Healthy chicken recipes that are full of flavor and protein. From easy one-pan chicken dinners to Mediterranean chicken salads, this collection has something for everyone.
Break out of the dinosaur-shaped chicken nugget rut with these tasty kid-friendly meals! From sheet pan chicken parm to air fryer crispy chicken tenders, these healthy kids’ dinner recipes will keep your little ones satisfied and happy.
1. Garlic Parmesan Chicken
When it comes to healthy meals, chicken is a versatile lean protein that’s easy to cook and full of crave-worthy flavor. From better-for-you takes on lasagna and pasta to healthier spins on chicken fingers and pizza, these healthy chicken recipes are sure to satisfy the whole family.
Tender white meat chicken is tossed in this creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s loaded with flavor. This recipe is great for meal prep since it makes enough for two dinners! The sauce is rich, so you can enjoy it on its own or drizzle it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. This dinner also goes well with a slice of toasty garlic bread!
The sweet and savory flavors of this dish will have you craving it again and again. This baked honey-garlic chicken thighs recipe is made in one sheet pan, so you’ll have no problem creating an irresistible dinner with minimal mess. Lining the baking sheet with foil helps protect it from the sticky honey-soy-garlic sauce, so cleanup is easy too!
If you’re a fan of this recipe, you should try the Big Batch Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This healthy chicken recipe is so easy to make and has so much flavor, plus it’s packed with a serving of vegetables! The leftovers are great for making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Paninis or adding to a pasta bake. When cooking chicken, always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.
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2. Pesto Chicken Stir-Fry
From crispy chicken tacos to comforting chicken noodle soup, there are so many healthy dinner recipes that include lean protein-packed poultry. Plus, it’s super easy to prep—even on the busiest nights of the week. Whether you’re looking for quick lunch ideas or healthy meals for kids, we’ve got you covered with the best healthy chicken recipes that taste just as good as they are good for you.
Using convenient store-bought ingredients like rotisserie chicken and pesto, this quick and delicious meal can be on the table in no time. Serve it with a simple green salad or a whole-grain side, and you’ve got a meal that the entire family will love!
Italian flavors meet Asian cooking techniques in this one-pan Mediterranean chicken dish. You’ll love the rich and flavorful sauce in this fail-proof weeknight dinner. And the best part is that this recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes!
Use a food thermometer to make sure that your chicken is cooked through. You’ll know that it’s done when it reaches 165 degrees and is no longer pink. If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the chicken and making sure that the juices run clear. This healthy recipe can easily be doubled or tripled and stored in the refrigerator for leftovers. You can also add it to your list of healthy freezer meals.
3. Avocado-Glazed Chicken Tenders
Chicken is a great source of lean protein and essential amino acids, including serotonin-boosting tryptophan. Add some flavor and spices to your healthy chicken recipes with this avocado, tomato, and basil topping. You can even make it ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
For this recipe, you’ll use the thin strip of meat attached to the underside of the chicken breast called a “chicken tender”. It’s easier to pull off the bone than the actual breast. You’ll also use coconut oil instead of the traditional vegetable oil which can improve the taste and health benefits. You’ll need just a few ingredients to make these tasty chicken tenders which are a healthier version of your favorite restaurant nuggets without the fillers, wheat breadcrumbs, and preservatives.
This delicious and easy to make chicken dinner recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s packed with nutrients and it tastes really good too. It’s a great recipe for anyone who wants to eat more vegetables and is trying to lose weight.
For a super-easy and healthy chicken meal try this one-pan sheet pan dinner that’s full of flavor. It’s loaded with veggies and chicken and is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight!
4. Garlic-Crusted Chicken Breasts
Using chicken as your protein base is an easy way to create well-rounded weeknight dinners that are full of flavor and healthy ingredients. From hearty chicken casseroles to warming chicken soup recipes these healthy dinner recipes will help you revamp your weekly meal rotation without breaking the bank or a lot of time.
A few simple tweaks to the recipe will make these chicken breasts super flavorful and extra-tender. First, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness tenderizes them and helps them cook evenly. Second, a three-step breading process makes sure the coating sticks (and tastes great) each and every time. And last, baking the chicken at a higher temperature (and for shorter time) keeps it from drying out and gives you that crispy golden crust we all love.
This savory-sweet baked honey garlic chicken is so easy to throw together for a fast and healthy weeknight dinner. Plus, the veggies cook right alongside on the same sheet pan. And the irresistible honey-soy-garlic sauce doubles as an amazing dipping sauce!
Loaded with chicken, sweet potatoes and veggies this quick and healthy chicken salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. And it’s so easy to make that you can whip it up on a busy weeknight!
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5. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you’re looking for a healthy meal idea that’s easy to make, these Thai chicken lettuce wraps are a delicious and nutritious dinner. With a light, crisp lettuce leaf and tender vegetables smothered in a sweet and savory sauce, these Asian-inspired lettuce wraps are sure to become a new favorite!
Ground chicken is seasoned perfectly with just a hint of clove and lots of garlic and ginger in this Thai-inspired dish. Then, the whole thing is topped with a creamy peanut sauce that’s nutty, sweet and slightly spicy — just like Thai food should be!
This tasty chicken recipe is great for busy weeknights because it’s so quick to put together. You can even prepare it ahead of time if you’d like, just keep the sauce and chicken separate until ready to assemble. And since this is a vegetarian-friendly Asian recipe, you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu if desired.
This healthy power bowl is packed with nutrient-rich chicken, roasted cauliflower and sweet potato, crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado in this flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! Plus, the homemade dressing is made from a deliciously healthy combination of yogurt, lemon juice and olive oil. And best of all, this chicken power bowl is great for lunch or dinner — and even works as a satisfying breakfast!
6. Chicken Tacos
We love tacos around here – and this one is our favorite! It has a great spice rub (just chili powder, paprika, oregano and garlic powder) and the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. It’s simple to make and can be made ahead of time.
It also makes a fantastic meal for a group – just prepare the chicken in advance and let everyone assemble their own tortillas with their preferred toppings. This is a fun healthy dinner that will be a hit with the kids and adults alike.
While the chicken cooks, make the onion and cilantro topping. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it adds an amazing flavor to the chicken. To assemble the tacos, place one piece of chicken on each set of two tortillas (still stacked together). Spread some of the onion and cilantro mixture over the chicken. Add a squeeze of lime juice on top and serve immediately.
It’s important to use an instant-read thermometer when making any chicken recipe. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. You can also check for doneness by cutting into a piece of the chicken. If it is still uncooked or pink, continue cooking and check again in a few minutes. Once the chicken is finished cooking, rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
