5 Best Chicken Breast Substitutes: What Is A Good Replacement For Chicken Breast?

Chicken breast is a great source of protein and one of the most popular cuts in many cuisines throughout the world.

But if this ingredient is out of stock, you can still make changes in your diet.

This post will help you identify some of the best ideas for chicken breast substitutes that are easy to grab on the go and cook quickly.

Let’s check it out!

What is chicken breast?

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Chicken breast is a cut of meat from the pectoral section of the chicken.

It is the leanest part of the chicken with the lowest saturated fat.

Therefore, chicken breast is a rich source of lean protein with many essential nutrients that benefit our health in different ways, making it a perfect ingredient in the diet of people who want to lose some weight and build muscle.

Due to the low fat content, chicken breast has a softer texture and milder taste compared to dark meat chicken like chicken thighs or chicken wings.

However, if being overcooked, chicken breast can easily turn dry and chewy.

Chicken breast can come in different types, such as bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless.

Normally, the chicken breast that is sold in most grocery stores and supermarkets is boneless and skinless.

One of the reasons that make chicken breast a favorite cut of all ages is its versatility.

Chicken breast can be cooked in numerous ways, including grilling, baking, roasting, boiling, stir-frying, or deep-frying.

The cooked chicken breast is then served in various dishes, from salads, burgers, or tacos, as a snack, to the main course with some side dishes on the side.

Can you substitute chicken breast in cooking recipes?

Chicken breast is one of the most popular types of meat in America, but it is not the only choice on the market.

The good news is that there are many other kinds of protein substitutes to replace chicken breast in cooking recipes.

These ingredients can be found in most local butchers, grocery stores, or supermarkets in any country in the world without any fuss.

What can you substitute for chicken breast?

Now, let’s figure out what can be used to substitute for chicken breast in your next recipe:

1. Turkey breast

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Turkey breast is the best choice for substituting for chicken breast.

The reason is turkey meat and chicken meat are already very similar, therefore, it is no surprise that turkey breast works best in place of the chicken counterpart.

Turkey breast has the same look, texture, and flavor as chicken breast, and these cuts can be used interchangeably in any recipe.

2. Duck breast

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Duck breast is another option to substitute for chicken breast in any cooking recipe.

Duck breast has a darker color that makes many people think it is red meat.

However, it is still a healthier option compared to real red meat like pork and beef.

Duck breast also has a slightly stronger flavor than chicken breast, and it provides more iron.

3. Chicken thighs

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You can also use chicken thighs to substitute for chicken breast.

Although chicken thighs are considered dark meat chicken, which contains more fat, but are much more flavorful and juicier, both have the taste of chicken.

Chicken thighs are also more economical so that people from different classes can afford them.

In most recipes, from frying, baking, grilling, or even stewing, chicken thighs can work great to replace chicken breast.

4. Pork tenderloin

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If you want a twist on the flavor of your regular chicken breast dish, you can use pork tenderloin instead.

Pork tenderloin is the leanest cut of pork, so it has a similar texture to chicken breast.

The flavor of the pork is porky and more intense, but it can be used in most recipes that call for chicken breast like roasting, baking, or frying.

However, pork tenderloin tends to be more expensive than chicken breast.

5. Vegan chicken

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For people who are looking for a vegan option, try vegan chicken instead of real chicken breast.

Vegan chicken is often made from soy-based ingredients, so it is free of fat but still high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Store-bought vegan chicken has a meat-like texture and you can season it with your favorite spices to turn it into a savory dish that tastes like real chicken.

The bottom line

Chicken breast is a versatile ingredient that no one can deny its deliciousness.

However, if you don’t have this cut in your kitchen, don’t worry!

There are some great alternatives to keep your diet on track while still providing the best flavor and texture.

 Hopefully, the aforementioned ideas for the best chicken breast substitutes will help you go through tough times in cooking without chicken effortlessly.