Healthy Chicken Recipes You'll Actually Crave (2024)

Better-for-you dinner ideas that are loaded with veggies!

By Samantha MacAvoy and Becca Miller
Healthy Chicken Recipes You'll Actually Crave (1)

“Healthy chicken” may sound a little, well, sad, but it doesn’t have to taste that way. Amped up with spices, seasoned with garlic and herbs or paired with sauces, healthy chicken recipes can make for an exciting weeknight meal. We rounded up our go-to recipes for the bird, including healthy salads, fun flatbreads, one-pan dinners and more. While most of these recipes are complete meals (and recipes ready in under 30 minutes!), feel free to pair them with whole grains and veggie side dishes if you’re serving more people — or seeking extra leftovers.

The healthiest way to eat chicken will depend on your dietary requirements and goals, so we included plenty of variety. Find low-carb recipes and paleo chicken bulked up with extra veggies, keto-friendly options and better-for-you favorites like “fried” chicken that's breaded and crisped-up in the oven, or air fryer recipes like chicken Parmesan. While we love a juicy chicken breast, we also included ideas for chicken thighs, drumsticks and the whole bird!

Chicken is versatile and easy to make, so it's the ultimate family-friendly meal for any night of the week. (Trust us, kids and adults will love our healthier take on chicken tenders.) Plus, leftover chicken is a meal prep hero: Stir it into salads, rice bowls, enchiladas and more for an even faster solution to lunch or dinner.

Ready for some menu ideas? Check out these must-try healthy chicken ideas to revamp your mundane meals, stat.

1

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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Skip the deep-fry for less oil, fewer calories — and zero stovetop mess!

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.

2

Za’atar Chicken with Whipped Feta

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Dip za'atar-crusted thighs in a creamy feta yogurt spread for a satisfying dinner you won't even realize is gluten-free.

Get the Za’atar Chicken with Whipped Feta recipe.

RELATED: Save Room for Dessert! Here Are Our Best GF Sweets

3

Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls

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Cooking smashed garlic and spiced tomatoes with your chicken creates a jammy, sauce-like condiment for this vibrant bowl.

Get the Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls recipe.

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4

Air Fryer Chicken Strips

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Combine this with your go-to greens for a complete meal. The tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce pairs equally well with veggies!

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.

5

Sheet Pan Chicken with Apples and Delicata Squash

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Save this for the first chilly day post-summer. Loaded with caramelized apples and squash, it's a stunning celebration of fall crops.

Get the Sheet Pan Chicken with Apples and Delicata Squash recipe.

RELATED: 70 Cozy Fall Dinner Ideas

6

Japanese Chicken Curry

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The secrete to the subtle sweetness of this dreamy, flavorful curry? Applesauce!

Get the Japanese Chicken Curry recipe.

RELATED: 21 Easy Curry Recipes That Deliver Big Comfort

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7

Smoky Chicken Thighs on Baby Romaine

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Don't skip the crusty, toasted sourdough in this salad: It helps soak up all that tangy, garlicky salad dressing.

Get the Smoky Chicken Thighs on Baby Romaine recipe.

8

Balsamic Chicken Caprese

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Healthy recipes don't have to be complicated: This flavorful stunner has only five ingredients.

Get the Balsamic Chicken Caprese recipe.

RELATED: 25 Easy, Delicious 5-Ingredient Meals to Make for Dinner Tonight

9

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken

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Roast bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts alongside veggies to impart some of that delicious, chicken-y richness into your produce.

Get the Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken recipe.

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10

Chicken with Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes

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This one-pot wonder features a trio of red veggies, which are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease.

Get the Chicken with Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes recipe.

RELATED: 50 Healthy Dinner Ideas for Two Perfect for Date Night

11

Italian-Marinated Chicken

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Blitz together the vinegary herb dressing and use it as both a marinade for chicken breasts and a flavor infuser for sliced veggies.

Get the Italian-Marinated Chicken recipe.

RELATED: 70 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Seriously Delicious Midday Fuel

12

Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads

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Make your own tandoori masala-inspired rub, then put it to work on both juicy chicken breast and crispy cauliflower florets.

Get the Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads recipe.

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13

Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes

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This hearty, healthy, one-skillet dish is easy enough for a cozy night in, yet impressive enough for guests.

Get the Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes recipe.

14

Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

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Use store-bought pasta to make this fit for any weeknight, or try your hand at homemade pasta for dinner and an activity all in one.

Get the Lemon-Pepper Linguine With Creamy Chicken and Broccoli recipe.

15

Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale

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Chicken cutlets get a quick lemony twist (read: a three-minute marinade) then char up on the grill. We even threw kale on the grates for extra flavor.

Get the Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale recipe.

RELATED: 30 Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes That You'll Be Making All Summer

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16

Grilled Chicken Caprese

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Add some juicy, grilled protein and sweet corn to make this classic Italian salad into a complete, filling dinner.

Get the Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe.

