8 Surprising Thin Chicken Breast Recipes You’ll Love

Chicken breast is a staple in many kitchens across the United States. It’s versatile, lean, and packed with protein. But let’s face it, sometimes cooking chicken breast can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to keeping it moist and flavorful. That’s where thin chicken breast comes to the rescue! These slimmer cuts cook faster, more evenly, and are perfect for a wide variety of dishes. In this blog post, we’ll explore a range of mouthwatering thin chicken breast recipes that are sure to spice up your meal rotation and impress your family and friends.

Why Choose Thin Chicken Breast?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why thin chicken breast is such a great option for your cooking adventures:

1. Quick cooking time: Thin chicken breasts cook much faster than their thicker counterparts, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
2. Even cooking: The uniform thickness ensures that the chicken cooks evenly throughout, reducing the risk of dry or overcooked spots.
3. Versatility: Thin chicken breasts are ideal for a wide range of cooking methods, from grilling and pan-frying to baking and stuffing.
4. Portion control: Their smaller size makes it easier to manage portion sizes for those watching their calorie intake.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get cooking!

Thin chicken breast recipes

Mouthwatering Thin Chicken Breast Recipes Ready in Minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Thin Chicken Breast Recipes

Servings: 4

Calories: 1900kcal

Author: Alice Ketty

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• Saucepan
• pitcher

Ingredients

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken and oil.
• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce has reduced slightly.
• Remove from heat, add the remaining butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1900kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 136g | Fat: 130g | Fiber: 4g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken

For those looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken, this baked Parmesan chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan mixture.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Serve this crispy chicken with a side salad or your favorite roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

When the weather’s nice, firing up the grill is a great way to cook thin chicken breasts. This lemon herb marinade infuses the chicken with bright, fresh flavors that are perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid.
5. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.

This grilled chicken is fantastic on its own, sliced over a salad, or tucked into a sandwich with fresh veggies.

Stuffed Spinach and Feta Chicken

Stuffed chicken breasts may seem fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make with thin cutlets. This Greek-inspired version combines tangy feta cheese with nutritious spinach for a flavorful and impressive dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Toothpicks for securing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix the cooled spinach with the crumbled feta cheese.
4. Lay each chicken breast flat and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the spinach and feta mixture onto one side of each breast.
5. Roll up the chicken breasts, tucking in the sides, and secure with toothpicks.
6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the chicken broth around them.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot.

Remove the toothpicks before serving, and consider pairing this dish with a side of roasted potatoes or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Who says chicken tenders are just for kids? This grown-up version features a tangy honey mustard sauce that’s sure to please palates of all ages.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each chicken strip into the honey mustard mixture, then coat with the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Serve these tenders with extra honey mustard sauce for dipping, along with some crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.

One-Pan Tuscan Chicken

For those nights when you want a delicious meal but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes, this one-pan Tuscan chicken is the perfect solution.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
7. Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts.
8. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

This creamy, flavorful dish is delicious served over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.

Asian-Inspired Sesame Ginger Chicken

Let’s take a culinary trip to the East with this Asian-inspired sesame ginger chicken. The combination of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and zingy ginger creates a mouthwatering glaze for our thin chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid.
5. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

This Asian-inspired chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with this colorful and flavorful chicken skillet. Packed with vegetables and feta cheese, it’s a one-pan meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add the bell peppers and onion, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and add the olives, oregano, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetable mixture.
7. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8. Sprinkle with fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese before serving.

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is delicious on its own or served over couscous or quinoa to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Conclusion

Thin chicken breasts are a versatile and convenient option for creating a wide variety of delicious meals. From classic Italian-inspired dishes to Asian-fusion flavors and Mediterranean delights, there’s no shortage of ways to prepare this lean protein. These recipes demonstrate just how easy it is to transform simple chicken breasts into impressive, flavorful meals that are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying, thin chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, making them an excellent choice for home cooks of all skill levels. By experimenting with different marinades, sauces, and cooking methods, you can keep your meal rotation fresh and exciting.

Remember, the key to perfectly cooked thin chicken breasts is to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure – chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and explore the wonderful world of thin chicken breast dishes. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!