Home > Main Course > Chicken and Poultry > 40+ Best Chicken Breast Recipes

40+ Best Chicken Breast Recipes

    These are the best, top-rated chicken breast recipes that are tried and true, and your family will love them. Chicken breast is more versatile than most people realize. Here are more than 40 of our favorite ways to prepare chicken breast.

    You’ll find everything from Baked Chicken Breast to sauteed, slow cooker chicken, instant pot chicken, chicken casserole, Chicken Salad, or Stuffed Chicken Breast, and everything in between.

    40+ Best Chicken Breast Recipes

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    The Key to Juicy Chicken is…

    The number one thing that I recommend for ensuring that chicken is juicy and tender and perfectly cooked is an instant-read meat thermometer. If you’re roasting a whole chicken in the oven, you can use an in-oven thermometer (also great for frying), but for everyday use, a great instant-read thermometer is a staple in my kitchen. I use it constantly. According to the USDA Food Safety, the chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F.

    Instant read thermometer checking chicken for doneness

    Chicken Breast Recipes your Family will Love

    The top searched term on our blog is… you guessed it – chicken! Chicken Recipes is one of our largest categories. We love chicken in our house and it’s one of the few proteins that the kids and I don’t have to pick at when we’re eating because it’s not necessary (does that qualify us as picky eaters?).

    As the cook, I also love that chicken breast meat has so little prep required. There’s usually no trimming needed. It’s also the leanest cut of poultry which makes it a healthier protein. When prepared correctly, it can be incredibly juicy and satisfying.

    Types of Chicken Breast Recipes

    I think we’ve covered just about every kind of chicken breast recipe and we are always adding new ones so if I’ve missed something, please let me know in the comments. I’m excited for you because I know you’ll find tons of new favorites.

    • Stuffed Chicken Breast
    • Skillet, Grilled or Baked Chicken Breast
    • Chicken Salad Recipes
    • Chicken Soup Recipes
    • Chicken Pasta Recipes
    • Chicken Casseroles
    • Asian Chicken Recipes
    • Leftover Chicken Recipes (genius ideas!)

    Stuffed Chicken Recipes

    Stuffed chicken is the best way to ensure a juicy chicken center and amazing flavor with every bite. Stuffing a chicken breast is easy (click through to watch our video tutorials), and super impressive for serving to company.

    Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
    Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken is so juicy and tasty. Searing on the stove first gives it beautiful color, then finishing it off in the oven ensures it’s cooked without drying out. This recipe serves 6 if you cut the stuffed chicken breasts in half.
    Spinach stuffed chicken breast in skillet
    Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan is crisp on the outside and so juicy inside. This is an easy, one-pan, 30 min parmesan chicken dinner you’ll make over and over!
    Stuffed Chicken Parmesan in a pan with marinara sauce and cheese topping
    Easy Chicken Kiev Recipe
    With this simplified method, it’s easier than ever to make Chicken Kiev. Slice through the crisp exterior of this juicy Chicken Kiev and you’ll get a stream of hot lemon-herb and garlic butter that makes the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.
    Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups (VIDEO)
    These chicken pesto roll ups are stuffed with cheese, juicy tomatoes and pesto sauce! These taste like fine dining with Tuscan flavors but they are so easy to make.
    Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe
    This cheesy Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken recipe smothered in a homemade honey mustard sauce is going to become an instant hit with kids and adults alike! An easy one-pan dish for busy evenings!
    Recipe for bacon mushroom stuffed chicken breast. The stuffed chicken breast is amazing with the homemade honey mustard sauce.

    Skillet Chicken Breast Recipes

    I love skillet or stovetop chicken breast recipes because you can sear the outsides of the chicken to seal in the juicy center. It’s also a generally quick way to cook up chicken and I love that I can keep an eye (and a thermometer) on it for perfect doneness.

