Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can seem like a boring weeknight staple Without the skin and bone to impart flavor and moisture, these lean cuts easily dry out and lack taste. However, with a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you can transform flavorless chicken breasts into juicy, mouthwatering meals the whole family will love
In this article, we’ll explore some easy ways to pump up the flavor in boneless chicken so you can enjoy delicious chicken entrees without spending hours in the kitchen Whether grilling, baking, sautéing or using in a recipe, you’ll find plenty of ways to make chicken pop with flavor using common ingredients and easy cooking techniques.
Marinades Are Your New Best Friend
Marinades are the perfect way to infuse chicken with lots of flavor in a short amount of time. The acid in the marinade tenderizes the meat, while oil helps keep it moist. Meanwhile, aromatic ingredients like herbs, spices, garlic and citrus impart tons of flavor.
Some easy homemade marinades include:
- Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and spices
- Soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic
- Buttermilk, hot sauce, black pepper and thyme
You can also use store-bought marinades, but check the labels for unwanted ingredients. Allow chicken to marinate 30 minutes up to overnight. I like to marinate in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge so the marinade fully surrounds the chicken.
Take a Dip in Flavorful Sauces
Cooking chicken in a sauce is an easy way to infuse tons of flavor into boneless, skinless breasts. The sauce keeps the delicate meat moist while coating each bite with taste.
Some sauces that pair well with chicken include:
- Barbecue sauce – sweet and tangy
- Teriyaki sauce – salty and slightly sweet
- Buffalo wing sauce – buttery, tangy and spicy
- Pesto – fresh and herby
Simmer or bake chicken in enough sauce to coat it well. Reserve extra sauce to drizzle over the finished dish. Sauce-smothered chicken is delicious served over rice, pasta or roasted veggies.
Spice It Up With Rubs and Seasonings
For flavor that forms a tasty crust on the outside of chicken, reach for spice rubs and chicken seasoning blends. Dry seasonings adhere nicely to the meat, adding flavor without extra calories.
Some seasoned rub combinations to try include:
- Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder
- Smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne, salt
- Curry powder, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper
Use your fingertips to gently coat chicken breasts with the rub. Allow it to marinate for 10-30 minutes so the seasonings really penetrate. Then simply sauté, grill or bake until cooked through. The spices will form a flavorful crust on the outside of the chicken.
Sauté with Aromatic Veggies
Cooking chicken alongside aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, celery and peppers is an easy way to add a flavor boost. Sautéing caramelizes the veggies, releasing their full flavor potential to infuse the chicken.
Try sautéing chicken with:
- Onion and bell pepper
- Mushrooms and spinach
- Garlic, zucchini and tomatoes
Start by cooking the vegetables in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Push veggies to the side and add chicken to the center of the pan. Cook chicken through, then mix everything together. The vegetables lend their flavor to the chicken.
Opt for Flavorful Fats
Cooking chicken in flavorful fats like olive oil, butter or coconut oil is an easy trick to impart flavor. The fat will also help keep boneless, skinless breasts juicy and tender.
Try:
- Cooking chicken in butter with garlic and herbs
- Sautéing chicken in olive oil with citrus zest
- Baking chicken brushed with coconut oil and maple syrup
Use just enough fat to lightly coat the chicken during cooking. You’ll add flavor without going overboard on calories.
Take a Bath in Herb-Infused Broth
Letting chicken simmer in broth is a great hands-off way to add deep flavor. Opt for store-bought chicken broth or make your own using chicken bones, veggies and herbs. You can also use vegetable or beef broth.
Some easy flavor-infused broths include:
- Chicken broth with rosemary and lemon
- Vegetable broth with oregano and red pepper flakes
- Beef broth with thyme and onion
Gently simmer chicken breasts in broth until cooked through, about 10 minutes. The broth seasons the chicken while keeping it tender. Feel free to thicken leftover broth into an easy sauce.
Get Creative with Quick Flavor Boosts
You can impart flavor in minutes with a few easy finishes added to already-cooked chicken. Try one of these flavor-boosting tricks:
- Fresh herbs – Snip parsley, thyme, rosemary or other herbs over hot chicken.
- Citrus – Top chicken with lemon or lime juice right before serving.
- Horseradish – Mix creamy horseradish with Greek yogurt for an easy sauce.
- Honey mustard – Stir together honey, mustard and mayo.
- Tapenade – Top chicken with this olive and caper spread.
- Chimichurri – Coat chicken with this fresh parsley and garlic sauce.
So don’t settle for bland chicken breasts! With a variety of easy seasoning techniques, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken entrees any night of the week. What’s your favorite way to add flavor to boneless, skinless chicken breasts? I’d love to hear your tasty ideas in the comments!
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FAQ
How to make chicken breast more flavorful?
Marinating Your Chicken Helps Too
Marinating can also impart flavor and help tenderize chicken breasts. Chef Andrea says, “I love to marinate my chicken breast with a classic Mediterranean seasoning of lemon zest, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
How do you season boneless skinless chicken breast?
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning, rubbing in to coat.
How to add flavour to a chicken breast?
- Ways to Cook Chicken Breast.
- Brine them before cooking.
- Marinate them with something delicious.
- Use a spice mix or dry rub to flavor.
- Glaze them while cooking.
- Top with a tasty sauce.
What can I add to chicken to make it more flavorful?
Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure. This Middle Eastern spice rub is delicious when charred on the grill.
How do you add flavour to chicken?
A faster way to add flavour is to simply brine your chicken in salty water prior to cooking. This will help tenderise the meat and add extra flavour. For a classic Greek flavour combination, simply mix lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano with some olive oil then place your chicken breast in the marinade to infuse. It’s that easy!
What spices go well with chicken breast?
Onion powder – You likely use onion powder in all your chicken breast recipes. It’s slightly zesty and tiny bit of sweet flavor pairs perfectly with chicken. Sea salt and black pepper – Salt and pepper are used as flavor enhancers to make all those spices shine. First, gather and measure your seasoning ingredients into a small bowl.
How to make chicken taste better?
Seasonings are a simple yet effective way to enhance the taste of chicken. Herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, paprika, and cumin can impart rich and aromatic flavors to the meat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. 3. Brines
How do you glaze chicken breast?
Mix maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce and lime juice with chicken stock then cook it on a low heat and let it thicken until it becomes a beautiful, glossy glaze. Once reduced, rub the glaze over your chicken breast and let it infuse. Don’t forget to put some aside to pour over your chicken when cooking for even more flavour! 2.
How do you make Chicken Smoky?
Grilling, roasting, and searing are all cooking methods that can enhance the flavor of chicken. Grilling chicken over charcoal or wood imparts a smoky flavor, while roasting in the oven can help to caramelize the chicken and develop rich, savory flavors. Searing chicken in a hot pan can create a delicious crust and enhance the overall flavor.
How do you marinate chicken?
Marinating chicken is an excellent way to add depth and complexity to its flavor. A marinade typically consists of an acidic component, such as citrus juice or vinegar, along with oil, herbs, and spices. The acidic element helps tenderize the meat while allowing the flavors to penetrate.