Delight your taste buds with our handpicked collection of the best chicken breast recipes. Packed with flavors that tantalize your palate, these recipes offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. From zesty grilled chicken to creamy herb-infused preparations, our array of culinary delights showcases the versatility of this popular lean protein. Most recipes below can be prepared in about 30 minutes and each serving on an average is approximately 500 calories.
These chicken breast recipes cater to your taste preferences and serve as an essential cornerstone of a low-carb diet, making them an invaluable addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you like such recipe collections, be sure to check out our curated list of Super Bowl recipes, popular Chicken dishes, best Mushroom recipes, hearty soup recipes, and must-try American desserts for those with a sweet tooth.
Table of Contents
- Why People Love to Include Chicken Breast in Their Meals
- Collection of Chicken Breast Recipes
- FAQs
- Expert Chef Tips – for the Juciest and Tastiest Chicken Breasts Every Time.
- Chicken Breast Nutrition
- Other Health Benefits of Chicken Breasts
- Recipe Card
- References
Incorporating chicken breast into your low-carb diet is a savvy move for those seeking to shed unwanted pounds or manage their carbohydrate intake. Chicken breast is renowned for being lean and protein-rich, promoting satiety and lean muscle development. With minimal fat content and an abundance of essential nutrients, these recipes support your weight goals and contribute to overall well-being.
Whether you’re embarking on a low-carb lifestyle or simply aiming to make healthier choices, our meticulously crafted chicken breast recipes stand as a testament to the fusion of culinary delight and nutrition balance.
Why People Love to Include Chicken Breast in Their Meals
- Lean Protein Source: Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein. It’s widely appreciated by those aiming to build and maintain muscle, support weight management, and fulfill their protein requirements without consuming excess fat.
- Versatility: Chicken breast easily adapts to various cuisines and cooking techniques. It can be grilled, baked, sautéed, stir-fried, or incorporated into salads and sandwiches.
- Quick Cooking Time: The shorter cooking time for Chicken breasts appeals to busy individuals looking to prepare nutritious meals in a hurry. Its thinner cuts can be ready in a matter of minutes, making it a convenient protein option.
- Flavor Absorption: Chicken breast readily absorbs marinades, rubs, and seasonings, allowing home cooks to experiment with diverse flavors and create dishes that suit their tastes.
Collection of Chicken Breast Recipes
Simple and Basic Chicken Recipes
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes
Mexican-style Chicken Recipes
Easy Salads with Chicken Breast
Slow cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
Asian Chicken Breast Recipes
Other Popular Chicken Breast Recipes
FAQs
To prevent chicken breast from drying out, consider marinating it before cooking to add moisture and flavor. Do not overcook the chicken breast. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature and remove from heat when it reaches 165°F or 74°C. To help the chicken to develop golden color quickly, apply a thin layer of oil or butter on the chicken.
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast with other cuts like thighs or drumsticks, but keep in mind that cooking times and flavors may vary. Dark meat cuts like thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breast is leaner.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, make a small cut near the center to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Healthy cooking methods include grilling, baking, broiling, poaching, and steaming. These methods help retain the natural juices of the chicken without adding excess fat.
Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the thicker parts until the chicken is an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
It’s recommended to thaw chicken breast before cooking for even and safe cooking. However, if you need to cook frozen chicken breast, do so on lower heat and longer cooking time to ensure thorough cooking.
Expert Chef Tips – for the Juciest and Tastiest Chicken Breasts Every Time.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating chicken breast adds depth of flavor and moisture. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but avoid marinating for too long, as acidic ingredients can break down the meat’s texture.
- Brine for Juiciness: Brining chicken breast in a mixture of salt and water for a few hours before cooking can help retain moisture and enhance its juiciness.
- Pound for Evenness: Pound chicken breast to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. This prevents overcooking the thinner parts while waiting for the thicker parts to cook.
- Avoid High Heat: Use medium heat when cooking chicken breast. High heat can lead to uneven cooking, drying out the meat, or causing it to become tough.
