Better-for-you dinner ideas that are loaded with veggies!
“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
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
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.
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3
Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls
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
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
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
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
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
Healthy recipes don't have to be complicated: This flavorful stunner has only five ingredients.
Get the Balsamic Chicken Caprese recipe.
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9
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken
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
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
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.
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12
Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