    Lemon Chicken with BEST Lemon Butter Sauce
    This parmesan-crusted Lemon Chicken Recipe is easy and done in 30 minutes! The quick lemon butter sauce pairs so well with the chicken.
    Lemon chicken in lemon butter sauce in skillet garnished with lemon slices
    Chicken Madeira Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
    Juicy chicken and mushrooms in creamy sauce under melty cheese… This creamy Chicken Madeira is a copycat recipe of the most popular dish at the Cheesecake Factory.
    Chicken Marsala Recipe
    Easy restaurant-style Chicken Marsala made from the comfort of your own kitchen. This recipe features pan-fried juicy chicken topped with a creamy marsala wine sauce.
    Chicken Marsala in a mushroom wine sauce in a skillet
    Chicken Piccata Recipe (VIDEO)
    Chicken Piccata is an easy and delicious one-pan chicken dinner with a light lemon and caper sauce that makes you feel like you’re eating in a restaurant.
    Easy chicken piccata recipe with lemon piccata sauce
    Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe with parmesan-crusted tender chicken, topped with marinara and cheese. Chicken Parm is an easy, excellent chicken dinner.
    chicken Parmesan served over spaghetti and marinara sauce garnished with basil and parsley

    Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes

    In summer, we love firing up our grill to cook chicken breast. It’s similar to skillet cooking but you also get that beautiful and flavorful charring on the outside that is so tasty.

    Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
    This Cilantro Lime Chicken is the easiest recipe for grilling chicken. The marinade is bursting with flavor and results in juicy and tender chicken every time! This Mexican-inspired recipe will become a favorite.
    Cilantro lime chicken sliced and served on a plate with lime wedges
    Grilled Moroccan Chicken Recipe
    Moroccan chicken is tender, succulent, and full of exotic flavor. It's an easy recipe that can be prepped in advance, making it the perfect dish for company. Tzatziki sauce brings this chicken to a whole new level, so go ahead and make the tzatziki recipe P.S. Keep in mind, you must marinate at least 4 hours or overnight before grilling your chicken.
    Moroccan Grilled Chicken
    Juiciest Barbecued Chicken Breast
    This is my sister's famous juicy BBQ chicken breast recipe. The marinade is so simple with just 3 ingredients. You know what's awesome? You can do all of the prep in advance so all you have to do is toss it on the grill before your party starts!
    Grilled Chicken Breast

    Baked Chicken Breasts

    Baking chicken doesn’t require as much oil as pan-frying and we love that it’s a hands-off method of cooking chicken breast.

    Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
    Baked Chicken Breast is great as a main dish, salad topper, or even a sandwich protein. Learn how to bake Chicken Breast in the Oven.
    One Pan Chicken and Vegetables Dinner
    This one-pan chicken dinner is easy, delicious and family-friendly. It’s a balanced meal in one pan.
    Baked chicken and vegetables
    Sweet and Spicy Baked Chicken
    This sweet and spicy pulled baked chicken (that's a mouthful I know but this chicken is just that; a delicious mouthful) is so easy, juicy, light and tasty! My friend Jennifer shared the recipe with me. Her friend Melinda L. shared it with her. I love when a recipe has some history behind it. You know it's amazing if a recipe has been "around the block." That means it's delicious enough to share and now I'm sharing it with you.
    Baked Breaded Chicken Strips Recipe with Honey Mustard Dip
    These chicken strips are much healthier and tastier than anything you’ll find in the freezer aisle. They’re baked at just the right temperature which gives them that crisp golden crust. The breading seals in all the amazing flavors and makes these chicken tenders just right. Serve them warm with ranch, honey mustard sauce or your favorite dip.
    Breaded Chicken Strips

    Chicken Salad Recipes

    These chicken salads are a meal in themselves. Adding chicken breast to salads makes them protein-packed and filling. I’ll eat this for lunch or dinner any day!

