Ah, good old chicken breast. It has become a go-to protein for a reason, but there’s just one problem: it can be, well…boring (there, we said it). But with a little creativity, it can do you good, whether you’re looking for a quick post-gym dinner or date night meal to impress the lady. “A chicken breast is like a pair of jeans,” says Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RD. “You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion.”
Fit Facts: A 3 oz. cooked chicken breast contains only 142 calories and 3 grams of fat, but packs a whopping 26 grams of protein—more than half of the day’s recommended allowance. Plus, itt’s got less than half a gram of saturated fat in one serving (no heart attacks here) and B vitamins, which metabolize food while providing an energy boost.
Prep Tips: Buy a package and wrap each breast separately in plastic wrap, then place them all in a Ziploc bag and freeze—that way, you can shop ahead and thaw each breast easily. And try our nutritionist’s favorite tip for tasty chicken breast: use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts when cooking, then remove the skin before eating. You’ll get the added flavor and moisture without the extra saturated fat and cholesterol. Score.
So, are you ready to teach an old protein new tricks? Try our 7 easy ways to make chicken breast.
Don’t let the name scare you: stuffed chicken is much easier than you might think. Just flatten chicken with a meat mallet and spread olive oil, fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a little garlic on top. Fold in the sides and secure with toothpicks, then pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Use your imagination—you can make almost anything into a stuffing, including fit foods like spinach and broccoli.
Chop up vegetables like peppers, onions and zucchini, then alternate them with cubed chicken breast on skewers for easy kebabs you can grill or bake.
For an easy Asian-style dinner that’s definitely better than Chinese takeout, toss diced chicken breast and vegetables in a flavorful sauce for an easy stir fry. This recipe for Stir-Fried Chicken and Vegetables is tasty and loaded with nutritious ingredients.
Dredge chicken breast in egg whites and seasoned panko breadcrumbs, then pop it in the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until juices run clear. The coating keeps moisture in and provides the satisfying crunch of fried chicken — Colonel Sanders has nothing on you. (You can also try this amazing recipe for the Ultimate Unfried Chicken.)
Chicken breast isn’t just for dinner. Pack a lunch starring this lean protein, and you’re guaranteed to get a mid-day energy boost. Slice last night’s leftover chicken and wrap it in a whole-wheat tortilla with salsa, a bit of cheese and your favorite vegetables, or try this easy recipe for a grilled chicken pita wrap.