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    Home » Main Dish » Chicken » Healthy Chicken Recipes

    Healthy Chicken Recipes

    Published: February 19, 2021 · Jill Baird · 4 Comments

    healthy chicken recipes

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    We've pulled together 21 of our favorite Healthy Chicken Recipes to show just how tasty healthy chicken can be.  This list includes simple and healthy salads, snacks, soups, main courses and crockpot versions so that you’ll have plenty of options to choose from any night of the week.

    Jump to:
    • 21 of Our Favorite Healthy Chicken Recipes
    • Healthy Chicken Appetizers and Snacks
    • Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Chicken Soups and Stews from Scratch
    • Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Recipes
    • Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

    21 of Our Favorite Healthy Chicken Recipes

    If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “Healthy Chicken Recipes” is a plain grilled chicken breast with a side of unseasoned broccoli, then this list is for you.  Did we include a plain grilled chicken breast recipe?  Sure did!  But we’ve also included all sorts of fun, flavorful and delicious salads, soups, entrees and more.

    Healthy does not have to equal boring.  In fact, you don’t even need to tell your family that these are actually good for them!  You’ll find something for every kid, picky eater and health food fanatic alike.

    Healthy Chicken Appetizers and Snacks

    Healthy southwest Chicken shish kabobs

    1). Southwest Chicken Kabobs

    These grilled chicken kabobs are packed with flavor and fancy enough for a dinner party, or casual enough for a night in with the family.

    oven baked drumsticks in a bowl

    2). Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks

    Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside and ready in under 30 minutes!  Plus, they're baked, not fried.

    Garlic Parmesan chicken wings on a serving platter with a side bowl of dipping sauce.

    3). Garlic Parmesan Wings

    We love baked chicken wings because they are so quick and easy, back up nice and crispy and are a little more healthy than the deep-fried version.

    Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad Recipes

    healthy grilled chicken BLT salad recipe with pesto ranch dressing

    4). Grilled Chicken BLT Salad

    Topped with a healthy, creamy pesto ranch dressing that's easy and flavorful, this salad is a huge hit!

    Healthy grilled chicken salad in a bowl with a side of pesto ranch.

    5). Easy Grilled Chicken Breast Salad with Pesto Ranch Dressing

    This quick and easy grilled chicken salad is made with a simple marinade, pesto ranch dressing and is full of fresh avocados, greens and tomatoes.  

    BBQ grilled chicken salad in a serving bowl with more fresh ingredients in the background.

    6). BBQ Chicken Salad

    This salad is a huge hit in our house.  It has a tangy BBQ ranch dressing and is packed with healthy, flavorful toppings.

    Healthy Chicken Soups and Stews from Scratch

    homemade chicken noodle soup with pea and carrots in a large pot

    7). Easy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

    We keep things simple with this quick and easy chicken noodle soup by using rotisserie (or leftover) chicken.  

    White chicken chili in a bowl, garnished with tortilla strips, avocado and sliced jalapenos.

    8). White Chicken Chili

    A great alternative to traditional chili, this version is made with a thick, creamy broth packed with chicken, onions, white beans, green chilis and spices.

    Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a bowl on a table.

    9). Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    It's hard to go wrong with this homey one-pot Italian version of chicken and dumpling soup.  Your kids won't even complain that it's packed full of veggies!

    Ingredients to make homemade chicken stock in a large pot.

    10). Homemade Chicken Stock

    Easy, delicious and super healthy, this Homemade Chicken Stock is great for sipping or for adding to your homemade soups.

    Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Recipes

    Sheet Pan Chili Lime Chicken and Vegetables ingredients on a sheet pan ready to bake.

    11). Sheet Pan Chili Lime Chicken

    This simple chicken and veggie dish tastes great in tacos and burrito bowls, or served over plain rice.

    Oven-baked chicken breast on a sheet pan resting in juices.

