20 Healthy Chicken Recipes That You’ll Be Excited to Eat

Chicken and rice.

Chicken and veg.

Chicken and potato.

And maybe if you’re feeling frisky, a chicken fajita.

If that sounds familiar to you, it’s time to broaden your horizons, and these recipes will get the job done.

For example, the Balsamic Mushroom & Chicken Stroganoff is a delicious, macro-friendly recipe that uses Greek yogurt for a protein-rich alternative to sour cream; the Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls are like high-protein pizzas; and the Healthy Chicken Piccata is a simple way to turn a few ingredients into something special.

So, whether you want a healthy option to satisfy your cravings for comfort food or a tasty way to prep a lot of meat, one of these chicken recipes is sure to satisfy. 

Enjoy!

Lemon Chicken & Potatoes in Foil

Picture courtesy of Damn Delicious

Making a chicken dinner from scratch doesn’t have to be much harder than driving to the fast-food window.

Literally all you have to do is chop up some fresh herbs, slice baby potatoes in half, and put it all together in individually portioned foil packets. Drizzle with olive oil, bake in the oven, and in a half hour you’ll have perfectly cooked foil chicken.

Serves 4

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. dried rosemary

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 lb. baby red potatoes, halved

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz. each)

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 393

Protein: 40 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 16 grams

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Chicken Pot Pie Noodles

Picture courtesy of Food Faith Fitness

Making chicken pot pie from scratch probably seems like a chore, but the frozen stuff is just not flavorful even when it is nutritious.

The answer to killing cravings for comfort food is this creative pasta dinner, which makes noodles out of spiralized potatoes. Then this healthy chicken pot pie without crust has carrots, celery, peas, and a touch of Greek yogurt to make it rich and fulfilling.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1/2 lb. chicken breast, cubed

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1/4 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup frozen peas

Salt to taste

1 1/2 Tbsp. butter

1/4 cup minced onion

2 tsp. almond flour

2 tsp. coconut flour

1 cup + 1 1/2 Tbsp. chicken broth, divided

1/4 tsp. celery seed

1/4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large Yukon gold potato

1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 488

Protein: 45 grams

Carbs: 35 grams

Fat: 19 grams

 

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Southwestern Corn Chowder with Chicken & Green Chiles

Picture courtesy of Two Healthy Kitchens

Corn chowder might not sound like a filling meal with just grains and milk, but there’s no reason to stop there. This Crock pot chicken soup is a corn chowder and then some with potatoes, onions, black beans, salsa, and shredded chicken.

So there’s corn in the mix, but if anything it’s a chicken chowder with about 30 grams of protein per bowl.

Serves 8

Ingredients

3 cups skim milk

1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 bag (16 oz.) frozen corn kernels

3 cups frozen O’Brien potatoes (cubed hash browns with onions and peppers)

2 cups diced onions

2 cans (14.5 oz. each) creamed corn

1 jar (16 oz.) salsa

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies, undrained

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 416

Protein: 29 grams

Carbs: 67 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Healthy Chicken Piccata

Picture courtesy of Healthy Seasonal Recipes

A lot of classic ways of preparing comfort food, like dredging chicken breast in flour, get a bad rap. But this recipe shows that you can enjoy a delicious dinner like chicken piccata without worrying about the macros.

It’s low in fat, and when you serve it with steamed broccoli or a whole grain, it’s great fuel for any lifestyle.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 lemon, half juiced and half thinly sliced

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. + 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 large sweet onion, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup dry white wine

4 tsp. drained capers

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 294

Protein: 28 grams

Carbs: 14 grams

Fat: 9 grams

 

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BBQ Pulled Chicken

Picture courtesy of Bite Me More

Barbecue sandwiches are so tender and juicy, there’s no need to pick a high-fat meat for flavor. By preparing this shredded chicken in a slow cooker, it’s able to retain most of the moisture. As the meat cooks on low heat, any condensation beads up on the lid and drips back down.

Set this barbecue chicken to cook in the morning, and you’ll have awesome sandwiches for dinner. The shredded meat can also be used for salads, tacos, and casseroles.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz.) reduced-sodium tomato sauce

1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles, drained

3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. pure honey

1 Tbsp. sweet paprika

1 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. ground chipotle chile

1/2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 206

Protein: 29 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 7 grams

 

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Balsamic Mushroom & Chicken Stroganoff

Picture courtesy of Skinny Ms.

To make a low-calorie chicken dinner that’ll make everyone happy, just turn on the slow cooker.

This version of stroganoff is lightened up with chicken instead of beef, and then it uses Greek yogurt for a protein-rich alternative to sour cream. With flavorful balsamic vinegar, this chicken stroganoff is still a satisfying dinner that’ll fill you up with fewer calories.

