Are you staring at a package of thin chicken breasts in your fridge and wondering what on earth to make with them? You’re not alone! Those slim cutlets might seem boring at first glance, but they’re actually one of the most versatile proteins out there.
I’ve been experimenting with thin chicken breasts for years, and let me tell you – they’re a total lifesaver for quick weeknight meals. The best part? Thin chicken breasts cook super fast, absorb flavors beautifully, and can transform into dozens of amazing dishes.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite ways to use thin chicken breasts, from Italian classics to Asian-inspired stir-fries. Whether you bought pre-sliced cutlets or sliced them yourself, these recipes will make your dinner routine exciting again!
Why Thin Chicken Breasts Are a Kitchen Superstar
Before diving into specific recipes, let’s talk about why thin chicken breasts deserve a special place in your cooking arsenal:
- Quick cooking time – Most recipes ready in 30 minutes or less!
- Even cooking – No more dry edges and raw centers
- Maximum flavor absorption – More surface area means more flavor
- Budget-friendly – Makes your protein dollars stretch further
- Versatile – Works in countless cuisines and cooking methods
How to Prepare Thin Chicken Breasts
If you’ve purchased chicken cutlets, you’re good to go! But if you have regular chicken breasts, here’s how to make them thin:
- Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board
- Hold your knife parallel to the board and carefully slice horizontally through the middle
- Open the breast like a book to create two thinner pieces
- For extra tenderness, place plastic wrap over the chicken and pound with a meat mallet to desired thickness (about 1/4 inch is ideal)
25 Delicious Ways to Use Thin Chicken Breasts
Quick Stovetop Recipes (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
1. Classic Chicken Piccata
This Italian favorite features thin chicken breasts cooked in a buttery lemon-caper sauce. It’s tangy, savory, and looks fancy despite being super simple. Serve with pasta or a side of roasted veggies.
2. Honey Garlic Chicken
The perfect balance of sweet and savory! Thin chicken breasts get coated in a sticky glossy sauce made with honey soy sauce, and plenty of garlic. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and tastes like takeout (but better).
3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This one is pure comfort food! Thin chicken breasts simmer in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasonings I love serving this with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce
4. Lemon Chicken with Herbs
For a lighter option, try cooking thin chicken breasts with lemon juice, fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme work great), and a splash of white wine. Simple but incredibly flavorful!
5. Easy Chicken Marsala
Restaurant-quality at home! Thin chicken breasts are perfect for this classic Italian dish featuring mushrooms and marsala wine sauce. It’s rich and decadent without being complicated.
6. Garlic Rosemary Chicken
Sometimes the simplest flavors are the best. Thin slices of chicken breast cooked with fresh rosemary sprigs, lots of garlic, white wine, and broth create an aromatic, herb-infused dinner in minutes.
7. Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
For an Asian twist, try this simple stir-fry with thin chicken strips, bell peppers, onions, and a salt and pepper seasoning blend. It’s crispy, flavorful, and super satisfying over rice.
Breaded and Crispy Options
8. Italian Chicken Cutlets
These breaded cutlets are legendary for a reason! Thin chicken breasts get dipped in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs before being pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re juicy inside and crispy outside.
9. Chicken Katsu
This Japanese version of breaded chicken is amazingly crispy thanks to panko breadcrumbs. Serve with tonkatsu sauce and steamed rice for an easy homemade version of this restaurant favorite.
10. Ritz Cracker Chicken
Using crushed Ritz crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs adds an amazing buttery flavor to breaded chicken. It’s a fun twist that kids and adults both love!
11. Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
If you’ve got an air fryer, thin chicken breasts are perfect for creating crispy, “fried” chicken without all the oil. They cook evenly and quickly, and the texture is amazingly crunchy.
Rolled and Stuffed Creations
12. Chicken Roulade
Impress dinner guests with this fancy-looking dish! Spread thin chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach, garlic, and cheese, then roll them up, sear, and bake. Slice into pinwheels for serving.
13. Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mushrooms
Thin chicken breasts are perfect for stuffing! Try a savory filling of sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and a bit of cheese. Roll up, secure with toothpicks, and bake for an elegant dinner.
14. Rolled Chicken Cutlets with Ham and Cheese
For a comfort food classic, roll up thin chicken breasts with deli ham and Swiss cheese, coat in breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. It’s like chicken cordon bleu but easier!
Baked Options
15. Baked Chicken Parmesan
Skip the frying but keep all the flavor with this healthier version of chicken parm. Bread the thin chicken breasts, bake until crispy, then top with marinara and mozzarella for the last few minutes.
16. Baked Pesto Chicken
This might be the easiest dinner ever! Spread store-bought or homemade pesto over thin chicken breasts, top with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, then bake. The flavors are incredible together.
17. Baked Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts with Italian Seasoning
Sometimes simple is best. Season thin chicken breasts with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then bake for about 15 minutes. Juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort!
18. Chicken Sorrentino
This impressive Italian dish features layers of thin chicken breasts, prosciutto, eggplant, marinara, and provolone cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and makes an amazing Sunday dinner.
Perfect for Sandwiches and Wraps
19. Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Slice thin chicken breasts into strips, sauté with peppers and onions, then toss with buffalo sauce and top with provolone cheese. Pile onto hoagie rolls for a spicy, cheesy sandwich.
20. Honey Chipotle Chicken Sandwiches
Marinate thin chicken breasts in a sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce, then grill and serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Perfect for summer cookouts!
21. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Cook thin chicken breasts, slice into strips, and use as a topping for homemade BBQ chicken pizza. Use store-bought crust to make this even quicker!
Tex-Mex and Southwest Inspired
22. Easy Chicken Fajitas
Slice thin chicken breasts into strips, season with fajita spices, and sauté with colorful bell peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings.
23. Chicken Soft Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa
Cook thin chicken breasts with lime and garlic, then slice and serve in soft tortillas with homemade tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.
24. Chicken Fajita Casserole
For a low-carb option, layer seasoned thin chicken breast strips with peppers, onions, and cheese, then bake until bubbly. All the fajita flavor without the carbs!
25. Cajun Chicken with Cheesy Grits
Season thin chicken breasts with Cajun spices, cook until crispy on the outside, and serve over creamy, cheesy grits. It’s Southern comfort food at its finest!
Time-Saving Tips for Cooking with Thin Chicken Breasts
Here are some pro tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Batch cook and freeze: Cook extra thin chicken breasts and freeze them for quick meals later
- Pound for tenderness: Even thin cutlets benefit from a quick pounding to tenderize
- Don’t overcook: Because they’re thin, these cook fast – about 3-4 minutes per side is often enough
- Marinate for flavor: Even a quick 15-minute marinade adds tons of flavor
- Pat dry before cooking: This helps get a nice sear, especially for breaded recipes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking too long: Thin chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked
- Skipping the pounding: Taking a minute to even out the thickness ensures even cooking
- Not seasoning enough: Because they cook quickly, be generous with seasonings
- Crowding the pan: Give the pieces space for even browning
My Personal Favorites
After trying dozens of recipes, I have to say my top three ways to use thin chicken breasts are:
- Italian Chicken Cutlets – They’re perfect on their own, in a sandwich, or topped with sauce
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken – That sauce is absolutely to die for!
- Chicken Fajitas – So quick and always a crowd-pleaser
Final Thoughts
Thin chicken breasts might not seem exciting at first glance, but they’re actually a blank canvas for creating incredible meals. From Italian classics to Asian stir-fries to Tex-Mex favorites, these versatile cutlets can do it all – and usually in 30 minutes or less!
I hope these ideas have inspired you to look at those thin chicken breasts in your fridge with new excitement. With these recipes in your arsenal, weeknight dinners will never be boring again!
What’s your favorite way to prepare thin chicken breasts? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Sides for thinly sliced chicken recipes:
One of the best reasons to cook chicken in general, beyond its lean protein and nutritional profile, is that chicken plates well with a variety of sides from pasta salads, rice, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and more!
