The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Recipes to Make at Home
Chicken is a super easy (and common) protein choice when you’re trying to eat healthier, but still eat flavorful and interesting meals. It’s super versatile, lending itself well to all different kinds of flavor combinations, cuisines, and cooking techniques, plus it tends to be a bit more budget-friendly than some other meats, and a great source of lean protein.
I love cooking with chicken for all of these reasons and more, so you’ll find tons of different chicken recipes on the site (and in the app!) that you can eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here, I’m rounding up some of my favorites from the blog that are healthy, high-protein, and delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week ahead, cooking for a crowd, or looking for a dinner the whole family will actually enjoy, you’re going to want to give some of these healthy chicken recipes a try.
Why Chicken’s Such a Good Staple Protein When You’re Trying to Eat a Healthy Diet
Whether you’re just starting out on a healthy eating journey or you’ve been working a way at it for a while now, you likely know that chicken is a great go-to when you’re looking for a way to make meals higher in protein. But do you know why?
Chicken is high in protein, sure, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer, but it also tends to be lower in fat than some other protein sources, particularly if you’re working with chicken breast or trimmed chicken thighs. Not only that, but because it’s so versatile and easy to season any which way, you can add a ton of flavor without adding a ton of calories, so it’s great for anyone on a weight loss journey or emphasizing balanced meals. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so it’s ideal for meal preppers who want foods that’ll hold up well for a couple of days.
Why Lean Protein Is So Important
If you’re trying to eat healthier meals, lose weight, or count macros, lean protein is going to be right in the thick of your meal planning strategy. It can help make healthy eating more satisfying and fuel your body the right way.
It keeps you full
Because protein digests more slowly than carbs, eating meals that are high in protein stick with you longer, reduce hunger, minimize snacking between meals, and keep you feeling full and energized for longer, all without requiring huge portions of food.
It can help with body composition during weight loss
Protein can help preserve your lean muscle mass while you’re working to lose fat. Eating a higher protein diet while losing weight can help support your overall strength, metabolism, and long-term results versus just hitting a specific number on the scale.
It helps keep energy and blood sugar stable
One of the reasons we love a balanced, macro-friendly meal with plenty of lean protein is because it can help prevent major blood sugar swings. That means you’ll experience more stable energy levels over the course of the day, with fewer cravings, and better focus, which can really make a difference if you’re super active or have a lot on your plate.
Makes healthy eating easier and more delicious
Whether you’re watching your calorie intake, prioritizing protein, or trying to aim for balanced macros across the board, incorporating more chicken into your diet is an easy way to make healthy eating more achievable. Plus, because it’s so versatile and easy to use with tons of different flavor combinations, those meals are going to be awfully delicious.
It helps support an active lifestyle
If you regularly move your body and try to stay active, you likely already know that protein is absolutely essential when it comes to muscle building, repair, and recovery. The high-quality protein in chicken can help you stay strong.
My Favorite Healthy Chicken Recipes
Looking for new family favorites? You've come to the right place. These are the best healthy chicken recipes for busy weeknights, healthy dinners on the weekend, and more. Check out my go-to recipes for meeting my nutritional goals below:
Mediterranean Baked Chicken
Light, fresh, and loaded with flavor, this easy chicken recipe is a hands-off recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Pair with roasted veggies, brown rice (herbed or regular), a little lemon juice, and maybe a bit of tahini sauce or tzatziki for a well-rounded meal. You'll get rave reviews.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Sweet and smoky with a hint of spice, these honey chipotle chicken tacos are a recipe you’re going to want to make on repeat. They’re great for a crowd (or meal prepping for healthy meals all week long!), super flavorful and delicious, and ideal for taco night (or any night!).
Sesame Chicken Salad
A good salad is light and refreshing, but still fills you up. This Sesame Chicken Salad absolutely fits the bill. Fresh, crunchy, and packed with plenty of protein, it’s also bursting with Asian-inspired flavors and tons of veggies. It’s a great choice for lunch or light, easy dinners.
Za’atar Chicken
If you haven’t cooked with za’atar before, you’re seriously missing out. I love using it on chicken to add tons of flavor in a quick, easy, low-cal way. It’s fragrant, savory, and super versatile (pile it into a bowl, roll it up into a wrap, or serve it with healthy side dishes for a simple dinner). Pro tip: make a big batch of this quick recipe and use it up in all kinds of different ways all week long.
One-Pan Chicken Curry
I love one-pan meals because they tend to be quick and easy recipes and you know you’re not going to be left with a full sink of dishes at the end. This one is cozy and comforting, full of protein, veggies, and warming spices. Serve it with jasmine rice, herby rice, cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or naan for an indulgent-feeling meal that’s still balanced and good for you. It's classic comfort food and the perfect weeknight meal!
Healthy Kung Pao Chicken
This is my dad’s recipe, so it's a favorite recipe at my house, but it’s also a great choice if you’re looking for a higher protein, lightened up meal (with a little less oil and other caloric add-ins) that’s still packed with tons of flavor. It tastes just like your favorite takeout, but you can make it in the comfort of your own home. Bold, savory, and super satisfying, this dish is sure to earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Chicken Salad
Looking for healthy lunch recipes? This salad (a favorite chicken recipe) is the perfect choice. Crunchy, fresh, and a good source of both protein and fiber, it’s nourishing and delicious, but far from boring. The best part? Since it holds up well, it’s great to make in advance to take to work the next day!
Copycat CAVA Chicken Bowl
CAVA is one of my favorite healthy fast casual spots, but making it at home (or a bowl inspired by the delicious flavors at CAVA) is a lot cheaper than springing for the real thing. For best results, let every customize their own bowls to their preference (one can add hot sauce, one can load up on double the juicy chicken breast, one can make it low carb, one can add roasted sweet potatoes) for a balanced, flavorful, protein-packed meal at home.
FAQs
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It sure is! Chicken is high in protein and lower in fat than some other protein sources, so it can keep you full and fueled in a balanced way. Plus, eating more protein can help lower cravings and keep your blood sugar stable, both key if you’re trying to lose weight.
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Partially because of the lower fat content, chicken can definitely dry out if you overcook it. Cooking it to 165 degrees F, letting it rest before slicing into it, and using flavorful marinades, sauces, and the like can help keep your chicken more tender.
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You definitely can. Chicken thighs are a little bit higher in fat than chicken breast, but that gives them more flavor and makes them a little bit easier to cook. Generally speaking, it’s much harder to overcook chicken thighs than chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great protein source to keep on hand and you can use them in just about any recipe you’d use chicken breast in, you just may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
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If you want to add even more protein to your chicken-based meal, consider pairing it with a Greek yogurt or cottage cheese-based sauce or serving it with legumes like beans. You can also add extra chicken to recipes.
These recipes prove that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Chicken, in particular, is so easy to incorporate into a healthy diet because it can be seasoned with so many different flavors and prepared in so many different ways. Whether you’re trying to slim down, boost your protein intake, or just find some healthy dinners that your family will actually eat, these chicken recipes are here to help you reach your goals.
