Bone-in chicken breast recipes offer a world of delicious possibilities for your dinner table.
These cuts of chicken are known for their juiciness and flavor compared to boneless options.
From herb-infused slow-cooker dishes to spiced grilled chicken with flavorful butters, there’s something to satisfy every taste preference.
You’ll find that bone-in chicken breasts retain moisture better during cooking, resulting in more tender and flavorful meals.
Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or impressive weekend feasts, these recipes provide versatile options that can be prepared using various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and slow cooking.
With the right seasonings and techniques, you can transform this simple cut into mouthwatering meals your family will request again and again.
1. Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast with Herb Butter
Baked bone-in chicken breast with herb butter is one of the juiciest ways to enjoy chicken. The bone helps retain moisture while cooking, preventing the meat from drying out.
To make this dish, you’ll need bone-in chicken breasts (also called split chicken breasts), softened butter, and fresh herbs like parsley and marjoram. The herb butter gets spread under and over the skin.
For best results, bake your chicken at around 375°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The skin will turn golden and crispy while the herb butter melts into the meat.
This versatile dish works well as a main course or can be shredded for salads and sandwiches.
2. Roasted Chicken Breast with Lemon and Garlic
This classic recipe brings incredible flavor to bone-in chicken breasts. The combination of zesty lemon and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple and impressive.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Place your bone-in chicken breasts skin side up in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish.
Mix together fresh minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like rosemary with some butter or olive oil. This flavorful mixture gets spread under and over the skin.
The low and slow cooking method makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. You’ll know it’s done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Oven-Barbecued Split Chicken Breast
Oven-barbecued split chicken breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that requires minimal ingredients. You only need bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts and barbecue sauce to create this tasty meal.
The bone and skin are key to keeping the chicken moist while it bakes. For extra flavor, consider using a marinade before applying the barbecue sauce.
To make this dish, brush your chicken with barbecue sauce and bake until the meat reaches the proper temperature. Some recipes suggest combining barbecue sauce with peach preserves and garlic for a unique flavor.
This cooking method gives you tender, juicy chicken with a delicious barbecue coating without needing a grill.
4. Smoked Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Smoked bone-in chicken breasts offer incredible flavor and juiciness compared to their boneless counterparts. The bone and skin help retain moisture while cooking at low temperatures.
For best results, smoke bone-in chicken breasts at around 250°F until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Many recipes recommend marinating the breasts first, with Italian dressing being a popular option.
You can enhance the flavor with a dry rub before smoking and finish with a BBQ sauce glaze. For extra crispy skin, finish the chicken on a hot grill after smoking.
This cooking method works well on pellet smokers, which provide consistent temperature control. The slow-cooked result is perfect for salads, tacos, or as a main dish.
5. Chicken Breasts in Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce transforms bone-in chicken breasts into a delicious meal. The sauce creates tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
To make this dish, brown seasoned chicken breasts in olive oil for about 2 minutes per side. Then add onions and garlic for extra flavor before pouring in crushed tomatoes.
Some recipes include a surprising ingredient – cinnamon – which adds warmth to the tomato sauce. You can serve this versatile dish over brown rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the rich sauce.
This one-pan meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
6. Crispy Skinned Oven Roasted Chicken
Achieving perfectly crispy skin on bone-in chicken breast is easier than you might think. Simply preheat your oven to 425°F for the ideal cooking environment.
For the crispiest results, start by patting the chicken skin completely dry before cooking. Season generously with salt and your favorite herbs and spices.
Place the chicken skin-side down in a hot oven-safe skillet first, then flip and transfer to the oven. This two-step process ensures maximum crispiness while keeping the meat juicy.
Cook for about 30-35 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than guessing.
7. Butter-Basted Chicken Breasts
Butter-basting is a simple technique that creates juicy, flavorful bone-in chicken breasts with beautifully bronzed skin. This method involves spooning hot butter and aromatics over the chicken as it cooks.
Start by searing your chicken breasts skin-side down in a hot skillet until golden. Flip them over, then add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.
Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to repeatedly pour the melted butter over the chicken. This helps the meat cook evenly while infusing it with rich flavor.
The result is tender, moist chicken with crispy skin that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
8. Stuffed Bone-In Chicken Breast with Spinach
Stuffed bone-in chicken breasts offer more flavor than boneless cuts while creating an impressive dish. The combination of spinach and cheese creates a creamy, satisfying filling.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, spinach (fresh or frozen), and cheese like Gouda or a mixture of cream cheese and another variety. Some recipes also incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Begin by creating a pocket in each chicken breast. Then stuff with a mixture of spinach, cheese, and seasonings. Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese melts into a delicious filling.
This dish works well as a complete meal when served with roasted vegetables on a sheet pan.
9. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast
Honey mustard glazed chicken breast combines sweet honey with tangy mustard for a perfect flavor balance. This recipe works with bone-in chicken breasts to create a juicy, flavorful dinner option.
To make this dish, you’ll need honey, Dijon mustard, butter, and basic seasonings. Some recipes add curry powder for an extra kick of flavor.
You can bake these glazed chicken breasts in the oven until they reach a safe internal temperature. The glaze creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.
This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal. It’s an easy way to transform ordinary chicken into something special.
10. Cajun Spiced Bone-In Chicken
Cajun spiced bone-in chicken offers a perfect balance of flavors that will wake up your taste buds. The bone helps keep the meat juicy while it bakes in the flavorful Cajun spices.
For maximum tenderness, you can brine the chicken before cooking. This step ensures your chicken stays moist while absorbing all those delicious spices.
