The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and impressive Christmas dinner? While turkey may be the centerpiece of many holiday meals, there’s no reason why chicken can’t take center stage. In fact, a perfectly cooked and flavorful chicken breast can be just as satisfying (if not more so!) than its larger counterpart.
To help you get started on your culinary journey this holiday season, we’ve put together 20 mouthwatering Christmas chicken breast recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds. From classic flavors like garlic butter and cranberry glaze, to more adventurous options like prosciutto and sage, there’s something for everyone in this collection of festive and flavorful dishes.
Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Christmas Chicken Breast
Elevate your holiday feast with this flavorful and moist roasted chicken breast recipe, perfect for a festive Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread half of the garlic butter mixture evenly onto each breast.
5. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and thyme leaves over the garlic butter.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cranberry Glazed Baked Chicken Breast
Elevate your mealtime with this sweet and tangy cranberry glazed baked chicken breast recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine cranberries, honey, garlic, and mustard. Blend until smooth.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the cranberry glaze evenly over each breast.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the glazed chicken breasts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your holiday table with this flavorful and festive recipe. Tender chicken breast stuffed with a vibrant Christmas pesto, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Christmas pesto (see below)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Christmas Pesto:
– 1/2 cup freshly cooked spinach
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Christmas pesto ingredients.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the Christmas pesto.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Mustard Christmas Chicken with Rosemary
This sweet and savory chicken dish is perfect for your holiday gathering. The combination of honey mustard glaze, fresh rosemary, and tender chicken will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey mustard glaze (see below)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Glaze:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey mustard glaze ingredients until smooth.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush each breast with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped rosemary.
5. Drizzle the honey mustard glaze over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Christmas Chicken Breast with Maple Glaze
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday table with this savory and sweet recipe. Tender chicken breast is wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a rich maple syrup mixture, perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt.
3. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Brush the maple glaze over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Festive Apple Cider Brined Chicken Breast
Festive Apple Cider Brined Chicken Breast
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this delightful dish, perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the brine mixture, making sure they are fully submerged.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your holiday dinner with this flavorful and elegant main course. Fresh spinach and crumbly feta cheese add a delightful twist to classic stuffed chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four pieces.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange and Thyme Roasted Chicken Breast
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this vibrant and aromatic recipe, combining the brightness of oranges with the earthiness of thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange segments, and thyme.
3. Place chicken breasts in a large baking dish and brush the orange-thyme mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Spiced Chicken Breast with Pomegranate Sauce
Elevate your holiday dinner with the perfect blend of warm spices and tangy sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Serve the chicken breasts with the warm Pomegranate Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Prosciutto and Sage Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic chicken breast recipe, featuring crispy prosciutto and fragrant sage. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of prosciutto, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
3. Stuff each breast with equal portions of chopped prosciutto and sage leaves.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Bruschetta Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your holiday gathering with this flavorful and festive dish that combines the richness of chicken, crispy bruschetta topping, and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a Christmas party or special occasion dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
– 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Top each breast with bruschetta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top of each breast.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and topping is crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peppermint Crusted Chicken Breast with Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this refreshing and savory dish, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup peppermint extract
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix peppermint extract and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the peppermint breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan.
8. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Christmas Alfredo Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your holiday dinner with this creamy and flavorful chicken dish. Tender chicken breast is stuffed with a rich Alfredo sauce, crispy prosciutto, and melted mozzarella cheese for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce
– 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting a horizontal slit in each breast.
3. Stuff each breast with Alfredo sauce, prosciutto, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rosemary and Garlic Christmas Chicken Skewers
Add a touch of festive flavor to your holiday gathering with these savory chicken skewers infused with the aromas of rosemary and garlic. Perfect for a Christmas party or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Christmas Fig and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your holiday meal with this sweet and savory chicken dish, featuring caramelized figs and creamy goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup fig jam
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together fig jam and thyme.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the fig mixture.
4. Place goat cheese on top of the fig filling, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gingerbread Spiced Chicken Breast with Sweet Potatoes
Warm up your holiday season with this aromatic and flavorful dish, combining the spices of gingerbread with tender chicken breast and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss the sweet potato cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a separate baking sheet.
6. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Christmas Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Chicken
Add a touch of elegance to your holiday table with this decadent stuffed chicken recipe. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese, and fragrant thyme creates a rich and savory dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with mushroom mixture, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Sprinkle Swiss cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggnog Marinated Christmas Chicken Breast
A delicious twist on traditional holiday chicken dishes, this Eggnog Marinated Christmas Chicken Breast recipe combines the warmth of spices with the richness of eggnog and a hint of citrus. Perfect for your holiday gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup eggnog
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, honey, mustard, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Cinnamon Apple Chicken Breast
This sweet and savory dish is a perfect twist on traditional chicken breast, combining the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of apples to create a mouthwatering main course for your holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Top each breast with a spoonful of the cinnamon mixture, followed by a few pieces of diced apple.
5. If using walnuts, sprinkle them on top.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peppercorn Crusted Christmas Chicken with Brandy Sauce
Elevate your holiday table with this show-stopping Peppercorn Crusted Christmas Chicken, served with a rich and creamy Brandy Sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp peppercorns
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brandy
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind peppercorns into a coarse powder. Mix with salt.
3. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Season with peppercorn mixture.
4. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
6. Transfer chicken to a baking dish and roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, combine brandy, heavy cream, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half (about 5-7 minutes).
8. Serve chicken with Brandy Sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to wow your holiday guests with these mouth-watering Christmas chicken breast recipes! From classic flavors like garlic butter and herb roasted, to sweet and savory options like cranberry glazed and honey mustard, there’s something for everyone. Try stuffing chicken breasts with festive ingredients like spinach and feta or prosciutto and sage, or impress with glazes made from maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, or peppermint. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a quick and easy main course, these 20 recipes are sure to make your holiday feast merry and bright.