    12). Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breast

    You can eat this as is, or use it for so many different dishes.  Some of our favorites are to add it to tacos, taco salad or plain with a side of BBQ sauce and a baked potato!

    cooked fajita ingredients on a sheet pan.

    13). Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    These baked chicken fajitas are a quick, easy and healthy dinner option that is on the menu very frequently at our house.

    Baked Lemon Ginger Chicken on a plate

    14). Baked Lemon Chicken

    Similar to the Simple Oven-Baked Chicken Breast, this version is absolutely perfect for meal prep.  It tastes great added to salads, served in tacos or as a healthy main dish with your favorite sides.

    Baked bbq chicken topped with cheese, bacon bits and green onions.

    15). Baked BBQ Chicken Breast

    Perfect for those days that you crave BBQ, but don't want to fire up the grill.  Eat with your favorite sides, or use to add to salads, over rice or inside a BBQ chicken bowl with avocado, black beans, cheese, quinoa and corn.

    Chipotle chicken in a bowl with side bowls of cheese, guacamole and more.

    16). Copycat Chipotle Chicken

    This recipe is simple, versatile, budget-friendly and just as delicious as the real thing.

    Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

    Three tortilla shells filled with cilantro lime chicken and toppings on a white plate.

    17). Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

    The flavoring for this healthy crockpot shredded chicken is deliciously mellow and very adaptable.  Try adding to soups, casseroles, pizza, sandwiches or tacos.

    Crockpot Chicken Salsa Verde, shredded chicken in a crockpot

    18). Easy Crockpot Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken

    With just 4 simple ingredients, this recipe couldn't be much easier.  For an even healthier version, try using low-fat cream cheese.

    Crockpot teriyaki chicken topped with scallions.

    19). Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

    This yummy teriyaki chicken recipe tastes best with chicken thighs, but if you want to go super healthy, you can easily substitute chicken breast.

    crockpot salsa chicken in a slow cooker

    20). Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken

    Our favorite way to use this recipe is to serve it in a yummy, healthy burrito bowl with brown rice (or quinoa), sauteed veggies, black beans, avocado and your favorite sauces or toppings.

    shredded crockpot ranch chicken in a crockpot.

    21). Crockpot Ranch Chicken

    The last recipe is probably the easiest.  It uses 3 ingredients and takes about 5 minutes to prep.  Let the crockpot do the work, then serve on a mini bun or tortilla shell.

    Thai Basil Chicken Stir fry

    22. Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry

    This Basil Chicken Stir Fry {Pad Krapow} is the most popular Thai food takeout and now you can make it at home.  It's very quick and easy,  inexpensive,  and tastes just as good as your favorite takeout.  You can get all the ingredients at your regular grocery store.  Serve it up on jasmine rice, noodles, or eat it right out of the pan.  Yes, this Thai dish is THAT good. 

    23. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wrap Recipe

    These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are filled with flavorful marinated chicken and topped with a homemade peanut sauce and your favorite toppings.  They make a delicious light lunch or tasty appetizer to go along with all sorts of Asian-inspired favorites.

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    pinterest pin for healthy chicken recipes

    This list of our 21 favorite Healthy Chicken Recipes includes all sorts of fun, flavorful and delicious salads, soups, entrees and more.  You'll find something for every kid, picky eater and health food fanatic alike.

    « Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
    Refried Black Beans »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sandi

      March 18, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      Wow, they all look so good. Which should I make first?

      Reply
      • The Carefree Kitchen

        March 23, 2021 at 8:40 am

        The CHicken Thai is a family favorite for sure and the Cilantro Lime Chicken is really yummy too! Good luck!

        Reply
    2. Nellie Tracy

      March 18, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      This is a compilation of some great recipes. Can't wait to try the ones I've never had before!

      Reply
      • The Carefree Kitchen

        March 23, 2021 at 8:40 am

        I hope you love them as much as we do!

        Reply

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