How to Freeze Chicken

What can’t you do with chicken? This protein-rich poultry is the ultimate ingredient for any home chef who lives for quick, healthy meals. It can be cooked in so many wonderful ways, which is why many people purchase in bulk.

Extra chicken wings, breasts, tenders and drumsticks should never go to waste. So, what if you have leftovers? Can you freeze cooked chicken? Thankfully, the answer is yes—in most cases.

How to Freeze Raw Chicken

The freezer is basically a magical chamber that halts time. It’s like pressing the pause button on foods until they are ready to be cooked. You can freeze all sorts of surprising foods.

But how do you safely freeze raw chicken? First, wrap the chicken tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil. Firmly seal the whole package in a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to cook, place the chicken—still wrapped—in the fridge. It’s important to let it thaw gradually, which can take 12 to 48 hours, depending on the cut size and amount that’s wrapped together. You can also take a shortcut and cook the frozen chicken in your Instant Pot.

Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken?

Cooked chicken is safe to freeze…sometimes. If you have any extra chicken that can be eaten later, immediately store the extras in an airtight container overnight. Don’t leave the chicken out at room temperature. Why is this step important? Quickly decreasing the temperature of meat will lower any risk of contamination and foodborne illness. After that, the chicken can be stowed away in the freezer to enjoy later. Get more tips for freezing food.

If you change your mind about freezing cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken recipes are perfect for using any leftovers.

How Long Can You Freeze Chicken?

When stored securely, raw chicken can be kept in the freezer for up to nine months. On the other hand, cooked chicken can spend four months in the freezer before it’s past its flavor prime. Eating freezer-burned food won’t hurt you, it just won’t taste as good.

Are These Prepared Foods Safe to Freeze?

• Chicken and Dumplings: Yes. Put the soup in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving 1/4-in. of room for expansion. You may want to freeze dumplings separately to keep their shape.
• Fried Chicken: Yes. You can put pieces of fried chicken in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: Yes. Most soups freeze nicely. The exceptions are soups made with cream and potatoes.
• Chicken Salad: No. The mayo will separate and create a terrible texture.

Delicious Chicken Recipes You'll Love

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Honey Chicken Stir-Fry Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: Boneless chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, frozen broccoli stir-fry Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This one-pot meal is one of our favorite chicken breast recipes for busy weeknights. The chicken and vegetables cook together in a single nonstick skillet and the flavors of honey, garlic and soy sauce create an incredible sauce. Serve it over rice to create a complete meal. "I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver." —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan Go to Recipe Here are the biggest mistakes people make with chicken (and how to fix them).

Puff Pastry Chicken PotpieEstimated Cooking Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 pounds of boneless chicken breast, frozen puff pastry, half-and-half cream, frozen mixed vegetables Complexity: Intermediate This twist on the classic chicken potpie uses puff pastry instead of pie crust to create a satisfying, crispy exterior. The recipe calls for cutting the pastry sheets and layering them to make a visually appealing lattice pattern, but you can place the whole sheet directly on the baking dish if you're running short on time.

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"When my wife is craving comfort food, I whip up this chicken pot pie with puff pastry. It's easy to make, sticks to your ribs and delivers soul-satisfying flavor" —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Quick Chicken PiccataEstimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Chicken piccata is a delightful dish featuring pan-fried chicken served in a bright lemon-butter sauce. You have a choice when it comes to preparation: Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-in. thick or cut the breasts in half to make chicken cutlets.

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"Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Just add a side of veggies and bread to make it into a wonderful meal" —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia

Chicken Burrito Skillet Estimated Cooking Time: 45 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 pound bonless skinless chicken breasts, long grain rice, canned black beans, reduced-sodium chicken broth, shredded Mexican cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This chicken burrito skillet is packed full of chicken, tomatoes, green onions, rice and beans—like your favorite burrito! It's a fantastic chicken breast recipe, but it's also a good way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. If you don't have a can of black beans handy, substitute any beans you have in the pantry. Next, try this delicious marry me chicken recipe.

