moist flavorful chicken breast
Easy Baked Chicken Breasts (Juicy, Flavorful!)
A fail-proof recipe for juicy, tender, flavorful chicken breasts? This is it! We tinkered with a few variations before landing on this perfected version. Its easy, reliable, umami-filled, and pairs well with just about anything!
Try it with bowls, salads, pasta, and beyond! Bonus points? It requires just 5 ingredients and theyre all pantry staples you probably have around. Let us show you how its done!
How to Bake Chicken Breasts
If youre looking to bake chicken breasts that are juicy and flavorful, we have a few secrets to share with you:
- Marinate to infuse flavor
- Sear on the stovetop to lock in moisture
- Bake to an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit to ensure food safety and avoid under/overcooking
- Rest this minimizes the amount of juices that spill out when cutting
We start this quick and easy recipe with a 4-ingredient marinade made with oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Its umami-forward with a little sweetness and brightness to balance it out.
Whisk the marinade ingredients, then add in the boneless skinless chicken breasts and let them marinate. After just 15 minutes (a.k.a. just the right amount of time to prep sides like salad, rice, or roasted asparagus), its time to start cooking.
We start the chicken breasts on the stovetop because the higher heat helps lock in moisture and creates a golden brown crust.
We then transfer to the oven, helping them cook fully through the center. An oven thermometer is your best friend for making sure its cooked enough to ensure food safety without overcooking (which will make it dry). The leftover marinade cooks with the chicken, creating a sauce that would make even dry chicken taste good!
We hope you LOVE these seared baked chicken breasts. Theyre:TenderJuicyUmami-filledSubtly sweetQuick & easyMade with pantry staples& Seriously amazing!
These chicken breasts are a super versatile protein-boost for Garlic & Herb Sweet Potato Nourish Bowls, Easy Penne Arrabbiata, and beyond! They also go well with simple sides like mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, and salad. The possibilities are endless!
More Flavorful Entre Ideas
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and dont forget to tag a photo@minimalistbakeron Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 35 minutes minutes
Servings 4 (~3-oz. cooked servings)
Course Entre, Main Course
Cuisine Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free
Freezer Friendly 1 month
Does it keep? 3-4 Days
Prevent your screen from going dark
- 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil (plus more for oiling pan)
- 2 Tbsp coconut aminos (we like Big Tree brand)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 2 (~8 oz. each) boneless skinless chicken breasts (pasture raised, organic when possible)
Preheat oven to 425 F (218 C).
In a wide and shallow bowl or dish, combine the oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Whisk until cohesive and smooth. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and flip them a few times to coat. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes, flipping at the halfway point to marinate evenly.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet (we like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add ~1 tsp oil (just enough to coat the skillet). Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the pan. The pan should be hot enough that they sizzle nicely! Let them sear for 2-3 minutes, then flip and sear for another 2 minutes on the second side. Flip once more, turn off the heat, then pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts.
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-18 minutes (flipping at the halfway point for even caramelization), or until the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165 F and they are slightly smaller in size. An oven thermometer is highly recommended as the bake time will vary based on the size of the chicken breasts (~10-12 minutes for 5-6 ounce breasts, ~12-14 minutes for 7-8 ounce breasts, and ~14-18 minutes for 8-10 ounce breasts).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve drizzled with any extra sauce from the pan.
Leftover chicken breasts will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350 F (176 C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with 8-ounce chicken breasts.
Serving: 1 (three-ounce serving) Calories: 178 Carbohydrates: 2.9 g Protein: 25.4 g Fat: 6.3 g Saturated Fat: 1.1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8 g Monounsaturated Fat: 3.2 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 82 mg Sodium: 186 mg Potassium: 409 mg Fiber: 0 g Sugar: 2.6 g Vitamin A: 34 IU Vitamin C: 1.7 mg Calcium: 7.6 mg Iron: 0.4 mg
55 Best Chicken Breast Recipes
55 Best Chicken Breast Recipes
Wondering what to make with chicken breast? Youre in the right place! This collection of my best chicken breast recipes is here to inspire you with delicious dinner ideas.
