Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipe

Thin-sliced chicken breast is a versatile and tasty ingredient that lends itself to endless culinary possibilities. From quick weeknight meals to elegant dinner party fare, thin-cut chicken can star in a variety of dishes.

When sliced thinly and cooked properly, chicken breast transforms into a tender and succulent canvas for flavors. A thin cut helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a moist, never-dry fillet. Gently pounding the chicken breasts creates an even thickness for tender, uniform cooking.

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Thin chicken breast also quickly absorbs spices, herbs, sauces, and marinades. The expanded surface area allows seasonings to permeate the meat, infusing it with flavor. Whether baking plain or incorporating it into a recipe, thin-cut chicken offers flexibility.

Why You Will Love Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

Quick and Easy

• Takes only 20-25 minutes to bake, perfect for busy weeknights
• Requires just common ingredients most people have on hand

Tender and Juicy

• Thin slices lead to quick, even cooking so the chicken stays moist
• Reaching proper 165°F internal temperature prevents overdrying

Versatile

• Goes well with a variety of sides like potatoes, pasta, salads, or veggies
• Can be used in sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more

 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Chicken breasts - The chicken provides the main protein and bulk of the dish. Thinly slicing the chicken breasts makes them cook quicker and more evenly.

Heinz 57 sauce - The tangy 57 sauce provides moisture and flavor to the chicken. Its tomato, vinegar, and spice blend adds sweet and savory notes.

Honey - The honey lends sweetness and a subtle floral aroma. When baked, it creates a sticky, glaze-like coating.

Garlic powder - Garlic powder provides a savory, aromatic garlic flavor that seasons the chicken.

 Cajun seasoning - This bold Cajun blend contributes to heat and robust seasoning. Common ingredients include salt, garlic, paprika, and cayenne.

Black pepper - Black pepper adds a touch of spicy heat.

Red pepper flakes - The red pepper flakes provide additional heat and spice.

Paprika - Sweet paprika contributes rich flavor and a reddish-orange color.

 

 

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner. Season both sides with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
3. In a small bowl, mix the 57 sauce and honey.
4. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides with the honey sauce mixture.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice if desired and serve with your choice of sides.

Pro Tips For Making This Dish

• Pound the chicken breasts before baking for more even thickness and cooking. This also tenderizes the meat.
• For crispy edges, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
• Try marinating the chicken in some of the sauce mixture overnight before baking. This boosts the flavor.
• If the chicken browns too quickly while baking, tent it loosely with foil.
• Letting the chicken rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute for maximum moisture and flavor.

What To Serve With This Dish

Salads:

• Tomato salad
• Panzanella salad
• Caesar salad

Bright, fresh salads with veggies, cheese, and herbs balance out the chicken. The acidity of tomato or Caesar salad cuts through the richness.

Vegetables:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus
• Glazed carrots

Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus draws out their natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with chicken.

How To Store And Reheat This Recipe

• Let the cooked chicken cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• When reheating, use the oven or microwave to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a little chicken broth or sauce to prevent drying out.
• For crispy skin when reheating in the oven, brush the chicken with oil and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat chicken pieces in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, adding a teaspoon of water to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 5 minutes.
• For the best texture, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Microwave defrosting can cause the meat to toughen.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless ones?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts. You will just need to slice each breast in half before seasoning and baking. The cooking time may need to be extended to 5-10 minutes.

Q: How can I ensure that the thinly sliced chicken breast stays juicy when cooking?

A: To keep thinly sliced chicken breast juicy, avoid overcooking it and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, removing the chicken from heat once it reaches the recommended temperature.

Q: Can I prepare the chicken in advance for meal prep?

A: Yes, you can prepare thinly sliced chicken breast in advance for meal prep by marinating, seasoning, and slicing the chicken, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.