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"We love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is ready for the table in almost no time!" —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana Estimated Cooking Time: 40 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly If you've never made this dish before, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make chicken Parmesan at home. Simply coat the chicken with seasoned bread crumbs and cook in oil for about 5 minutes a side. Melt a little mozzarella cheese on top and serve with tomato sauce. Pasta is the classic choice here, but zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work well, too.

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"My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes." —Iola Butler, Sun City, California If you like this dish, you'll love these other copycat chicken recipes, too.  

Breaded Ranch Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 55 Minutes Main Ingredients: 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cornflakes, ranch salad dressing mix Complexity: Beginner-Friendly A 5-ingredient chicken breast recipe that's ready in less than an hour? Yes, please! The chicken breasts stay juicy and moist as they bake, and the cornflake crust is irresistibly crunchy. Use a store-bought ranch seasoning packet, or make your own with this ranch dressing and dip mix recipe.

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"A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on." ——Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina  

Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 55 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, chicken broth Complexity: Intermediate Use a meat mallet for this recipe, pounding the chicken until it's 1/4-in. thick. If you don't have one, use a rolling pin or the bottom of a skillet. After the chicken is finished cooking, we highly recommend thickening the pan juices with a cornstarch slurry to make a flavorful gravy that takes this dish to the next level.

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"I was born in 1936 to a family of eight. Much of our food came from our garden and the henhouse. Mother served fried chicken every Sunday, but sometimes she surprised us with this broccoli-stuffed chicken. No arguments then as to who got what piece of chicken!" —Donald Laugherty, Connellsville, Pennsylvania

Coconut Curry Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 5 Hours and 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, medium potatoes, coconut milk, chicken bouillon granules, cooked rice Complexity: Intermediate Slow-cooker chicken recipes are the best, and this one is no exception. The curry spices and coconut milk combine to create a delicious sauce, and you can customize the spice level by making your own curry powder at home. Be sure to use a can of coconut milk instead of the cartons found in the refrigerated section. The latter has a higher water content, so it won't create a luscious, thick sauce.

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"My husband and I love this coconut curry chicken recipe! It's a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker, and it tastes just like a meal you'd have at your favorite Indian restaurant." —Andi Kauffman, Beavercreek, Oregon  

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Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 50 Minutes Main Ingredients: 6 bone-in chicken breasts, soy sauce, green onions, chicken broth or sherry Complexity: Intermediate We highly recommend picking up bone-in chicken breasts for this grilled chicken recipe. The bones conduct heat throughout the chicken, helping the meat cook evenly on the grill. Meanwhile, marinating the chicken overnight infuses it with rich flavor while also keeping the chicken from drying out. That ensures your meal will be both juicy and flavorful.

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"Plan ahead to marinate chicken overnight for wonderful flavor. Leftovers of this teriyaki grilled chicken breast are fabulous the next day in a salad." —Jennifer Nichols, Tuscon, Arizona

Herbed Chicken Caesar Salad Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, romaine lettuce, tomato, Caesar salad dressing Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This chicken breast recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner. The chicken is spiced with an aromatic blend of basil, oregano, paprika, garlic salt and black pepper, and the grill adds an extra layer of smoky flavor. The chicken is fantastic when served hot off the grill, but also tasty when chilled and served cold.

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  "This chicken Caesar salad looks and tastes fancy but couldn't be easier to make. It's my husband's favorite dinner." —Kay Andersen, Bear, Delaware Love grilled chicken? Here's our Test Kitchen's secret to grilling chicken breast.

Baked Lemon Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 50 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, chicken broth, lemon juice, cooked rice Complexity: Beginner-Friendly The combination of lemon juice, chicken broth, butter and herbs comes together to create an out-of-this-world sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. We often serve this dish over white rice, but cauliflower rice is an excellent choice for those looking for low-carb options.

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"I found this baked lemon chicken recipe many years ago when my children were toddlers. I've changed it a little over the years to make it my own. Everyone in my family just loves it!"

Peanut Butter Chicken Skewers Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, red cabbage Complexity: Beginner-Friendly The idea of slathering peanut butter onto chicken might sound odd—but bear with us. Mixing peanut butter with soy sauce, ginger, chiles, sugar and lemon juice creates a sauce that's simultaneously savory, sweet and spicy. We baste the chicken skewers with the sauce as it cooks, but make extra so you can serve the cooked chicken with dipping sauce on the side.

