When it comes to eating healthy, it’s easier than you think to get creative and enjoy the food you’re eating. Trying new recipes and maximizing variety is the key, and luckily, chicken is truly one of the most versatile staples out there. From grilled kabobs to slow cooker meals, we’ve got you covered with these healthy chicken recipes.
Health benefits of chicken
Aside from being a low-calorie option, chicken is packed with a number of important nutrients, including:
- Protein: Protein is considered the “building block” of life and plays a number of important roles in the body. Protein promotes growth and muscle mass, which helps cells repair and protects the body from infections and viruses.
- Niacin: This B vitamin is made and used by your body to turn food into energy. It’s also important for nervous and digestive system health.
- Selenium: This mineral has nutritional properties that can help lower the risk of heart disease, thyroid disease, some cancers, cognitive decline, and more.
- Phosphorus: This key element of bones, teeth, and cell membranes also helps activate enzymes, and keeps blood pH within a normal range.
9 easy, healthy, and satisfying chicken recipes
Complement your hard-earned workouts with these protein-rich chicken dishes that make it easy to stay on track with your health goals.
Sheet-Pan Zucchini Chicken Nachos
Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as other nutrients that improve digestion. It’s also a handy swap-in for many recipes, like how it replaces carb-heavy tortilla chips in these loaded chicken nachos.
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One-Pan Crispy Lemon-Herb Chicken with Roasted Green Beans
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? Bright citrus flavors blend perfectly with herby green beans for an easy-to-throw-together weekday meal.
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Easy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
Cozy up with a bowl of this white chicken chili and relax knowing you’re getting tons of lean proteins and other nutrients. This meal is truly simple, and you can throw it together in the morning so it’s ready as soon as the dinnertime hungries hit.
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Easy Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice
A healthier reimagining of Chinese takeout, this flavorful dish is easier on the wallet and has way less unhealthy fat.
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One-Pan Crispy Peanut Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
The simple 5-ingredient peanut sauce is really the star of this show, though crispy, tender chicken thighs and tons of colorful veggies don’t hurt either.
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Easy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
All the homey flavors of chicken pot pie — but healthier! Plus, you can make it dairy-free while keeping the creaminess that’s just so satisfying.
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One-Pan Spinach-Artichoke Chicken
Make this crowd-pleaser for dinner, or put it out with some crostini at your next party. Either way, there likely won’t be any leftovers.
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Traditional Grilled Greek Kabobs
Chicken, vegetable, and fruit are grilled to perfection for a fun, light entrée or side dish. Add some whole wheat pita bread and hummus for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Traditional Grilled Greek Kabobs recipe »
Cilantro-Lime Chopped Chicken Salad
This flavor-packed salad makes for a great lunch or dinner. Plus, precooked rotisserie chicken means it’s super easy to throw together.
Want more healthy mealtime inspo? Check out these 6 Quick Dinners to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation.
