A chicken dinner made for two is the only way to go on nights when you really want to shine. After all, we think the way to everyones heart is through the stomach (especially if it means chicken Alfredo is on the menu). No matter if its for you and and your boo (or just someone really special in your life), these 25 easy-yet-impressive chicken dishes are the most effortless way to show you care on a romantic Valentines Day, a birthday, or just a Tuesday you want to make extra special.
If you think you need all the fancy kitchen tools to make a hard recipe, don’t worry. Truth be told, sometimes the most classic dish is also the most impressive to your dinner guest, especially our tried and true recipes. Please be aware that if you make our chicken Parm, chicken fajitas, or chicken piccata recipes, you will be cooking dinner for more people.
Ready to go the next level? We think having a few upgraded favorites in our back pocket is the way to make every dinner for two all the more memorable, no matter the occasion. Try our tomato butter roast chicken for when you need to make a big display. This chicken Alfredo broccoli pizza is the best way to make a movie night-in with your bestie/mom/partner into an event. And of course, if you have an important question to ask, our Marry Me chicken just might help you find the words!
This simple chicken is one of our most romantic recipes ever. If you (or your boo) is a sun-dried tomato hater (we feel you), use fresh ones instead. It won’t have as much of a tangy kick, but it’ll still be just as impressive.
When we’re looking for something simple to load up with all of our favorite toppings, we turn to these simple chicken tacos. While far from being authentic, these Americanized tacos load up corn tortillas with seasoned chicken and any variety of toppings to make your perfect taco.
Chicken breasts are a versatile and lean protein that can transform into endless possibilities in the kitchen. With just 2 chicken breasts, you can create quick weeknight dinners, easy lunches, and even impressive dishes for entertaining.
I’m going to show you 22 unique ways to make plain chicken breasts taste amazing. With smart ways to prepare them, cook them, and get flavor ideas from around the world, two chicken breasts can be the star of any meal.
Elevate the Basics: Enhancing Flavor and Texture
The key to unlocking the potential of chicken breasts is proper seasoning and preparation. Start with high-quality chicken – fresh, organic and free range when possible for maximum flavor.
Here are some easy ways to enhance the flavor and texture of basic chicken breasts:
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Marinades: Soak chicken in a marinade for added flavor and tenderness. Mediterranean, Asian, or Mexican-inspired marinades work beautifully.
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Spice Rubs Coat chicken with fragrant spice rubs – from smoky to savory to spicy Experiment with flavors!
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Brining: Soak chicken in a salt-water brine to boost moisture and prevent dryness. Add aromatics for extra flavor.
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To make sure the chicken cooks evenly, use a meat mallet to pound it to a uniform thickness. Prevent overcooking.
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Breading: Coat chicken in breadcrumbs, panko or flour for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Global Flavor Inspiration: Cuisines Around the World
Think beyond basic seasonings and incorporate flavors from cuisines worldwide. Here are some inspired flavor combinations to try:
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Italian – basil, oregano, garlic, lemon, Parmesan
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Greek – lemon, oregano, garlic, olive oil, feta
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Mexican – chili powder, cumin, lime, cilantro, Monterey jack
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Indian – curry powder, garam masala, cumin, yogurt, cilantro
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Thai – lemongrass, ginger, soy sauce, lime, basil, peanuts
Smart Cooking Methods for Juicy, Tender Chicken
The cooking technique you choose is key for keeping chicken breasts moist and tender. Overcooking leads to dry, rubbery chicken. Here are foolproof cooking methods:
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Pan Sear + Bake: Sear chicken in a skillet, then transfer to bake until done. Tender inside yet caramelized outside.
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Grill: Quick grill on medium-high. Watch carefully to prevent charring.
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Poach: Gently simmer chicken in broth or wine until just cooked through. Keeps chicken very moist.
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Sous Vide: Cook chicken in a water bath at precise temperature. Guaranteed juicy, tender meat.
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Instant Pot: Pressure cook chicken breasts for quick cooking while retaining moisture.
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Simmer in Sauce: Gently poach chicken in tomato sauce, cream sauce, etc. absorbs flavor.
22 Amazing Meals with 2 Chicken Breasts
Now let’s get inspired with 22 delicious ways to transform 2 humble chicken breasts into amazing meals!
Simple Sautéed Chicken Breasts
- Sauté chicken in olive oil with garlic, lemon and herbs for a simple, flavorful meal. Serve with roasted veggies and rice pilaf.
Chicken Caprese Salad
- Top grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze over mixed greens for a lighter meal.
Chicken Fajitas
- Sauté sliced chicken with bell peppers and onions, and serve in warmed tortillas with guacamole and pico de gallo.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Dice grilled chicken and wrap in lettuce leaves with Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan and croutons for a fresh, lighter Caesar salad.
Chicken Piccata
- Sauté chicken cutlets and toss with lemon-caper butter sauce and angel hair pasta for a quick, impressive dinner.
Chicken Parmesan
- Bread chicken cutlets, top with marinara and mozzarella, and bake until melted and bubbly for an Italian-American classic.
Chicken Burritos
- Fill tortillas with seasoned shredded chicken, beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, salsa and more for an easy Mexican meal.
Chicken Fried Rice
- Dice and sauté chicken with rice, frozen mixed veggies, soy sauce and sesame oil for a restaurant-worthy fried rice.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Shred chicken and mix with mayo, celery, grapes, and nuts. Serve on croissants for an easy sandwich.
