Thin Cut Chicken Breast

Simple and delicious, thin cut chicken breast is the perfect 10-minute lunch or meal prep recipe! It’s seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and pan fried to perfection for a versatile dish you’ll enjoy again and again.

Overhead view of a white serving plate with thin cut chicken garnished with lemon slices on a wooden background.

Chicken breasts have always been one of my favorite cuts of meat. They’re easy to cook and there are so many amazing ways to serve them from Tuscan chicken to chicken enchilada casserole.

But when I’m in a big hurry (like only have 15 minutes and the kids are fussy type of big hurry), I can’t beat thin cut chicken breasts. They’re so quick to make, full of flavor, and packed with protein for a nourishing meal no matter what you pair them with!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Quick & easy – From start to finish, this recipe only takes 15 minutes!

Packed with flavor – Pan fried in butter with a delicious combination of spices, you’ll love this flavorful sliced chicken.

Versatile recipe – Whether you serve these with a side of stovetop Brussels sprouts or sliced over a salad with homemade Italian vinaigrette dressing, you’ll find so many ways to enjoy this chicken.

Perfect for meal prep – Make a double batch and eat them for lunch all week!

Closeup of a thin sliced chicken breast on a white serving plate with two fresh lemon slices on the side.

How to Slice Chicken Breasts

You can purchase chicken cutlets, however, it’s so easy (and cheaper) to slice chicken breasts yourself! There are two methods to do this.

For the first method, place a boneless chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Make sure to start slicing at the thicker end to make it easier.

If you prefer, instead of cutting the chicken breasts, you can use a meat mallet to pound them to a 1/4″ – 1/2″ thickness.

Prep in Advance

Chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep! Simply cook and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat and enjoy with steamed vegetables, chopped over a salad, or sliced on tacos or sandwiches.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook – Thin cut chicken breasts typically only need to cook for a few minutes on each side. If you let them go too long, they’ll get tough.

Let the chicken rest – Allowing time for the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking makes it juicier.

Make a bigger batch for later – This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a few extra and enjoy them for lunches the rest of the week.

Feel free to adjust the spices – You can mix up the flavor depending what mood you’re in!

Closeup of white plate with four pieces of sliced chicken garnished with fresh lemon slices.

FAQs

How do I store leftover thin cut chicken breast?

Place cooked thin cut chicken breast in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I freeze thin cut chicken breast?

Yes, you can freeze cooked thin cut chicken breast for two to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

How do you keep thin chicken breasts from drying out?

The key to moist thin chicken breasts is to use plenty of butter and not overcook them. They should only need to cook a few minutes on each side. Also, make sure to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving them.

Violet’s Tips for Serving

I love making a big batch of chicken breasts and serving them in different ways for lunches a few days in a row. They’re delicious with a side of vegetables, sliced on a taco or sandwich, or over a fresh salad!


Tools You May Need

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Labeled ingredients for thin cut chicken breast on a wooden table including lemon, spices, butter, salt, pepper, and chicken cutlets.

Ingredients

  • Chicken cutlets – You can slice the boneless chicken breasts into cutlets yourself or buy them already sliced.
  • Butter – For a delicious, rich flavor. I use homemade butter from raw milk, but regular butter works great too. You can substitute avocado oil if you prefer.
  • Spices – Use quality spices without additives for optimal flavor. Mountain Rose Herbs is my favorite affordable source for organic, premium spices.
  • Salt – Sea salt or Himalayan.
  • Lemon wedges (optional) – For garnish.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Thin cut chicken breasts cooking in butter in a cast iron skillet.

Step 1: First, heat a skillet on medium heat and melt the butter in it. While it’s heating, season the chicken breasts with the dried spices and salt.

When the skillet is hot, place the seasoned chicken cutlets in it and cook them for 2-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. 

Then remove the chicken from the pan.

Hand squeezing fresh lemon juice over thin chicken.

Step 2: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes and then serve with fresh lemon slices as garnish.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

More Clean Eating Chicken Breast Recipes

Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry

Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

A white plate with four thin cut chicken breasts garnished with fresh lemon slices on a wooden table with a striped cloth napkin.

Thin Cut Chicken Breasts

Thin cut chicken breast is the best 15-minute lunch! It's packed with flavor and pan fried to perfection for the ultimate easy meal.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Clean Eating Dinner Recipes, Clean Eating Lunch Recipes
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Resting Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 228kcal
Author: Violet Parcha

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 lemon sliced for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet on medium heat and melt the butter in it.
    1 tablespoon butter
  • Season the chicken cutlets with the dried spices and salt.
    1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 4 chicken cutlets
  • When the skillet is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in it and cook them for 2-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. 
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Serve with lemon slices as garnish.
    1/2 lemon

Notes

Prepare in Advance

To prep thin cut chicken breast in advance, cook and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven.
You can also freeze cooked chicken breasts for 2-3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 512mg | Potassium: 670mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

If you love thin cut chicken breasts, please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

Also, I’d love to have you part of the Right At Home community! Make sure to join my newsletter for all the latest clean eating recipes and clean living tips and DIYs.

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