65 Healthy Chicken Recipes - iFoodReal.com (2024)

Chicken is the most popular meat in America. To help you solve “What’s for dinner?” dilemma, I have compiled most popular and easy 65 Healthy Chicken Recipes on iFOODreal!

Healthy chicken skillets, soups, salads and baked chicken breast and thigh recipes that are fairly quick, juicy, crispy and tender.

Chicken is our go-to meat. I love chicken for its health benefits compared to other meat, affordability and accessibility. Chicken is a blank canvas that can take on any seasonings and become a delicious healthy clean meal.

We have over 140 healthy chicken recipes on the blog and this is only half of them. Please enjoy!

Health Benefits of Chicken

• Chicken is a source of lean protein, vitamins B3 and B6, and selenium. If you live a healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t mean you have to cook only healthy chicken breast recipes.
• It does matter how you cook your chicken. Baking, grilling and sauteing chicken with a bit of oil are the healthiest options. That’s when ceramic non-stick pans are handy.
• Consuming chicken may help you reduce consumption of red meat.
• Eating more lean protein like poultry may help with weight loss.
• Chicken noodle soup may relieve the symptoms of common cold.

All this info from a reliable source and common sense. Now if you are vegan you probably hate me.:) But hey, I’m not vegan and love my chicken and vegetables. Moderation is key.

Quick Links

Click on the link below to jump to your favorite healthy chicken recipe section.

• 30 Minute-ish Chicken Recipes
• Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
• Chicken Skillet Recipes
• Baked Chicken Recipes
• One Pot and Pan Chicken Recipes
• Soup and Stew Chicken Recipes

Tips for Cooking Chicken

• Don’t overcook: Boneless chicken breasts and thighs cook fast. Overcooking will result in dry and rubbery chicken.
• When is baked or fried chicken ready? When instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 150 degrees F. Let it rest covered for 10 mins, meat will reach internal temperature of 165 degrees F and juices will settle.
• Stretch the dollar: My grandma taught me how to cut a whole chicken and make 3 different meals out of it.

What Goes Well with Chicken?

• Whole grains: Cilantro coconut brown rice would pair nicely with many recipes. And cauliflower fried rice would go well with Asian-ih dishes.
• Mashed potatoes: Can never go wrong with classic mashed potatoes in Instant Pot.
• Pasta:My kids love plain pasta with ketchup alongside any chicken. Discover 45 of my healthy pasta recipes to find a few you like!
• Salads: Fresh and simple salads like tomato mozzarella avocado salad, arugula feta salad or creamy cucumber salad will pair with many of these recipes.
• Vegetables: Simply sauteed zucchini, roasted cauliflower or grilled zucchini are quick to make and have mild enough flavors not to overpower many of these chicken dishes.

30 Minute-ish Chicken Recipes

I cook these healthy clean eating chicken breast recipes when I need dinner on the table in 20-30 minutes, do not want to fuss with many ingredients or am tired. Always having boneless chicken breasts in the freezer helps.

Chicken Tostadas

20 MinuteChicken Tostadaswith shredded chicken, black beans, avocado, crumbled cheese and homemade baked tortilla shells. Tasty, healthy andquick dinner idea.

Healthy Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chickenis quickly pan seared until crispy and then coated in lemon butter sauce. This 30 minute restaurant qualitychicken recipeis perfect for a weeknight, serve with creamy cucumber tomato salad!

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Make theseBuffalo Chicken Tacossmothered in Frank’s red hot sauce and drizzled with homemade healthy blue cheese Greek yogurt sauce. To die for!

Healthy Chicken Salad

Easy and low fatHealthy Chicken Saladthat is a must for hot summer days, lunches and quick dinner. It is also low in calories and sodium but big on flavor.

Ground Chicken Tacos

30 minuteGround Chicken Tacoscooked with vegetables and all the fixins in one skillet for a healthy taco family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and kids absolutely love these chicken tacos!

