How many of you are trying to hit your protein goals each day by eating a lot of chicken? If so, you might be familiar with “chicken fatigue!” You are definitely not alone … I am right there with you! As someone who also relies on chicken as a go-to lean protein, I’ve explored some versatile and flavorful ways to cook chicken. Get ready to say goodbye to boring chicken! Here are 5 delicious and easy ways to prepare chicken breasts that will bring new life into your meal prep and dinner routines.

1. Flavor-Packed Grilled Chicken Kabobs (Perfect for Summer & Indoor Grilling)

Living in Minnesota, we eagerly await those summer days when we can fire up the grill! And grilling chicken is a fantastic way to have a batch ready for the week. Even during our long winters, our smokeless indoor grill comes in handy. While we often grill whole chicken breasts, we recently switched things up and made delicious chicken kabobs. This method is not only fun but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables. Here’s how to prep them:

• Prep Your Veggies: Cut your favorite vegetables into bite-sized pieces. We love using bell peppers (larger squares work well!). Season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.
• Cube and Season the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform cubes. Toss them with your go-to seasonings. Think garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or a flavorful marinade!
• Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the seasoned chicken cubes and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
• Grill to Perfection: Grill the kabobs over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

2. Effortless Shredded Crockpot Chicken

If time is tight, then crockpot chicken is the way to go! This is often my go-to method because it’s simple and easy and results in versatile shredded chicken that can be used in countless dishes. Here’s my simple crockpot chicken prep:

• Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Load the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
• Flavor it Your Way: You can either sprinkle your desired seasonings directly onto the chicken or add them to the liquid. For a more subtle flavor that allows for versatility later, I prefer to keep the initial seasoning light.
• Add Liquid: Pour in just enough water or chicken broth to barely cover the chicken breasts.
• Season Simply (If You Haven’t Already): If you skipped seasoning earlier, now’s the time! My go-to blend is usually garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt.
• Slow or Fast Cook: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-5 hours (for non-frozen chicken). Cooking times can vary depending on your specific crockpot.

I often keep the initial seasoning mild so I can customize the flavor as I use it throughout the week in tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls, and more!

3. Delicious Pan-Fried Chicken

While I don’t fry chicken in a pan regularly, there’s no denying how delicious it can be! Sometimes you just need to fry the chicken. Here are my tips for pan-frying chicken breasts:

• Prep and Slice: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into strips. I find this helps them cook more evenly and quickly. If you’re frying whole breasts, make sure to pound them to an even thickness.
• Season Generously: Sprinkle the chicken strips (or whole breasts) with your favorite seasonings.
• Heat the Oil: Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil to a frying pan and heat it over medium heat for a few minutes until it’s shimmering.
• Cook Thoroughly: Add the prepared chicken to the hot pan. If you’re using strips, flip them frequently until they are cooked through. For whole breasts, cover the pan to minimize splattering and flip them every few minutes.
• The Water Trick (If Needed): If the outside is browning too quickly before the inside is cooked, add a little water to the pan and cover it. The steam will help cook the chicken through without burning the exterior.

The last time I fried chicken, I cooked strips of chicken and ate them on their own with a side salad and also turned them into a tasty stir-fry!

4. Simple & Versatile Baked Chicken

Baked chicken is a simple method that’s perfect not only for dinner but also for prepping protein for the week ahead. It’s incredibly easy and requires minimal hands-on time. Here’s my go-to method for baking chicken breasts:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 220 degrees Celsius).
• Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Season Well: Add your favorite seasonings. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount!
• Prepare Your Baking Pan: I usually line my baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and spray it with olive oil. However, use whatever method you prefer to prevent sticking.
• Bake to Perfection: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared pan in a single layer. I typically don’t cover them. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or greater.

Any leftover baked chicken breasts are fantastic for meal prepping lunches and dinners throughout the week. I often slice them in half and store them in freezer bags for a quick and easy protein option later!

5. Daughter-Approved Air Fryer Chicken

My daughter recently introduced me to her favorite way to prepare chicken: the air fryer! She loves the taste and the incredibly easy cleanup. Here’s her go-to air fryer chicken method:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 200 degrees Celsius).
• Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat and pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, just like with baking.
• Season Generously: Sprinkle the chicken with your favorite seasonings.
• Prevent Sticking: Use an olive oil spray in the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Air Fry to Juicy Perfection: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Cook for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.

The air fryer is a fantastic way to get a healthier “fried chicken” texture without all the oil. Plus, if you use an air fryer liner, cleanup is a piece of cake!

I truly hope these 5 delicious and easy ways to prepare chicken breasts inspire you to switch up your routine and make hitting your protein goals more enjoyable and less monotonous! I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite creative ways to prepare chicken? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, nutritionist, or fitness expert. The thoughts and tips shared here are based on my own experiences and are meant for general inspiration. Always consult a qualified professional if you need personal or nutritional advice or support.

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Looking for other meal prep tips and ideas to increase your protein intake without eating more chicken?! Check out these additional blog posts!

• High Protein Shake Ideas with 40 Grams of Protein (or more!)
• Simple Meal & Snack Prep Tips for a Healthier Week