Chicken breasts are a staple in my dinner rotation. Theyre incredibly versatile, ready to be cooked in soups, one pot meals, stir fries, casseroles and more. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, with about 23 grams of protein per 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving. They cook quickly, making them ideal for quick and easy dinners, comforting family meals and healthy lunches. With over 55 chicken breast recipes in this roundup, theres a chicken recipe for every craving in the list below!
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Must-Make Chicken Breast Recipes for Dinner Tonight
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
With its creamy, flavor-packed pan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and a quick 30 minute prep time, this Tuscan chicken recipe has everything going for it. Serve it with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Baked Chicken Breast
Juicy, flavorful chicken breasts are incredibly easy to make with this baked chicken breast recipe. This simple, versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Chicken Piccata
Looking for a chicken dish thats sure to impress but secretly so simple to make? This chicken piccata is it! Tender golden brown chicken breasts are served with a delicious lemon butter and caper sauce. Its truly irresistible.
Sesame Chicken
No one will be able to resist this sesame chicken! Tender bites of chicken breast are coated in a sticky sweet and savory sesame sauce. This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes for a quick dinner.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
The air fryer is a lifesaver for getting quick meals on the table, and it works its magic with this air fryer chicken breast recipe. These chicken breasts are tender and juicy, with the most delicious seasoning rub. Serve them with a few simple side dishes for a healthy, satisfying dinner.
Chicken Kabobs
Bored of your usual chicken dinner ideas? Slice up those chicken breasts and cook them on skewers for a meal thats jam-packed with flavor. These colorful chicken and veggie kabobs are both fun to eat and fun to make!
These Easy Chicken Breast Recipes are Here to Save the Day
Lemon Chicken
This lemon chicken is fresh, bright and flavorful! Youll love the short ingredient list and easy preparation. Its perfect for any night of the week!
Chicken Marsala
Theres so much to love about this easy chicken marsala recipe! Tender chicken cutlets and a flavorful mushroom marsala wine sauce make this dish especially lovely. This easy chicken breast recipe is so delicious served with mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Dinner doesnt get any easier than this crockpot BBQ pulled chicken! This dump and go slow cooker recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of active prep time. Serve it on burger buns with extra BBQ sauce the whole family is sure to gobble this meal up!
Grilled Chicken Breast
Cooking boneless skinless chicken breasts on the grill is an easy way to get a tasty meal on the table. With the tips included in this recipe, your grilled chicken breasts will turn out tender and juicy, never tough or dry.
Honey Mustard Chicken
A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce is the perfect complement to boneless chicken breasts. To get dinner on the table fast, the chicken is first is seared in a skillet until golden brown and then baked in the oven.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
When it comes to chicken breast recipes, this honey garlic chicken is the epitome of easy! Its sweet and tangy and perfect for serving over rice to soak up the extra sauce. You cant beat this set it and forget it crockpot meal for a minimal effort dinner.
Chicken Fajitas
Theres nothing like a sizzling pan of chicken fajitas to bring everyone to the dinner table! Colorful peppers and onions plus a flavor-packed fajita marinade make this a favorite way to prepare chicken breasts for dinner.
Comforting Chicken Recipes to Feed the Soul
Chicken Pot Pie
This chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, with its chicken and vegetable filling and flaky pie crust. I love to serve it for Sunday dinner with a crisp green salad on the side.
Chicken Parmesan
Its easy to see why this chicken Parmesan is one of our favorite boneless chicken breast recipes. Breaded chicken breasts are baked until golden and crispy, then topped with melty mozzarella and marinara sauce. This easy recipe is a healthier take on the classic recipe.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
ThisCajun chicken pastais sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Its creamy, spicy and satisfying. The best part? This one pot meal is ready in only 30 minutes.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot butter chickenis a comforting dish made with tender bites of chicken in a creamy curry sauce. The tomato-based sauce is made with garlic, ginger and spices and then finished with coconut milk (or cream), making it luxuriously rich and creamy.
Chicken Enchiladas
This chicken enchilada recipe is a reader favorite! Its easy to make, has outstanding flavor, and feeds a crowd.
One Pot Creamy Asparagus Chicken Pasta
Heres another one pot recipe to help you get dinner on your table: asparagus chicken pasta! Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh asparagus and Parmesan cheese make this creamy pasta dish especially delicious.
