Chicken breasts that have been thinly sliced are a quick and easy way to add protein to your meal. In this recipe round up, I found 25 tasty recipes for thinly sliced chicken breasts to help you stay ahead of the dinner rush!.
Getting dinner on the table in a timely manner can sometimes feel like an impossible feat which is why it’s important to have an arsenal of recipes that are full of flavor and come together quickly!.
Cooking with frozen, canned, and chopped ingredients is a great way to save time with produce but the proteins may feel like more of a challenge for you! While opting for pre-cooked proteins is one way to save time, you can also cut down cooking time by thinly slicing the proteins that you have on hand.
For example, I always have thinly sliced chicken in my fridge and freezer because it’s a lean protein that cooks quickly and can be used in many ways. When I’m in a pinch for time, which is basically all the time, this is what I’m reaching for!.
I looked all over the internet for 25 recipes that use thinly sliced chicken and then put them into groups based on flavor: everyday flavors, Italian flavors, soy flavors, and some that are a little spicy. This will save you time.
If you need thinly sliced chicken that can pair with just about any recipe, here are 10 ways that you can prep your thin chicken pieces to serve with your sides of choice:
Air fried to golden perfection, this every day chicken breast is thinly sliced and coated in spices and a brown sugar with corn starch mixture for delicious flavor.
Get dinner on the table in under 15 minutes with these easy, stove top garlic butter chicken tenderloins.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these baked chicken tenderloins parmesan on the table for a family friendly dinner..
Coated in a simple breading, these air fryer breaded chicken tenders are perfect for wraps, salads, and serving to hungry kids!
Full of lemon and garlic flavor, these chicken tenders pair nicely with rice, salads, and pastas!
A mix of Panko and Pecorino Romano result in a perfectly crispy and golden exterior to this flavorful and juicy chicken cutlet.
Baked, not fried, this juicy parmesan crusted chicken comes together quickly and is perfect to eat on its own or in a sandwich.
This blackened chicken is keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo and is a great addition to a balanced meal.
These easy to make and perfectly baked crispy chicken cutlets are a dinner that the entire family will enjoy.
This oven baked chicken breast recipe is a quick and easy way to get a flavor filled protein on the table in no time.
Full of fresh Italian flavors, this bruschetta chicken is topping with a delicious tomato-basil mixture and will be on your dinner table in 30 minutes.
These air fryer Italian chicken cutlets come together in a flash and pair perfectly with simple side dishes or placed on a pasta.
Smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach tuscan sauce, these chicken tenders are full of flavors a pair well with your favorite sides.
These baked chicken tenders have a quick 5 minute prep time and are so easy, even a beginner cook can make them!
Baked, not fried, these crispy Italian chicken cutlets are full of flavor and will not disappoint!
These chicken tenderloins are covered in a delicious honey soy sauce and taste as delicious as they look!
These flavor filled chicken tenders come together in 20-minutes and are made in just one pan!
Make the perfect game-day snack or delicious dinner with these chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy sauce!
This thinly sliced chicken breast recipe is baked to perfection and covered in a zesty honey soy sauce that your entire family will love.
Looking to turn up the heat? Switching out condiments, toppings, and dips is an easy way to add some spice to your thinly sliced chicken recipes. Here are 5 recipe ideas that feature slightly spicy chicken you may enjoy:
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or make them a meal, these slightly spicy buffalo chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress!
If you’re looking for an extra crunch, these thinly sliced chicken breasts are coated in buttermilk and hot sauce then deep fried to deliciousness!
You can pair these chicken strips with dips like guacamole and salsa or chop them and add them a taco salad or bowl!
These chicken tenders are seasoned with a Korean chile flakes blend bringing your chicken from boring to bursting with flavor.
Full of citrus and chipotle flavors, these grilled chicken tenders feature a sweet heat that pairs nicely with a spicy slaw.
There you have 25 delicious ways to cook with thinly sliced chicken breast! Whether you use chicken tenderloins or butterfly your chicken breasts into thin chicken cutlets, these chicken recipes are a quick and easy way to get a tasty protein on the dinner table in no time!
