When it comes to cooking on a budget, chicken breast is often the go-to protein of choice. It’s affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrients. But sometimes, coming up with new and exciting ways to prepare chicken breast can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 mouthwatering and easy-on-the-wallet chicken breast recipes for you to try. From classic comfort food dishes to international-inspired flavors, there’s something on this list for everyone.
In the following pages, you’ll discover a world of delicious and budget-friendly chicken breast recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. So go ahead, get cooking, and start enjoying the taste and convenience of these flavorful and affordable meals!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Moist and flavorful, this garlic butter baked chicken breast recipe is a simple yet impressive main course option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
5. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this effortless slow cooker recipe, perfect for a stress-free dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken breasts to the mixture and pour in chicken broth.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
5. Strain the remaining sauce and discard any solids.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
One-Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies
A flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe combines juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon pepper sauce for a delicious and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the bell peppers and onion to the pan, cooking for 5 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Add the garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, and lemon juice to the pan, stirring to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
A flavorful and spicy twist on a classic stir-fry, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal. With the combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory rice, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
4. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet; stir to combine.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet
A delicious and easy-to-make skillet dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes).
3. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
4. Add mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper to skillet. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (5-7 minutes).
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with mushroom mixture.
6. Return chicken to skillet; stir to coat with creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle thyme and cheddar cheese (if using); cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Chicken Fajitas with Bell Peppers
Savor the flavors of Mexico with this quick and delicious recipe that combines juicy chicken breast, crunchy bell peppers, and savory spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Pour mixture over chicken and bell peppers in the skillet. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble fajitas by placing chicken and bell pepper mixture onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwiches
BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwiches: Sweet and Savory Delight!
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce leaves and tomato slices for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush the BBQ mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Slice chicken into thin strips.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing chicken on hamburger buns, topping with red onion, blue cheese (if using), lettuce leaves, and tomato slices.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and satisfying recipe that combines crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken with a comforting bowl of pasta.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Cook pasta according to package instructions; toss with marinara sauce.
7. Serve chicken atop pasta, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a tasty and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, broccoli, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for 4-5 minutes or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with broccoli mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
A flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup! This recipe combines chicken, potatoes, and carrots on a single sheet pan for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, toss together chicken, potatoes, carrots, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken Tacos with Homemade Salsa
Savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this simple recipe that combines juicy chicken, crunchy tacos, and a fresh homemade salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the salsa:
– 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (such as Roma or cherry tomatoes)
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Assemble tacos with cooked chicken, your favorite toppings, and homemade salsa.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this classic Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl recipe. Juicy chicken, flavorful teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice come together in a harmonious bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style white rice (short-grain rice)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Place chicken breasts in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions.
5. Grill or bake chicken until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve chicken on top of cooked rice, garnished with scallions and mushrooms.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-35 minutes
Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
This recipe combines the savory flavors of chicken, black beans, and cheese with the convenience of a quesadilla. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, black beans, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
This refreshing summer recipe combines the tanginess of Greek yogurt with the smokiness of grilled chicken, creating a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Chicken and Corn Chowder
This comforting chowder is a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic in butter until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Add the potatoes, corn kernels, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in milk or heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Celery
A flavorful twist on traditional wraps, these Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Celery combine spicy chicken with crunchy veggies and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 head of celery, sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch dressing until well combined.
2. Lay out the tortillas and spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto each wrap.
3. Top with sliced celery, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions (if using).
4. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap into a tight cylinder.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, satisfyingly filling, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With chicken, rice, and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (cooked breast or thighs), diced
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
This classic Italian dish is a staple of fine dining, yet simple enough to be enjoyed at home. Tender chicken breasts are pounded thin, dredged in flour, and sautéed to perfection, served with a bright and tangy lemon sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Pound each breast to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
6. Add garlic, white wine (if using), and lemon juice to the skillet. Simmer 1-2 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Serve chicken with lemon sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with parsley or lemon slices.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells
Transform ordinary pasta shells into a decadent, cheesy delight with this easy recipe. Fresh spinach and juicy chicken come together to create a comforting, indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour pasta shells into boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken-spinach mixture.
- Pour the stuffed shells into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Noodles
This recipe is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and soft noodles, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry onion, garlic, bell peppers, and snow peas for 3-4 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, until well combined.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover delicious and budget-friendly chicken breast recipes! This collection of 20 flavorful dishes will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. From classic comfort foods like BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwiches and Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells, to international-inspired recipes like Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl and Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken, there’s something for everyone. Try one-pan wonders like One-Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies or Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots. With these affordable and easy-to-make recipes, you’ll never tire of chicken breast again!
