What to Make with Chicken Breast: 15 Recipes

Chicken breast is the most popular protein but also the easiest to dry out. Here's how to cook it right, plus 15 recipe ideas.

How to Cook Juicy Chicken Breast

• Pound it thin. Place chicken between plastic wrap, pound to even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
• Brine it. Soak in salt water (1 tablespoon salt per cup water) for 15-30 minutes. This seasons and moistens the meat.
• Don't overcook. Use a meat thermometer. 165°F (74°C) is done. Pull it off the heat at 160°F; residual heat brings it to 165°F.
• Let it rest. Rest 5 minutes before slicing. This redistributes the juices.

Quick Recipes (Under 20 Minutes)

• Pan-seared chicken: Season + sear in hot pan 5-6 minutes per side.
• Chicken stir fry: Slice thin + vegetables + soy sauce + rice.
• Chicken quesadilla: Shredded chicken + cheese + tortilla.
• Chicken Caesar wrap: Sliced chicken + romaine + parmesan + Caesar dressing in a tortilla.
• Chicken fried rice: Diced chicken + rice + eggs + soy sauce.

Oven Recipes

• Baked chicken breast: Season + bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Chicken parmesan: Breaded + marinara + mozzarella. Bake 25 minutes.
• Sheet pan chicken: Chicken + vegetables on one pan. Bake 25 minutes.
• Stuffed chicken breast: Butterfly, stuff with cheese and spinach, bake 25 minutes.
• Honey garlic chicken: Chicken + honey + garlic + soy sauce glaze. Bake 25 minutes.

Slow Cooker Recipes

• Shredded chicken: Chicken + broth in slow cooker on low 6 hours. Shread with forks.
• Chicken tacos: Chicken + salsa + taco seasoning. Slow cook 6 hours.
• Chicken soup: Chicken + vegetables + broth. Slow cook 6-8 hours.

Get more recipe ideas with our free Random Food Generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my chicken breast always dry?

Overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and pull at 160°F. Also, pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.

Can I freeze cooked chicken breast?

Yes. Slice or shred, portion into freezer bags, freeze for 2-6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.