10+ Chicken Recipes Healthy for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Healthy chicken recipes offer you a delicious way to enjoy meals while taking care of your well-being. You can easily make meals that are both nutritious and satisfying, using simple ingredients and straightforward methods.

Whether you are looking to prepare quick dinners or plan for the week, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Using chicken in your meals can provide important nutrients while keeping the dishes light and flavorful. With a variety of cooking styles and flavors available, you will find recipes that fit your taste and lifestyle.

Embrace delicious, healthy eating with these chicken recipes that you and your family will love.

1) Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. The bright lemon flavor pairs well with fresh herbs. This dish is simple and quick to prepare.

To make it, you need just a few ingredients. The marinade includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs. After marinating, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor.

You can serve this chicken with a side of veggies or a salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for summer cooking or any time you want something light and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through.

2) Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll love how easy it is to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings a tasty twist to your chicken recipes.

To start, gather some boneless chicken thighs. You’ll want to cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and soak up more flavor.

Next, mix your favorite spices with honey and garlic. This sauce gives the chicken a sticky and savory taste.

You can serve it with vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a healthy meal. Enjoy the balance of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless chicken thighs
• ⅓ cup rice flour
• ¼ cup corn starch
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili flakes

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix rice flour and corn starch in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
5. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Mix honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes in another bowl.
7. Pour sauce over cooked chicken and stir.
8. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

3) Baked Balsamic Chicken Breasts

Baked balsamic chicken breasts are a simple and tasty dish that you can make in no time. This recipe gives you juicy chicken paired with a rich and tangy flavor.

You start by marinating the chicken in a mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor. You then bake it until it’s tender and cooked through.

You can enjoy this dish with a side of vegetables or salad for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it.
4. Sprinkle oregano on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until fully cooked.

4) Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry

A healthy chicken stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal. You can use fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. These add color and nutrients.

To make the stir-fry, start by cooking bite-sized chicken pieces in a hot pan. You can add garlic and ginger for flavor. Once the chicken is golden, toss in your veggies.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and a splash of sesame oil. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well coated and heated through.

Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
5. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring well.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

5) Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. The zesty flavor from lemon combined with the savory garlic makes each bite delicious. You can cook these thighs in a skillet, bake them, or even grill them for a smoky taste.

This dish is quick to prepare and pairs well with veggies or rice. Using fresh ingredients like garlic and lemon juice enhances the meal’s flavor. Plus, chicken thighs are juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture.
4. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

6) Crispy Chicken with Quinoa

Crispy chicken with quinoa is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. The quinoa adds crunch, while also providing protein and fiber. This dish is perfect for a nutritious meal that will leave you satisfied.

To make this dish, you’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked quinoa, eggs, and a few seasonings. The chicken is breaded with quinoa for a unique texture that is both crunchy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2.5 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and quinoa.
4. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally coat with quinoa.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
7. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

7) Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

This chicken salad is a healthy twist on the classic recipe. Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo makes it lighter and packed with protein. You’ll enjoy the creamy texture combined with crunchy vegetables.

To make it, you’ll need cooked chicken, grapes, celery, and almonds. The Greek yogurt dressing adds a zesty flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Serve it on greens or in a sandwich for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, and almonds.
2. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and stir until combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

8) Avocado Chicken Wrap

You’ll love making an Avocado Chicken Wrap for a quick and healthy meal. It’s simple and full of flavor. Start with a large tortilla, then layer in fresh ingredients.

Add cooked chicken, sliced avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top if you like. Wrap it tightly, and it’s ready to enjoy!

This wrap is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be made in just a few minutes. It’s nutritious and will keep you feeling full.

Ingredients

• 1 large tortilla
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• Optional: shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay the tortilla flat.
2. Add the lettuce first.
3. Layer in the chicken, avocado, and tomato.
4. Sprinkle cheese if desired.
5. Wrap tightly and enjoy!

9) Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans

Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans is a tasty and healthy dish. It combines chicken, black beans, peppers, and spices. This one-pot meal is easy to make and full of flavor.

You will enjoy the colors and textures in this recipe. The black beans add protein and fiber while the peppers bring crunch. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, add the chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add the red onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, and taco seasoning.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
5. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

10) Herb-Roasted Chicken with Veggies

This herb-roasted chicken with veggies is a simple and delicious meal. You will enjoy the fresh flavors and the ease of one-pan cooking. The combination of chicken and colorful vegetables makes it a healthy choice.

Start by seasoning your chicken with your favorite herbs. Olive oil adds flavor and helps everything roast nicely. You can use carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers for a vibrant mix.

Roast everything together for about 40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This allows the chicken to become juicy while the vegetables caramelize.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, bell peppers)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried herbs (like rosemary and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, coat chicken and veggies with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).