Serves 8

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz. each), cubed

1 yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 package (16 oz.) sliced mushrooms

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cups fat-free chicken broth

1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 187

Protein: 27 grams

Carbs: 9 grams

Fat: 4 grams

 

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Sizzling Broccoli, Cheddar & Chicken Skillet

Picture courtesy of Host the Toast

Think chicken and broccoli sound boring? Then you haven’t had this simple skillet dinner.

While the chicken breast cooks in a cast iron skillet, you can make a quick cheese sauce in a separate pan on the stove. It takes just a few ingredients, including flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Once it’s all ready, serve with your favorite side such as brown rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts (about 4 oz. each), pounded to 1/2” thick

3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, divided

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup skim milk, divided

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 small head broccoli, cut into florets

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 476

Protein: 48 grams

Carbs: 19 grams

Fat: 23 grams

 

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Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls

Picture courtesy of Pinch of Yum

Craving pizza or pasta? Satisfy your taste buds with this dinner, which includes marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese.

These ricotta and spinach-stuffed chicken breasts are breaded so they’ll get nice and crispy in the oven without all the carbs of your usual Italian fare.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 4-ounce pieces)

1 cup whole-wheat Italian breadcrumbs

2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated

5 oz. baby spinach

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp. olive oil

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1/3 cup egg whites, beaten

3 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

1 cup marinara sauce

Fresh basil for garnish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 393

Protein: 44 grams

Carbs: 16 grams

Fat: 16 grams

 

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Slow Cooker Quinoa Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

Picture courtesy of Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This recipe has everything you could want in a lean, hearty dish: lots of protein, minimal prep, and zero added fat.

Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbs, and since all you have to do is toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and leave it for 6 to 8 hours, you’ll only have to grab a bowl and a spoon to enjoy this perfect post-workout dinner.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup dry quinoa

2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 lb.)

1 can (15.25 oz.) black beans

1 can (14.5) oz. petite diced tomatoes

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 packet (3 Tbsp.) chili seasoning mix

5 cups chicken broth

Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 326

Protein: 36 grams

Carbs: 41 grams

Fat: 4 grams

 

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Grilled Margarita Chicken

Picture courtesy of Slow-Roasted Italian

As a salty-sweet drink, margaritas are awesome inspiration for a chicken marinade. This grilled chicken breast makes a tasty weeknight dinner when you want an escape from the drudge of the work week, and it’s also the perfect recipe for a backyard get-together.

Marinade the chicken a couple hours before the party gets started, and all you have to do is toss them on the grill while laughing it up with your guests.

Serves 12

Ingredients

4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat

Zest of 1 lime (about 1 Tbsp.)

Juice of 3 limes (about 1/2 cup)

Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup)

1 jalapeno pepper, minced (remove seeds to reduce heat)

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 oz. Cuervo Gold tequila

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 235

Protein: 47 grams

Carbs: 2 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Picture courtesy of Yummy Healthy Easy

When some of the first immigrants from China to America arrived in the nineteenth century, they needed to eat but couldn’t find familiar ingredients in sight. Thus, now-beloved stir fries like orange chicken were created and have been pleasing hungry Americans ever since.

This quick version from Express Lane Cooking by Shawn Syphus uses marmalade, soy sauce, and chicken thighs to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/3 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup orange marmalade

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Pinch of red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1/2 red onion, coarsely chopped

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast), cut into bite-sized pieces

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 364

Protein: 34 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 16 grams

 

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Chicken with Bulgur & Peppers

Picture courtesy of Ella Says Opa!

Instead of trying a new seasoning for your chicken breast, go for a side dish that’ll change the feel of your healthy weeknight dinner.

A rarely used replacement for grains like rice and quinoa is bulgur wheat, the minimally processed form of wheat that’s cracked and parboiled. That means it counts as a whole grain in your meal plan but requires less time. While brown rice will take at least 45 minutes to cook, bulgur is done in 15.

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz. each)

Ground cumin to taste

Paprika to taste

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 cup medium grain bulgur

2 cups beef broth

1 bay leaf

2 green onion, sliced

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 339

Protein: 38 grams

Carbs: 34 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Thai Chicken Burgers with Cabbage Slaw

Picture courtesy of Tieton Cider Works

Lean burgers are often made from ground turkey, but you can always use chicken instead. No matter what kind of meat you choose, the trick is to add a lot of flavor with ingredients that also keep the burger patties from drying out.

In this recipe, one thing that makes a big difference is a fresh herb mixture of cilantro, basil, and mint. Soy sauce and chili sauce also bring together the Thai elements while ensuring these healthy burgers are anything but boring.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs. 90% lean ground chicken

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. sambel oelek (or 1 tsp. Sriracha)

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint

2 tsp. lime zest

1 Tbsp. lime juice

1 tsp. granulated sugar

4 whole-wheat burger buns

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 487

Protein: 38 grams

Carbs: 54 grams

Fat: 16 grams

 

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Moroccan Spiced Chicken

Picture courtesy of McCormick

Instead of adding Moroccan spices one by one – including cinnamon, ginger, and allspice – this recipe uses a pumpkin pie spice blend to cut down on how much measuring is required for the marinade.

