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Sliced thin boneless chicken breasts cooked in garlic, lemon, and herbs, served on a white plate with fresh parsley garnish.

Easy & Flavorful Thin Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes​

Dinner in 13 Minutes? Yep, These Thin Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes​ Deliver!

Let’s be real for a second—when the clock hits 5 PM, and you’re staring into the fridge hoping something cooks itself, that’s when you need this little gem of a recipe. These thin, boneless chicken breast recipes are the answer to your “what’s for dinner?” dilemma—especially when your brain is already halfway into tomorrow’s to-do list.

This dish is simple and zesty and comes together in just 13 minutes (yes, we counted). It’s like a tiny vacation for your taste buds… with none of the travel stress.

Whether you’ve got picky eaters, limited time, or just zero patience for complicated meals—this recipe’s got your back.

Why You’ll Love This Thin Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe

  • Fast and fabulous: On the table in under 15 minutes. No joke.
  • Minimal cleanup: One skillet, zero fuss.
  • Packed with flavor: Garlic, lemon, Italian herbs—need I say more?
  • Picky-eater approved: It’s simple but so tasty that even skeptical taste testers give it the thumbs up.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)

Here’s a quick peek at what goes into this magic trick of a dinner:

  • Thin boneless chicken breasts – They cook quickly and evenly, perfect for fast meals.
  • Olive oil – For that golden sear and a little Mediterranean flair.
  • Garlic – Because everything’s better with garlic.
  • Italian seasoning – Adds depth with oregano, thyme, and basil all in one pinch.
  • Paprika – For a warm, smoky hug of flavor.
  • Salt and pepper – Classic seasoning support.
  • Lemon juice – A splash of brightness to finish things off.
  • Fresh parsley – Optional, but it gives that final “ta-da!”

Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make It (Without Breaking a Sweat)

  1. Prep your chicken.
    Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it brown beautifully. Then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat things up.
    In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in the garlic and let it do its thing for about 30 seconds—just until it smells like heaven.
  3. Sizzle and sear.
    Lay those seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked (165°F is the magic number!).
  4. Add a little zing.
    Squeeze that lemon juice over the top and let it simmer for just 30 more seconds. The chicken soaks up the flavor like a dream.
  5. Serve it up.
    Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve right away.

Dinner. Is. Done.

Thin boneless chicken breast recipes​cooked with lemon and garlic, served on a white plate with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Tender, juicy thin boneless chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs — a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner favorite.

Quick Cooking Tips

  • No thin chicken? No problem.
  • If you’ve got regular chicken breasts, just slice them in half horizontally. Boom—instant cutlets.
  • Love a little extra sauce?
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking for a light, savory drizzle.
  • Make it a meal.
  • Serve with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, or toss it over a salad. It’s a recipe chameleon.

A Little Backstory from My Kitchen

This one was born out of pure desperation one Tuesday night—grocery day was looming, my kids were hangry, and all I had were a couple of sad chicken cutlets and a lemon. I threw it all in a skillet with garlic (because always garlic) and hoped for the best. It turned out so good that it landed a permanent spot in our weekly rotation.

Now? It’s my go-to for last-minute dinners and last-minute guests. And somehow, it always tastes like I put in way more effort than I did (my favorite kind of magic).

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re boneless and adjust cooking time a bit—thighs may need a couple more minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh lemon juice really gives it that bright, zingy finish that makes the whole dish pop.

This thin, boneless chicken breast recipe is proof that fast doesn’t have to mean boring. Whether you’re racing the clock on a Tuesday or just want something that won’t leave a mountain of dishes, this one’s a keeper.

Ready to give it a try? Your skillet is waiting.

Print
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Sliced thin boneless chicken breasts cooked in garlic, lemon, and herbs, served on a white plate with fresh parsley garnish.

Easy & Flavorful Thin Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes​


  • Author: Katherine
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This quick and easy thin boneless chicken breast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Made with garlic, lemon, and herbs, it’s juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 13 minutes. Whether served with veggies, rice, or tossed into a salad, this simple skillet meal is sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

4 thin boneless chicken breasts (or chicken cutlets)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of ½ lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Prep the Chicken
    Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

  • Sauté Garlic
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

  • Cook the Chicken
    Place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

  • Add Lemon Juice
    Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken. Let it cook for another 30 seconds to glaze and brighten the flavor.

  • Serve and Garnish
    Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If you’re using regular chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thin cutlets for quicker and more even cooking.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for the best sear.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Great as a main dish or sliced over pasta, salad, or in wraps.

Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the skillet after cooking to create a light sauce.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Chicken Breast Recipes
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: thin boneless chicken breast recipes, lemon garlic chicken, quick chicken dinner, 15 minute chicken, skillet chicken recipe, healthy chicken breast recipe, easy chicken cutlets, low carb chicken meal

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