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"Most people associate peanut butter with snacks or desserts. This fantastic chicken skewers with peanut sauce recipe proves it also makes a mouthwatering sauce for chicken." —Jeanne Bennett, North Richland Hills, Texas

Kentucky Grilled Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 45 Minutes Main Ingredients: 10 bone-in chicken breasts, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce Complexity: Beginner-Friendly KFC makes its grilled chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, but we keep the marinade simple for our version (which we think tastes better than the original). You only need 5 ingredients—cider vinegar, canola oil, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and salt—and 4 hours to let the marinade do its magic. It's fantastic for grilling chicken, but the marinade is amazing for roasted or sauteed chicken, too.

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"This Kentucky grilled chicken is perfect for an outdoor summer meal, and my family thinks it's fantastic. It takes about an hour on the grill but is worth the wait. I use a new paintbrush to mop on the basting sauce." —Jill Evely, Wilmore, Kentucky

Chicken Stuffing Bake Estimated Cooking Time: 50 Minutes Main Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, Swiss cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, white wine or chicken broth, seasoned stuffing cubes Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This chicken breast recipe has some serious Thanksgiving vibes, but it's easy enough to make as a weeknight dinner. We use seasoned bread cubes, but you could choose leftover stuffing if you happen to have it on hand. Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or sweet potatoes to make a complete meal.

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"At my bridal shower a few years ago, each guest brought a recipe card with their best dish. We've tried everyone's recipe, but this chicken stuffing bake is a favorite." —Nicole Vogl Harding, Spokane, Washington

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Mongolian Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 35 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, Mongolian Fire oil or sesame oil Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Don't let the number of ingredients dissuade you from making this incredible chicken. The chicken, vegetables and sauce stir-fry in a single pan, and it cooks in only 15 minutes. The leftovers almost taste better the next day, so don't be afraid to double this recipe!

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"This is a fun way to make chicken. Mongolian chicken has a lot of flavor and a bit of heat for good measure." —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Chicken Scampi Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, linguine, green onions, garlic Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Scampi generally refers to shrimp, which is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over pasta. The sauce is so good, we figured we'd pair it with chicken and see what happened. The result is just as tasty as the seafood version, and it's a great dinner choice for anyone with picky eaters in the family.

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"This chicken scampi recipe is so delectable that I'm often asked to double it when family members visit over the holidays. I also suggest preparing it with shrimp for a quick, convenient alternative that's also delicious." —Janet Lebar, Centennial, Colorado  

Applesauce Barbecue Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, applesauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar Complexity: Beginner-Friendly We love barbecue sauce on its own, but it gets even better when combined with applesauce, olive oil, brown sugar and chili powder. It's a brilliant way to celebrate barbecue flavors without having to fire up the grill. Serve this roasted chicken with side dishes like baked beans, cornbread, corn or coleslaw.

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"You only need a few ingredients to create this sweet and peppery chicken. The subtle flavor of apple makes this tender barbecue dish stand out from the rest." —Darla Andrews, Farmers Branch, Texas

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Southwest Smothered Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, corn, salsa, shredded pepper Jack cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Capture the flavors of the Southwest with this smothered chicken breast recipe. The corn, salsa and pepper jack cheese come together to create the perfect seasoning for chicken, but the pickled jalapenos really make this dish shine. It tastes fantastic over rice, but we also love shredding the chicken and turning it into tacos.

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"There's a party in every bite of this fiesta chicken dish. Let it spice up dinner tonight! If you're worried about the heat, simply reduce the amount of jalapenos." —Debbie Schaefer, Durand, Michigan  

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls Estimated Cooking Time: 3 Hours and 35 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, ranch salad dressing mix, Buffalo wing sauce, egg roll wrappers Complexity: Intermediate This game-day appetizer of Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls has everything we love about chicken wings, all wrapped up in a crispy egg roll wrapper. You start by making the Buffalo chicken in the slow cooker, so you could easily turn this starter into a main meal by serving the cooked chicken as a healthier egg roll in a bowl.

