Boneless chicken breast is one of the most versatile main-dish items you can choose. Whether you want a cool salad or a hearty comfort meal, boneless chicken breast is low in fat and calories, tasty, and easy to prepare. Here are some simple tips for preparing this kitchen basic.
Contents
Grill
Chicken breasts are quick and easy to cook on the grill—don’t overcook, as they’ll end up too dry. Whether you fix them plain, marinated in your favorite sauce, or wrapped in bacon, use a Medium-High setting and grill 6-10 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
Pan Fry
Whether you dip in milk and flour or egg and cornflakes, the secret to delicious pan-fried chicken is to cook it slow. A heavy, covered pan is best, with just enough grease to keep the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Deep Fry
Deep frying isn’t the healthiest alternative, but it’s one of the tastiest! Set fryer temperature to 350. Dip chicken pieces into a milk/egg mixture, then in flour. Dip a second time in the milk and egg, and again in the flour. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Oven Fry
Oven frying is another alternative. Dip chicken in your choice of egg, milk, or a combination of the two. Then dip in seasoned bread crumbs, Bake at 350 until done.
There are also prepared mixes you can use to prepare “oven fried” chicken.
Boil
One of the easiest ways to cook chicken breasts is to boil them with a handful of chicken bullion cubes. Add a bag of noodles for chicken and noodles. Or boil a few extra breasts to cut up and use in casseroles or other main dishes. Instead of noodles, you can add potatoes, onion, and carrots. When the vegetables are done, add flour or corn starch to thicken and you have a hearty chicken stew.
Bake in Casserole
Combine your choice of pasta, vegetables, chicken chunks, and condensed cream soup (chicken, mushroom, or celery). Top with bread crumbs or biscuits.
You can also cut horizontal “pockets” in each breast and fill with prepared Stove Top stuffing. Place in baking dish, and fill any empty spaces with remaining stuffing. Top with a large can of Cream of Chicken soup or a jar of chicken gravy. Bake for about 20 minutes.
Slow Cooker
First, place 4 boneless chicken breasts into a slow cooker. Top with a large can of cream of chicken soup and ½ can of milk. Cook on low all day. Serve with masked potatoes or noodles. Other cooks have also used Catalina dressing, Russian dressing, or Italian dressing in place of the soup and milk.
Microwave
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place tortilla chips on microwave-safe plate. Top with re fried beans, chicken pieces, jalapeno peppers, and cheddar cheese. Microwave on high for about a minute, or just until cheese melts for some very tasty chicken nachos.
Packet
These campfire favorites can be cooked in campfire coals or an oven (set at about 375). On a square of heavy-duty foil, place one chicken breast, one potato, sliced, 3 or 4 baby carrots, and ¼ of a sliced onion. Fold the foil tightly to seal. Bake for ½ hour and check to see if it is done to your liking.
There are hundreds of chicken recipes from simple to complex. Most families have their favorite simple standbys as well.
You can also find chicken breast recipes online. One good source is:
Recipe: Boneless Chicken Breast
Another is:
Whatever recipe you use, chicken is almost always a family favorite.
<>