Chicken breasts are a kitchen staple for good reason – they’re lean versatile and easy to cook. However, thin chicken cutlets can dry out quickly. With the right techniques and recipes, you can make juicy, flavorful meals with thin chicken breasts. Here are 25 delicious ways to prepare them.
Why Choose Thin Chicken Breasts?
Thinner chicken cutlets have a few advantages
-
They cook faster than thick breasts, making them ideal for weeknight dinners.
-
Pound thick breasts to make cutlets for more even cooking.
-
The thin shape allows more surface area for sauces and seasonings to adhere.
-
You can stretch a pack of chicken further when sliced thin.
-
Kids often prefer thinner pieces of chicken that are tender and easier to chew.
Tips for Cooking Thin Chicken Breasts
Follow these simple tips for the best results:
-
Pound it out: To make the breasts 1/4-inch thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them. This tenderizes the meat so it cooks evenly.
-
Velvet it: Mix thin slices with oil, cornstarch, egg whites, and seasonings. Velveting keeps chicken super moist.
-
Pan sear: Cook over high heat for a crispy exterior.
-
Don’t overcook: Chicken dries out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
-
Marinate it: Soaking chicken in acidic foods like yogurt or lemon juice makes it tender and adds flavor.
-
Bread it: Coat with panko or Parmesan for extra crunch.
-
Sauce it: Top with flavorful pan sauces, pesto, or creamy Alfredo.
25 Quick and Easy Thin Chicken Breast Recipes
If you use the right recipes, thin chicken breasts can be juicy, tasty, and filling. Here are 25 dinner ideas to please the whole family:
Italian Favorites
-
Chicken Parmesan: Breaded cutlets baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
-
Chicken Piccata: Pan-fried chicken in a lemon caper butter sauce.
-
Chicken Marsala: Sautéed chicken with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce.
-
Chicken Sorrentino: Layered with eggplant, prosciutto, and melted provolone.
Asian Inspiration
-
Cashew Chicken: Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy Asian sauce.
-
Chicken Teriyaki: Grilled chicken glazed with a sweet soy and ginger marinade.
-
Kung Pao Chicken: Wok-cooked chicken with peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables.
-
Sesame Chicken: Fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet sesame sauce.
Southern Classics
-
Chicken Fried Chicken: Crispy, breaded chicken cutlets fried until golden.
-
Chicken and Waffles: Fried chicken served over Belgian waffles and drizzled with syrup.
-
Nashville Hot Chicken: Crispy fried chicken tossed in spicy cayenne pepper sauce.
-
Chicken and Dumplings: Simmered in broth with fluffy homemade dumplings.
Mexican Favorites
-
Chicken Fajitas: Seared with bell peppers and onions, served with tortillas.
-
Chicken Enchiladas: Wrapped in tortillas and baked with red enchilada sauce.
-
Chicken Tacos: Topped with pico de gallo, avocado, and lime.
-
Chicken Tinga: Shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce.
Global Flavors
-
Jerk Chicken: A spicy, Caribbean-inspired chicken marinade with lots of flavor.
-
Tandoori Chicken: Yogurt-marinated chicken with Indian spices, grilled or baked.
-
Chicken Shawarma: Thin slices stacked on pita with tzatziki sauce.
-
Chicken Gyros: Stuffed into warm pitas with tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki.
Comfort Food Classics
-
Chicken Pot Pie: Mixed with vegetables in a creamy sauce and baked with a flaky crust.
-
Chicken and Rice Casserole: With mushrooms, peas, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
-
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake: Toss with penne pasta and marinara, top with cheese.
-
Chicken Divan: Topped with broccoli and cheese sauce, a classic retro dish.
-
Chicken Tetrazzini: A creamy casserole with thin spaghetti and Parmesan cheese.
With a variety of preparations from all over the world, thin chicken breasts can be transformed into endless quick, easy, and delicious family meals. Proper cooking techniques like pounding, breading, marinating, and saucing keep the meat tender and flavorful. Give these tasty chicken breast recipes a try for your next weeknight dinner or weekend meal.
Sides for thinly sliced chicken recipes:
One of the best reasons to cook chicken in general, beyond its lean protein and nutritional profile, is that chicken plates well with a variety of sides from pasta salads, rice, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and more!.