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"One of my favorite slow-cooker recipes is this impressive buffalo chicken egg rolls appetizer. You can wrap the filling in egg roll wrappers and bake, or, for a bite-size version, use smaller wonton wraps." —Tara Odegaard, Omaha, Nebraska Find dozens of new spins on your Chinese takeout favorites.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan Estimated Cooking Time: 40 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, panko bread crumbs, frozen broccoli florets, marinara sauce Complexity: Beginner-Friendly If you don't want to mess with pan-frying chicken for chicken Parmesan, this recipe is for you. It has all the flavors of the original, but we lighten it up by baking the chicken instead of frying it. You could easily make this dish in your air fryer, too.

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"Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better?" —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, broccoli florets, chicken broth Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Chicken and broccoli is a classic pairing, and it gets even better when smothered in a zippy dill sauce. You'll only need the broccoli florets for this recipe, but that doesn't mean you should throw away the broccoli stems. Peel them and add the centers to cheesy broccoli soup or add the chopped stems to stir-fries or slaw recipes.

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"I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies." —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California  

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Slow-Cooker Pad Thai Estimated Cooking Time: 4 Hours and 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, brown sugar, soy sauce, Asian lo mein noodles, salted peanuts Complexity: Intermediate Traditional pad thai recipes call for tamarind paste made from a tangy fruit that gives the dish its characteristic sweet and sour flavor. Our slow cooker recipe uses lime juice instead, saving you from having to buy a jar if you don't often cook with this ingredient. You can serve the chicken over cooked lo mein noodles or soak a package of rice noodles to make a gluten-free version.

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"I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in summer. This slow-cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai too." —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

Spicy Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts Estimated Cooking Time: 45 Minutes Main Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken breasts, buttermilk, bread crumbs, cornmeal, hot pepper sauce Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This list wouldn't be complete without at least one air-fryer chicken recipe! The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to a buttermilk marinade, and you can make it as spicy (or mild) as you like by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper.

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"My family adores this chicken recipe. Marinating enhances the taste, and the coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. The result is delicious." —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan  

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Chicken Caesar Pizza Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pizza crust, Caesar salad dressing, romaine salad mix Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Transform refrigerated pizza crust into a unique meal with this recipe, which takes everything you love about Caesar salad and turns it into a pizza-eating experience. The Caesar dressing is used instead of tomato sauce, infusing the chicken and the dough with a fun and different seasoning.

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"Dressed greens on top of warm pizza may sound a little strange but trust me, it's fantastic." —Tracy Youngman, Post Falls, Idaho  

BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes Estimated Cooking Time: 6 Hours and 15 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4.5 pounds bone-in chicken breasts, honey barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, medium potatoes Complexity: Intermediate Baked potatoes are often served as a side dish, but stuffing them with well-seasoned shredded chicken definitely turns them into a filling main. The barbecue vibes add a fun twist to a classic baked potato, but this chicken also tastes fantastic when served on a sandwich bun or on pizza.

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"These baked potatoes are meals in themselves, with a smoky barbecue flavor that will make your mouth water. You can top them with your favorite cheese and garnishes" —Amber Massey, Coppell, Texas  

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Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups Estimated Cooking Time: 50 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pepperoni slices, pizza sauce Complexity: Beginnger-Friendly Anyone with picky eaters in the house knows it can be difficult to make a meal enjoyed by the entire family. That's not a problem when pizza chicken is on the menu! If rolling the chicken sounds like too much work, you can layer the pizza sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella on whole chicken breasts instead.

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"I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn't eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys." —Tanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio

Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Estimated Cooking Time: 3 Hours and 10 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, romaine lettuce Complexity: Beginner-Friendly If you're looking for a go-to shredded chicken recipe, this is the one to bookmark. The chicken is tossed with a ton of flavorful spices, and it's ready to shred after about 4 hours in the slow cooker. It's perfect for tacos, sandwiches, enchiladas, omelets or salads, so double the recipe and make enough for several meals.

