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5 BEST & EASIEST CHICKEN RECIPES | Fast Tasty Chicken Dinners You'll Make On Repeat! | Julia Pacheco

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Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
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Recipes in this Video

6 recipes

Chicken breast is a versatile ingredient found in cuisines worldwide, often celebrated for its lean protein and adaptability. From classic grilled chicken to stir-fries and casseroles, it can be seasoned and cooked in myriad ways, making it a staple in many households. Today, variations abound, with global influences bringing new flavors and techniques to this beloved protein.

Ingredients

  • chicken breasts
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic
  • onion
  • paprika
  • lemon juice
  • herbs
  • butter
  • soy sauce
  • mustard
  • honey
  • vegetables
  • broth
  • cheese

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. 2Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. 4Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
  5. 5Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  6. 6Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. 7Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  8. 8Slice the chicken and serve with lemon juice and herbs.
  9. 9For grilled chicken, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  10. 10Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes.
  11. 11Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.

Ingredient Alternatives

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and can replace butter in cooking.

soy sauce

Healthier: coconut aminos

Cheaper: Worcestershire sauce

Coconut aminos are lower in sodium.

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: cream cheese

Nutritional yeast adds flavor without dairy.

Techniques

searingbakingmarinatinggrilling

Equipment

ovenskilletgrillmeat thermometer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  5. 5Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. 6Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the chicken and garlic mixture.
  7. 7Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated.
  8. 8Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

large potskilletcolandermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonswooden spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add diced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. 4In the same skillet, add sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
  5. 5Add diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. 6Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
  7. 7Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  8. 8Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fully cooked.
  9. 9Remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
  10. 10Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Equipment

large skilletspatulaknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a third dish.
  3. 3Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess.
  4. 4Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
  5. 5Coat the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  6. 6Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  7. 7Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  8. 8Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

ovenskilletshallow dishes for breading

Originating from the American home cooking tradition, No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that embodies the spirit of convenience and simplicity. It's often made for busy weeknights, allowing families to enjoy a hearty meal without much fuss. This dish has evolved over time, with variations incorporating different proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile favorite in many households.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs
  • long-grain rice
  • cream of mushroom soup
  • chicken broth
  • onion soup mix
  • butter
  • garlic
  • pepper
  • onion
  • celery
  • carrots
  • parsley
  • paprika
  • thyme
  • bay leaves

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grease a large casserole dish with butter.
  3. 3Layer uncooked rice evenly on the bottom of the dish.
  4. 4Mix cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth in a bowl until smooth.
  5. 5Spread the soup mixture over the rice evenly.
  6. 6Arrange chicken thighs on top of the soup mixture, skin side up.
  7. 7Sprinkle onion soup mix over the chicken.
  8. 8Add diced onions, celery, and carrots around the chicken.
  9. 9Season with garlic, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves.
  10. 10Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  11. 11Bake for 1 hour without peeking.
  12. 12Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through.
  13. 13Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cream of mushroom soup

Healthier: homemade mushroom sauce

Cheaper: cream of chicken soup

Homemade sauce can reduce preservatives and calories.

chicken thighs

Healthier: skinless chicken breasts

Cheaper: bone-in chicken thighs

Skinless breasts are leaner, while bone-in thighs are often less expensive.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and bouillon is cost-effective.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthy fats, while margarine is often cheaper.

Techniques

bakingmixinglayering

Equipment

casserole dishmixing bowlaluminum foil
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Chicken and Rice CasseroleOne-Pot Chicken Rice Bake

Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of China, stir-frying is a quick cooking method that preserves the color and texture of vegetables while infusing them with flavor. This dish is a staple in many households, celebrated for its balance of protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option. Today, chicken vegetable stir fry is enjoyed globally, with countless variations incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

  • chicken breast
  • bell peppers
  • broccoli
  • carrots
  • snap peas
  • onion
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • cornstarch
  • green onions
  • red pepper flakes
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Slice chicken breast into thin strips.
  2. 2Marinate chicken in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
  4. 4Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  5. 5Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  7. 7In the same pan, add more oil if needed and add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  8. 8Add sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. 9Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
  10. 10Return chicken to the pan and mix well with vegetables.
  11. 11Add soy sauce and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
  12. 12Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  13. 13Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  14. 14Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken breast

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a plant-based option, while chicken thighs are often less expensive than breasts.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos offers a similar flavor profile.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat, while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Arrowroot is a gluten-free thickening agent, while flour is a common pantry staple.

Techniques

slicingmarinatingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletwokcutting boardknifemixing bowlspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Also Known As

Chicken Stir FryStir Fried Chicken and Vegetables

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