Best Easy Lean and Green Chicken Breast Recipes
Chicken breast is a versatile and lean protein that can be incorporated into a variety of healthy and delicious meals. Not only is it low in fat, but it is also packed with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. If you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle or lose weight, here are some of the best easy lean and green chicken breast recipes to try.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad.
2. Baked Pesto Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Spread pesto sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad.
3. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 carrot, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
8. Serve hot with steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice.
7 Questions and Answers:
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for these recipes?
– Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even and thorough cooking.
2. Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
– Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs in these recipes, but be aware that the cooking time may vary.
3. Can I meal prep these recipes?
– Absolutely! These recipes are great for meal prepping. Simply cook a batch and divide it into meal-sized portions for the week.
4. How long can I store cooked chicken breast in the fridge?
– Cooked chicken breast can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
5. Can I freeze cooked chicken breast?
– Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken breast. Just make sure to portion it out and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers.
6. Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?
– Yes, you can use store-bought pesto sauce for convenience. However, homemade pesto will provide a fresher taste.
7. Can I substitute the vegetables in the stir-fry recipe?
– Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand for the stir-fry recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.