The nightly plight of the 9 to 5; what to have for dinner? Weeknight meals, even as a mere thought, can end up being so boring or overwhelming that people often just opt for the takeout or drive-through once again. But with so many hard-working individuals being more mindful of what they eat and how much they spend, it would be a disservice to both your body and your bank account to fall into this habit. The solution? The mighty but humble, endlessly versatile, chicken breast.
Loaded with lean protein, low fat, zero carbs, and key essential nutrients, the chicken breast is healthy, and equally an important, cheap, option for a quick and nutritious meal any night of the week. So why are so many people apt to order out instead? The three primary factors for individuals choosing not to prepare their own food are; they do not know what to cook, they do not think they possess the skills necessary to cook, or they think that they don’t have the time to cook. Rest assured that even the most overbooked and underqualified person in the kitchen will be able to create these 4 delicious and rewarding chicken breast meals in under an hour.
Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients needed:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (desired amount)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Sliced deli ham
- Sliced Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation process
With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this simple stuffed recipe is sure to satisfy. While an oven is preheating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, prepare three separate containers containing flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs. Butterfly your desired amount of chicken breast by placing one hand against the top of the cut and running the knife parallel through the thickest part of the breast.
Continue placing shallow cuts until you are an inch away from the opposite end of the breast, then open it up like a book. Layer the inside with slices of ham and Swiss cheese then fold back closed tightly. Toothpicks can be used if needed.
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Season the outside of the breast with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken into the flour first, making sure to cover every exposed area. Then place into the egg wash and allow any excess to drip off before following into the panko and ensuring a full, even coating.
In a non-stick skillet placed over medium heat with your oil of choice, cook the chicken breast on all sides flipping as needed just until a golden-brown crust forms. Relocate to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let rest for 5 minutes and enjoy. This entree pairs well with quickly roasted broccoli or sauteed spinach and garlic.
Pan Fried Chicken Parm
Ingredients needed:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (desired amount)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3-4 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 8 oz buffalo mozzarella
- 6 oz grated Parmesan
- 12 oz marinara of choice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation process
Great Italian food doesn’t have to take all day; this quick and easy recipe will have pure amore on your table in under an hour. Start by butterflying your desired number of chicken breasts through its thickest portion and laying flat on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap and beat generously with a meat mallet until flattened evenly; this will ensure both a tender fillet as well as an even cooking process. Season liberally on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and for desired heat, a pinch of cayenne. Prepare three separate containers with flour, beaten eggs, and Italian bread crumbs individually.
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Place a high-walled cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet with a quarter-inch of the oil of your choice over medium heat until just smoking. Dredge the chicken breast in the flour first, ensuring all exposed surfaces have been covered. Then dip into the egg wash and allow any excess to drain off before dredging into the bread crumbs. Carefully place the breaded breast into the oil and avoid overcrowding the pan if preparing several servings. Pan fry until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes on each side then relocate them to a baking sheet. Cover the top of the cutlet with sliced buffalo mozzarella and shredded Parmesan and place under a broiler for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil This dish is best served with warm marinara and pairs well with whole-grain pasta tossed in sauce.
Oven Roasted Jerk Chicken
Ingredients needed:
- Chicken breast (skin on is preferred but not necessary)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation process
Perhaps you’re feeling an island vibe instead, with earthy spices and a hint of heat and citrus, this recipe for the quick Caribbean can be made any night of the week. Start by preheating your oven to 375 and prepping your chicken breast to a preferred thickness; generally about an inch, thick is ideal. In a large mixing bowl combine canola oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cayenne pepper, ginger, crushed garlic, lime juice, and lime zest. Add the chicken breast to the bowl and ensure that all surfaces of each piece have been generously covered. For best results and deeper flavors, try doing this in the morning before work to allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge!
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In a large cast-iron skillet set over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and allow to melt. Add the chicken skin side down and leave undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes to allow a golden crust to form. Flip each breast once and cover with an oven-safe lid and before placing it in the oven. Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Sliced scallions make an excellent garnish and this dish pairs well with rice and red beans as well as stewed collard greens.
One Sheet Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients needed:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (desired amount)
- 1 pound skin-on red potatoes
- Half a red onion
- 1 pound whole carrots
- Barbecue sauce of choice
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation process
Craving something more comforting? Downhome flavors always satisfy and this familiar family favorite is no exception. One sheet meals combine the ease of simplicity with the satisfaction of a minimal mess. Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Slice the chicken breast to your desired thickness and place them on the sheet; once again about an inch, thick is ideal for this cooking method. Season the breast on both sides with salt and pepper as well as garlic powder and onion powder. Paint on your barbecue sauce of choice using a brush or simply the back of a spoon if need be.
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As this recipe method inherently requires sides, seasoned red potatoes, and roasted carrots pair well with this entree. Slice the potatoes into wedges and place skin side down on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and dust with salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary, and garlic powder. Peel and slice the carrots into manageable pieces. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add crushed garlic and 1 tablespoon of honey, mixing to combine. Toss the carrots in with the mixture and add to the sheet. Sliced red onion rings can be added atop the chicken and place the whole affair into the oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow resting for 10 minutes before serving.
Creating a delicious and affordable dinner right in your own home doesn’t have to be a burden, and these 4 recipes are just a taste of the endless possibilities when cooking chicken breasts. Whether you’re looking to save money or start making more health-conscious meal choices, these will be sure to satisfy you and have you try them again and again.
