If you’re anything like me, you probably have a pack of chicken breasts in your fridge right now wondering what to make for dinner. I get it – chicken breast can feel boring and repetitive when you’re making it multiple times a week. But here’s the thing: chicken breast is actually one of the most versatile proteins out there, and with the right recipes, it can be absolutely delicious and anything but boring!
I’ve been cooking chicken breast for my family for years, and I’ve learned that the key to keeping everyone happy is variety. That’s why I’m sharing 19 of my absolute favorite easy chicken breast recipes that will transform your weeknight dinners. These recipes are tried and tested in my own kitchen, and they range from creamy comfort food to fresh and healthy options, Italian favorites to Asian-inspired dishes. Best of all? Most of them are ready in 30 minutes or less!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for quick dinner ideas, or just tired of making the same old chicken dishes, this collection has you covered. Let’s dive into these game-changing chicken breast recipes that will make weeknight cooking so much easier!
Table of Contents
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is pure comfort food! Tender chicken breasts in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. It tastes like something from an Italian restaurant but comes together in just 25 minutes.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in 1 tbsp butter for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately over pasta or rice.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky – this honey garlic chicken is a family favorite that never fails! The sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Perfect served over rice with steamed broccoli.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and ginger. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour honey garlic sauce over chicken and bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add to the pan and stir until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over rice.
3. Baked Caprese Chicken

Fresh, light, and bursting with Italian flavors! This baked caprese chicken topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is healthy and impressive enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Top each chicken breast with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
4. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies

This one-pan lemon herb chicken is my go-to when I need a healthy, complete meal with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan – chicken, potatoes, and vegetables all infused with bright lemon and herbs.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and bell pepper to the bowl. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Arrange chicken and vegetables on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Top with lemon slices before serving.
5. Chicken Fajita Pasta

Two favorites combined into one amazing dish! This chicken fajita pasta has all the flavors of fajitas mixed with creamy pasta. It’s colorful, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with half the fajita seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté peppers and onions for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add remaining fajita seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the pan. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
6. Teriyaki Chicken

This homemade teriyaki chicken is so much better than takeout! The sweet and savory glaze is irresistible, and you can have this on the table faster than delivery would arrive. Serve over rice with stir-fried vegetables.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken and bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water. Add to the pan and stir until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over rice.
7. Chicken Parmesan

A classic Italian-American favorite that never gets old! Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This homemade version is easier than you think and tastes better than any restaurant.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh basil.
8. BBQ Chicken with Pineapple

This BBQ chicken with pineapple is a fun twist on traditional BBQ! The sweet pineapple complements the tangy BBQ sauce perfectly. It’s like a Hawaiian vacation on a plate and the kids absolutely love it.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
- Brush chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Top with pineapple chunks and red onion slices.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or baked potatoes.
9. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This creamy Tuscan chicken is restaurant-quality food you can make at home! Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich cream sauce make this dish absolutely divine. It’s fancy enough for date night but easy enough for Wednesday.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, cook chicken in 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
10. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

These buffalo chicken wraps are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying! Spicy buffalo chicken, crisp lettuce, and cool ranch dressing all wrapped up. They’re also great for meal prep!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Warm tortillas in microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spread ranch dressing down the center of each tortilla.
- Layer with buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and blue cheese if using.
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Cut in half and serve immediately.
11. Lemon Butter Chicken

This lemon butter chicken is bright, fresh, and incredibly flavorful! The simple lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs is the perfect complement to tender chicken. It’s light yet satisfying and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or rice.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add thyme and parsley. Let sauce reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Serve immediately.
12. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting – this chicken and broccoli alfredo is better than any restaurant version! The homemade alfredo sauce is rich and silky, and having protein and vegetables all in one dish makes this a complete meal.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions, adding broccoli in the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce. Toss to combine. Serve immediately with extra parmesan.
13. Mexican Street Corn Chicken

This Mexican street corn chicken is bursting with flavor! Topped with a creamy, spicy street corn mixture, it’s a fun and delicious way to jazz up plain chicken. Serve with rice and beans for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half the chili powder.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, mix corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, remaining chili powder, and cilantro.
- Spoon the corn mixture over each chicken breast.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Serve with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
14. Chicken Stir-Fry

This quick chicken stir-fry is loaded with colorful vegetables and coated in a savory sauce. It’s healthier and tastier than takeout, and you can have it on the table in 20 minutes! Perfect over rice or noodles.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add all vegetables and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to the wok. Pour sauce over everything and toss until well coated and sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
15. Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

These stuffed chicken breasts look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make! Filled with spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, they’re juicy on the inside and perfectly seasoned on the outside. Your family will think you’re a gourmet chef!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, garlic, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Season outside of chicken with salt, pepper, remaining Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove toothpicks before serving.
16. Honey Mustard Chicken

This honey mustard chicken is tangy, sweet, and absolutely delicious! The homemade honey mustard sauce is so much better than store-bought, and it creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, both mustards, garlic, and vinegar.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Brush chicken generously with honey mustard sauce, reserving some for serving.
- Transfer to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
17. Cilantro Lime Chicken

This cilantro lime chicken is fresh, zesty, and perfect for tacos, salads, or rice bowls! The marinade is simple but packs so much flavor. I love making extra to use for meal prep throughout the week.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 3 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice. Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
18. Balsamic Glazed Chicken

This balsamic glazed chicken is elegant and flavorful with a beautiful sweet and tangy glaze. It’s perfect for a special dinner but easy enough for any night of the week. The reduction sauce is absolutely incredible!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and butter. Bring to a simmer.
- Let the sauce reduce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the glaze. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and drizzle with extra glaze before serving.
19. Chicken Piccata

This classic Italian chicken piccata is light, lemony, and absolutely delicious! The tangy caper sauce is bright and flavorful. It looks and tastes fancy but comes together in about 30 minutes. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (or more broth)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let reduce for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter and capers until butter melts.
- Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – 19 easy chicken breast recipes that will completely transform your weeknight dinners! From creamy Italian dishes to fresh Asian-inspired meals, spicy Mexican flavors to classic comfort food, this collection proves that chicken breast can be exciting and delicious.
What I love most about these recipes is their versatility. You can meal prep several of them on Sunday, adjust spice levels for picky eaters, swap vegetables based on what you have, or even freeze some for later. Chicken breast is affordable and readily available, making these recipes perfect for budget-conscious families who still want delicious, satisfying meals.
My personal favorites? The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is in constant rotation at my house, and the Honey Garlic Chicken never fails to please everyone at the table. But honestly, I rotate through all of these depending on what I’m craving!
Which recipe are you most excited to try first? Do you have a favorite way to cook chicken breast that I didn’t include? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! And if you make any of these recipes, please share how they turned out. Your feedback helps me create even better content for busy families like yours!
Don’t forget to save this post so you can come back to it whenever you need weeknight dinner inspiration. Happy cooking, friends!