Here are a few side dishes that you could pair with your chicken including hot honey brussels sprouts, zesty Italian pasta salad, spicy cucumbers, edamame and bean salad, Tex-Mex salad, and mediterranean rice pilaf!
1) Thinly sliced chicken breast recipes for every day:
If you need thinly sliced chicken that can pair with just about any recipe, here are 10 ways that you can prep your thin chicken pieces to serve with your sides of choice:
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Air fried to golden perfection, this every day chicken breast is thinly sliced and coated in spices and a brown sugar with corn starch mixture for delicious flavor.
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenderloins by Key to my Lime
Get dinner on the table in under 15 minutes with these easy, stove top garlic butter chicken tenderloins.
Baked Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan by Skinny Taste
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these baked chicken tenderloins parmesan on the table for a family friendly dinner..
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders by Project Meal Plan
Coated in a simple breading, these air fryer breaded chicken tenders are perfect for wraps, salads, and serving to hungry kids!
Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders by Cooking Classy
Full of lemon and garlic flavor, these chicken tenders pair nicely with rice, salads, and pastas!
The Best Chicken Cutlets Recipe by Food Network
A mix of Panko and Pecorino Romano result in a perfectly crispy and golden exterior to this flavorful and juicy chicken cutlet.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken by Spend with Pennies
Baked, not fried, this juicy parmesan crusted chicken comes together quickly and is perfect to eat on its own or in a sandwich.
Blackened Chicken Cutlets by Pressure Luck Cooking
This blackened chicken is keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo and is a great addition to a balanced meal.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets by Healthy Fitness Meals
These easy to make and perfectly baked crispy chicken cutlets are a dinner that the entire family will enjoy.
Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts by Momma Fit Lyndsey
This oven baked chicken breast recipe is a quick and easy way to get a flavor filled protein on the table in no time.
2) Italian inspired recipes for thinly sliced chicken:
Bruschetta Chicken by Nourish and Fete
Full of fresh Italian flavors, this bruschetta chicken is topping with a delicious tomato-basil mixture and will be on your dinner table in 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Italian Chicken Cutlets by Lauren Twigge Nutrition
These air fryer Italian chicken cutlets come together in a flash and pair perfectly with simple side dishes or placed on a pasta.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken by Salt and Baker
Smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach tuscan sauce, these chicken tenders are full of flavors a pair well with your favorite sides.
Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders by 5 Dinners 1 Hour
These baked chicken tenders have a quick 5 minute prep time and are so easy, even a beginner cook can make them!
Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets, Italian-Style by Mangia with Michele
Baked, not fried, these crispy Italian chicken cutlets are full of flavor and will not disappoint!
3) Thin chicken breast recipes with soy:
Honey Soy Chicken Tenderloins by Allie Carte Dishes
These chicken tenderloins are covered in a delicious honey soy sauce and taste as delicious as they look!
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders by Little Sunny Kitchen
These flavor filled chicken tenders come together in 20-minutes and are made in just one pan!
Honey-Gochujang Fried Chicken Tenders by The Kitchn
Make the perfect game-day snack or delicious dinner with these chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy sauce!
Zesty Honey Soy Baked Chicken by Lauren Twigge Nutrition
This thinly sliced chicken breast recipe is baked to perfection and covered in a zesty honey soy sauce that your entire family will love.
Asian Lemon Chicken Tenders by Damn Delicious
A lemon glaze adds a fun twist to your favorite chicken tenders.
4) Sort of spicy thinly sliced chicken breast recipes:
Looking to turn up the heat? Switching out condiments, toppings, and dips is an easy way to add some spice to your thinly sliced chicken recipes. Here are 5 recipe ideas that feature slightly spicy chicken you may enjoy:
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or make them a meal, these slightly spicy buffalo chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress!
Spicy Chicken Tenders by Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
If you’re looking for an extra crunch, these thinly sliced chicken breasts are coated in buttermilk and hot sauce then deep fried to deliciousness!
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips by Taste of Home
You can pair these chicken strips with dips like guacamole and salsa or chop them and add them a taco salad or bowl!
