I hold a special love for discovering benign and fun forms of nutritional chicken dishes that happen in a flash and at a savory simplicitousness. This chicken-centered compendium is none too shy in boasting two dozen different recipes—each one a surefire success in bringing the kind of flavor-packed, moist-and-tender chicken our family loves to the table.
They range widely in terms of prep and cook time, as well as the kinds of equipment needed (a slow cooker, for instance, or the grill pan I use for one skewer-based delight).
The 16 Best healthy chicken easy recipes
1. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Lemon Herb Chicken
Lemon Herb Chicken is a straightforward, healthful offering that stars boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and oregano.
This dish is ideal for a fast, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Combine thoroughly.
2. Put the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure that you either seal the bag or cover the dish, and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the grill or skillet on medium-high heat. Take the chicken from the marinade; let any extra drip off. Place the chicken over direct heat, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on one side; then flip and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the second side. The chicken should be cooked through at this point and have a decent char.
4. For a few minutes, allow the chicken to rest before serving. Relish your nutritious lemon herb chicken with whatever side you’re inclined to because you deserve it.
2. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Baked Honey Garlic
Find an uncomplicated, nutritious meal with my Baked Honey Garlic Chicken. Chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil comprise this dish’s excellent sweet-and-sour sauce, which is reason enough to make this chicken again and again.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts (about
1.5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Lightly grease a baking dish and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
3. Set the baking dish with the chicken breasts and pour the honey garlic mixture over them, making sure they’re all well coated.
4. Cook in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is done and the center is no longer pink. For best results, baste the chicken breasts with the sauce halfway through cooking.
3. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Grilled Lime Cilantro
Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken is a quick and easy recipe for boneless chicken breasts that are marinated in olive oil, lime juice, fresh cilantro, garlic, and cumin, then grilled to perfection. This recipe is perfect for summer grilling, and it’s healthy, too!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, blend together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Include the chicken breasts in the marinade, making assured they are thoroughly coated. Once that task is accomplished, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a flavor that packs a more potent punch, allow the dish to stay in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
3. The grill should be preheated to a medium-high temperature. The chicken should be taken out of the marinade and placed on the grill for 6-7 minutes on either side. The chicken is done cooking when it has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before you serve it. If you so desire, you can add more cilantro and lime wedges to the finished dish as a garnish.
4. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: One-Pan Tuscan Chicken
Presenting my One-Pan Tuscan Chicken dish: a healthy, easy meal starring boneless chicken breast that’s seared to perfection and bathed in a creamy sauce that features sun-dried tomatoes, tons of spinach, and a fistful of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, take the chicken breasts and lightly season them with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and let it sear. After a couple of minutes, flip the chicken over and let it sear on that side for a couple of minutes more. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, the chicken broth, the sun-dried tomatoes, and the Parmesan. Work the mixture with a wooden spoon, dislodging any bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the skillet and stirring until the mixture is coherent and smooth.
3. After mixing the sauce thoroughly, introduce the spinach to the skillet and let it droop. Reintegrate the chicken breasts to the pan, smothering them anew in sauce. Place a lid over the skillet and let it bubble softly for 10-15 minutes, or until you’re confident that the poultry is done.
4. The creamy Tuscan sauce can be served with the chicken spooned over the top. If you would like, you could always garnish with additional Parmesan.
5. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Coconut Curry
Healthy, uncomplicated Coconut Curry Chicken highlights juicy chicken breast and nourishing coconut milk. Aromatic onion and garlic and tropical curry powder round out this quick-cooking meal, which pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.
Between the coconut milk and the coconut flour in the chicken coating, this dish is delightfully coconut-y without being too much.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 can (1
3.5 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Instructions
1. In a large pan or skillet, medium heat the coconut oil. To the oil, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
2. In the source material, one is instructed to put the chicken into the pan to cook. There it states that you should add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
3. Mix in the curry powder, making sure it fully envelops the chicken, and retain the heat for one more minute.
4. Add the coconut milk and heat until the mixture simmers. Turn the heat down and let everything simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened just a bit. Toss in the spinach or kale and cook for just another minute, until the greens are wilted and ready to eat. Stir it all up and serve!
6. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Mediterranean Sheet Pan
Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Mediterranean Sheet Pan
A straightforward, wholesome meal features chicken breasts or thighs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives. All the ingredients are seasoned with olive oil and dried oregano.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts or thighs (approximately
1.5 pounds)
Cherry tomatoes (1 pint)
Red onion, sliced (1 medium)
Bell pepper, sliced (1 large, any color)
Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted)
Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
2. Position the chicken, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and olives on a large sheet pan.
3. Olive oil—drizzled over everything and mixed with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste—becomes the light but luscious dressing that makes the whole salad sing. You want to make sure that everything gets a little kiss from this delicious emulsion.
4. Oven-roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken achieves an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the vegetables are tender. Serve at once.
7. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Avocado Salad
Uncover an uncomplicated, wholesome recipe starring fresh elements such as chicken breasts, avocados, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is upped a notch with the addition of garlic and lime juice, making this irresistible avocado salad quite possibly the best salad you have ever tasted.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
1. Dress the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-fry over medium heat till cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you slice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and lime juice. Toss gently to mix.
3. Combine the sliced chicken with the avocado and tomato mixture, mixing gently until everything is evenly incorporated. Serve right away.
8. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Stir Fry with Vegetables
A healthy chicken stir-fry centers around boneless chicken breast, soy sauce, and a delightful array of vegetables such as bell peppers and broccoli. This easy chicken recipe uses garlic and ginger to come together into a nourishing meal.
A chicken stir-fry can easily become a vehicle for whatever assortment of vegetables you need to use up.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
2 cups assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips and soy sauce. Allow the mixture to marinate for 10-15 minutes while you ready the vegetables.
2. Warm the olive oil or sesame oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir fry the chicken strips for around 5-6 minutes until they’re cooked all the way through and just a little bit golden.
3. Introduce the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry them for 30 seconds until they release their fragrance. Next, add the mixed vegetables and keep pondering them in the 5-7 minutes until they are done too. And what are done too? Tender-crisp and joyous, that’s what!
4. If needed, fine-tune the flavor with more soy sauce, and when ready, serve it up over rice or noodles. Enjoy the wholesome chicken stir-fry with its medley of vegetables!
9. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Zucchini Noodles
Uncover a nutritious meal with Easy Recipes for Healthy Chicken: Zucchini Noodles. This plate features spiralized zucchini and chicken breasts, preparing them in a way that’s simple yet stunning.
And with a low-carb profile, this easy, delightful dish makes for a dinner win.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Chicken breasts should be seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, olive oil should be heated over medium heat, and the chicken should be added to the skillet. The chicken should be cooked until it is golden and cooked throughout, around 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Skillet should be removed from the heat, and the chicken should be set aside.
2. In the identical skillet, introduce the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for roughly 1 minute until you can smell their splendid aroma.
3. The zucchini noodles should be added to the skillet, and they should be tossed to coat with the garlic and pepper mixture. They should be cooked for 2-3 minutes to ensure that they are just tender.
4. Serve the sliced chicken atop the zucchini noodles. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Quinoa Bowl
Here’s a brief and healthful recipe: a nourishing chicken quinoa bowl. With its protein-rich quinoa, juicy chicken well-seasoned with garlic powder, fresh cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, it makes for a perfect nutritious meal.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth or water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the quinoa: In a 4-quart saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or water). Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid. There is usually some sort of liquid left in the bottom of the pan when the tortillas are cooked because the pan isn’t completely dry. Use that liquid to help you reform the layer of quinoa tortillas if they start to break. When the tortillas are sufficiently dry, however, they should be rigid enough that they can be held upside down without falling out.
2. Cook the chicken: While the quinoa is busy coming to a fluffy, perfectly cooked state (and if you have a pot to yourself, you may crank up the heat to allow olive oil to shimmer in a large skillet), season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pay no mind to the loudly ticking timer; at the 6-to-7-minute mark, you are not meant to flip the chicken over. Cook the chicken undisturbed on one side until it is golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes on this side. Then, flip it over and repeat on the other side.
3. Prepare the bowls: Separate the quinoa (which you have already cooked) into bowls. On top of the quinoa in each bowl, add sliced chicken breast. Halve some cherry tomatoes and distribute them evenly among the bowls. Finally, add sliced avocado.