Here are a few side dishes that you could pair with your chicken including hot honey brussels sprouts, zesty Italian pasta salad, spicy cucumbers, edamame and bean salad, Tex-Mex salad, and mediterranean rice pilaf!.
1) Thinly sliced chicken breast recipes for every day:
This list shows 10 different ways to prepare thinly sliced chicken that you can use in any recipe. You can serve these chicken pieces with your favorite sides.
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Air fried to golden perfection, this every day chicken breast is thinly sliced and coated in spices and a brown sugar with corn starch mixture for delicious flavor.
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenderloins by Key to my Lime
Get dinner on the table in under 15 minutes with these easy, stove top garlic butter chicken tenderloins.
Baked Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan by Skinny Taste
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these baked chicken tenderloins parmesan on the table for a family friendly dinner.
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders by Project Meal Plan
Coated in a simple breading, these air fryer breaded chicken tenders are perfect for wraps, salads, and serving to hungry kids!.
Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders by Cooking Classy
Full of lemon and garlic flavor, these chicken tenders pair nicely with rice, salads, and pastas!
The Best Chicken Cutlets Recipe by Food Network
This tasty and juicy chicken cutlet has a perfect crispy and golden outside thanks to a mix of Panko and Pecorino Romano.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken by Spend with Pennies
Baked, not fried, this juicy parmesan crusted chicken comes together quickly and is perfect to eat on its own or in a sandwich.
Blackened Chicken Cutlets by Pressure Luck Cooking
This blackened chicken is keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo and is a great addition to a balanced meal.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets by Healthy Fitness Meals
Dinner for the whole family will love these easy-to-make chicken cutlets that are baked just right.
Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts by Momma Fit Lyndsey
This oven baked chicken breast recipe is a quick and easy way to get a flavor filled protein on the table in no time.
2) Italian inspired recipes for thinly sliced chicken:
Bruschetta Chicken by Nourish and Fete
Full of fresh Italian flavors, this bruschetta chicken is topping with a delicious tomato-basil mixture and will be on your dinner table in 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Italian Chicken Cutlets by Lauren Twigge Nutrition
These air fryer Italian chicken cutlets come together in a flash and pair perfectly with simple side dishes or placed on a pasta.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken by Salt and Baker
Smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach tuscan sauce, these chicken tenders are full of flavors a pair well with your favorite sides.
Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders by 5 Dinners 1 Hour
These baked chicken tenders have a quick 5 minute prep time and are so easy, even a beginner cook can make them!
Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets, Italian-Style by Mangia with Michele
Baked, not fried, these crispy Italian chicken cutlets are full of flavor and will not disappoint!
3) Thin chicken breast recipes with soy:
Honey Soy Chicken Tenderloins by Allie Carte Dishes
These chicken tenderloins are covered in a delicious honey soy sauce and taste as delicious as they look!
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders by Little Sunny Kitchen
These flavor filled chicken tenders come together in 20-minutes and are made in just one pan!
Honey-Gochujang Fried Chicken Tenders by The Kitchn
Make the perfect game-day snack or delicious dinner with these chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy sauce!
Zesty Honey Soy Baked Chicken by Lauren Twigge Nutrition
This thinly sliced chicken breast recipe is baked to perfection and covered in a zesty honey soy sauce that your entire family will love.
Asian Lemon Chicken Tenders by Damn Delicious
A lemon glaze adds a fun twist to your favorite chicken tenders.
4) Sort of spicy thinly sliced chicken breast recipes:
Looking to turn up the heat? Switching out condiments, toppings, and dips is an easy way to add some spice to your thinly sliced chicken recipes. Here are 5 recipe ideas that feature slightly spicy chicken you may enjoy:
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or make them a meal, these slightly spicy buffalo chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress!
Spicy Chicken Tenders by Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
If you’re looking for an extra crunch, these thinly sliced chicken breasts are coated in buttermilk and hot sauce then deep fried to deliciousness!
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips by Taste of Home
You can pair these chicken strips with dips like guacamole and salsa or chop them and add them a taco salad or bowl!
