When it comes to quick and easy dinner options, few ingredients can compete with the humble chicken breast. And when you take the extra step of pounding it thin, you open up a world of possibilities for delicious and flavorful meals that can be ready in no time. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering pounded chicken breast recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights – from classic pairings like lemon and garlic to bold flavors like spicy honey and Thai peanut. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for some inspiration, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this tangy and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of lemon, pungency of garlic, and richness of butter. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, lemon juice, and butter until well combined.
3. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
4. Place a spoonful of the garlic-lemon butter mixture on one half of each breast, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around edges.
5. Fold the other half over the filling and press gently to seal.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast with Herb Cream Sauce
Elevate your chicken game with this tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly, while the herb cream sauce adds a rich and creamy element.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine heavy cream, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Serve chicken breasts with herb cream sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Parmesan-Crusted Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
4. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic.
5. Dip each pounded chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and spicy glazed pounder, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together honey, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
4. Place the pounded chicken breasts in the glaze mixture, turning to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast Piccata
Pounded Chicken Breast Piccata: A Classic Italian Recipe with a Twist
This recipe is a creative take on the traditional Italian dish piccata, featuring pounded chicken breast cooked to perfection and served with a rich and tangy sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and impressive meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Cook the chicken in butter until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove the chicken from heat and add garlic, white wine (if using), and chicken broth.
7. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Grilled Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and tangy balsamic glazed chicken breast recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup balsamic glaze (or 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar + 1 tablespoon honey)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the balsamic mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast with Mushroom Gravy
Elevate your chicken game with this tender and flavorful dish. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and served with a rich and savory mushroom gravy.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Pound each chicken breast to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Dip pounded breasts in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
6. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic until tender. Add butter, broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until gravy thickens.
7. Serve chicken breasts with mushroom gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cajun Blackened Pounded Chicken Breast
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this simple yet flavorful Cajun blackened pounded chicken breast recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s)
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch.
4. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
5. Add butter to the Cajun seasoning mixture and stir until melted.
6. Coat each chicken breast in the blackened mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
7. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Stuffed Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and tender dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
3. In a small bowl, mix together pesto sauce and garlic.
4. Divide the pesto mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, spooning it onto one half of each breast.
5. Fold the other half over the filling to form a pocket.
6. If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top of each breast.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Pounded Chicken Breast with Pineapple
This recipe combines the richness of teriyaki sauce with the sweetness of pineapple, all wrapped up in a tender and juicy chicken breast. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or lunch!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a shallow dish, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve with pineapple chunks on top, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast in Creamy Dijon Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines tender chicken breast with a rich and creamy Dijon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until smooth and heated through.
6. Serve the chicken breasts with the creamy Dijon sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast with Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach
This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional chicken breast, featuring the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pounded (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together pounded chicken, garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the mixture on top of each chicken breast and spread evenly.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Note: To pound the chicken, place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently flatten using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Caprese Stuffed Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the best of Italy – juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Divide the mozzarella slices among the chicken breasts, placing them in the center of each breast.
4. Top with diced tomato and sprinkle with chopped basil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the chicken over the filling, then drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Peanut Pounded Chicken Breast
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this simple yet impressive recipe! Thinly pounded chicken breast is smothered in a rich and creamy peanut sauce, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Blend until smooth.
4. Place pounded chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and spoon the peanut sauce over each breast.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast with Avocado Salsa
Experience the flavors of Mexico with this simple and delicious recipe that combines tender chicken breast with a creamy avocado salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch.
3. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl.
6. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve grilled chicken breast with avocado salsa spooned on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast in Garlic White Wine Sauce
Elevate your chicken dish with this flavorful recipe that combines tender pounded chicken breast with a rich garlic white wine sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, white wine, butter, and olive oil.
4. Place the pounded chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the garlic-white wine mixture evenly over each breast.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
This recipe combines the tender texture of pounded chicken breast with the sweet and smoky flavor of roasted red pepper sauce, making for a deliciously easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Season with flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toss red bell peppers with garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
6. Blend roasted red peppers with lemon juice to create the sauce. Serve over pounded chicken breasts.
Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
BBQ Glazed Pounded Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the tenderizing power of pounding with a rich, sweet, and tangy BBQ glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the pounded chicken breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet and arrange the chicken breasts.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pounded Chicken Breast Alfredo
Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a rich and indulgent dish with this simple recipe. Thinly pounded chicken breast is cooked to perfection, smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce, and served hot over pasta.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Fettuccine or linguine pasta
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound each chicken breast to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions, set aside.
5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add pounded chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side.
6. Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot over cooked fettuccine pasta, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Mediterranean Herb-Marinated Pounded Chicken Breast
This recipe combines the brightness of Mediterranean herbs with the tender juiciness of pounded chicken breast, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
4. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these 20 mouthwatering pounded chicken breast recipes! From classic lemon garlic butter and parmesan-crusted to spicy honey glazed and teriyaki, there’s something for everyone. Try pounding chicken breasts with herb cream sauce, mushroom gravy, or cajun blackening seasoning for a flavorful twist. Or go global with pesto stuffed, Thai peanut, or Mediterranean herb-marinated options. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy dijon sauce or a bold BBQ glaze, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and become new favorites.
