Ask any chef or home cook, and they’ll tell you that chicken breast can be an unforgiving protein. It doesn’t have a lot of fat, so it needs seasoning to flavor. It can also dry fast, so if you’re not careful, you can overcook it in no time.

When done right, though, chicken breasts can taste amazing. They can be juicy and flavorful, so tender you could cut them with a fork. They’re also versatile.

Go ahead and try any of these recipes to see for yourself.

1. Baked Chicken Breast

Baking chicken breast is one of the easiest ways to cook it, and it’s a healthy and relatively low-cost meal option. Here are a few tips for baking chicken breast:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
• Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve with your choice of sides.

2. Stovetop Chicken Breast

If you want to cook chicken breast quickly, a stovetop option might be the best choice. Cooking times vary depending on your stove and how well done you want your chicken breast to be. Here are a few tips for cooking chicken on the stovetop:

• Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Brown the chicken on all sides in the skillet, cooking for 5 to 10 minutes per side.
• Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve with your choice of sides.

If you want to play around with flavors, you can add your favorite spices and herbs to the chicken while it cooks, such as garlic powder, basil, or oregano. If you’re looking for some crunch, deep-fry the breasts coated with a spicy breading mix.

3. Slow-Cooker Chicken Breast

Cooking chicken breast in a Crockpot is simple and leaves you with tender, flavorful meat that falls right off the bone. This technique is also an amazing way to prep your meals. In fact, you can run the pot while you go to work. By the time you return, you have some dinner ready.

Here are a few tips for cooking chicken breast in a slow cooker:

• Put the chicken breast into your Crockpot.
• Pour your favorite sauce or marinade over the top and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can also cook it on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
• Serve with your choice of sides.

4. Chicken Breast with Pasta

This meal is simple and easy to make, plus it cooks quickly and hides a veggie in the sauce.

Here are a few tips for making chicken with pasta:

• Place some olive oil, garlic, and herbs of your choice in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until fragrant.
• Add sliced red peppers and onion to the pan and saute until tender. Add a cup or two of your favorite low-sodium or no-salt-added pasta sauce. Cook for a minute or two to thicken the sauce.
• Place the chicken breasts over the top of the vegetables and sauce. Shred them after cooking if necessary using a fork for easy slicing.
• Toss with your favorite pasta, such as penne or whole-wheat spaghetti.

5. Barbecue Chicken

One of the best ways to cook chicken is on a grill or barbecue. Cooking chicken on a barbecue has a ton of benefits. You can cook a large batch at once, which is perfect for feeding a crowd.

The chicken will have a smoky and delicious flavor that you can’t get from other cooking methods. The chicken will be nice and juicy, thanks to the barbecue sauce.

Here are a few tips for cooking up some delicious barbecued chicken:

• Cover the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you’re pressed for time, you can also skip this step or decrease your marination time.
• Place the chicken on the barbecue and cook until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve with your choice of sides or salads.

6. Chicken Breast Salad

This is a great option for light lunches, quick dinners between activities, or high-protein snacks throughout the day. Here are a few tips for making this tasty dish:

• Cook your favorite kind of chicken breast.
• Slice the cooked chicken into cubes and place them in a bowl with some lettuce and other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots or cucumbers.
• Drizzle your favorite salad dressing over the top and enjoy!

7. Chicken Soup

This is a great option for those who love to make large batches of food and save them for leftovers. This no-fuss recipe can help you save money and eat healthy at the same time:

• Fill a pot with water and add your favorite spices and herbs, such as basil, oregano, or rosemary. Bring it to a boil.
• Add your favorite vegetables, such as onions and carrots to the pot. Let them simmer for 15 minutes.
• Place your chicken breasts in and let them cook until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, take it out of the water and shred it if necessary. Stir it back into the soup and serve with your choice of sides.

By now, you should be ready to take on the kitchen! These seven recipes are simple and easy to make. They’re also great for beginners who are new to cooking chicken or want to expand their repertoire of techniques.