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"We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping to measure the seasonings." —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

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Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, swiss cheese, hamburger buns Complexity: Beginner-Friendly You can never have too many sandwich recipes in your back pocket, and this one is definitely a keeper. The Swiss cheese brings a sweet and nutty character while the bacon adds crunch and a salty, savory flavor. The real winner here is the sauce, an easy mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and honey that's great for the sandwich, but also perfect for dipping fries.

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"I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce." —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska  

Country Chicken and Gravy Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cornflakes, evaporated milk, chicken broth Complexity: Intermediate Plan a Southern-style meal by serving this country chicken and gravy with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and buttermilk biscuits. The chicken turns out so juicy and delicious, and the homemade gravy only takes about 5 minutes to make.

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"Here's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it!" —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina  

Simple Salsa Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 35 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, salsa, taco sauce, Mexican cheese blend Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Sometimes, simple is best, especially when you're running short on time. This recipe is as easy as combining taco sauce and salsa, pouring it over the chicken and topping it with cheese. We like serving this chicken with a side of rice and beans or a salad, but you can pair it with any vegetable side dish.

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"My husband and I prefer our food a little spicier than our children do, so I created this baked salsa chicken recipe just for the two of us. It's now a regular menu item at our house." —Jan Cooper, Troy, Alabama

Chunky Creamy Chicken Soup Estimated Cooking Time: 4 Hours and 45 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken, onion, carrots, condensed cream of potato soup, half-and-half cream Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This is one of those slow cooker recipes that's infinitely customizable. It tastes great as written, but feel free to make a few ingredient swaps to use up what you have instead of going to the store. It's made with cream of potato soup, but cream of mushroom, chicken or celery work, too. Swap in other frozen vegetables if you aren't in the mood for peas and corn.

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"I am a stay-at-home mom who relies on my slow cooker for fast, nutritious meals with minimal cleanup and prep time. I knew this recipe was a hit when I didn't have any leftovers and my husband asked me to make it again." —Nancy Clow, Mallorytown, Ontario

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Contest-Winning Chicken with Mushroom Sauce Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cornstarch, chicken broth, mushrooms Complexity: Beginner-Friendly If you want to impress dinner guests with a fancy meal but don't want to spend all day prepping, pick up the ingredients for this chicken breast recipe. It only takes 25 minutes to make, but the mushroom sauce is fancy enough to be a restaurant dish.

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"It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants." —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana

Cashew Chicken with Ginger Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, soy sauce, cooked rice, cashews, water chestnuts Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Cashew chicken is a fantastic stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken swimming in a lightly sweet sauce. Between the tender-crisp vegetables and the chopped cashews, this dish has the perfect level of crunch. If you're making enough for leftovers, keep the cashews on the side until you're ready to serve to prevent them from getting soggy.

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"There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare." —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California

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Zesty Chicken Soup Estimated Cooking Time: 1 Hour Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, onion, celery ribs, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa, green chilis, white corn Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Most soups are made with broth instead of water, but you'll find that you don't need it with this recipe. The tomato sauce and salsa come together to create a zesty foundation, and the vegetables soak up all that flavor as they cook. Top it off with tortilla chips and some shredded cheddar cheese for a meal that warms the heart and the belly.

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"This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort!" —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, California  

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Chicken Veggie Packets Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, mushrooms, carrots, red pepper Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Foil packets are an excellent option for cooking chicken breasts because they lock the moisture inside as the chicken cooks. If you're changing up the vegetables inside the packet, make sure they're cut so they'll finish in the same time as the chicken. Large chunks of potatoes wouldn't cook through, for example, whereas thinly sliced potatoes would be just fine.

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"People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze." —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan

Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits Estimated Cooking Time: 45 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, canned pumpkin, quick-cooking grits Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This recipe has a fun ingredient that we don't often see in classic chicken and grits recipes: canned pumpkin. The sweet addition balances perfectly against the rich grits and bold barbecue sauce, and the ancho chile pepper adds a welcome level of spice. This one is a keeper!

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"There’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one." —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah

Chicken Soup with Beans Estimated Cooking Time: 6 Hours and 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken, great northern beans, white corn, diced tomatoes and green chiles Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This soup should be renamed "comfort in a bowl," because it looks like a warm hug as soon as it reaches the table. The chicken and beans are soft and savory while the corn brings a welcome burst of sweetness with every bite. If you can find it, use shoepeg corn in this recipe. It's sweeter than most corn varieties and really makes each bite pop.