Cobb Salad
Can a salad be considered comfort food? If its this loaded Cobb salad it certainly can! With chicken, bacon, hard boiled eggs, blue cheese and avocado, this salad satisfies.
Dig into these Delicious Chicken Casseroles
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken broccoli rice casserole is a classic, and for good reason. This recipe is special because its made from scratch and perfectly seasoned to please both picky eaters and adult palates alike.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Hello comfort food! With pasta, bacon, broccoli and cheese, this chicken bacon ranch casserole is loaded with flavor. Its make-ahead friendly and feeds a crowd, too.
Chicken Tetrazzini
When cooler days arrive in fall, theres nothing like a cheesy casserole to make you feel all warm and cozy inside. Pasta, chicken and mushrooms are baked in a buttery, creamy sauce and until hot and bubbly in this chicken tetrazzini recipe.
Chicken Casserole
Chicken, potatoes and vegetables all baked into a cheesy casserole? Yes, please! A crispy breadcrumb topping is the perfect finishing touch. This recipe is sure to earn a spot in your collection of favorite chicken breast recipes.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Dinner doesnt get any easier than this 4 ingredient enchilada casserole. Enchilada sauce, shredded chicken and melty cheese layered between tortillas yum!
Everyone Loves a Tasty Stir Fry!
Kung Pao Chicken
Spice lovers will go crazy for this kung pao chicken recipe! This Chinese stir fry has it all: tender bites of chicken, veggies, a flavor-packed sauce and crunchy, salty peanuts. The best part is that its made with ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet, tangy and saucy is the perfect way to describe this sweet and sour chicken recipe. Savory peppers and onions balance out the tangy-sweet sauce and juicy chunks of pineapple. Add this one to your meal plan; youll be glad you did!
Orange Chicken
Simple and delicious is the best way to describe this easy orange chicken recipe. It comes together in just 30 minutes a weeknight win! Serve it over rice to soak up all of that flavorful sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry
A great chicken stir fry is an essential in any home cooks recipe collection and this one is sure to become your go-to. Bites of chicken and colorful veggies are tossed in the best homemade stir fry sauce.
Pineapple Chicken
I cant say enough good things about this pineapple chicken! Its aneasy chicken breast recipethats full of flavor, healthy vegetables and lean protein. The sauce for this pineapple chicken is a variation of my easy homemadeTeriyaki Sauce, with pineapple juice added for additional sweetness and pineapple flavor.
These Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes are Packed with Flavor
Greek Chicken
If I could describe this Greek chicken in one word it would be FLAVOR! With a simple marinade made with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and seasonings and an easy skillet cooking method, this is one of our very favorite easy chicken recipes.
Burrito Bowl
Theres so much to love about these chicken burrito bowls! With cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo, seasoned chicken breasts and more, everyone can build their bowl just the way they like it.
Teriyaki Chicken and Noodles
Heres another one bowl meal for you: teriyaki chicken noodle bowls with veggies! This easy dinner idea is colorful, healthy and full of flavor. Its like a teriyaki chicken stir fry, but with noodles!
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Looking for chicken breast recipes to make in the Instant Pot? Give this Instant Pot chicken and rice a try! Healthy veggies, nutritious brown rice and chicken breasts all cook together in this one pot meal.
BBQ Chicken Salad
In this delicious salad, seasoned grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado and crisp romaine lettuce are tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime dressing and drizzled with BBQ sauce. Shredded cheese and tortilla strips add extra flavor and crunch.
Cozy Chicken Soups to Warm You From the Inside Out
Chicken Noodle Soup
Theres nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup to make you feel better, whether youre under the weather or just tired after a long day. This recipe makes the best chicken noodle soup Ive tried!
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
You wont need to chop a thing for this easy crockpot taco soup recipe. Just add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it cook, and come back to a hot, delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Chicken and Dumplings
Tender dumplings cook right on top of a flavorful chicken soup in this chicken and dumplings recipe. Its perfect for when you crave a comforting, nourishing meal.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Spicy, flavor-packed chicken enchilada soup loaded up with toppings? Yes, please! This recipe has all of your favorite enchilada flavors cooked into a delicious soup.
