Are you tired of the same old boring meals every night? Do you want to cook healthy, flavorful dishes without breaking the bank? Look no further! Chicken breasts are a staple in many households, and they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, there’s a delicious chicken breast recipe out there that won’t put a dent in your wallet.
In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering, budget-friendly chicken breast recipes to spice up your meal routine. From classic comfort food to international-inspired flavors, these easy and affordable recipes are perfect for anyone looking to cook more without sacrificing taste or quality. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover the incredible world of cheap chicken breast recipes!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter and the tender juiciness of baked chicken breast. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 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 softened butter, minced garlic, and paprika.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Chicken Breast Stir-Fry with Vegetables
A quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish combines juicy chicken breast with colorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers and snow peas; cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet; stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Breast
This sweet and tangy recipe is perfect for a stress-free dinner that’s ready when you are. Marinated chicken breasts slow-cooked in a honey mustard sauce, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the sauce and coat evenly.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Chicken Breast Tacos
Transform your taco Tuesday with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the juiciness of chicken breast with a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Slice chicken into thin strips.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled chicken, radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
A bright and flavorful one-pan dish that combines the simplicity of chicken breast with the zesty goodness of lemon and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some of the lemon sauce over each breast.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast
Transform plain chicken breasts into a crispy, flavorful delight with this simple recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate dish, whisk together egg and a pinch of salt.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating completely, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Breast and Rice Casserole
A comforting and satisfying casserole that combines tender chicken breast, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic in olive oil until cooked through.
3. In a separate pot, combine cooked rice, peas and carrots, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the rice mixture and stir until coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Grilled Chicken Breast
Get ready to fire up your grill and serve up a mouthwatering main course with this easy-to-make BBQ Grilled Chicken Breast recipe. This classic dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer cookout.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes total
Chicken Breast Fajitas
Savory Chicken Breast Fajitas Recipe
Get ready for a flavorful and spicy treat with this simple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the fajitas by placing the chicken mixture onto the tortillas, adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Breast Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these sweet and savory Teriyaki Chicken Breast Skewers. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, the chicken is then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Breast and Black Bean Quesadillas
A twist on traditional quesadillas, these flavorful wraps combine tender chicken breast with sautéed black beans, onions, and a hint of cumin. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 4 large tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In the skillet, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the black beans, onion, garlic, and cumin to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. In a separate pan or griddle, warm tortillas over medium heat.
5. Spoon the chicken and bean mixture onto half of each tortilla, then top with shredded cheese.
6. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this refreshing Greek yogurt marinade, infused with the bold flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this recipe yields juicy and flavorful chicken breasts.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Breast and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
This recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s a great way to get a balanced meal on the table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the chicken breasts on one half of the pan, leaving some space between each breast.
4. Place the sliced potatoes and red bell pepper on the other half of the pan, slightly overlapping the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle garlic and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach and Cheese
A delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the flavors of spinach, cheese, and chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Dot the top of each breast with butter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick Chicken Breast Curry
In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful and aromatic curry dish ready to delight your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and cook until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chicken Breast and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe is a classic Chinese-inspired stir-fry that combines juicy chicken breast with crisp broccoli, garlic, and ginger. It’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli to the pan and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Breast Piccata
A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s quick, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Pan-seared chicken breasts are topped with a tangy lemon-caper sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tbsp butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken breasts; cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium; add white wine (if using), lemon juice, and capers.
7. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
8. Serve chicken breasts with the tangy lemon-caper sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Breast and Mushroom Skillet
This hearty skillet recipe combines juicy chicken breast with earthy mushrooms and a hint of garlic, making for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms to the skillet; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Breast Wraps
A flavorful twist on traditional wraps, these Buffalo Chicken Breast Wraps are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack. Spicy buffalo chicken breast is wrapped with crispy lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy blue cheese crumbles, all in a soft flour tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 2 tbsp butter
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Lettuce
– Tomato
– Blue cheese crumbles
– Ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together buffalo sauce and butter. Brush the mixture evenly onto both chicken breasts.
3. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble wraps by slicing chicken into strips, adding lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese crumbles to each tortilla.
6. Serve with ranch dressing if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Chicken Breast and Sweet Potato Hash
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of chicken breast, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (if using).
7. Grill or sauté the chicken breasts until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
8. Serve the chicken breast atop the roasted sweet potato hash.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meal game without breaking the bank! This article brings you 20 mouthwatering and budget-friendly chicken breast recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic garlic butter baked chicken to spicy tacos and savory curries, these easy-to-make dishes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a range of flavors and textures, you’ll never get bored with the same old recipe again. So, start cooking up some deliciousness without sacrificing your wallet!