RELATED: 60 Best Summer Chicken Recipes for a Healthy Weeknight Dinner

17

Spinach Artichoke Chicken

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Creamy with Vitamin-C-packed artichokes, this five-ingredient dish is a life saver on busy weeknights.

Get the Spinach Artichoke Chicken recipe.

18

Crispy Chicken Salad

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For crunchy "fried" chicken with only a fraction of the calories, we coated breasts with cornflakes and baked them until nice and crisp (and delicious).

Get the Crispy Chicken Salad recipe.

RELATED: 50 Low-Calorie Meals That Seriously Pack In Flavor

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19

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

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Cooking juicy tomatoes in the air fryer creates a hands-off, stellar sauce. Spoon it over dinner for added flavor!

Get the Mediterranean Chicken Bowls recipe.

20

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

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Herby homemade pesto adds so much flavor, you don't need many more ingredients to make these sandwiches great.

Get the Grilled Chicken Sandwiches recipe.

Healthy Chicken Recipes You'll Actually Crave (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest thing to cook chicken with? ›

Poached Chicken

Poaching is great because it adds virtually no fat to your food, yet yields subtle flavour and moisture. To poach your chicken, add your ingredients (chicken and any other vegetables, aromatics, and spices you like) to a skillet or pot, and add a cooking liquid such as broth, wine, or coconut milk.

What is the best chicken for weight loss? ›

If your main aim is weight loss, then the best type of chicken you can opt for is- skinless, boneless chicken breast. Do you know that 3-ounce serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast provides just 140 calories, a whopping 26 grams of protein, and just 3 grams of fat?

How to eat chicken in a healthy way? ›

For a healthy diet, choose lean cuts of chicken like breast without skin. Opt for cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or steaming instead of frying. Season with herbs, spices, and minimal salt for flavor. Pair with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to create balanced meals that support your dietary goals.

What is a healthy food for chickens? ›

Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries make healthy snacks for chickens when fed in moderation. A few flock favorites include: Vegetables: Lettuce, beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, swiss chard, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers. Herbs: Lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro, thyme and basil.

Can I eat chicken everyday and be healthy? ›

Chicken is a healthy food (as long as it's poached, baked or grilled), but that doesn't mean you should eat it every single day. As both dietitians have explained, eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to give your body the nutrients it needs.

Can you lose belly fat by eating chicken? ›

Chicken helps lose overall body weight if consumed as a healthy and balanced diet. In the process, one can also lose belly fat. While eating chicken, remember to opt for lean chicken breast; it is a good source of protein with fewer calories.

Can I eat chicken daily for weight loss? ›

Yes, including chicken in your diet can be a beneficial choice for weight loss. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and protein plays a crucial role in weight loss for several reasons: Satiety: Protein is known for its ability to promote feelings of fullness and satiety.

Should I eat chicken everyday to lose weight? ›

Lose Weight

When creating a healthy diet plan, grilled chicken is almost always a staple. This is because grilled chicken is lean and contains far less fat and calories than other types of meat. Eating it regularly can help you lose weight, especially when you swap it out for fattier meats like beef or pork.

Is rotisserie chicken healthy? ›

A rotisserie chicken is better than some of the other alternatives. Even with additives, a rotisserie chicken is a far healthier choice than a fast food run, says Allers. “It's still lower in fat and calories than fast food. It's serving its purpose – it's fast, but it can still help you create a balanced meal.

Is air fryer chicken healthy? ›

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.

Is it healthier to bake or pan cook chicken? ›

A good source of protein, chicken is best for you when baked in the oven or stir fried with your favorite vegetables. Note that the dark meat has a bit more saturated fat and cholesterol.

What is the best protein for chickens? ›

Top 10 high-protein treats for chickens
  1. Dried Mealworms. At 53 % protein, Dried Mealworms are by far our chooks' favourite protein-rich treat. ...
  2. Dried Soldier Fly Larvae. ...
  3. Insects. ...
  4. Seeds. ...
  5. Non-medicated chick starter. ...
  6. Sprouts. ...
  7. Worms. ...
  8. Eggs.
Jun 7, 2019

Is frying or baking chicken healthier? ›

But there's a healthier, equally delicious way to eat comfort food like fried chicken. And it's all thanks to your oven. By cooking chicken in the oven, you'll use little oil, which will minimize heart health risks. Aside from being healthier for your heart, this chicken is also high in protein (8 g per serving).

Is cooking chicken in a pan healthy? ›

Is pan seared chicken healthy? Pan seared chicken breast is a healthy dinner idea because it's high protein and low in carbohydrates.

What is the healthiest way to cook meat? ›

Grilling, roasting, baking, broiling, steaming, press cooking and slow cooking are some of the healthiest ways to cook meat. And yes, you should avoid deep-frying it. “Avoid marinades and sauces that are high in sugar and sodium,” she adds.

Is chicken cooked in olive oil healthy? ›

Benefits of frying chicken in olive oil

There are loads of health benefits when it comes to frying with olive oil. The product can help prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It's also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich.

References

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