This is a collection of easy bone-in chicken breast recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any day of the week.
Before we dive into the recipes, I would like to take a moment and tell you a few things about the benefits and methods of cooking bone-in chicken breast.
Why Cook With Bone-In Chicken Breast
Cooking with bone-in chicken breast is an excellent way to add flavor and a good amount of protein to your diet.
There are also benefits to keeping the bone in when you cook chicken. Here are some of them:
The meat cooks more evenly: The bone adds structure and acts as a heat conductor, which helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the chicken breast.
This can help prevent overcooking in some parts of the chicken breast while other parts are undercooked.
Grilling and roasting methods are great for bone-in breast as the meat cooks evenly and stays intact.
The bone retains moisture: The bone acts as a barrier that helps to trap moisture in the meat.
This can help prevent the chicken breast from drying out as it cooks, resulting in a more tender and juicy end product.
The bone-in adds flavor: As the chicken breast cooks, the bone releases collagen, marrow, and other flavorful compounds into the meat. This can enhance the taste of the chicken and make it more delicious.
Both collagen (found in the connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and bones) and also marrow (the spongy tissue found inside the bone) are a rich source of nutrients and flavor.
That is one reason why many people prefer to cook with bone-in chicken over boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
The bone-in chicken breast is more nutritious: Bone-in chicken breasts contain more nutrients than boneless chicken breasts.
The bone contains collagen and other nutrients that are released into the meat as it cooks, making it more nutritious.
Cost-effective: Bone-in chicken breasts are often less expensive than boneless chicken breasts.
This makes them an excellent option for budget-conscious home cooks.
Versatile: Bone-in chicken breasts can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, grilling, braising, and slow cooking.
Don't be afraid to use the skin:
The skin-on chicken breast can add flavor and texture to your dish.
If you prefer crispy skin, try cooking the chicken breasts in a cast iron skillet to get a nice sear.
Seasoning is essential:
Because the bone-in chicken breast is low in fat, it can be bland on its own, so it is crucial to use a generous amount of seasoning on it and ensure that the flavor is well-distributed throughout the meat.
Many different seasoning options work well with bone-in chicken breasts. Here are some popular ones:
- Garlic and herbs: Make a simple mixture of garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use dried or fresh herbs based on their availability.
- Lemon and herbs: Lemon zest, oregano, parsley, and kosher salt are great for a bright and fresh flavor profile.
- Smoky spice: Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt can give the meat a delicious smoky flavor.
- Curry: Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, and ginger is a fragrant seasoning blend not only for bone-in chicken breasts but for any type of meat.
- Honey mustard: A mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper creates a sweet and tangy glaze for skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts.
- BBQ: A simple barbecue seasoning blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper is a classic choice for grilled or roasted chicken breast.
You can either sprinkle any of these seasoning combinations directly onto the chicken breasts as a simple dry rub, or mix them with some oil or yogurt to create a marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.
What recipes are more suitable for bone-in chicken breast?
Bone-in chicken breasts are great for various recipes, especially those that benefit from the added flavor and moisture that the bone provides.
Here are a few ways to cook this meat:
- Roasted chicken breasts: Roasting bone-in chicken breasts in the oven or the air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy them. You can season the chicken with herbs, spices, and lemon or other citrus fruits and roast until the skin is crispy, golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Roasted chicken can be served with green beans, mashed potatoes, or next to a beautiful salad.
- Braised chicken breasts: Braising bone-in chicken breasts in a flavorful liquid, such as chicken broth or wine, is a great way to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist. This is a great technique for stews, soups, or casseroles.
- Grilled chicken breasts: Grilling bone-in chicken breasts is another way to infuse them with flavor and add a smoky flavor. Brush the chicken with a marinade or barbecue sauce before grilling to add extra flavor and make an easy dinner.
- Slow cooker chicken breasts: Slow-cooking bone-in chicken breasts in a crock pot is a great way to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. You can cook them with vegetables and herbs to make a flavorful, comforting, and delicious meal.
- Chicken soup: Chicken soup is a classic recipe that can be made with bone-in chicken breasts. The bones and skin of the chicken add flavor to the broth, and the meat can be shredded and added back into the soup for a hearty and satisfying meal. Use a Dutch oven or an Instant Pot for best results.
Overall, bone-in chicken breasts are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. They're great for dishes requiring longer cooking times or benefit from the added flavor and moisture the bone provides.
How do you know when the chicken breast is done?
The chicken is cooked if you cut the chicken breast and the juices run clear. A better method is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
A safe internal temperature of the chicken breast should be at least 170F. While chicken breast is considered white meat, chicken thighs are considered dark meat and taste better when they reach 180F temperature.
No matter how you cook the bone-in chicken breast, always allow the meat to rest when you are done cooking it. This helps the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken breast.
Here are some of my favorite recipes using only bone-in chicken breast. Enjoy!
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