Can I freeze baked chicken breast?

Absolutely! If it were me, I would shred or cube the cooked chicken breast and either vacuum seal or seal it tightly in a gallon Ziploc bag with all of the air sucked out. Store for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge.

Do I have to use the cornstarch?

No. I tested the recipe both with and without cornstarch and the cornstarch helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken, helps lock in moisture and flavor and creates a little bit of extra crispiness around the edges. I prefer the chicken with the cornstarch added to the seasoning mix, but it’s still yummy without.

Can I make this in my air fryer?

Yes. I have both air fryer and bake instructions in the recipe card.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or for 1-2 minutes in an air fryer to avoid drying out.

Can I use chicken tenderloin?

Yes. No need to slice in half as these are already pretty thin. They may need 1-2 fewer minutes in the oven.

Baked Thin Chicken Breast- aka versatile meal prep chicken!

Name: Baked Thin Chicken Breasts- aka versatile meal prep chicken!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-2½lb chicken breast, about 4 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Description

Juicy and flavorful, this oven baked thin chicken breast is your versatile chicken BFF- perfect for salads, pasta, wraps and more.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2-2 1/2lb chicken breast, about 4 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to broil. Arrange the oven tray to the top third of the oven, not the highest notch, usually the second one down. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or foil. You may need to use two baking sheets.
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Trim away any excess skin or sinew. Using a chef’s knife, slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise so they are thin fillets. Do your best to cut them to an even thickness, about 1/2-inch. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle on the seasoning mixture, tossing the chicken until it is evenly coated.
Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, with at least 1 inch between each piece. Broil for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken using tongs and return to the oven. For small, thin pieces, broil another 5 minutes, for thicker pieces you may need 6-8 minutes. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes and then slice or shred or enjoy as is! This is my go-to meal prep chicken and I love to use it in mason jar salads, this easy chicken and pasta bake, BLT chicken salad, flatbreads, sandwiches or wraps.
If you prefer to bake rather than broil: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake for 9 minutes, flip the fillets and bake an additional 4-6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Air fryer instructions: season chicken per the recipe. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket of an air fryer. You will need to work in 2-3 batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. You want space between each chicken piece. Air fry at 410 degrees for 10 minutes, adding another 2-3 minutes if you have thicker slices, until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.

Refer to above blog post for my thoughts, expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 recipe (3oz cooked chicken)
Calories: 165
Sugar: 0.9 g
Sodium: 285.2 mg
Fat: 4.9 g
Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
Fiber: 0.6 g
Protein: 25.8 g
Cholesterol: 82.7 mg