Grilled Chicken Breast

Tender and juicyGrilled Chicken Breastwith 30 minute marinating and simple ingredients. Easy chicken recipe for summer BBQ, no cook dinners, salads and potlucks.

Cilantro Lime Chicken

ThisCilantro Lime Chickencan be grilled, baked or fried so you can enjoy it year round. The best part – marinate from 30 mins to 48 hours. So much flavor either way!

Greek Chicken

Greek Chickenmarinade infused with oregano, lemon and garlic and ready to bake, grill or fry for the best Greek chicken recipe ever! Opa!

Healthy Lettuce Chicken Wraps

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wrapsis another30 minute dinner we make regularly. It all started with a visit to PF Chang’s in Seattle. Easy filling made with chicken breast, or ground chicken cooked in a tasty savory sauce and loaded up on crispy lettuce leaves. Way better than any restaurant’s. Not to mention way more healthy. Are you in?

Chili Lime Chicken

Flavorful MexicanChili Lime Chickenin as little as 30 minutes. Bake, grill or fry and use in tacos, salads or fajitas year round.

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chickenis amazing chicken recipe to have as a backup plan. Delicious honey garlic sauce with simple ingredients from your pantry will transform freshchicken breastsorthighsin 30 minutes into a restaurant qualitydinner. Healthy, easy and at fraction of the cost.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

One of the best things about Air Fryer Chicken is that it is so simple and made up of entirely clean ingredients and pantry staples. So quick to make for meal prep or for a quick dinner! Serve with southwest quinoa salad and you have a winning dinner on hand.

Chicken Quesadilla

Chicken Quesadillawith lots of veggies, less cheese, whole wheat tortillas and baked instead of fried. Only 5 ingredients! Healthy, easy and delicious Mexican food.

Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad with baby greens, tomatoes, berries, toasted nuts, feta cheese and creamy poppyseed dressing or any of these favorite

Chicken Burritos

Chicken Burrito Recipefor busy people! Meal prep 17 chicken burritos in an hour in Instant Pot or on the stove and freeze for later. Or turn chicken burrito into a low carb burrito bowl.

Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Pressure cooker is amazing for cooking juicy chicken, even from frozen. Yes! No more “crap, forgot to thaw the chicken” literally. Instant Pot replaces slow cooker ten-fold. If you haven’t jumped on a pressure cooker bandwagon hurry up before it’s too late. You can use any brand of pressure cooker to make these healthy clean eating Instant Pot chicken recipes.

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chickenis healthy, sticky and glossy made with any fresh or frozen chicken. Easy pressure cooker dinner entire family will love!

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

JuicyInstant Pot Chicken Breastfrom fresh or frozen. 25 minutes from start to finish, simple ingredients and no saute.

Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Frozen Chickenor make rotisserie style whole chicken in pressure cooker with 5 mins prep. It comes out super juicy!If you have fresh chicken, check out thisInstant Pot whole chicken recipe.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chickenis easy, healthy and 30 minute restaurant qualitydinneryou can make whenever you crave Indian food. Many readers give it 5 stars and call this recipe authentic!

Instant Pot Stir Fr

Instant Pot Stir Frywith fresh or frozen chicken, frozen vegetables and healthy easy teriyaki sauce. Do you need to be saved at the end of the work day? Then this Costco dinner with 5 minutes prep is for you!

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoesis easy one pot chicken stew like my Ukrainian grandma used to make. Set and forgethealthy dinner recipewith10 minutes prep.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Riceis absolutely scrumptious one pot meat with chicken breasts or thighs, white or brown rice and veggies. It is ideal for busy weeknights.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tacosare the most easy tacos with fresh or frozen chicken breasts. 30 minute healthy dinner idea I promise will become your go-to!

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo with milk and Parmesan is creamy, saucy and absolutely like a heavy cream restaurant quality alfredo. And nobody will complain. This easy 25 minute weeknight dinner is a family favorite!

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Whole Chickencomes out juicy, flavorful, crispy and so tender, even the breast. It is the most easy rotisserie chicken you will ever make with 5 minutes prep in your pressure cooker.

