Breakfast And Brunch Chicken Recipes: Chicken Beyond The Main Course: Chicken Recipes For Every Occasion: From Weeknight To Feast
Chicken isn’t just for dinner; it can elevate your breakfast and brunch dishes with its versatility and satisfying protein. This chapter will explore a range of recipes that incorporate chicken into breakfast and brunch, proving that this lean, flavorful meat is just as delightful in the morning as it is in the evening. Whether you're looking for a savory start to your day or a heartier brunch to impress guests, these dishes will inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to chicken!
1. Chicken and Waffle Breakfast Skillet
For a twist on the traditional chicken and waffles, try this skillet version that combines crispy chicken with fluffy waffles for a satisfying, all-in-one breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole wheat waffle mix (or your favorite waffle batter)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and crispy on the outside, about 6-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the waffle mix, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to make the waffle batter. Pour the batter into the skillet, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
- Place the cooked chicken strips on top of the batter and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra maple syrup, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm.
2. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Patties
Homemade chicken sausage patties are the perfect addition to your morning. They are lean, flavorful, and so easy to make! These patties can be paired with scrambled eggs, added to a breakfast sandwich, or served with fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, onion, parsley, garlic powder, sage, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with scrambled eggs or atop a whole grain English muffin.
3. Chicken and Avocado Breakfast Wrap
A breakfast wrap that’s light, creamy, and packed with protein—this chicken and avocado wrap is perfect for a quick breakfast or a brunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- On a clean work surface, lay out the tortilla. In the center, layer the grilled chicken slices, mashed avocado, baby spinach, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the edges of the tortilla and roll it up tightly.
- Serve as-is, or toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to crisp up the wrap.
4. Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash
A warm and comforting hash is a perfect brunch dish. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, and this dish comes together quickly in a single pan.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and starting to brown.
- Add the diced chicken, red bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is heated through.
- (Optional) For extra flavor, crack an egg into the center of the hash and cook until the egg is done to your liking.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
5. Chicken and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
For those days when you need to prepare breakfast ahead of time, this savory chicken and spinach casserole is the perfect dish to feed a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, spinach, onion, and bell pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Chicken, Bell Pepper, and Egg Breakfast Muffins
These individual egg muffins are perfect for meal prep. Packed with chicken and bell peppers, they’re an easy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the diced chicken, bell peppers, and shredded cheese evenly among the muffin cups.
- Pour the egg mixture over the chicken and vegetables in each cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the eggs are set and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before removing the muffins from the tin. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Chicken isn’t just a dinner staple—it can be the centerpiece of a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch. From savory hash to protein-packed muffins, these recipes show that chicken is a versatile ingredient that works beautifully in the first meal of the day. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these chicken dishes will bring something special to your breakfast table.
