5 Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes to Try Tonight

Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Nothing beats a classic chicken dish infused with garlic and Parmesan, the simplicity of which belies its incredible flavor profile. Here’s how to make this delicious, easy weeknight dinner:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Create the breading station: mix Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in one bowl. Place flour in another, and beaten eggs in a third.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the Parmesan mixture, ensuring even coverage.
5. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, cooking until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet with the chicken directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🧄 Note: If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken

For those who crave a bit of heat, this Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken is the perfect dinner option. The combination of sweet honey and fiery sriracha creates a mouthwatering glaze that'll make your taste buds dance with delight.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together sriracha, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Season chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
5. Pour the honey-sriracha mixture over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
6. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then baste with pan juices before serving.

Lemon Herb Chicken Bake

A refreshing twist on baked chicken, this Lemon Herb Chicken Bake is perfect for a light, flavorful meal that's quick and easy to prepare.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, parsley, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in a baking dish.
4. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with additional herbs before serving.

🍋 Note: Fresh herbs add more flavor, but feel free to use dried if fresh are not available. Just remember to use a third of the amount when substituting dried for fresh.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Get your greens in with this delicious, stuffed chicken recipe that's as nutritious as it is comforting. This dish combines spinach, cheese, and chicken for a meal that's sure to please.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Cut a slit into each chicken breast to create a pocket for stuffing.
4. Stuff each pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Crispy Ranch Chicken

Transform your chicken dinner with this crispy, zesty Ranch Chicken recipe. Perfect for when you're craving something crunchy and flavorful.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 packet (1 ounce) of Ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In one bowl, mix buttermilk with Ranch seasoning until well combined. In another bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the breading is crispy and golden.
6. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for these recipes?

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Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are thawed completely before marinating or coating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

How do I check if the chicken is cooked?

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The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check for clear juices and ensure there’s no pink color inside the meat.

Can I prep these dishes ahead of time?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be prepped in advance. You can marinate the chicken or prepare the stuffing mixtures and coat the chicken, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you’re starting with cold chicken.