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Chickenmakes flavourful and healthy pulled chicken in 30 minutes total. Serve with rice, salad or make wraps and freeze for busy nights.

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta with Parmesan

Instant Pot Parmesan Chicken Pastais 30ish minute one pot meal with tomato sauce, chicken breasts and gooey cheese on top. Full of staples, kids favorite and so easy!

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

EPIC Instant Pot Chicken Thighsthat are juicy, tender, flavorful and ready in 30 minutes. Not to mention it is 5 ingredient chicken recipe!

Chicken Skillets

If you want throw chopped chicken with minimum other ingredients on a skillet, so be it. Cook brown rice and serve as a side. Or make skillet with lots of veggies. All these healthy chicken dinner recipes take 30 minutes or less in regular frying pan.

Thai Chicken Curry

Enjoy this creamy, rich, and aromaticThai Chicken Curryat home with just one pan, simple ingredients, and in under 30 minutes.

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini

Mexican Chicken and Zucchinicooked in one skillet with black beans, corn, fresh herbs, taco seasoning and melted cheese on top. One pan, low carb andhealthy 30 minute meal.

Healthy Chicken Stir Fry

ThisHealthy Chicken Stir Fryis loaded with veggies and chicken coated in easy sweet and savory sauce. It isa 30 minute mealeveryone will love!

Chicken and Corn

This garlic Chicken Zucchini and Corn recipe is a 20 minute healthy weeknight dinner that was inspired by my Ukrainian roots. Low carb, easy and one pan deliciousness!

Chicken with Tomatoes

ThisChicken with Tomatoescombines tender pan fried chicken breast with sauteed juicy tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for an easy, flavorful weeknight 30 minute meal.

Teriyaki Chicken and Cauliflower

ThisTeriyaki Chicken and Cauliflowercombines juicy chicken, crispy cauliflower, and a sweet and sticky healthy teriyaki sauce.30 minute dinnerthat will satisfy all your take out cravings.

Chicken Quinoa Skillet

ThisChicken Quinoa Skilletcombines tender chicken, fresh garden vegetables and nutrient-dense quinoa for a quick30 minute meal.

Pesto Chicken

Pesto Chicken is bursting with flavor, is easy to make and is a one-pan wonder. Juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes sauteed with fresh basil pesto and then add in chicken breasts with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Perfect dinner for summer or to remind you of summer!

Yellow Chicken Curry

ThisChicken Currywill be the best you ever tried! Chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce with coconut milk and yellow curry powder, then served over rice isa 30 minute dinnerheaven. So aromatic!

Healthy Orange Chicken

Delicious and ready in 30 minutes! Healthy Orange Chicken is lightened up with a lower sugar orange sauce that is just as delicious as your favorite takeout. Serve with Instant Pot steamed vegetables and a grain for a healthy dinner.

Baked Chicken Recipes

Baked chicken is one of the most healthy ways to cook chicken as you need minimum of fat to make meat juicy. The key to tasty baked chicken is to bake it at the right temperature and with a good combination of dried herbs to avoid bottles of unhealthy sauces. I have done my ground work for you.

Baked Chicken and Peppers

Baked Chicken and Peppersis a true crowd pleaser dish where boneless chicken thighs are baked with sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms under a blanket of cheese until gooey. Serve on top ofmashed potatoesorricewith the juices and everyone will be blown away!

Oven Baked Chicken Breast

Baked Chicken Breast is easy, juicy and ready with 5 minutes of prep. This simple chicken breast recipe will become your go-to! You will be surprised that juicy chicken breast is baked uncovered.

5 Chicken Marinades

Easy Chicken Marinade Recipes are perfect for your oven baked chicken! Marinated chicken turns out so juicy and flavorful. Choose from faijta, greek, lemon, teriyaki and ranch marinades.

Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan

A classic restaurant favorite lightened up! You will love this Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan with almond flour breading, sweet marinara and gooey mozzarella cheese!

Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups

These healthy Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups made with whole wheat or brown rice pasta, artichoke hearts and white sauce are fun to make with kids and make a fancy tasty dinner.

Crispy Coconut Chicken

Crispy Coconut Chickenwith chicken tenders breaded in coconut flakes and spices, then baked until golden brown and dipped in your favorite sauce. Your kids will love this healthy version of chicken strips!

Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers are super easy to make healthy peppers with chicken, rice, mushrooms and tomato pasta sauce.

Healthy Fried Chicken

ThisHealthy Fried Chickenis baked instead of fried without breadcrumbs, cereal, oil or flour. It comes out so crispy outside and juicy inside, you will want to sink in your teeth immediately.

Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Homemade healthy chicken nuggets baked instead of fried and perfect for dunking into ketchup or honey mustard. Naturally gluten free with almond flour.

Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighswith lots of garlic, crispy skin and so juicy inside!Growing up in Ukraine, my mom always baked these chicken thighs and today they “wow” families and guests around the world.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a plump juicy golden brown chicken breast stuffed with a creamy cheesy spinach filling. Simmered in a buttery broth, this low carb 30 minute skillet dinner will be an instant hit!

Almond Crusted Chicken

Almond Crusted Chicken is a healthy version of chicken strips that are baked instead of fried, and coated in ground almonds in place of breadcrumbs. These chicken tenders are crunchy on the outside, moist inside and full of flavour.

Chicken Enchiladas

Our absolute family favourite Chicken Enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken, beans and green chiles, baked with the best homemade enchilada sauce until cheese is bubbly. This is melt in your mouth, restaurant quality, easy dinner!

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Casserolehas a creamy filling of veggies, juicy chicken and the best crust. This recipe is so easy to make from scratch. Classic comfort food never tasted so good!

Sheet Pan and One Pot Chicken Recipes

You can throw all the ingredients in a Dutch oven or on a sheet pan and have a healthy dinner. No other bowls to dirty. Isn’t that amazing?! Veggie packed, flavor dense and calorie low, these healthy family meals are sure to be a hit!

One Pot Chicken Quinoa

One Pot Chicken Quinoais loaded with broccoli, wholesome quinoa, juicy chicken and delicious flavours. Nothing is “boring” about thishealthy one pot mealperfect for a weeknight dinner!

Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs and potatoes, carrots and oniontossed with simple spices, garlic and oil. Then baked until chicken is juicy with crispy skin and onions are roasted. Deliciousone pan dinner!

Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Tuscan Chicken Pastawith healthy creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and chicken. 30 minute clean eating chicken one pot meal for busy weeknights. Kids will approve!

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

One Pan Chicken and Potatoesprepared and baked with tomatoes, garlic and oregano on same sheet pan. Easy, healthy and absolutely deliciousquick dinner solutionfor busy weeknights.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

30 MinuteSheet Pan Chicken and Veggieswith chicken breast, mixed vegetables and simple spices. So easy, you don’t need a trip to a grocery store.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Low Carb Chicken Zucchini Casserolewith layers of cooked shredded chicken, zucchini noodles sheets and super easy healthy enchilada sauce. Loaded with fiber, vegetables and protein.

Mexican Chicken and Rice

One Pan Mexican Chicken and Riceis easy chicken skillet recipe made with pantry staples. Rice and chicken breasts are simmered in salsa broth, then finished with gooey cheese and served with avocado.

Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserolewith brown rice, broccoli and no canned soup makes one easy baked healthy chicken casserole from scratch.

Chicken Soup and Stew Recipes

There is nothing better than a bowl of soup or stew on a rainy or snowy day. Plus soup and stew are very budget friendly! Growing up in Ukraine we ate soup every single day!I still cook soup at least 3 times a week to clean out the fridge and to cut back on the cost of feeding a family with 3 men!

Healthy White Chicken Chili

Healthy White Chicken Chiliisa 30 minute mealwith chicken breast, white beans, corn, cumin and yogurt. This healthy comfort food is easy to make on the stove, crockpot or Instant Pot.