White Chicken Chili
No list of chicken breast recipes would be complete without a hearty white chicken chili recipe. You can whip up this savory chicken and white bean chili in well under an hour. Serve it with your favorite toppings and cornbread on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
The Instant Pot creates amazing flavor with this easy tortilla soup recipe. One commenter declared it the best soup shes ever made!
Chicken and Rice Soup
This stovetop chicken and rice soup is a one pot wonder. Chicken, rice and vegetables simmer in a flavorful broth until theyre tender. Serve it with some crusty bread for dunking.
The Whole Family Will Love these Chicken Breast Recipes
Teriyaki Chicken
Just look at that gorgeous, saucy chicken! This teriyaki chicken recipe became an immediate favorite with my family, and its easy to see why. Its fast to make and the teriyaki flavor is out of this world.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Both kids and adults go crazy for these air fryer chicken nuggets! Theyre perfectly seasoned, easy to make and so crispy.
Crockpot Sesame Chicken
You can never have too many crockpot chicken breast recipes and this sesame chicken packs in the flavor! It takes just 10 minutes of active prep time to make this sweet-savory shredded chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Meet my go-to shredded chicken tacos recipe: Instant Pot chicken tacos. It couldnt be easier. Add just 5 ingredients to your Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook and then come back to the most tender, flavorful shredded salsa chicken. Serve it in soft tortillas with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Fire up the grill and put these grilled chicken fajitas on the menu! Grilled peppers, onions and chicken breast make a tasty filling for warm tortillas.
Baked Chicken Taquitos
Crispy rolled tortillas filled with a creamy chicken and cheese filling are impossible to resist! Bake the taquitos right away or freeze them for when you need a quick meal on a busy day.
Dont Miss these Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a cheesy mushroom and sun dried tomato filling make for an elegant (yet easy!) dinner.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Learn how to cook perfectly juicy chicken breasts in the Instant Pot! This delicious recipe includes instructions for how to make a simple gravy from the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Bring on the spice with these buffalo chicken wraps! Theyre quick to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Crockpot Chicken Breast
Put your slow cooker to work for you with this crockpot chicken breast recipe. Its a hands-off way to cook seasoned chicken breasts. Serve them with your favorite side dishes or use them in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
Poached Chicken
This poached chicken is a simple yet flavorful way to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use poached chicken in your favorite recipes that call for cooked chicken breasts or add it to salads or any meal that needs a boost of protein.
Chicken Salad
This collection of chicken recipes would be complete without an excellent chicken salad recipe! This one is packed with flavor and texture and boasts a healthy, creamy dressing. Youre going to love it!
Tips For Cooking Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Pound it! Use a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to pound boneless skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them to cook evenly and makes the chicken especially tender. (Just put the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap before pounding to minimize mess.)
- Chicken temperature: Chicken breast should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165F, as measured with an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. Using a thermometer is the most accurate way to tell when chicken is done, since the cook time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breast, as well as on the cooking method.
- Dont overcook. Overcooking leads to dry, tough chicken.
- Meal prep staple. Boneless chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep and make ahead meals. Try these recipes to cook chicken ahead of time so that you can use it to make quick meals: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, Crockpot Shredded Chicken and Poached Chicken.
You might also enjoy these recipe collections: Crockpot Chicken Recipes and Instant Pot Chicken Recipes.
55 Best Chicken Breast Recipes
This recipe collection features the best chicken breast recipes for delicious, quick and easy meals. From baked chicken breast to casseroles, soups, stir fries and more, here you'll find a chicken recipe for every craving. Start with this easy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
While the chicken browns, make the honey mustard sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey, smooth Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Once the chicken has browned on both sides, remove the pan from the heat. Spoon the honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake chicken for 15-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. The center of the chicken should register 165 F on an instant read thermometer.
Serve chicken with sauce, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, as desired.
- If your chicken breasts are very large or an uneven thickness, you can pound them to thin them out to an even thickness. Or, slice large chicken breasts in half horizontally to get thin chicken cutlets.
Calories: 310kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 38g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 109mg, Sodium: 542mg, Potassium: 707mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 98IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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