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50 Healthier Chicken Recipes for a Nutritious Weeknight Meal

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

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roasted chickpea, tomato and chicken salad bowls
Mike Garten

If you ask us, chicken is the VIP of the dinner menu. You can dress it up with different spices or marinades, it can be added to salads or flatbreads, and it's easy and quick to cook. Plus, chicken is generally high in protein and can be a low-calorie option depending on which part of the chicken you use and how it's prepared. What's not to love? That's why we've rounded up our favorite healthy chicken recipes, including high-protein chicken dishes, Mediterranean-style recipes and more to satisfy everyone at the kitchen table.

Bonus: Many of these triple-tested recipes we've featured here come together with the help of an air fryer, which is great if you want crispy chicken without needing to use excessive oil. We've also featured plenty of grilled summer chicken recipes to make during the warmer months, and even a couple of slow-cooker recipes for low-lift cooking days. No matter the cooking method, there's a healthy chicken recipe here for you.

1

’90s-Style Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic-Glazed Chicken

healthy chicken dinner recipes ’90sstyle mixed green salad with balsamic glazed chicken
Mike Garten

We're taking it back to the '90s with this classic recipe. It's made with spinach, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic-glazed chicken.

Get the ’90s-Style Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic-Glazed Chicken recipe.

2

Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers

healthy chicken recipes citrus marinated chicken skewers
Mike Garten

It doesn't get simpler — or more delicious — than these summertime skewers. All you need is chicken breast, olive oil, lemons and clementines.

Get the Citrus-Marinated Chicken Skewers recipe.

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3

Chicken with Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes

chicken with stewed peppers and tomatoes on a skillet
MIKE GARTEN

This one-pot dish is big on flavor. You've got paprika-rubbed chicken, a trio of roasted veggies and sliced almonds for the finishing touch. The whole crew is sure to love it.

Get the Chicken with Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes recipe.

RELATED: Healthy Dinner Ideas for Two Perfect for Date Night

4

Italian-Marinated Chicken

italian marinated chicken with a side salad
MIKE GARTEN

This vinegary dressing adds major flavor to chicken breast and fresh vegetables. Pro tip: Make the chicken in an air fryer if you're short on time!

Get the Italian-Marinated Chicken recipe.

RELATED: Healthy Lunch Ideas for Seriously Delicious Midday Fuel

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5

Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads

tandoori spiced cauliflower chicken flatbreads on a wooden plank
Mike Garten

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.

6

Balsamic Chicken Caprese

balsamic chicken caprese on a white plate
mike garten

This easy and elegant dinner comes together in about 30 minutes. You'll want to add chicken breast, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil to the shopping list.

Get the Balsamic Chicken Caprese recipe.

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

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7

Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale

grilled lemony chicken and kale on a plate

Fire up the grill! Everything in this recipe is grilled: marinated chicken, kale, and even the lemon.

Get the Grilled Lemony Chicken and Kale recipe.

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

8

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

chicken parmesan with mozzarella on top
Mike Garten

Bring the red-sauce Italian classic home, no deep fryer required. Since it's air-fried, it's also healthier than the traditional oil-fried version. It's comfort food at its healthiest!

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.

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9

Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls

roasted chickpea, tomato and chicken salad bowl
Mike Garten

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.

10

Air Fryer Chicken Strips

breaded chicken strips dipped in yellow sauce
mike garten

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.

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11

Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes

lemon chicken and artichokes in a skillet
MIKE GARTEN

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.

12

Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli

lemon pepper linguine with creamy chicken and broccoli
Mike Garten

Give your go-to pasta a nutrition boost with lemony chicken and broccoli. The recipe as written involves homemade pasta (yum!) but you can also use store-bought pasta if you're looking for something simpler.

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

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13

Spinach Artichoke Chicken

spinach artichoke chicken on a white plate

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

Get the Spinach Artichoke Chicken recipe.

14

Fennel Roasted Chicken and Peppers

fennel roasted chicken and peppers on a black plate

Serve this flavorful main with whole grain rice or flatbread for a healthy dinner inspired by the Mediterranean.

Get the Fennel Roasted Chicken and Peppers recipe.

RELATED: An Easy Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Beginners

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15

Crispy Chicken Salad

crispy chicken salad on a green 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: Low-Calorie Meals That Seriously Pack In Flavor

16

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

mediterranean chicken bowls with roasted tomatoes and couscous
Mike Garten

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.

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17

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

grilled chicken sandwich with pesto and tomato
MIKE GARTEN

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.

18

Za’atar Chicken with Whipped Feta

zaatar chicken with whipped feta and cucumber ribbons
mike garten

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

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19

Tandoori Chicken

charred tandoori chicken with red onions and lemon slices

Skip the takeout and whip up this flavorful Indian chicken recipe in the air fryer. The secret to the big, bold taste is a homemade spice blend of paprika, garam masala, turmeric, coriander and cayenne.

Get the Tandoori Chicken recipe.

20

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken

roasted chicken and vegetables on the side
mike garten

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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roasted chickpea, tomato and chicken salad bowls
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