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"Loaded with classic southwestern flavors, this soup is so satisfying. If you like, crush lime-flavored tortilla chips into serving bowls before you ladle in the soup." —Penny Peronia, West Memphis, Arkansas

Cornbread Chicken Bake Estimated Cooking Time: 1 Hour Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed cornbread, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth Complexity: Beginner-Friendly We don't always end up with leftover cornbread—it's usually gobbled up pretty quickly! But when we do, we make this chicken casserole. The flavors are reminiscent of stuffing, but the cornbread and cream of chicken soup create a fabulous texture that's hard to beat.

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"To make the most of leftover cornbread, try this hearty main dish casserole. It's moist, delicious and good on any occasion." —Madge Britton, Afton, Tennessee

Chicken with Florentine Sauce Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, all purpose flour, chicken broth, whole milk, spinach Complexity: Intermediate Florentine sauce refers to a classic French dish made with spinach and Mornay sauce (a cheesy version of the mother sauce bechamel). It's an elegant dish that—surprisingly—only takes 30 minutes to make. We use frozen spinach for ease, but you can easily swap in the fresh stuff. Just be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid after steaming it to prevent a watery sauce.

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"Here is my very favorite chicken Florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but it’s also fast to fix on busy weeknights!" —Julie Fitzgerald, St Louis, Missouri  

Caribbean Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, jalapeno peppers, onions Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Caribbean food is known for being bold and spicy, and this chicken breast recipe holds to that standard. It's made with a sweet and spicy marinade that contains 3 jalapeno peppers. You may want to adjust the number of peppers based on your family's tolerance for heat, keeping in mind that individual peppers tend to vary in pungency and spice level.

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"You'd be hard-pressed to find a marinade this flavorful at any store! Add or subtract the jalapenos to suit your crew's taste, and you'll be grilling a new family favorite before you know it." —Rusty Collins, Orlando, Florida  

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups Estimated Cooking Time: 1 Hour and 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, lasagna noodles, 2% milk, spaghetti sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This unique take on a chicken lasagna recipe is so much fun to make. Instead of layering pasta, sauce and cheese like a traditional lasagna, the filling ingredients are rolled up inside the noodles before being topped with cheese and sauce. It ensures everyone gets a perfect portion!

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"I love to experiment with new pasta dishes, and these chicken lasagna roll-ups are my favorite. Ingredients I had on hand and frozen sauce led to these tasty lasagna-flavored chicken roll-ups." —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

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Fontina Chicken & Pasta Bake Estimated Cooking Time: 40 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, spiral pasta, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, fontina cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Fontina is one of our go-to melting cheeses because of its buttery, smoother texture and rich, creamy flavor. It pairs perfectly with chicken, especially when combined with mushrooms, spinach and tomato. This casserole can be frozen, but we recommend cutting it into individual portions first to make it easier to serve upon reheating.

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"Eat it tonight, or freeze it for later. This cheesy casserole is still awesome months after you make it" —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Forgotten Jambalaya Estimated Cooking Time: 2 Hours Main Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked sausage, uncooked shrimp Complexity: Beginner-Friendly You won't believe how easy this recipe is. Combine all the ingredients (except the shrimp) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky sausage and sweet shrimp is absolutely perfect!

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"During chilly times of the year, I fix this slow-cooker jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya." —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas  

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts, blueberry vinaigrette, blueberry salad Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Some say that we eat with our eyes first. If that adage is true, this recipe starts to satisfy as soon as it reaches the table. This refreshing salad is chock-full of colorful ingredients that taste as good as they look.

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"We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade" —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine  

Chicken Artichoke Skillet Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, artichoke hearts, pimento-stuffed olives, Greek olives Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This chicken breast recipe is packed with Greek flavors, from briny olives to herbaceous oregano and bright lemon juice. And then, there are the artichokes. Artichokes contain an acid called cynarin that doesn't taste like much on its own, but it brings out sweetness in other ingredients. Put it together and this dish has it all.

