10+ Healthy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love to Cook and Eat
Chicken is a popular and versatile ingredient that fits well in a healthy diet. It can be prepared in many ways to suit your taste while keeping meals nutritious.
Healthy chicken recipes help you enjoy tasty food without sacrificing good nutrition.
You don’t need to be a pro cook to make meals that are both simple and good for you. Use fresh ingredients and smart cooking methods to make your chicken dishes wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Chicken (breasts, thighs, or your choice)
- Olive oil or other healthy cooking oils
- Fresh herbs and spices
- Vegetables (like broccoli, tomatoes, or asparagus)
- Garlic and lemon (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your stove to medium heat.
- Trim any fat from the chicken and pat it dry.
- Season the chicken with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan or baking dish.
- Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add vegetables midway if roasting or cook them separately.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving.
1) Baked Balsamic Chicken with Vegetables
This baked balsamic chicken with vegetables is a simple, healthy meal you can make in one pan. Marinate the chicken briefly in balsamic vinegar and herbs for a tasty, tangy flavor.
Roast the chicken with your favorite vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, so everything cooks evenly. Baking at 400°F (200°C) keeps the chicken juicy while the vegetables get tender and slightly caramelized.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Garlic
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh sage
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Place chicken and chopped vegetables on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
2) Lemon Garlic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes
This dish is simple and full of fresh flavors. Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and rosemary to keep them juicy and tasty.
Cook the chicken, then add cherry tomatoes for a sweet, bright touch. The garlic and lemon give the meal a nice zest.
Make this recipe in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s great for a quick, healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F / 74°C).
- Add cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Serve together and enjoy.
Learn more about this recipe from Lemon and Garlic Chicken With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe.
3) Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Try this simple honey garlic chicken with broccoli recipe. It’s healthy, quick, and full of flavor.
Cook the chicken until tender and coat it in a sweet and savory sauce. Broccoli adds a fresh, crunchy touch and keeps the dish balanced.
Serve it with rice or noodles to make it more filling. This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Mix honey and soy sauce, then pour over chicken and broccoli.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, so the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
For more details, check this honey garlic chicken with broccoli recipe.
4) Greek Sheet Pan Chicken with Olives and Feta
This Greek sheet pan chicken is easy to make and full of flavor. Cook tender chicken thighs, olives, and feta cheese all in one pan.
Lemon and oregano add fresh, bright flavors. Roast vegetables like peppers and potatoes alongside the chicken.
The olives and feta add a tangy taste. Enjoy a balanced meal with little effort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss potatoes and peppers with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs on a sheet pan and add lemon slices on top.
- Arrange veggies and olives around the chicken.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over everything and roast 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
5) Mediterranean Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs
Make a quick and tasty meal using chicken thighs and fresh Mediterranean herbs. The herbs add flavor without extra calories.
Roast chicken thighs with rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a nice aroma. Add garlic and lemon for a bright touch.
Cooking everything in one pan saves time. The chicken stays juicy while the herbs roast into the skin.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- Place thighs on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the inside reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
You can find more details on Mediterranean herb chicken here.
6) Crockpot Pulled Chicken Tacos
Making pulled chicken tacos in a crockpot is easy and healthy. You just need chicken, salsa, and some spices.
The slow cooking makes the chicken tender and easy to shred. Use chicken breasts or thighs, add salsa and taco seasoning, then let it cook on low for 7-8 hours.
When it’s done, shred the chicken with forks. Serve the pulled chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
Cooking Instructions:
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Mix salsa, water, cumin, and chili powder.
- Pour mixture over chicken.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours (about 140°F / 60°C).
- Shred chicken with two forks before serving.
7) Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala
Make Chicken Tikka Masala with lean chicken and light ingredients for a healthy meal. Marinate boneless chicken breasts in yogurt and spices to keep the meat tender and flavorful.
The sauce uses tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a little cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess without extra fat. Use simple spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala for rich flavor.
This dish pairs well with brown rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ cup low-fat cream or yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add crushed tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken back to the sauce and stir in cream or yogurt. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
8) Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos
You can make crispy baked chicken tacos that taste great and are healthier than fried tacos. Use ground chicken with chili powder, cumin, and paprika for flavor.
Bake the tacos in the oven to crisp the tortillas without extra oil. Choose gluten-free corn tortillas for a lighter option.
Add fresh toppings like lime juice and cilantro for extra freshness. Baking melts the cheese and crisps the tortillas at the same time.
These tacos are simple to prepare and cook in about 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook ground chicken, onion, and garlic in a pan over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas and place them on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of each taco.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven. Add cilantro and lime juice before serving.
9) Ground Chicken Burgers with Spinach
Ground chicken burgers with spinach are a healthy and tasty meal. Spinach adds color and nutrients without changing the flavor much.
Make these burgers with ground chicken, cheese, and herbs. They cook quickly and work well for lunch or dinner.
Serve them on whole-grain buns or with a side salad. Add cheese like mozzarella, white cheddar, or feta for extra flavor and moisture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or feta)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm on buns or with vegetables.
10) Coconut Curry Chicken
Coconut curry chicken is a tasty and healthy dish you can make quickly. The chicken simmers in a creamy coconut sauce with warm spices.
It’s comforting but not heavy. This makes it perfect for weeknight dinners.
You can serve it over rice to soak up the flavors. The sauce is rich and slightly sweet from the coconut milk.
This recipe is easy to follow and usually done in 30 minutes or less. You only need one pot, so cleanup is simple.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
- Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
- Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
For more on this recipe, see coconut curry chicken ideas at Worn Slap Out.