Chicken is inexpensive, low in fat, low in calories and low in cholesterol and is the best choice when it comes to Frugal Chicken Breast Recipes For Thanksgiving Dinner. What, chicken for Thanksgiving? Chicken is an inexpensive alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving, especially for those of us cooking for two. It is often hard to find a small turkey and turkey breasts can taste dry and bland if not cooked correctly. I love the simplicity of chicken breasts, plus it goes perfectly with all the tradition Thanksgiving side dishes.
CHICKEN BREASTS VS THE WHOLE CHICKEN
Chicken recipes, are a wise choice to maintain healthy eating habits. A juicy chicken breast with fresh herbs is especially good because the white meat is lower in fat than the dark meat.
The chicken breast is the leanest part of the chicken. A three-ounce chicken breast has 120 calories if skinless, and 170 calories with the skin left on. It contains only one and a half grams of fat, 70 milligrams of cholesterol and 24 grams of protein.
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING CHICKEN
I alway buy air-chilled chicken without water added. It is a bit more expensive but I would rather pay for chicken than water. The texture and taste is much better in air-chilled chicken. My preferred brand is Mary's Free range Chicken, available at Whole Foods and many other grocery stores.
When purchasing chicken breasts, look for juicy meat that is pliable. Press your finger into the meat to see if it bounces back for the best results. Do not buy chicken that is past the selling date. Look for skin that is not spotted. Free-range meat is better, because the chickens were not fed hormones or antibiotics. Store fresh chicken breasts in the refrigerator for up to three days.
COOKING
Cook the chicken breasts with the skin on. This will provide more moisture and flavor. Baked chicken breasts should be cooked at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. On the grill, cook chicken over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Take the skin off after cooking if you want to reduce the amount of fat consumed.
Soaking chicken breasts in salted water for two to four hours before cooking tenderizes the chicken, moisturizes the chicken and adds flavor. Soaking chicken breasts in marinade before cooking tenderizes the meat and adds flavors.
Chicken dinners are always popular and we have included several easy air fryer boneless chicken breast recipes. Air frying is immensely popular right now and may become one of your go-to methods of creating this poultry entree.
HERE ARE 17 OF THE BEST CHICKEN BREAST RECIPES FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER:
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts From Smells Like Delish
Traeger smoked chicken breasts are deliciously succulent, succulent smoked poultry that exude an irresistibly fragrant smoke that creates an incredible grilling masterpiece.
Traeger smoked chicken breasts are succulent, tender smoked meats with an irresistibly fragrant smoke-roast aroma, perfect for any grilling masterpiece! With this succulent treat comes its mesmerizing smoky flavors infused throughout its meat for an unparalleled grilling experience.
THE BASICS OF COOKING CHICKEN BREASTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE THANKSGIVING DINNER
Cooking chicken breast for Thanksgiving dinner requires a simple yet effective approach to ensure you achieve the perfect, juicy result. Begin by allowing your chicken breasts to come to room temperature, which helps in even cooking. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically around 425°F. This high temperature will help to achieve that desirable golden brown crust on the chicken.
To add flavor, season the chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of chili powder for a subtle kick. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken before cooking.
Now, here's the key to ensuring your chicken breasts are perfectly cooked: use a meat thermometer. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
While cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, it typically takes around 20-25 minutes at the high temperature we've set. If you have an Instant Pot, you can also achieve tender chicken breasts by pressure cooking for a shorter time.
Once your chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven or Instant Pot, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken breasts. If you find your chicken is not as juicy as you'd like this time, remember these tips for the next time you cook this Thanksgiving staple. To enhance the flavor, consider deglazing the pan with chicken broth and creating a simple pan sauce. With these steps, you'll have a mouthwatering chicken breast that perfectly complements your frugal Thanksgiving spread.
FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE BEST CHICKEN BREASTS
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for your chicken breast dinner, because it is sensitive to heat.
- If you cut up the chicken breasts, clean the cutting board and knives with soap and water before using them for anything else.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the lean protein.
- Cook chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees after resting.
Swathi says
Frugal chicken breast recipes looks delicious I love that coriander chicken, I am going to try it
nancy says
we are trying to save and budget more. these recipes comes in handy!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Great information about free range chickens. And there are so many recipes here - what to try first? That jalepeno popper stuffed chicken sounds like a winner!!
Natalie Perry says
Wow! Thank you! I certainly needed this. I have a sibling who hates turkey so I stumbled across your post looking for an alternative dish to offer! Can’t wait to see how she likes it! I’m pretty sure I’m going with the crispy baked chicken breasts, and possibly the bbq (because they look so good!)