4. Serve: Relish your nutritious chicken quinoa bowl right away, or save the leftovers for later; they’ll be good in the fridge for quite a while.
11. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Teriyaki Skewers
Relish a nutritious take on teriyaki with these uncomplicated chicken skewers. Comprised of skinless, boneless chicken breast, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and fresh ginger, this dish represents seamless savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic to create the teriyaki marinade. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is uniform in texture and appearance.
2. Combine the chicken pieces with the marinade, cover, and let the mixture refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
3. Heat your grill or broiler to medium-high. Skewer the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
4. Cook the chicken skewers on the grill for around 10-12 minutes, turning them at intervals, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has developed a lovely char. Serve it hot.
12. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Caprese Stuffed
Caprese Stuffed Chicken combines fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil in boneless chicken breasts. Healthy and easy to make, this dish is finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, which offers a delicious blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts (about 4, boneless and skinless)
Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting it horizontally without cutting all the way through.
3. Pack the pockets with chunks of fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and basil.
4. Chicken breasts that are stuffed should be seasoned with salt and pepper, and also given a drizzle of olive oil. Then they should be placed in a baking dish.
5. Cook in the oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
6. Before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the mixture.
13. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Spinach and Feta
Investigate a nutritious recipe that stars boneless, skinless chicken breasts stuffed with fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Bolstered by a not-so-secret ingredient (garlic) and invigorated with optional oregano, this dish is both good for you and good-tasting.
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Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to heat up. While the oven prepares itself, you can work on the filling. Place about 250 grams of spinach, 200 grams of feta, 1 chopped garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of oregano in a bowl.
2. Make a cut in each chicken breast to form a pocket by slicing them open horizontally. Be sure not to cut all the way through! Can you imagine trying to stuff the mixture into a whole chicken breast? I can’t. But the good news is that the chicken was relatively easy to stuff. Main dish chicken stuffed with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese is so utterly common that it feels almost like a classic.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. In a seasoned manner, place the chicken and allow it to sear in the skillet approximately 3-4 minutes per side until each is a golden brown color.
4. Put the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Bake in an oven that has been preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature measures 165°F (75°C). Let stand a few minutes before carving to retain juices in the meat.
14. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Chili Lime
Investigate my Easy Recipes series featuring Healthy Chicken, of which Chili Lime Chicken is one. This uncomplicated dish spotlights chicken breasts marinated in a delightful, aromatic mix of olive oil, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, and garlic.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts (about
1.5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
Zest and juice of 2 limes
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Put the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Guarantee that the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Place in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or as long as up to 2 hours for a flavor boost.
3. Set your griddle or skillet to medium-high heat and your grill to a preheating state. Place the chicken breast halves on the opposite side from the heat source. Cook for roughly 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken registers 165°F (75°C).
4. Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Relish it with your preferred accompaniments or a crisp salad.
15. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Pineapple Salsa
The Pineapple Salsa Chicken recipe is a colorful and healthful meal. Tender chicken breasts are complemented by a fresh salsa made from pineapple, cilantro, and red onion.
Lime juice brightens the flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. In a tiny dish, blend the following ingredients to concoct the salsa: pineapple, cilantro, red onion, and lime juice. They are my secret salsa ingredients. I could attempt to explain the allure of this silky, piquant, and fantastically vibrant dip/sauce, but you should just taste it for yourself.
2. Both sides of the chicken breasts should be seasoned with salt and pepper.
3. In a medium-sized pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken breasts, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
4. To serve, place the chicken on individual plates and top it with the fresh salsa. Enjoy!
16. Healthy Chicken Easy Recipes: Garlic Parmesan
I have created 16 healthy and easy-to-make chicken recipes, one of which is a Garlic Parmesan Chicken dish. For this particular dish, I used boneless chicken breasts, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and some olive oil, salt, and pepper to turn what could have been a run-of-the-mill chicken recipe into something special.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare your oven by setting it to 375°F (190°C), and take a baking dish, please, and give it a light greasing.
2. Mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. The chicken breasts should be rubbed with olive oil and then coated thoroughly with a mixture of Parmesan cheese.
4. Put the chicken in the baking dish you prepared and bake it for 25-30 minutes. The result should be chicken that is cooked all the way through and has a pleasing golden brown color.
