Starting the day with chicken is a trend that’s both delicious and practical. Often reserved for lunch or dinner, this versatile ingredient shines in the morning too, offering a fantastic way to kickstart your day. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, spicy, or simply flavorful, there’s a simple 5-ingredient breakfast idea out there to satisfy any morning craving. Let’s be honest—adding savory, seasoned chicken to breakfast isn’t just for brunch; it’s a way to elevate your morning routine and bring excitement to the table.
These recipes are great not only for breakfast but can be enjoyed as brunch or even a satisfying early lunch. From quick and easy sandwiches to savory muffins, chicken for breakfast can truly transform your morning meals into something special.
Why Chicken Is a Great Morning Meal Option
Chicken is an unexpectedly popular choice to start the day, and there’s good reason for it. Many morning meals benefit from a bit of added protein, and chicken provides a satisfying, savory flavor that pairs well with nearly any breakfast staple, from classic dishes to make-ahead breakfast casseroles. Whether it’s served with eggs, waffles, or even toast, chicken has a unique ability to complement other flavors without overpowering them.
Whether it’s shredded, fried, or baked, chicken is a versatile addition to countless morning dishes. Its mild flavor makes it an ideal base for a variety of seasonings and spices, allowing you to customize it to suit your mood or cravings. Plus, incorporating chicken into breakfast adds a refreshing twist to classic dishes, keeping your meal interesting and anything but routine.
Quick and Easy Chicken Breakfast Recipes
Chicken and Egg Breakfast Sandwich
One of my go-to options when I’m short on time is the chicken and egg breakfast sandwich. It’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy mornings when you want something hearty.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 fried egg
- Cheese slice of your choice (optional)
- Toasted English muffin or bagel
- A dollop of mayo or mustard for extra flavor
- Instructions:
- Start by cooking your egg to your liking. I usually go for a fried egg with a runny yolk—it adds a rich texture to the sandwich.
- While the egg is cooking, layer the shredded or sliced chicken on the bottom half of the toasted muffin or bagel.
- Place the egg and cheese slice on top of the chicken, and finish with the other half of the muffin or bagel.
- Add a dash of pepper or your favorite sauce for a bit of extra kick.
This sandwich is easily customizable. You can add sliced avocado for a creamy touch, or swap out the mayo for a bit of spicy sriracha if you’re in the mood for heat.
Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Muffins
If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, buffalo chicken breakfast muffins are a must-try. You might also enjoy these buffalo chicken sliders for another flavorful twist. These muffins combine the flavor of buffalo-seasoned chicken with eggs to create a portable breakfast that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for meal-prepping.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, eggs, cheese, and green onions.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are set and lightly golden on top.
These buffalo chicken muffins are not only delicious but incredibly convenient.
Make a batch on Sunday and store them in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast during the week. You can even add a dollop of ranch on top if you’re in the mood for a little extra flavor.
Classic Breakfast Ideas with a Twist
Savory Breakfast Burrito
For those mornings when you’re craving a filling, flavor-packed meal, a breakfast burrito with chicken is a perfect choice. Filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, this burrito combines classic breakfast ingredients with a savory twist.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
- 2 scrambled eggs
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp salsa or chopped tomatoes
- 1 large tortilla
- Optional: avocado slices, sour cream
- Instructions:
- Lay the tortilla flat and place the scrambled eggs in the center.
- Add the shredded chicken on top, followed by the cheese and salsa.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up to form a burrito.
- For an added touch, grill the burrito in a pan for a minute or two on each side for a crispy finish.
This burrito is fantastic for keeping your morning energized and is fully customizable.
Swap in pepper jack cheese for extra spice or add diced bell peppers for a bit of crunch.
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
If you’ve never tried chicken and waffles for breakfast, you’re in for a treat. This Southern classic combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles for a truly indulgent morning meal. Pair it with a side of cornbread casserole for a full Southern-inspired breakfast. It’s great for weekend breakfasts or brunch when you have a bit more time to prepare something special.
- Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs or breasts, seasoned and fried to your preference
- Your favorite waffle batter
- Maple syrup and butter for serving
- Instructions:
- Prepare your waffles according to your favorite recipe or mix, cooking them until they’re golden brown.
- While the waffles cook, fry your chicken until it’s crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.
- Serve the waffles topped with the fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup.
For those who like a bit of spice, consider adding hot honey or a dash of cayenne to the chicken’s breading for a kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the waffles.
Breakfast Casseroles and Bakes with Chicken
Chicken and Potato Breakfast Casserole
A chicken and potato breakfast casserole is a hearty way to start the day. This recipe combines shredded chicken, potatoes, and eggs for a warm, comforting breakfast that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Layer the diced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Spread the shredded chicken over the potatoes and add the chopped green onions.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and pour them over the chicken and potatoes. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This casserole is packed with flavor, and the potatoes add a satisfying texture.
It’s a perfect make-ahead dish—just pop it in the oven in the morning, and breakfast is ready in no time.
Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Bake
This cheesy chicken and spinach bake is a creamy, satisfying option for breakfast, especially when served with these smothered potatoes as a side. The combination of cheese, chicken, and spinach creates a rich flavor that pairs well with toast or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Spread the shredded chicken and spinach evenly in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the eggs, ricotta, salt, and pepper, then pour this mixture over the chicken and spinach.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve this dish with toasted bread for a delightful breakfast. Its creamy texture makes it a great way to enjoy chicken for breakfast in a unique and flavorful way.
International Chicken Breakfast Recipes
Chicken and Rice Breakfast Bowl
For a globally inspired breakfast, try a savory chicken and rice bowl. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender shredded chicken, rice, and a soft-boiled egg, bringing both comfort and flavor to your morning.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- Soy sauce and sesame oil, to taste
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
- Instructions:
- Layer the rice in a bowl and top with the shredded chicken.
- Drizzle soy sauce and a bit of sesame oil over the chicken and rice for flavor.
- Place the soft-boiled egg on top, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
This dish is easily customizable; add sliced avocado, a dash of hot sauce, or pickled veggies for a more dynamic flavor profile.
Chicken Breakfast Tacos
If you’re craving a Mexican-inspired breakfast, chicken breakfast tacos are a fun and flavorful choice. These tacos combine shredded chicken, eggs, and fresh salsa for a zesty morning meal.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shredded chicken
- 2 scrambled eggs
- 2 small tortillas
- Fresh salsa, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro for topping
- Instructions:
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet and set them aside.
- Scramble the eggs and add the shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing until warm.
- Place the egg and chicken mixture into each tortilla and top with salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
Experiment with toppings to personalize these tacos—sliced jalapeños, diced onions, or avocado make fantastic additions.
Light and Low-Prep Chicken Breakfast Ideas
Chicken Salad Breakfast Toast
For a lighter breakfast option, try chicken salad breakfast toast. This open-faced toast with chicken salad and veggies is simple to make and incredibly tasty.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chicken salad (chicken, mayonnaise, celery, salt, and pepper)
- 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread, toasted
- Sliced cucumber or tomato for garnish
- Instructions:
- Spread the chicken salad over each slice of toasted bread.
- Garnish with cucumber or tomato slices for extra crunch and flavor.
This toast is a quick and light way to enjoy chicken for breakfast without much prep. Choose your favorite bread and adjust the salad ingredients as desired.
Chicken Avocado Toast
Chicken avocado toast combines the creaminess of avocado with the savory taste of sliced chicken breast. It’s a fresh, easy breakfast option.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- 1 slice of cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 slices of whole-grain toast
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)
- Instructions:
- Spread mashed avocado onto each slice of toast.
- Place the sliced chicken breast over the avocado and top with halved cherry tomatoes for added flavor.
This is a fantastic option for a quick, satisfying breakfast. The creamy avocado complements the savory chicken perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it healthy to eat chicken in the morning?
Yes, many people enjoy this as part of a balanced meal, bringing a hearty start to the day.
What are some quick recipes with chicken for busy mornings?Options like egg and chicken sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and avocado toast with sliced chicken are all fast and flavorful choices.
Can I use leftover chicken for breakfast recipes?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great for breakfast dishes like chicken salad toast or breakfast casseroles.
How do I store chicken breakfast meal preps safely?
Store cooked chicken breakfasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I use ground chicken in these breakfast recipes?
Yes, ground chicken can be a great addition to breakfast burritos, breakfast bowls, or even casseroles.
Conclusion and Final Tips for Cooking Chicken Breakfast Recipes
Using chicken for breakfast opens up endless possibilities for your morning routine. Whether you’re a fan of casseroles, tacos, or simple toasts, chicken brings a savory, satisfying flavor that complements many breakfast ingredients. Try these recipes to transform your breakfast into a flavorful experience, adding a bit of variety to your mornings. Enjoy experimenting, and don’t hesitate to add your personal twist!