Buffalo Chicken Chili

Buffalo Chicken Chilimade healthy and yet creamy in slow cooker or Instant Pot. Or turn into a freezer meal.

Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soupis made with tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, veggies, and herbs in a deliciously spiced broth. An easy, healthysoupthat combines so many fresh Mexican flavours!

Chicken Chickpea Stew

Quick Chicken Chickpea Stew recipe with tomatoes cooked on a stove, in slow cooker or Instant Pot. Plus how to turn into a healthy freezer meal instructions for busy families. So good!

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soupjust like my Ukrainian grandma used to make. It is easy, hearty, healthy and delicious. Serve with fresh dill or parsley, lots of pepper and toasted whole grain bread. Yum!

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Wild Rice Soupis made without heavy cream, flour or butter in your slow cooker, Instant Pot or on the stove. It is easy, creamy, low fat and simply the best healthy comfort food in a bowl!

Chicken Lentil Soup

This flavourful clean eating Chicken Lentil Soup has chicken, lentils, leafy greens, and corn simmering in herb-infused chicken stock with coconut milk. Made in a slow cooker or stovetop, your choice!

Instant Pot Thai Chicken Soup

Easy and creamyInstant Pot Thai Chicken Soupwith coconut milk, peanuts, cilantro, lime and full of hidden veggies. Make on the stove, slow cooker or turn into a freezer meal.

Chicken Stew

This quick and easy one potChicken Stewis made with chicken, potatoes and carrots simmered in a deliciously seasoned broth and garnished with fresh herbs.

More Healthy Dinner Ideas

• Healthy Instant Pot recipes
• Healthy freezer meals
• Healthy quick dinners
• Healthy soup recipes

Alternately, solve your lunchtime dilemma with these healthy lunch ideas!

65 Healthy Chicken Recipes: Chicken Salad

One of my most popular healthy chicken recipes. This easy and low fat Healthy Chicken Salad is a must-have recipe for quick lunches, dinner or picnics. Even though it is low on calories, it is big on taste.

5 from 3 votes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 180

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Print RecipeSave RecipeRate Recipe

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• ▢ 3/4 cup 3 large celery stalks, diced
• ▢ 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
• ▢ 1/4 cup parsley or dill finely chopped (optional)
• ▢ 1 cup pecans, almonds or cashews
• ▢ 1/2 cup plain yogurt 2+% fat
• ▢ 1/4 cup mayo I used avocado oil mayo
• ▢ 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• ▢ 1 tsp any vinegar except balsamic
• ▢ 1/2 tsp salt
• ▢ Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a small skillet, toast pecans on low-medium heat until darker brown and fragrant. Make sure to stir often. Then, transfer to a cutting board, cool and chop coarsely.

• In a medium bowl, add toasted pecans, chicken, celery, onion, parsley, yogurt, mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir gently to mix. Adjust the amount of salt to taste.

• Chicken salad tastes best cold, so refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

• Serve with quinoa, brown rice or greens or make a chicken salad sandwich with whole wheat bread.

Video

Notes

• Store:Refrigeratein an airtight container for up to 5 days. I have not tried freezing this salad, but don’t think the fresh veggies and herbs would hold up well.
• How to cook chicken for salad: Use baked chicken breast. Or if you have an Instant Pot, try making Instant Pot frozen chicken, Instant Pot whole chicken or Instant Pot chicken breast.
• Onions: You can substitute white or green onion for red onion.
• Sweet addition: Try adding sliced grapes or chopped apple for a bit of sweetness.
• Use any mayo: Olive oil mayo or vegenaise work well. I tend to use avocado oil mayo because it is healthier.
• Do not use 0% yogurt: You will definitely want to use plain regular or Greek yogurt with a fat content of at least 2%. Yogurt with less fat will cause the chicken salad to taste flat and chalky (and who wants that?!).

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 173mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Course: Salad

Cuisine: North American

Author: Olena Osipov

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