Gochugaru Chicken Tenders by Feeding the Frasers
These chicken tenders are seasoned with a Korean chile flakes blend bringing your chicken from boring to bursting with flavor.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tenders by Saving Room for Dessert
Full of citrus and chipotle flavors, these grilled chicken tenders feature a sweet heat that pairs nicely with a spicy slaw.
There you have 25 delicious ways to cook with thinly sliced chicken breast! Whether you use chicken tenderloins or butterfly your chicken breasts into thin chicken cutlets, these chicken recipes are a quick and easy way to get a tasty protein on the dinner table in no time!
What is thinly sliced chicken and why cook with it?
Thinly sliced chicken is simply chicken that has been cut into smaller pieces. Most often, people will buy thinly sliced chicken from the store in the form of chicken tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken breast. You also have the option to buy whole chicken breasts that you can butterfly or thin slice once you get home!
Some of the reasons I recommend cooking with with thinly sliced chicken include:
- Quicker cooking times: Depending on the thickness of the chicken you cook with, thinly sliced chicken pieces can be baked all the way through in about 25-40 minutes. Always ensure you have reached 165 internal temperature with a food thermometer!
- More even cooking: Gone are the days of some of your baked chicken turning out bone dry while other pieces are hardly baked at all. While slicing your chicken into thinner pieces helps the chicken cook more evenly, your chicken can also be pounded down with a mallet so that all of your pieces are even more cohesive in size.
- More chicken! Take 3 breasts and turn them into 6 servings by butterflying them in half… talk about feeding healthy meals on a budget!
How to cook chicken breast perfectly every time (stovetop recipe)
FAQ
How do you make thin sliced chicken breasts?
Another way to make thin-sliced chicken breasts is to pound a whole chicken breast with a meat mallet until it is thin. This tenderizes the chicken and makes it cook nice and even. Another word for thin-sliced chicken breasts is “chicken cutlets,” so if you come across that in some recipes, you’ll know exactly what the recipe means.
Are thin sliced chicken breasts better than regular chicken?
Thin Sliced Chicken breasts cook faster than regular chicken breasts and are the perfect portion size for any meal. Some recipes call for whole chicken breast that you then cut in half. Because you are using thin chicken breast, you can skip that step in the recipe. Pick the category you want to see, or scroll through all of them!
How do you keep a thin chicken breast moist?
You can keep thin chicken breast moist by brining or marinating it before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken breast. How do you not overcook a thin chicken breast? Use a meat thermometer and remove from heat once it reaches 165°F. Can you thinly slice chicken breast?
What is the best way to use thin sliced chicken?
Chicken Parm is one of the BEST ways to use thin sliced chicken breast. This crispy, cheesy, saucy chicken is a favorite, whether served over pasta or in hoagie rolls as a sandwich. For this chicken sandwich, thin-sliced chicken is brined in pickle juice, then breaded and air fried for a crispy, delicious, juicy chicken.
What are thin sliced chicken breasts?
Thin-sliced chicken breasts are chicken breasts that have been sliced in half (or thinner) by laying them down on a cutting board and slicing horizontally to make a thinner cut of chicken. You can either do this yourself (CAREFULLY!) or you can find thin-sliced chicken breasts packaged at the grocery store.
What can I do with frozen chicken breast?
Slice chicken breasts into thin strips for sandwiches, stir-fries, fajitas and more! Slice frozen chicken breasts into thin strips and cut them into pieces to cook for these Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak sandwiches. They’re loaded with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted Provolone cheese!
What is thin sliced chicken good for?
You can pair these chicken strips with dips like guacamole and salsa or chop them and add them a taco salad or bowl! These chicken tenders are seasoned with a Korean chile flakes blend bringing your chicken from boring to bursting with flavor.
How to keep thin chicken breasts moist?
Oil: A little bit of olive oil will help keep these chicken breasts moist and keep from sticking to the baking sheet while in the oven.Aug 20, 2024
How long do you cook thin sliced chicken breast?