4 Unique Chicken Breast Recipes (Sandwich, Soup, Rice, and Pasta Dishes)

If you’re looking for chicken breast recipes that go beyond the usual, you’ve come to the right place. Chicken breast is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into flavorful dishes inspired by global cuisines. In this article, you’ll find four unique recipes—a Turkish sandwich, a Thai soup, a Brazilian rice dish, and a Greek pasta—each offering a delicious twist on this lean protein.

1. Turkish Tavuk Tantuni (Spiced Chicken Wrap-Sandwich)

A flavorful, street-food-style chicken wrap from Turkey, packed with spices and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients (Serves 4, Cooking Time: 30 minutes)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp sumac
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 lavash breads or pita
• ½ cup plain yogurt (for sauce)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon

Preparation

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add diced chicken and spices (paprika, cumin, sumac, black pepper, and salt).
   • Sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Mix yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
3. Assemble the Wrap:
   • Warm the lavash or pita bread.
   • Spread a spoonful of yogurt sauce, then add chicken, onion, tomatoes, and parsley.
   • Roll up tightly and serve warm.
4. Alternative Cooking Methods:
   • Air Fryer: Marinate chicken, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
   • Grill: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for a smoky flavor.

2. Thai Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)

A creamy and aromatic Thai soup with a balance of coconut, lime, and spices.

Ingredients (Serves 4, Cooking Time: 25 minutes)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
• 1-inch piece galangal (or ginger), sliced
• 3 kaffir lime leaves (or zest of 1 lime)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Preparation

1. Make the Broth:
   • In a pot, bring chicken broth, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves to a simmer.
   • Let it infuse for 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add sliced chicken and mushrooms to the pot.
   • Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Finish the Soup:
   • Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime juice.
   • Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.
   • Serve hot with extra lime wedges and chili slices.
5. Alternative Cooking Method:
   • Pressure Cooker: Cook everything except coconut milk and lime juice for 10 minutes, then add them at the end.

3. Brazilian Galinhada (Chicken and Saffron Rice)

A one-pot Brazilian dish where chicken is cooked with rice and fragrant spices.

Ingredients (Serves 4, Cooking Time: 40 minutes)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 ½ cups rice (white or parboiled)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• ½ tsp saffron (or turmeric as a substitute)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot.
   • Sear chicken cubes until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
   • Add tomatoes and saffron, cooking for another 2 minutes.
3. Cook the Rice:
   • Return the chicken to the pot.
   • Add rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
4. Finish and Serve:
   • Stir in green onions and parsley before serving.
5. Alternative Cooking Method:
   • Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the chicken and veggies, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.

4. Greek Avgolemono: Chicken Pasta Or Soup

Greek Avgolemono Chicken Pasta

A creamy Greek pasta dish with a lemony egg sauce and shredded chicken..

Ingredients (Serves 4, Cooking Time: 30 minutes)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz orzo (or other small pasta)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation (Pasta Version)

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Boil chicken in the chicken broth for 15 minutes, then remove and shred.
   • Keep the broth for later.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • In the same broth, cook orzo until tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Make the Avgolemono Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk eggs and lemon juice together.
   • Slowly add ½ cup of warm broth to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Stir the egg mixture back into the pot with the pasta.
   • Add shredded chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Heat on low for 2-3 minutes until creamy (do not boil).
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with feta and fresh parsley.

Greek Avgolemono Soup Variation

To make this dish into a traditional Avgolemono Soup, follow these steps:

• Increase the chicken broth to 6 cups instead of 4.
• Reduce the pasta to ½ cup orzo to maintain a more soupy consistency.
• Optional: Add 1 finely diced carrot and 1 stalk celery while cooking the broth for extra depth.
• After tempering the egg mixture, stir it back into the broth gradually and whisk well to avoid curdling.
• Do not let the soup boil after adding the eggs, as this will change the creamy texture.
• Serve with extra lemon wedges and parsley.

Looking for Chicken Thigh Recipes Instead? Check our article on how to perfect chicken thighs.

Conclusion

These chicken breast recipes bring international flavors to your kitchen, proving that healthy and easy meals don’t have to be boring. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy wrap, a creamy soup, a one-pot rice dish, or a comforting pasta, these dishes offer something special. Try them out and let us know which one becomes your new favorite!