Gochugaru Chicken Tenders by Feeding the Frasers
These chicken tenders are seasoned with a Korean chile flakes blend bringing your chicken from boring to bursting with flavor.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tenders by Saving Room for Dessert
Full of citrus and chipotle flavors, these grilled chicken tenders feature a sweet heat that pairs nicely with a spicy slaw.
There you have 25 delicious ways to cook with thinly sliced chicken breast! Whether you use chicken tenderloins or butterfly your chicken breasts into thin chicken cutlets, these chicken recipes are a quick and easy way to get a tasty protein on the dinner table in no time!
What is thinly sliced chicken and why cook with it?
Thinly sliced chicken is simply chicken that has been cut into smaller pieces. Most often, people will buy thinly sliced chicken from the store in the form of chicken tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken breast. You also have the option to buy whole chicken breasts that you can butterfly or thin slice once you get home!
Some of the reasons I recommend cooking with with thinly sliced chicken include:
- Different thicknesses of chicken can make cooking times shorter. Thinly sliced chicken can be baked all the way through in 25 to 40 minutes. Always check with a food thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees!
- More even cooking: No longer will some of your baked chicken be bone dry while other parts are barely cooked at all. Putting your chicken into thinner pieces helps it cook more evenly, but you can also pound it down with a mallet to make all of the pieces shape together even more.
- More chicken! Cut three breasts in half to get six servings. Now that’s a cheap way to feed your family healthy food.
STOP making dry chicken breast! This is HOW you make JUICY chicken #shorts #viralshorts #chicken
FAQ
What is thin sliced chicken good for?
For recipes that call for a thinner, more even piece of chicken, these cuts are perfect. You can fry them in a pan for chicken parmesan or fajitas, or you can grill them to put on top of a salad.
How to cook thin sliced chicken breast without drying it out?
Thin sliced chicken breasts cook fast. Definitely use an oil/fat, any mentioned in the other comment are fine. I’m partial to butter or avocado oil. If you feel like your chicken is drying out too much while cooking, try marinating it in buttermilk for a few hours, then pat dry, season, and sear.
How to not overcook thin sliced chicken breast?
If you want the chicken to stay moist and juicy, cook it in the oven at 350°F after sear each side. Be careful not to overcook which will make it dry. Bake until the internal temperature just reaches 165°F. Don’t forget to rest your meat for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.
How long do you cook thin sliced chicken breast on the stove?
Thin sliced chicken breasts cook quickly on the stove, generally needing about 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The key is to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also check for doneness by slicing into the chicken; .
How do you make thin sliced chicken breasts?
If you want to make thin-sliced chicken breasts, you can also pound a whole chicken breast until it is very thin. This tenderizes the chicken and makes it cook nice and even. Another word for thin-sliced chicken breasts is “chicken cutlets,” so if you come across that in some recipes, you’ll know exactly what the recipe means.
What can I make with thin chicken breasts?
Thin chicken breasts can be transformed into elegant gourmet dishes. Here’s a classic Italian recipe: Spread pesto on each breast, top with spinach and mozzarella, roll up, secure with toothpicks, and bake until done. This dish is bursting with tangy flavors.
Are thin sliced chicken breasts good?
When sliced thin, chicken breasts provide a canvas for a myriad of flavors, cooking techniques, and culinary explorations. Thin-sliced chicken breasts not only cook faster, making them a boon for busy weeknight dinners, but they also absorb marinades more readily, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
What are thin chicken breasts?
Thin chicken breasts are chicken breast fillets that are either naturally smaller or sliced horizontally to create thinner portions. These cuts are ideal for recipes that require fast cooking, as they cook evenly without becoming dry.
What tools are needed to cook thin chicken breast?
To master thin chicken breast recipes, you’ll need the following tools: Sharp Knife, Meat Mallet, Non-Stick Pan, and Meat Thermometer.
How do you keep a thin chicken breast moist?
You can keep thin chicken breast moist by brining or marinating it before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken breast. How do you not overcook a thin chicken breast? Use a meat thermometer and remove from heat once it reaches 165°F. Can you thinly slice chicken breast?