Let’s be honest for a second. Chicken breast can be a little, well, boring. It’s a staple for a reason, it is healthy and versatile. But it can also be dry and flavorless if you are not careful. I think we have all been there.
Well, what if I told you there’s a simple way to make sure you get juicy, flavorful chicken every single time? This is one of my favorite Chicken Breast Recipes because it is so easy and packed with taste. It’s a real game changer for weeknight meals.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just fantastic. We are talking a savory and slightly sweet marinade that seeps into every bite of the chicken. The combination of soy sauce, apple sauce, and a hint of ginger creates something truly special.
It is also incredibly straightforward. You do not need any fancy cooking skills to pull this off. If you can mix ingredients in a bowl, you can make this dish. This makes it one of the best Simple Chicken Recipes for beginners.
This recipe is also a wonderful choice for anyone looking for Healthy Dinner Ideas. Grilling is a lean cooking method, and the ingredients are wholesome. You get a meal that is good for you without sacrificing any taste.
Another great thing is how quick the cooking process is. Once the chicken is marinated, it spends only a few minutes on the grill. This is exactly what you need on a busy evening when you want to get dinner on the table fast.
It makes for truly Delicious Family Dinners. Everyone loves it, from kids to adults. The flavor is approachable yet interesting enough to feel like you put a lot of effort in. It looks beautiful too, with those lovely grill marks and a glossy finish.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these Chicken Breast Recipes is wonderfully simple. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. Each one plays a key role in building that fantastic flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup low sodium or gluten free soy sauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus more for topping
- 2 thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Following these steps will give you amazing results. It is one of those Simple Chicken Recipes that is hard to mess up.
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
First, let’s get the chicken ready. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place one at a time inside a large plastic bag. A Ziploc bag works great for this. You want to pound the chicken to an even thickness.
Aim for about a half inch thick. This step is super important. It ensures the chicken cooks evenly, so you do not end up with one dry end and one undercooked end. Be gentle so you do not tear the bag or the chicken.
Step 2: Mix The Marinade
Now for the magic. In a medium sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, unsweetened apple sauce, chopped yellow onion, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Add the light brown sugar and crushed garlic cloves too.
If you like a little bit of heat, toss in the red pepper flakes. Finally, stir in one teaspoon of sesame seeds. Give it all a good whisk until everything is combined. The aroma is already going to be amazing.
Step 3: Marinate The Chicken
Before you add the chicken, you need to reserve some of that delicious marinade. Spoon out about a quarter cup and set it aside for later. This will be our glaze while the chicken is grilling. It is a key step for flavorful Chicken Breast Recipes.
Pour the rest of the marinade into the Ziploc bag with your pounded chicken breasts. Seal the bag, making sure to press out any excess air. Squish the marinade around to coat the chicken completely. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Longer is even better!
Step 4: Grill The Chicken
It is time to cook. Preheat your grill over medium high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Let it cook for about two to three minutes on the first side. You will know it is ready to flip when it no longer sticks to the grill grates.
Flip the chicken over. Now grab that reserved marinade you set aside earlier. Spoon it over each chicken breast. This adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a beautiful glaze. Grill for another two to three minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Top with more sesame seeds and the sliced scallions for a fresh finish. This makes for such Delicious Family Dinners.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this tasty chicken dish, storing them is easy. First, make sure the chicken has cooled down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a great option for meal prep. You can cook once and have part of your lunch or dinner ready for the next few days.
Leftover chicken is fantastic in salads, wraps, or sandwiches. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet or the microwave for another meal. It is one of those Chicken Breast Recipes that keeps on giving.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few handy tips. First, do not skip pounding the chicken. It really is the secret to getting a juicy and evenly cooked piece of meat every time.
For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for as long as you can. While one hour is good, four hours is great. If you have the time, letting it marinate overnight will give you the most flavorful result.
No grill? No problem. You can easily cook this chicken on a grill pan on the stove over medium high heat. You can also bake it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Feel free to customize the marinade. If you do not have brown sugar, a little honey or maple syrup works well too. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal spice preference. Making Simple Chicken Recipes your own is part of the fun.
Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This takes all the guesswork out of it.
Conclusion
So there you have it. This is one of the most reliable and tasty Chicken Breast Recipes you will find. It is perfect for turning a simple ingredient into something special without a lot of fuss.
Whether you need new Healthy Dinner Ideas or just want to make mealtime more exciting, this recipe is a clear winner. It is proof that Delicious Family Dinners do not have to be complicated.
Give it a try the next time you are wondering what to do with chicken breast. I am sure it will become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Bake This Chicken Instead Of Grilling It?
Yes, absolutely. To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste with the reserved marinade in the last few minutes of cooking.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
It can easily be made gluten free. The only ingredient you need to watch is the soy sauce. Simply use a gluten free soy sauce or tamari, which is mentioned in the ingredient list. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free.
What Should I Serve With This Chicken?
This chicken is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed white or brown rice to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are also a great choice. For a lighter meal, serve it sliced over a fresh green salad.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs For This Recipe?
Of course. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious with this marinade. Keep in mind that chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is one of those Simple Chicken Recipes that works well with different cuts.
Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts
This easy grilled chicken breast recipe features a savory and slightly sweet marinade with soy sauce, apple sauce, and ginger, ensuring juicy, flavorful results every time. Perfect for healthy, quick weeknight dinners.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts one at a time inside a large plastic bag. Pound the chicken to an even thickness of about a half inch to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, unsweetened apple sauce, chopped yellow onion, sesame oil, grated ginger, light brown sugar, crushed garlic cloves, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir in one teaspoon of sesame seeds and whisk until combined.
- Reserve about a quarter cup of the marinade for glazing. Pour the rest into the bag with the pounded chicken breasts, seal, and press out excess air. Coat chicken completely and refrigerate for at least one hour (longer for more flavor).
- Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about two to three minutes on the first side until it no longer sticks.
- Flip the chicken over, spoon the reserved marinade over each breast, and grill for another two to three minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Top with more sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a fresh finish.
Notes
Pounding the chicken is key for juicy, evenly cooked meat.
Marinate for as long as possible (up to overnight) for the best flavor.
No grill? Cook on a grill pan on the stove or bake in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Baste with reserved marinade in the last few minutes.
Customize the marinade: use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and adjust red pepper flakes to taste. Making Simple Chicken Recipes your own is part of the fun.
Always use a meat thermometer; chicken is safely cooked at 165°F. This takes all the guesswork out of it.
Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. Great for meal prep, salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
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