When it comes to weeknight dinners, few things are as reliable—and versatile—as chicken breasts. They’re lean, quick to cook, and pair well with almost any flavor profile. But sometimes, the idea of prepping a long list of ingredients can feel overwhelming. That’s why these 12 easy top-rated chicken breast recipes are perfect: each one uses just five ingredients or fewer, so you can get dinner on the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
One of the biggest perks of cooking with chicken breasts is how adaptable they are. From creamy and comforting to fresh and zesty, they can easily take on the flavor of any sauce, spice blend, or seasoning you have in your pantry. And with these recipes, you’ll find there’s no need for complicated steps or expensive specialty items—just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.
Start with classics like garlic butter chicken, where tender breasts are pan-seared and smothered in a rich, buttery sauce with just a touch of garlic for depth. Or try a honey mustard chicken that’s baked to perfection, delivering a sweet-and-tangy glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
If you’re craving something cheesy, a mozzarella-stuffed chicken breast with fresh basil and tomato can transport you straight to Italy in just a few bites. For something smoky, barbecue chicken breasts baked with your favorite BBQ sauce require almost no prep but taste like you’ve been tending the grill for hours.
Some recipes in this collection offer bright, refreshing flavors, like a lemon herb chicken that’s light yet satisfying, or a pesto chicken that takes full advantage of a jar of store-bought pesto for a burst of basil goodness.
If you like a little heat, a spicy salsa chicken baked with your favorite jarred salsa delivers both flavor and moisture—perfect for taco night. Or, for a richer option, try creamy ranch chicken, where a simple ranch seasoning packet and a splash of cream work culinary magic.
Many of these recipes are perfect for meal prepping. Cook a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have ready-to-go protein for salads, wraps, and grain bowls all week. They’re also incredibly forgiving—you can swap in thighs if you prefer, or experiment with marinades and spice blends to match your mood.
And because they use so few ingredients, these dishes are budget-friendly while still being delicious enough to serve for a casual dinner party. Add a quick side salad, roasted veggies, or a baked potato, and you’ve got a complete meal in less than 30 minutes.
With these 12 easy chicken breast recipes, you’ll never be stuck wondering what to make for dinner again. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, they prove that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something truly delicious.
Three-Ingredient Baked Chicken Breasts
“I use this as a basic baked chicken recipe when another recipe calls for cooked chicken. Works great for everything and is super customizable,” says Jennifer Jones.
Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
“Chicken is browned, and then cooked with artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and sun-dried tomato pesto in this simple, elegant recipe,” says LMB27.
Tender Italian Baked Chicken
It’s tender, moist baked chicken with an Italian accent. This simple but impressive dish is ready in just 30 minutes. The secret here is the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese coating. It keeps the chicken breasts moist during baking; and the coating comes out of the oven wonderfully crispy.
Grilled Chicken with Rosemary and Bacon
“Grilled chicken breasts with garlic powder, bacon, and rosemary,” says Skoo. “This recipe goes together so easy with minimal prep.”
Chicken Cordon Bleu
This French classic is perfect for company but easy enough to make for busy weeknight meals. “Easy and delicious!” says Kiersten. “Use the largest chicken breasts you can find so you’ll be able to roll them easier.”
Cashew Crusted Chicken
“Chicken breasts dipped in an apricot/mustard sauce, then rolled in chopped cashew nuts for a wonderfully easy, tangy, and crunchy baked chicken,” says MR_PIANOMAN.
Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls
Chicken breasts baked with pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese for an easy family-pleasing dinner. “We loved the basil pesto flavor in the chicken,” says Loelle. “I added panko bread crumbs to the top to give it a little crunch. Excellent recipe!”
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken breasts are topped with hot pepper sauce and dry ranch dressing mix and cooked in the slow cooker. When it’s ready, just shred it up and fill fresh Boston lettuce cups. AC says, “Quick, easy, and healthier than traditional Buffalo wings! Perfect for family dinners, BBQ parties, football Sundays, or just about any event!”
Chef John’s Chicken and Mushrooms
“Succulent and chicken breast are seldom found in the same sentence, but you can find them together here in this delightfully simple recipe, composed of a few common ingredients,” says Bibi. “The chicken came out perfectly, with rich, delicious mushrooms.”
Salsa Chicken
Chicken seasoned with taco seasoning, topped with salsa and Cheddar cheese and baked. “You can use mild, medium or hot salsa depending on your taste,” says Faye. “I usually serve it with Spanish rice and Mexican-style canned corn. Very easy and quick!”
Chicken Walnut Cheese Wrapped in Bacon
“Devilishly good and (almost) paleo-approved!” says kcfort. “Use the leftover drippings to fry some side-dish veggies, or just drizzle on top of the completed chicken. Go ahead and modify the cheese; any stinky cheese will do. Can also substitute candied walnuts or pecans for standard walnuts for a unique sweet-and-savory flavor.”