    Cobb Salad with the Best Cobb Salad Dressing
    Easy Chicken Cobb Salad with the Best Homemade Cobb Salad Dressing! This protein-packed salad is a meal in itself loaded with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, chicken, bacon, boiled eggs, creamy avocado and crumbled blue cheese.
    Chicken Cobb Salad on a platter with salad dressing in a mason jar
    Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad
    This Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad is loaded with crisp pears, tangy craisins, pecans, feta and juicy chicken! It's the perfect Fall Salad and this simple balsamic vinaigrette will win you over.
    A bowl of autumn chopped chicken salad with two wooden spoons in the bowl
    Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
    This Avocado Chicken Salad recipe is a keeper! Easy, excellent chicken salad recipe with lemon dressing, plenty of avocado, irresistible bites of bacon and corn. Optional: For even more protein, we add 2 hard boiled eggs, halved or quartered. 
    This Avocado Chicken Salad recipe is a keeper! Easy, excellent chicken salad with lemon dressing, plenty of avocado, irresistible bites of bacon and corn | natashaskitchen.com
    Chicken Olivye (Chicken Potato Salad)
    Olivye (sometimes spelled olivier) is a potato salad that is ridiculously popular in Russia and many Eastern European countries. We’re changing it up and using chicken instead of kielbasa.
    Chicken potato salad olivye

    Chicken Soup Recipes

    What’s great about these chicken soup recipes is you can either cook your chicken from scratch or repurpose some already cooked roast chicken you might have in your refrigerator. Chicken soups are the ultimate comfort food.

    Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
    Chicken pot pie soup is creamy, comforting and hearty. It has all the comforts of Chicken Pot Pie without the effort of making the crust. We love this with freshly-baked Biscuits.
    chicken Pot Pie Soup in a bowl
    Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
    Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect, cold weather weeknight dinner. What’s even better? It comes together in one pot.
    chicken Tortilla Soup garnished with avocado, cilantro and lime
    Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
    The ultimate recipe for Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that will get you going for refills again and again. It's the true comfort food, loaded with rich and creamy flavor, veggies and protein.
    A bowl of chicken and wild rice soup in a bowl with a spoon and slice of bread

    Chicken Pasta Recipes

    Adding a lean protein like chicken breast to your pasta will make it satisfying, filling, and a meal in itself. I’m a sucker for creamy and saucy chicken pasta recipes.

    Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
    This chicken tetrazzini is comforting and supremely creamy; a cheesy pasta bake loaded with juicy chicken and plump mushrooms.
    Chicken Pesto Pasta
    Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner loaded with juicy chicken and tender asparagus!
    chicken pesto pasta in creamy sauce
    Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
    Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is such a simple and quick recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breast tossed with tender pasta in a creamy cajun garlic sauce, ready in 30 minutes.
    Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in Pan
    Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
    Lemon Chicken Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner. This chicken pasta tastes like a restaurant quality meal and the lemon cream sauce will win you over.
    Creamy lemon chicken pasta in blue plate topped with crispy chicken
    Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
    Mom’s creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo has been a family favorite for years! Classic Chicken Alfredo is a feel good comfort food – so creamy but light!

    Chicken Casserole Recipes

    Chicken breast casseroles can often go from the stove or oven to the table. Chicken breast meat has this wonderful way of absorbing sauces while baking away in the oven.

    Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe (a one-pot meal)
    This chicken and rice dish is so satisfying – a must try! It has all of the heartiness of plov and creamy deliciousness of a risotto. The chicken turns out tender and so flavorful.
    Creamy Chicken and Rice
    Chicken Lasagna Recipe
    This white sauce Chicken Lasagna is so satisfying with layers of lasagna noodles and tender chicken in a creamy spinach sauce.
    Chicken lasagna slice on a plate
    The BEST Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
    Recipe for homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Tortillas filled with chicken in a creamy and cheesy enchilada. This Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for make-ahead meals.
    Chicken enchiladas in casserole dish
    Chicken Casserole Recipe (Chicken Gloria)
    The chicken in this chicken casserole is incredibly tender – you will savor every morsel! This chicken bake re-heats really well (if you are lucky enough to have leftovers).
    Chicken Casserole

    Asian Chicken Recipes

    We love re-creating our favorite Asian recipes at home for when the craving strikes. You’ll love these Asian-inspired chicken breast recipes.

    Chicken Chow Mein with the Best Chow Mein Sauce
    Chicken chow mein is so much better than takeout! It is filled with chicken, veggies, classic chow mein noodles and the best homemade chow mein sauce. You will love this one pan dinner!
    Chicken Chow Mein recipe in skillet with noodles, vegetables and homemade chow mein sauce
    Kung Pao Chicken
    Kung Pao Chicken is loaded with veggies, protein and the most amazing sauce, this easy dish is made all in one pan!
    Kung Pao Chicken in skillet
    Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles (30 minute meal)
    You will love this 30-Minute Stir-Fry Recipe with Chicken and Rice Noodles. Delicious dinner made in no time! Thank you to Love from MunchkinTime.com for sharing this delicious recipe!
    Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is an easy and delicious weeknight meal loaded with healthy ingredients. A one-pan, 30 minute chicken stir fry recipe.
    Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
    Tender chicken breast in a mouthwatering homemade sweet and sour sauce. The Chicken becomes so juicy in the oven.
    sweet and sour chicken over rice
    Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
    This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is so much better than takeout! The chicken with vegetables smothered in a garlic and ginger soy sauce with honey is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. 
    A 30-minute chicken stir fry recipe with an easy ginger honey soy sauce. Perfect easy dinner your whole family will enjoy. | natashaskitchen.com

    More Chicken Breast Recipes

    These are the recipes that don’t particularly fit a category but they are too good not to include them. Enjoy these top-rated, family-favorite chicken breast recipes:

    Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
    These Chicken Sandwiches are crispy on the outside with a juicy center. We're sharing all of our best tips for making flavorful fried chicken breast with a thick and shaggy crust that crunches when you bite into it.
    crispy chicken sandwich in hands
    Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
    This White Chicken Chili is done in less than an hour start to finish in the Instant Pot with melt-in your mouth tender chicken. Stir everything together in the instant pot, top with cream cheese and set for 20 minutes.
    This White Chicken Chili is done in less than an hour start to finish in the Instant Pot with melt-in your mouth tender chicken. Stir everything together in the instant pot, top with cream cheese and set for 20 minutes.
    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
    This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is creamy and cheesy with tender morsels of chicken. You will love the flavors and how quick it is to make Chicken and Rice in the Instant Pot! Watch the video tutorial to see how easy this is.
    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice inside instant pot with spoon
    Chicken and Mushroom Fajitas
    When my husband worked at Chilis Restaurant, he learned how to make these Mushroom Jack Fajitas. This recipe is less salty which we prefer. They’re so satisfying and pretty simple to make.
    Chicken and mushroom fajitas
    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
    This slow cooker chicken is so easy to make – everything just goes into the crock pot without any special prep. It’s fall-apart tender, juicy and delicious. Serve as is or in buns with the best coconut coleslaw (find the recipe on natashaskitchen.com) and dill pickle chips.
    Crockpot pulled bbq chicken

    Leftover Chicken Recipes

    If you love cooking chicken, you’ll appreciate these leftover chicken breast recipes. These are genius ways to re-purpose chicken without it tasting like leftovers.

    Chicken Patties (Easy Chicken Cakes) Recipe
    Everyone loves these Chicken Patties, even the pickiest eaters! They are crisp on the outside with a juicy, cheesy center and it’s a genius way to use leftover Rotisserie Chicken.
    chicken Patties with cheesy tender chicken center
    Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
    We call this 'fancy' Chicken Salad but it's truly easy. Its a fresher and lighter version of classic creamy chicken salad and it keeps well so it’s perfect for meal prep.
    Chicken salad in bowl
    Chicken Fried Rice
    Chicken Fried Rice is one of our go-to EASY 30-minute meals. Fried Rice is perfect for meal prep and a genius way to use leftovers. It’s actually even better with leftover rice.
    Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
    This homemade Chicken Pot Pie is homey, cozy and will warm you up. It has a homemade flaky Pie Crust and is loaded with juicy chicken in gravy and vegetables. If you've never tried a homemade savory pot pie, this will impress everyone.
    Chicken Pot Pie Recipe in Pie pan

    Natasha Kravchuk

    Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

    Read more posts by Natasha

    Leave a Comment

    Comments

    • Terra Nichols
      November 3, 2023

      Hi Natasha, as soon as your cookbook was out, I had to get it!
      I need a chicken recipe that is oven baked with pinko crumbs.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        November 3, 2023

        I’m so glad you got it! I hope you love all the recipes in the book!

        Reply

    • Cheryl
      August 12, 2023

      Love, love, love your videos, I have tried so many of your recipes. My husband and I both get a kick out of watching you. Thanks for making cooking fun for those who are a little afraid of trying new things. I am 65 and just love cooking…hope your videos help others enjoy cooking!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        August 12, 2023

        Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Cheryl! Cooking can be really fun and I’m so glad you enjoy it!

        Reply

    • Peggy Conner
      May 5, 2022

      Looking for a fried chicken recipe of yours that you brown thin chicken breasts, then put in baking dish, with sour cream sauce over the breasts and bake in oven.
      If you know of it please email me.
      It was posted recently.
      Thank you

      Reply

    • Lora Sherman
      April 4, 2022

      Do you have a cook book for sale? Love all your recipes.
      Thanks 🙏

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        April 4, 2022

        Hi Lora, not at the moment but I am already working on it. Stay tuned!

        Reply

    • Karen Farrell
      February 20, 2022

      I read that you were looking for a Ranch Dressing recipe and I have been using one from I Am Baker. We like it and I thought I would pass it along to you.
      I love all the recipes I have been using from your blog. Keep up the good work!!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        February 20, 2022

        Thank you for your suggestion, Karen. Appreciate it! I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes.

        Reply

    • Laurie
      February 19, 2022

      Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes! Do you have any suggestions for me as no matter how hard I try…. My chicken breasts always end up tough and dry! I’ve filet’ed them, pounded them, marinated?

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        February 20, 2022

        Hi Laurie, overcooking chicken can make it tough or dry. You can use a meat thermometer to help. Lots of cooks advise cooking chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 160° F, assured that it will rise to 165° while it rests.

        Reply

    • Gita
      February 18, 2022

      Hey Natasha
      Love your chicken recipe ideas.
      Have you ever tried a recipe with fresh fenugreek and chicken. They compliment each other so well.
      (methi chicken)
      The taste is amazing.
      Just an idea.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        February 18, 2022

        Hi Gita, I have not! Thank you for sharing that suggestion with us!

        Reply

    • Allyssa
      February 16, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        February 16, 2022

        You are very welcome, Alyssa. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

    • Jennifer
      February 15, 2022

      These recipes are sooo helpful!! I will be referring back to this post all the time!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        February 16, 2022

        Thanks Jennifer, I hope you’ll enjoy the recipes!

        Reply

    • Agnes
      February 15, 2022

      What. A. Collection! So much deliciousness here to pick from!

      Reply

    • Cathy
      February 15, 2022

      I love your recipes!! I was wondering if these are in any kind of order or just random order?

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        February 15, 2022

        Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy my recipes. They are listed in this order:
        Stuffed Chicken Breast
        Skillet, Grilled or Baked Chicken Breast
        Chicken Salad Recipes
        Chicken Soup Recipes
        Chicken Pasta Recipes
        Chicken Casseroles
        Asian Chicken Recipes
        Leftover Chicken Recipes (genius ideas!)

        Reply

    As Featured On

    Never Go "Hangry" Again!

    Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.