10+ Chicken Breast Recipes Healthy for Easy Weeknight Meals
Chicken breast is a versatile ingredient that can fit well into any healthy meal plan. With the right recipes, you can enjoy delicious chicken dishes that are good for you and easy to prepare.
This article will explore various healthy chicken breast recipes that can help you maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep ideas, chicken breast is a great option. These recipes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide the nutrition you need to feel your best.
Get ready to discover new ways to enjoy this lean protein!
1) Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breast
Lemon herb grilled chicken breast is both tasty and healthy. This recipe uses a bright marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or summer barbecue.
You will need chicken breasts, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Garlic and olive oil add extra taste. The marinade makes the chicken tender and delicious.
To cook, grill the chicken on medium heat until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This usually takes about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll love how easy this recipe is!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
2) Parmesan Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
Parmesan oven roasted chicken breast is a delicious and healthy meal option. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. You’ll love the crispy texture and cheesy taste that makes this dish a favorite.
To make it, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, coat them in a rich parmesan sauce made from light mayo, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and mustard.
Simply bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through. This method keeps the chicken moist while adding a crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup light mayo
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix light mayo, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and mustard.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the parmesan sauce.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked. Enjoy!
3) Honey Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
Honey Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is a delicious and healthy meal. It combines juicy chicken breast with tender asparagus in a sweet garlic sauce. This dish is simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
You can prepare this meal in less than 30 minutes. Cooking everything in one pan makes cleanup easy. The honey and garlic create a tasty glaze that enhances the chicken and asparagus.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, diced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Add the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
4) Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast
Mediterranean stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and healthy meal option. This dish combines tender chicken with flavorful ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
You can make it in about 30 minutes. All you need are fresh ingredients, and your family will love the tasty flavors. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice each chicken breast to create a pocket.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stuff the mixture into each chicken pocket.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
5) Baked Chicken Breast with Vegetables
Baked chicken breast with vegetables is a simple and healthy meal. You can easily prepare it in one pan, making clean-up fast and easy. This dish is perfect for dinner after a busy day.
For the best flavor, season your chicken breast with herbs and spices. You can add colorful vegetables, like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. They bring great taste and nutrients to your meal.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts and vegetables in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6) Spicy Grilled Lime Chicken
This Spicy Grilled Lime Chicken is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. The zesty lime flavor combined with a bit of spice makes it stand out. It’s light, healthy, and easy to prepare.
To make this dish, you’ll use a marinade that includes lime juice, garlic, and chili flakes. The chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors for a juicy result.
Serve it with rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Grilling this chicken adds a nice smoky taste, making it a great choice for summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
7) Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Breast
Healthy teriyaki chicken breast is a delicious option for a quick meal. You can make it in just about 30 minutes. The homemade teriyaki sauce adds great flavor without extra calories.
To start, you will need chicken breasts and fresh vegetables. You can cook it all on a sheet pan for easy cleanup. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
You can serve it with rice for a filling meal. It’s both tasty and nutritious, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Vegetables of your choice (like bell peppers or broccoli)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the sauce over it.
- Add vegetables around the chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
8) Quick Caprese Chicken Skillet
This Quick Caprese Chicken Skillet is a simple and tasty dish. You can make it in just 20 minutes. It combines chicken breasts with fresh ingredients for a healthy meal.
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Then, cook them in a skillet until they are golden brown. Add garlic and red onions for extra flavor.
Next, top your chicken with sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a delicious finish. Finish cooking until the cheese is melted.
This dish is fresh and perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll love the combination of flavors!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add garlic and onions. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Top the chicken with tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish with basil and serve.
9) Simple Balsamic Glazed Chicken
This simple balsamic glazed chicken is both tasty and easy to make. It features a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. You’ll enjoy this dish in under an hour!
To prepare, start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need boneless chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and salt.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the glaze over it.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and enjoy!
10) Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken
Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken is a refreshing dish that’s full of flavor. It features a tangy marinade made with lime juice and fresh cilantro, perfect for grilling or baking.
This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. Marinating the chicken helps it stay juicy and tender while enhancing the taste.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is about 375°F or 190°C.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.