- Proper Resting Time: Allow chicken breast to rest after cooking for about 5 minutes under a tent of aluminum foil. This helps juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Chicken Breast Nutrition
According to USDA (opens in new tab), the following is the approximate nutritional breakdown of 100 grams of boneless chicken breast.
| Name | Amount | Unit |
| Energy | 107 | kcal |
| Protein | 23.2 | g |
| Total Fat | 0.89 | 9 |
| Cholestrol | 58 | mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
| Sugar | 0 | g |
| Calcium | 18 | mg |
| Sodium | 67 | mg |
| Iron | 0.64 | mg |
Other Health Benefits of Chicken Breasts
Better Weight Management
For those working on body recomposition goals or weight loss goals, most nutritionists and weight-loss trainers will recommend increasing the intake of protein in the diet. This is backed by a 2020 study in Nutrients (opens in new tab) that diets rich in protein to have moderate benefits on body weight management. The study also reported a higher degree of weight loss in patients with prediabetes compared to those with normoglycemia.
Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk
According to a 2019 study of 53,163 participants published in the Europen Journal of Nutrition, using fish and lean poultry meat (such as Chicken Breast) was associated with a lower risk of Type-2 Diabetes than a processed red meat-based diet.
Improve Cardiovascular (Heart) Health
A diet comprising of lean protein, specifically those that include chicken breast and fish, are found to be beneficial for a healthy heart in studies published in Nutrients (2022), Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2023), Vascular Health and Risk Management (2023), Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020 for Americans, etc.
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Recipe Card
Best Chicken Breast Recipes (Healthy, Easy, and Delicious)
Ingredients
- 1. Best Butter Chicken (500 calories)
- 2. Marry Me Chicken Recipe (375 calories)
- 3. Easy Chicken Piccata (400 calories)
Grilled Chicken Recipes
- 4. Chicken Tikka Recipe (160 calories)
- 5. Tandoori Chicken (500 calories)
- 6. Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers (200 calories)
Mexican-style Chicken Breast Recipes
- 7. Shredded Chicken Enchiladas (450 calories)
- 8. Chicken Burrito Bowl (700 calories)
- 9. Chicken Fajitas (500 calories)
- 10. Chicken Quesadillas (650 calories)
Salad recipes using Chicken Breast
- 11. Grilled Chicken Salad (500 calories)
- 12. Mediterranean Chicken Salad (400 calories)
- 13. Pesto Chicken Salad (475 calories)
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
- 14. Crockpot Salsa Chicken (200 calories)
- 15. Crockpot Mexican Chicken (200 calories)
- 16. Slow Cooker Ranch Crack Chicken (300 calories)
Asian Chicken Breast Recipes
- 17. Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe (170 calories)
- 18. Chinese Chicken with Stir Fry Vegetables (575 calories)
Other Popular Chicken Breast Recipes
- 19. Easy Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken (170 calories)
- 20. Chicken Pot Pie (475 calories)
- 21. The Best Chicken Shepherd’s Pie (300 calories)
Instructions
- Select your favorite chicken recipe.
- Get all the ingredients required to make your favorite chicken dish.
- Prepare the delicious chicken recipe and enjoy!
Nutrition
References
All links in this section open in new tab.
Damigou, E., Kosti, R.I. and Panagiotakos, D.B., 2022. White meat consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors: A review of recent prospective cohort studies. Nutrients, 14(24), p.5213.
Diab, A., Dastmalchi, L.N., Gulati, M. and Michos, E.D., 2023. A Heart-Healthy Diet for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Where Are We Now?. Vascular health and risk management, pp.237-253.
Hansen, T.T., Astrup, A. and Sjödin, A., 2021. Are dietary proteins the key to successful body weight management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing body weight outcomes after interventions with increased dietary protein. Nutrients, 13(9), p.3193.
Papp, R.E., Hasenegger, V., Ekmekcioglu, C. and Schwingshackl, L., 2023. Association of poultry consumption with cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(15), pp.2366-2387.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015. Available at https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/previous-dietary-guidelines/2015.