7 Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes for Big Families

Chicken breasts are a versatile and lean source of protein, perfect for feeding large families on a budget while keeping meals exciting and nutritious. These 7 delicious chicken breast recipes are designed to cater to different tastes, dietary needs, and preferences, ensuring every member of the family finds something to savor.

1. Baked Parmesan Chicken Fingers

Baked Parmesan Chicken Fingers are a family favorite that’s easy to make in large quantities. They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loved by children and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 8 large chicken breasts
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Coating: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
3. Slice: Slice each chicken breast into strips.
4. Coat: Dip each strip into the egg mixture, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
5. Arrange: Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Lightly Spray: Spray with olive oil for extra crunch.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

💡 Note: These chicken fingers can be frozen after coating for up to three months for future quick meals.

2. Mediterranean Chicken and Veggie Casserole

This casserole combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with healthy vegetables, making it a great one-dish meal for family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 6 large chicken breasts
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except cheese. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
4. Cook: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

💡 Note: You can substitute other vegetables according to seasonality and taste preferences.

3. Chicken Stir-Fry with Honey Garlic Sauce

Stir-fry is not only quick but also a fun way to introduce various vegetables to your family, especially if you’re dealing with picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 6 large chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 broccoli head, cut into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Sauce: ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¹⁄₄ cup water

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add chicken slices, stir-fry until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
3. Add Veggies: In the same skillet, add vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
4. Sauce: Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Return chicken to the pan, stir, and let simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Serve over rice or noodles.

💡 Note: This dish can be adapted for low-sodium diets by reducing or omitting soy sauce and enhancing other flavors.

4. Chicken Enchiladas

With their blend of spices and textures, chicken enchiladas make for a comforting family meal that can feed a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 8 large chicken breasts, shredded
• 24 corn tortillas
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Green onions, cilantro for garnish
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with cumin, salt, and pepper, then cook until shreddable.
2. Assemble Enchiladas: Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, fill with chicken, beans, corn, and cheese, then roll up.
3. Layer: Place in a baking dish, seam side down, and repeat until all ingredients are used.
4. Top and Bake: Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
5. Garnish: Add sour cream, green onions, and cilantro before serving.

💡 Note: For a vegan option, substitute chicken with extra veggies like butternut squash or bell peppers.

5. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken with a zesty lemon and herb marinade is both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for outdoor cooking on weekends.

Ingredients:

• 8 large chicken breasts
• Juice and zest of 3 lemons
• ¹⁄₂ cup olive oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
3. Serve: Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

💡 Note: This chicken pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad.

6. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

This creamy, cheesy dish is a sure hit with families, combining the comfort of pasta with nutritious chicken and broccoli.

Ingredients:

• 6 large chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (or homemade)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
2. Sauce: In a large bowl, mix Alfredo sauce with milk, then add cooked pasta and broccoli, chicken, and half of the cheese.
3. Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden on top, about 30 minutes.

💡 Note: You can use whole wheat pasta or increase the amount of broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

7. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Effortlessly prepare a meal for the family with this slow cooker recipe, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 6 large chicken breasts
• 1 large jar (16 oz) of salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, add all other ingredients, and mix to cover chicken.
2. Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks in the cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
4. Serve: Serve over rice, in tacos, or with tortillas.

💡 Note: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it in different ways: as tacos, over rice, or as a base for nachos.

In the end, these recipes are not just about feeding the crowd but also about creating joyful, communal dining experiences. Each dish, with its distinct flavors and preparation style, offers something unique to the table, encouraging family members to gather around, share stories, and savor the food together. By embracing these recipes, families can enjoy not only the taste of home-cooked meals but also the emotional nourishment that comes from shared family time.