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"My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender." —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado  

Baked Chicken Fajitas Estimated Cooking Time: 35 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, flour tortillas, diced tomatoes, onions, and green peppers Complexity: Beginner-Friendly When you're in the mood for a sizzling platter of fajitas but don't want to make a mess on the stovetop, bake your fajitas instead. The chicken, vegetables and spices are combined in a single casserole dish, so it's just as easy to cook as it is to clean up.

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"I can't remember when or where I found this oven-baked fajitas recipe, but I've used it nearly every week since. We like it with hot sauce for added spice." —Amy Trinkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicken Rice Bowl Estimated Cooking Time: 10 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 package grilled chicken breast strips, instant rice, chicken broth, frozen corn, frozen peas Complexity: Beginner-Friendly If you use a few ingredient shortcuts (like instant rice, precooked grilled chicken and frozen vegetables), this recipe takes only 10 minutes to come together. You could easily start by grilling fresh chicken breasts or swap in leftover rotisserie chicken, if you prefer. Either way, this quick meal is going to be delicious!

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"This chicken rice bowl recipe is so easy to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients already on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese." —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio

Smothered Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, fresh mushrooms, Mexican cheese blend, bacon strips Complexity: Beginner-Friendly We're not sure what we love most about this recipe: the moist chicken breasts, smoky bacon, savory mushrooms, melty cheese or the fact that it only takes 20 minutes to cook. This dish pairs well with any vegetable, but our favorites are roasted broccoli, sauteed kale or mashed potatoes.

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"You can't go wrong when serving this speedy skillet creation. Top tender chicken breasts with mushrooms, bacon, green onions and cheese for a swift and savory sensation that's sure to become a family favorite." —Penny Walton, Westerville, Ohio

Nutty Chicken Strips Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenderloins, mustard, bread crumbs Complexity: Beginner-Friendly These chicken strips are reminiscent of a chicken tender, but the ingredients make them quite unique. The chicken is seasoned with curry powder to give it a lively character, and the breading is composed of bread crumbs and chopped almonds. The honey-cilantro yogurt dipping sauce brings it all together, making these chicken strips unforgettable in the best way.

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"These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad." —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado

Baked Chimichangas Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2.5 cups shredded chicken breast, salsa, flour tortillas, chicken bouillon granules, green chiles Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Typically, chimichangas are deep-fried burritos, but our baked version is healthier and easier to make. After rolling the chicken mixture in flour tortillas, pop them into the oven for about 15 minutes to brown. Alternatively, you can spray the burritos with a little cooking spray and use the air fryer to crisp them up.

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"My baked chimichanga recipe is healthier than a deep-fried version, but it's just as delicious. You can omit the chiles for less heat." —Angela Oelschlaeger, Tonganoxie, Kansas  

Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu Estimated Cooking Time: 40 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, deli ham, Swiss cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This classic chicken dish is easy to make despite its elegant look. Ham and cheese are stuffed into the chicken breast before it's coated with breadcrumbs and baked, making it crunchy on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside. Swiss cheese is typically used, but Havarti or Fontina will work well here, too.

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"For an entree that's as elegant as it is easy, try this moist classic chicken recipe. It's a simple dish for two, but looks like you really fussed." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen  

15-Minute Marinated Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 30 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Most chicken marinades call for anywhere from 4 hours to overnight to let the marinade tenderize the meat. That requires planning ahead, which isn't always in the cards. Luckily, this chicken breast recipe only takes 15 minutes to create full-flavored goodness.

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"Whenever I serve this grilled chicken to family and friends, which is quite often, I'm bound to be asked for the 15-minute marinade recipe. It's a fast and tasty meal that I'm happy to share with others." —Pam Shinogle, Arlington, Texas  

Chicken CreoleThe major difference between Estimated Cooking Time: 35 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, chopped onion, celery, and green pepper, diced tomatoes, hot cooked rice Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Cajun and Creole food is that the latter uses tomatoes, as seen in this fabulous spiced chicken and tomato dish. It tastes fantastic over rice, but we also love serving it with grits or buttermilk biscuits.