You’ll still need cumin and coriander, and after an overnight marinade, the chicken thighs get cooked with beans, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes for a well-balanced dinner.

Serves 6

Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs. bone-in skinless chicken thighs

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 can (15 oz.) diced fire-roasted tomatoes

1 can (14.5 oz.) white kidney beans

1 large sweet potato

1 medium onion

1/2 cup dried apricots

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 333

Protein: 43 grams

Carbs: 22 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Toasted Balsamic Chicken Salad Sandwich

Picture courtesy of Add a Pinch

A traditional chicken salad has mayo, but that’s not the only way to get creaminess in a chicken sandwich. This one adds balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire, and soy sauce for tons of savory flavor – nothing bland here – but then when the sandwich is assembled, a spread of cream cheese brings everything together.

The recipe calls for a croissant, which is always delicious, but any toasted bread will work because the balsamic chicken filling is so awesome.

Serves 6

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz. each)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. soy sauce

2 tsp. pure honey

Pinch of red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

6 large croissants, halved and toasted

1 cup fresh spinach

6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, sliced

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 572

Protein: 39 grams

Carbs: 34 grams

Fat: 30 grams

 

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Baked Chicken Parmesan with Ricotta & Spinach

Picture courtesy of Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

You don’t have to book a table for a fancy Italian restaurant to have a romantic dinner. Pick up a bottle of wine, and spend a half hour in the kitchen making this one-pot chicken parm.

It’s best to start the day before, simply by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper and soaking it in buttermilk overnight. After that, this wholesome chicken parmesan with spaghetti is simple to make. Coat the buttermilk chicken breast in bread crumbs, and then bake until golden.

For the last ten minutes, the chicken is covered in marinara and cheese and broiled. Serve with spaghetti or other whole-wheat pasta.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast halves

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs

1/3 cup grated Parmesan

2 jars (24 oz. each) Arrabbiata sauce

1 cup fresh ricotta

2 cups packed baby spinach

8 oz. mozzarella, thinly sliced

12 oz. whole-grain spaghetti

Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 660

Protein: 50 grams

Carbs: 59 grams

Fat: 25 grams

 

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Apple Cabbage Oven-Baked Chicken

Picture courtesy of The Healthy Foodie

This a simple dinner that requires you to do little more than chop the fresh produce.

With sweetness from the apples and a bite from apple cider vinegar, this dish defies all the notions of cabbage being boring. The chicken also soaks up the flavors of Dijon mustard, rosemary, and onion to make the final result homey and comforting.

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 (6 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1/2 Savoy cabbage, shredded

1 red delicious apple, thinly sliced

1 golden delicious apple, thinly sliced

1/2 cup unsweetened organic apple juice

2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Several sprigs rosemary, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 520

Protein: 67

Carbs: 48

Fat: 13

 

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Baked Chicken & Quinoa Chili

Picture courtesy of Healthy Fitness Meals

Enjoying a hearty chili dinner doesn’t have to involve a stock pot on the stove. You can actually make a baked chicken casserole that’s just as flavorful and filling.

And since it has beans, tomato sauce, bell peppers, and jalapeno, once you spoon it into a bowl – everyone at the table will feel like they’re eating any other chili.

Quinoa makes it extra filling. It’s topped with jalapeno slices, and you can also add shredded cheese.

Serves 6

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts (about 10 oz. each)

1 can (15 oz.) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups cooked quinoa

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup diced bell peppers

2 Tbsp. pure honey

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jalapeno, sliced (optional garnish)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 413

Protein: 38 grams

Carbs: 41 grams

Fat: 11 grams

 

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Asian BBQ Chicken Thighs

Picture courtesy of Once Upon a Chef

Chicken thighs get a bad rap for being an “unhealthy” meat. Yet dark meat is actually high in monounsaturated fat – the healthy kind that actually lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and potentially reduce belly fat.

Chicken thighs are also a more affordable cut of meat, especially if you’re making a lot of grilled chicken to feed a crowd.

Serves 4

Ingredients

6 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar

6 Tbsp. soy sauce

3 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)

1 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

3/4 tsp. garam masala (or curry powder)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cayenne (optional)

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 403

Protein: 41 grams

Carbs: 23 grams

Fat: 16 grams

 

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Best-Ever Roast Chicken

Picture courtesy of Fine Cooking

This one isn’t just good for a simple Sunday dinner, but if you don’t have a full table when it’s first served, you’ll have meat to spare for topping salads and stir-frying with veggies.

And it’ll be healthier than the rotisserie chicken at the grocery store.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 roasting chicken (about 4 lbs.), giblets removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and quartered

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 560

Protein: 56 grams

Carbs: 0 grams

Fat: 35 grams

 

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What did you think of these healthy chicken recipes? Have anything else to add? Let me know in the comments below!