Chicken Noodle Soup
- Simmer chicken in broth with carrots, celery, onions and noodles for the ultimate comforting soup.
Chicken Pot Pie
- Simmer chicken in gravy with carrots, peas and parsley. Top pie crust and bake for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Chicken Enchiladas
- Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans and cheese. Top with more sauce and cheese and bake until bubbling.
Barbecue Chicken & Potato Salad
- Grill chicken brushed with barbecue sauce. Serve on potato salad with a tangy mayo dressing for a summery meal.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
- Shred chicken and toss in buffalo wing sauce. Fill tortillas with lettuce, tomato and blue cheese dressing for game day appetizer.
Chicken & Dumplings
- Simmer chicken in broth with carrots and celery. Top with drop biscuit dumplings and bake for ultimate comfort food.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Stuff chicken breasts with ham and Swiss cheese, bread and bake for an impressive, restaurant-worthy entrée.
Chicken Tetrazzini
- Sauté chicken with mushrooms and spaghetti, then mix with sherry cream sauce and top with Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Chicken Tikka Masala
- Marinate chicken in yogurt and Indian spices. Simmer in tomato cream sauce for an easy, aromatic curry dish.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Simmer chicken in tomato broth with corn, black beans, peppers and spices. Top with tortilla strips, cheese and avocado.
Chicken & Rice Casserole
- Mix chicken with rice, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables and cheese then bake until hot and bubbly for an easy one-dish meal.
Chicken Cacciatore
- Braise chicken in a tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic, oregano and red wine. Serve over pasta.
Chicken & Biscuits
- Simmer chicken in creamy gravy with carrots and peas. Serve over split buttermilk biscuits for classic comfort food.
Chicken Satay
- Marinate chicken in a peanut sauce, skewer and grill. Serve with peanut dipping sauce, rice and cucumber salad.
You can see that two simple chicken breasts can be used to make a huge range of delicious, globally-inspired meals for any occasion. You can turn plain chicken into something beautiful with the right marinades, cooking methods, and recipes. Find ideas for how to make simple foods better and see how far you can go with 2 chicken breasts.
Caprese Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Its true—we cant get enough of stuffed peppers, especially since its our favorite way to add a veggie boost to classic weeknight dinners. Everything you love about our Caprese chicken—chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic—is in these beautiful stuffed peppers for a meal that is both filling and looks great.
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A stir fry is our go-to weeknight dinner when we just don’t have the time to hit the grocery store but still want something perfect for two—this chicken recipe is no exception. Make it as is, then use it as a jumping-off point to create your own perfect version.
Get the Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.
Tostadas might just be the perfect meal—these crunchy corn tortillas are easy to buy (or make!) AND they can act as a vehicle for whatever toppings you like. Here, that means creamy refried beans and a chile-spiked shredded chicken topping, but feel free to get creative.
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Dinner prepping doesn’t need to be complicated, and these chicken shawarma bowls prove that. The chicken is well seasoned with smokey, bold seasonings that you most likely have on hand.
Get the Chicken Shawarma Bowls recipe.
Though we’ve done it many different ways here (hi hello chicken nugget Parm casserole), this classic recipe is the chosen one, the holy grail. It has everything you want in chicken Parm—fried crispy cutlets, a perfect blend of mozzarella and Parm, and a tomato sauce thats full of life.
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When we get Indian takeout, this is the dish we always get, but it’s so easy to make at home. Garam masala is the only thing you might not already have in your pantry, but you’ll want to put it in everything once you get a jar. Serve this chicken tikka masala with homemade naan and basmati rice for the perfect meal.
Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.
Greek Lemon-Butter Chicken & Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes and an herby feta and olive topping lend an exciting spin to one of our most beloved recipes: lemon-butter chicken.
Focusing on only 3 key ingredients, our chicken fajita recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, meaning dinner on the table FAST. Follow our classic recipe for our best-ever version or use it as a jumping-off point to experiment with your favorite proteins, veggies, and toppings.
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Oh, chicken Alfredo: Its the classic pseudo-Italian pasta we just cant seem to get enough of. Of course there are tons of jarred pasta sauces you can buy, but making Alfredo sauce from scratch is actually SO easy (and surprisingly fast!).
Get the Chicken Alfredo recipe.
How to cook chicken breast perfectly every time (stovetop recipe)
FAQ
What can I make with chicken breasts easily?
Chicken breast recipesChicken pasta bake. A star rating of 4. 6 out of 5. ‘Marry me’ chicken. A star rating of 4. 7 out of 5. Easy chicken fajitas. A star rating of 4. 7 out of 5. Mustard-stuffed chicken. Crunchy garlic chicken. Chicken & chorizo jambalaya. Chicken & bacon pasta. App onlyChicken schnitzel caesar salad.
What is the best way to cook two chicken breasts?
InstructionsPreheat oven to 325o F. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper (or any other spices you like) and a little olive oil. Bake 30-33 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160o F with a digital instant-read thermometer and chicken is no longer pink inside.
What to do with extra chicken breasts?
Casserole Recipes with Leftover Chicken BreastsChicken Enchilada Casserole – make these enchiladas for a crowd. Chicken Rice Casserole. BBQ Chicken Casserole. Chicken Fajita Casserole. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
Are 2 chicken breasts enough for 2 people?
Breasts. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I recommend to serve ½ to 1 breast per person.Oct 27, 2023