different ways: bake, poach, grill, stir-fry, pan sear, or braise!
Pounding chicken breasts to an equal thickness ensures that the entire breast will cook mover evenly, preventing the thinner parts from overcooking.
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Hi, is this recipe good to pre-make and store? Love your blog! Thanks!
Hi Dee which recipe are you referring too?
I recently discovered your blog when I was searching for cooking temps for chicken in the oven. I followed the instructions and my chicken was delicious! Looking forward to checking out some of your very interesting recipes.
Great Karen, happy you found us!
looks so good canc waite to tfry them
So many great ideas here — can’t wait to try a few!!
Thanks Sherrie!
Gorgeous! Can’t wait to try this!