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"I like food that has a little zip to it, and this Creole chicken recipe hits the spot every time. It’s especially good served over rice." —Dolly Hall, Wheelwright, Kentucky  

Taste of Home

Makeover Swiss Chicken Supreme Estimated Cooking Time: 45 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, Ritz crackers Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Chicken supreme doesn't have a well-defined history, but we know that it comes from traditional French cooking, where "supreme" referred to a boneless, skinless chicken breast. The sauce that tops the chicken was originally made from scratch, although most modern recipes use condensed cream of chicken soup.

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"Stephanie Bell asked our test kitchen to lighten her family-favorite recipe. Even though this makeover recipe is slimmed down, it is still supreme. It has 560 fewer calories, 81 percent less fat and nearly 75 percent less sodium." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen  

Kabobless Chicken and Vegetables Estimated Cooking Time: 55 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, yellow summer squash, zucchini, carrots Complexity: Beginner-Friendly We love chicken kabobs, but the idea of skewering all those ingredients on a weeknight is sometimes daunting. Luckily, this recipe has all the components of a good chicken and vegetable kabob with a fraction of the work. Serve with salad or rice, and you can't go wrong with a yogurt dipping sauce.

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"As the primary caregiver for my grandma, I am trying to cook healthier for her. I am fascinated with Mediterranean cuisine. It is much easier to have chicken and vegetables off the kabob, which inspired this sheet-pan dinner." —Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California

Taste of Home

Skillet Chicken Stew Estimated Cooking Time: 40 Minutes Main Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts, medium potatoes, chicken broth, ketchup Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Beef or lamb stew usually get all the attention, but we love this version that uses chicken breasts instead. It's lighter but still has all the hearty characteristics of a good stew. The recipe turns out quite thick, so add a little extra chicken broth if you like your stew to be soupier.

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"It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating." —Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West Virginia  

Air-Fryer Lemon Feta Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 25 Minutes Main Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts, feta cheese Complexity: Beginner-Friendly This recipe requires only 5 ingredients, but they come together to create a burst of flavor. The feta brings a salty, briny character while the lemon has a nice tang to brighten the chicken. Add in some zippy black pepper and herbaceous oregano, and it's just perfect. As a bonus, it cooks in less than 25 minutes in the air fryer, so clean-up is a breeze.

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"This bright, Greek-inspired chicken has only five ingredients—it's a busy-day lifesaver! And popping it into the air fryer makes it even easier." —Ann Cain, Morrill, Nebraska  

Amazing Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 5 Hours Main Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken stock, orange juice, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, soy sauce, hot cooked rice Complexity: Beginner-Friendly Who needs takeout when a copycat recipe is just as easy to make at home? The sauce is made with orange marmalade, a fantastic fruit preserve made with citrus peels. The red pepper flakes bring quite a bit of heat, so scale the amount back if your guests aren't into spice.

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"I love Chinese takeout food, but I know that it’s very high in sodium and fat. So I got to work at home and created a healthier version. Now I have peace of mind knowing what ingredients are in this slow cooker orange chicken and that it’s better for my family." —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

Flavorful Lemon Chicken Estimated Cooking Time: 5 Hours Main Ingredients: 6 boneless chicken breasts, chicken bouillon granules, sour cream Complexity: Beginner-Friendly There are quite a few lemon chicken breast recipes out there, and for a good reason. Lemon's acidic flavor has a way of brightening up chicken, turning bland meat into a welcome pop of flavor. What we love about this recipe is the fabulous sour cream sauce and parsley sauce, which is so easy to make but adds an elegant touch to this slow-cooker recipe.

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"This easy and delectable meal is bound to become a staple with your family. It's made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this delicious recipe." —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba

Taste of Home

Chicken with Pineapple Estimated Cooking Time: 20 Minutes Main Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pineapple chunks, honey, teriyaki sauce, hot cooked rice Complexity: Beginner-Friendly The flavors in this chicken breast recipe will transport you to a tropical island, with a thickened pineapple and teriyaki sauce coating perfectly crisped chicken breasts. If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, try swapping almond for all-purpose flour.

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"I'm always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce." —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota