25 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

Chicken Breasts 25 Ways

A lean, skinless chicken breast half contains 182 calories and 4 grams fat (only 1.1 grams sat fat) making it a great source of protein in a convenient package. From marinating and pounding to stuffing, pan-frying, and grinding, these 5 simple techniques, with variations, give healthy weeknight cooking a makeover.

Photo: John Autry

Marinating: Tandoori-Spiced Chicken

Chicken breasts are naturally tender, so marinating simply adds flavor. It's best to choose bold ingredients and avoid soaking the delicate meat in acidic liquids for too long—it may become stringy and tough.

View Recipe: Tandoori-Spiced Chicken

Variations:
If you like chile paste try: Thai Coconut Chicken
If you like hot sauce try: Buffalo Chicken
If you like herbs try: Herbed Chicken

Photo: John Autry

Marinating: Chicken Fajitas

A marinade of dark Mexican beer (like Negra Modelo), soy sauce, and fresh lime juice gives these Chicken Fajitas a fresh kick of flavor. Serve with flour tortillas, sauteed peppers and onions, and sliced jalapeño pepper.

View Recipe: Chicken Fajitas

Photo: John Autry

Marinating: Hawaiian Chicken

With only 15 minutes of total hands-on time, this recipe provides full flavor without much fuss. The pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, and ginger mixture acts double duty as both a marinade and baste for the chicken.

View Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken

Sautéed Chicken with Sage Browned Butter Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Pounding: Sautéed Chicken with Sage Browned Butter

Thin cutlets cook in a flash and remain supremely tender and juicy. After cooking the chicken, use the tasty browned bits left behind in the pan as the base for a speedy sauce.

View Recipe: Sautéed Chicken with Sage Browned Butter

Variations:
If you like Dijon mustard try: Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Dijon Sauce
If you like soy sauce try: Sweet and Sour Chicken
If you like cherry tomatoes try: Chicken and Cherry Tomato Sauce

Photo: John Autry

Pounding: Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

A simple pan sauce of presliced mushrooms, dry white wine, shallots, and fresh thyme enlivens your basic chicken breasts. Serve atop mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

View Recipe: Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Photo: John Autry

Stuffing: Pimiento Cheese Chicken

The impressive-looking results of stuffed chicken breasts belie the ease of preparation. You can stuff them up to a day ahead, keep refrigerated, and then simply cook and serve.

View Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Chicken

Variations:
If you like blue cheese try: Spinach and Blue Cheese Chicken
If you like bacon try: Bacon and Goat Cheese Chicken
If you like olives try: Mediterranean Chicken

Photo: John Autry

Stuffing: Couscous-Stuffed Chicken

A mixture of couscous, feta cheese, kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and minced garlic stuffed into chicken breasts makes for an easy 45-minute entrée fit for a special occasion. Serve with fresh sauteed green beans.

View Recipe: Couscous-Stuffed Chicken

Photo: John Autry

Pan Frying: Coconut Chicken Fingers

Dip chicken in buttermilk to add a tangy flavor, and coat it with flour and nuts or other tasty breading ingredients. Then pan-fry it in a sensible amount of heart-healthy oil to create a crisp exterior.

View Recipe: Coconut Chicken Fingers

Variations:
If you like pecans try: Pecan Chicken
If you like oatmeal try: Oatmeal-Crusted Chicken

Photo: John Autry

Pan Frying: Crispy Buttermilk Chicken

Marinating chicken breasts for four hours in a classic combination of buttermilk, egg, onion powder, and a hint of red pepper yields tender, flavorful results. We sauté the chicken just before baking to give it a perfectly crispy crust.

View Recipe: Crispy Buttermilk Chicken

Photo: John Autry

Grinding: Chicken Larb

Combine skinless, boneless chicken breast halves in the food processor with pungent ingredients like garlic, spicy peppers, or curry paste. Puree them together so the flavor permeates the meat.

View Recipe: Chicken Larb

Variations
If you like jalapeño peppers, try: Chicken Tacos
If you like ketchup, try: Chicken Meat Loaf

Photo: John Autry

Grinding: Greek-Style Chicken

Pair Greek chicken patties with a creamy Tzatziki-style sauce and serve with sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, and sliced feta cheese for a quick weeknight-friendly meal.

View Recipe: Greek-Style Chicken

Photo: John Autry

Grinding: Chicken Burgers

Give beef a rest and try chicken for burgers instead. Simply combine chicken breasts, capers, shallots, salt, and pepper in a food processor, shape into patties, and cook in a grill pan.

View Recipe: Chicken Burgers