The blend of Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for heat. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Serve this flavorful chicken with rice to soak up the tasty juices, or add it to salads and sandwiches for a kick of flavor.
11. Slow Cooker Bone-In Chicken Chili
Slow cooker bone-in chicken chili delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. The bones help keep the meat moist and add depth to the broth as it cooks.
Simply place your bone-in chicken breasts in the slow cooker with beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add some chicken broth, salsa, and your favorite chili seasonings.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken easily pulls from the bone. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and return it to the pot, discarding the bones.
This hearty meal requires just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize the heat level with hot sauce to suit your taste.
12. Split Chicken Breast with Rosemary and Thyme
Split chicken breasts paired with rosemary and thyme create a flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare. You’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the chicken with olive oil and minced garlic first. Then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the herbs. This combination of aromatics infuses the meat with delicious flavor.
Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until fully cooked. The lower temperature allows the bone-in breasts to cook evenly without drying out.
This elegant dish works well for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The herbs create a wonderful aroma throughout your kitchen as the chicken bakes.
13. Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Breasts
Buffalo style baked chicken breasts bring the bold flavors of your favorite wings to a healthier, bone-in chicken dinner. The combination of hot sauce and butter creates that classic buffalo flavor you love.
For the best results, place your seasoned bone-in chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake until they reach 165°F internally. The bone helps keep the meat juicy while cooking.
Top your finished chicken with blue cheese and green onions for the complete buffalo experience. You can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of hot sauce in your recipe.
This dish pairs perfectly with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
14. Soy and Ginger Glazed Split Chicken
This flavorful dish combines the rich taste of soy sauce with the zing of fresh ginger. The marinade transforms into a sticky, caramelized glaze that coats the bone-in chicken perfectly.
To make this dish, you’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Some recipes also add vinegar for tanginess.
Simply marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Then bake or pan-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces to a thick, sticky glaze.
Serve your soy-ginger glazed chicken with steamed rice and broccoli for a complete meal. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors will make this a family favorite.
15. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Breasts
Lemon herb roasted chicken breasts are a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the brightness of lemon with aromatic herbs. The bone-in cut helps keep the meat juicy while cooking.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, lemon, butter, and basic seasonings. The herbs and lemon infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
The cooking process is straightforward. Just coat the chicken with herb-butter mixture, arrange lemon slices around it, and roast until golden and crispy on the outside. The result is tender, moist chicken with a delicious citrus-herb aroma.
This versatile dish works well for dinner or can be shredded for sandwiches and salads.
16. Spicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Spicy oven baked chicken breast with bone-in offers amazing flavor and juiciness. The bone helps retain moisture while cooking, resulting in tender meat every time.
You can create a simple spice blend using paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to control the heat level to your preference.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the seasoned chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes 35-40 minutes depending on size.
For extra flavor, consider a Cajun-style seasoning which adds a delicious kick. The spices create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
17. Maple Dijon Bone-In Chicken
This sweet and tangy chicken dish combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. The bone-in chicken breasts stay incredibly tender while developing a flavorful glaze.
Season your bone-in chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in a baking dish. Pour the maple-Dijon mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The maple and mustard create an INSANELY good sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
You can add vegetables to the pan for a complete meal. This dish works perfectly for weeknight dinners but is impressive enough for guests.
18. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast
This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, golden crust on bone-in chicken breasts. The combination is both simple and impressive.
To make this recipe, you’ll need bone-in chicken breasts, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These basic ingredients transform into something special when baked together.
The chicken turns out moist on the inside while maintaining a satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but looks fancy enough for guests.
You can serve this with pasta, on top of a salad, or simply on its own with some vegetables on the side.
19. Herb Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breast
Herb roasted bone-in chicken breast delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs creates a delicious crust while keeping the meat juicy.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need bone-in chicken breasts with skin, olive oil, garlic, seasoning salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in tender meat.
Simply mix your herbs and seasonings with olive oil, coat the chicken, and roast until golden. This dish works perfectly as a main course or you can shred the meat for sandwiches and salads.
The crispy, herb-crusted skin adds amazing texture while the meat stays tender and flavorful.
20. Sweet and Smoky Baked Chicken
Sweet and Smoky Baked Chicken combines simple ingredients for a flavor-packed meal. You’ll need Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, paprika, and garlic as your base.
Add some cheese to the mixture and spread it evenly over chicken breasts. The combination creates a delicious crust when baked at 400°F.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sweetener like maple syrup or ketchup. Some recipes also include apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
This dish works well as a weeknight dinner option because it’s quick to prepare and delivers bold flavors. The smoky-sweet balance makes it appealing to most family members.
21. Ranch Seasoned Chicken Breast
Ranch seasoned chicken breast delivers big flavor with minimal effort. This simple dish requires just a few ingredients, including bone-in chicken breasts and ranch seasoning.
To prepare, coat your chicken breasts with ranch dressing or a mixture of buttermilk and ranch seasoning packet. This creates a tangy, herby flavor base that soaks into the meat.
For a crispy version, mix ranch seasoning with Parmesan cheese and corn flakes as a coating. Bake at 425°F until the chicken reaches proper internal temperature.
The bone-in cut helps keep the chicken moist while baking. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Baking Tips
Preheat your oven to 425°F for optimal results. Higher temperatures help crisp the skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Place seasoned chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet. For extra flavor, add herbs, lemon slices, or garlic underneath and around the chicken.
Baking time varies based on size. Typically, medium to large breasts take 35-45 minutes. Avoid opening the oven frequently as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
For crispy skin, try starting the chicken skin-side down for 15 minutes, then flip for the remaining cooking time. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully for this method.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
