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Versatile Meal Prep Chicken Breasts


  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This recipe provides a foundational method for cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts that can be used in a variety of meal prep dishes throughout the week. It focuses on simple seasoning and cooking techniques to ensure tender, flavorful chicken.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional, for baking)

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking.

    2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a paste. Rub this mixture generously all over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.

    3. Choose Your Cooking Method (Oven Baking): Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. If using, pour the chicken broth or water around the chicken at the bottom of the dish.

    4. Bake Until Cooked Through: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) is reached when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast. The chicken should look opaque throughout and the juices should run clear. Avoid overcooking.

    5. Alternatively, Pan-Frying: If pan-frying, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to 165 F (74 C).

    6. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in much juicier and more tender chicken.

    7. Shred or Slice for Meal Prep: After resting, you can either slice the chicken into strips, dice it into cubes, or shred it using two forks. The method you choose depends on how you plan to use it in your meal prep.

    8. Cool Completely Before Storing: Before packing your cooked chicken into airtight containers, ensure it has cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and helps maintain its freshness and texture for longer in the refrigerator.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: baking, pan-frying
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked chicken

    Keywords: chicken breast, meal prep, healthy, easy, versatile, protein, weeknight, dinner, lunch, chicken