21 Best Chicken Breast Dinner Recipes

Chicken breasts are one of the most versatile and popular proteins to cook with, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy, flavorful and spicy, or comforting and hearty, chicken breasts can be prepared in countless ways to suit every taste and preference.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 21 of the best chicken breast dinner recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen. From crispy and cheesy to grilled and marinated, these recipes cover a wide range of flavors and cooking methods. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or an adventurous home chef, you’ll find something here to inspire your next meal.

21. Buffalo Chicken Breast (Air Fryer)

The Buffalo Chicken Breast (Air Fryer) is a spicy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for those who love a little heat. This recipe uses the air fryer to cook chicken breasts to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and paprika before being air-fried to golden brown. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as celery sticks or ranch dressing.

20. Cast Iron Chicken Parm

Cast Iron Chicken Parm is a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. This recipe involves breaded chicken breasts cooked to a golden crisp in a cast iron skillet, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Olive oil for cooking
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
4. In another dish, beat the eggs.
5. In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat and sear the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, and top with mozzarella cheese.
10. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot with pasta or garlic bread.

19. Easy Skillet Mediterranean Chicken

The Easy Skillet Mediterranean Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s packed with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. This recipe features chicken breasts cooked in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a mix of Mediterranean spices. It’s finished with a colorful medley of tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, making it a visually appealing and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Season the chicken breasts with oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
7. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the tomato and olive mixture over the top.
9. Sprinkle with feta cheese and garnish with chopped parsley.
10. Serve hot with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables.

18. Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken Breasts

The Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken Breasts recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. This recipe involves chicken breasts baked in a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

17. Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers) Recipe

Yakitori, or Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers, is a popular street food that’s both flavorful and fun to eat. This recipe involves marinating chicken breasts in a sweet soy-based sauce before grilling them to perfection on skewers. It’s a great option for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
– 1/4 cup mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice and dipping sauce, such as teriyaki or ponzu.

16. Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe involves coating chicken breasts in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baking them to a golden, crispy perfection.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, coating completely, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

15. FORGOTTEN CHICKEN

FORGOTTEN CHICKEN is a simple and hands-off recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. This dish involves placing chicken breasts in a slow cooker with a can of condensed cream of chicken soup and letting it cook all day. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that’s ready when you are.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

14. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer. This recipe involves grilling chicken breasts and topping them with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and mozzarella cheese, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bruschetta topping.
5. In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. Top each chicken breast with the tomato mixture, a slice of mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
8. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

13. ONE POT CHICKEN PARMESAN PASTA

ONE POT CHICKEN PARMESAN PASTA is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s cooked entirely in one pot. This recipe combines chicken breasts, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 lb pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Return the chicken breasts to the pot and top each with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

12. CROCK POT TORTELLINI CHICKEN SOUP

CROCK POT TORTELLINI CHICKEN SOUP is a comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe involves cooking chicken breasts, tortellini, and vegetables in a flavorful broth in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package cheese-filled tortellini
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and water.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini to the slow cooker.
5. Remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

11. Chicken with White Wine Vinegar Tomato Sauce and Spinach Orzo

This recipe is a sophisticated and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. Chicken breasts are cooked in a tangy and aromatic white wine vinegar tomato sauce, served over spinach orzo for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup white wine vinegar
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 cup fresh spinach
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add white wine vinegar, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orzo according to package instructions. Stir in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking.
7. Serve the chicken breasts over the spinach orzo, spooning the tomato sauce over the top.

10. Crock-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice

Crock-Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice is a bright and citrusy dish that’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe involves cooking chicken breasts, rice, and lemon juice in a slow cooker for a tender and flavorful result.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rice.
5. Cover and continue cooking until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices if desired.