52 healthy chicken recipes (2024)

We've also got plenty more healthy recipes to inspire you, including these healthy mince recipes, healthy prawn recipes, healthy fish recipes and healthy salmon recipes.

Healthy chicken recipes

Chicken paillard

A flattened chicken breast served with a tasty accompaniment of red peppers and anchovies, ready in 30 minutes.

Chicken Caesar salad

A traditional Caesar salad recipe – including the famous Caesar dressing – but with added chicken.

More like this

Chicken souvlaki

This classic Greek fast food dish is lower in calories and fat than the original version, as it's made with chicken breast rather than thighs.

Honey sesame chicken

Rice vinegar and honey make for a well-balanced, sweet and sharp sauce, while fresh, crunchy broccoli completes the dish.

Tunisian chicken tajin

From The Tunisia Cookbook, this recipe is based on the traditional tortilla-style dish that can be served hot or cold.

Chicken burrito bowl

This is perfect for making the day before, either for dinner or a packed lunch, as it keeps well overnight in the fridge.

Greek chicken skewers

Simple but delicious, try adding more salads to create a healthy Mediterranean buffet.

Roast chicken panzanella

An unusual take on this famous salad, that makes for a nourishing and filling meal.

Chinese drunken chicken

A bittersweet, succulent dish of chicken thighs marinated in rice wine. Serve with rice to mop up the juices and plenty of veg.

Homestyle chicken curry

A great Friday-night treat to beat a takeaway on health points. Also known as tariwalla murgh, this dish is comforting and tasty, with a bit of a kick.

Mexican chicken adobo

You can keep the chipotle-based marinade for up to a month in the fridge. It gives a spicy, smoky kick and is perfect for BBQs.

Ginger chicken noodle salad

With fresh herbs, sesame, ginger and a tasty dressing, this crunchy salad is packed with flavour

Healthy slow cooker chicken curry

With chickpeas, tomatoes and spices, this is an easy and nutritious dinner.

Chicken stroganoff

High in protein, but low in calories, fat and salt, try this easy meal for feeding the family.

52 healthy chicken recipes (14)

Grilled chicken wraps

Even with making the zhoggiu (Sicilian pesto), this tasty dish is on the table in 20 minutes. Enjoy it for a delicious lunch.

Chicken noodle soup

This Thai-inspired soup is refreshing and spicy, just the thing to ward off the winter blues

Chicken and cashew stir-fry

Add a touch of luxury to a mid-week stir-fry with cashew nuts and a rich sauce of dark soy and honey.

Chicken tinga

This Mexican dish of shredded chicken in a tomato and spice sauce can be used in tacos or enchilladas, or serve with rice.

Nepalese chicken choyela

With plenty of spices, this is a tasty and low-calorie version of the popular Nepalese street-food dish.

Chicken yassa

This Senegalese favourite is made with mustard, chilli and lemon juice for buckets of flavour!

Healthy one-pan chicken and rice

A chicken dish with a difference – this Chinese-inspired recipe sees chicken marinated in soy, hoisin, honey and garlic before being cooked with brown rice.

Chicken satay with rice

Spoon our nutty peanut sauce over caramelised chicken and serve with pickled veg and wholegrain rice for a quick high-protein meal.

Mediterranean chicken traybake

So good we put it on our cover in August 2020, this simple chicken traybake, sprinkled with olives, feta, oregano, is packed with protein and made all the more nutritious with fresh veg.

Easy butter chicken

Make this comforting butter chicken using whatever curry paste you have. It’s the combo of butter, almonds and yogurt that magically creates such a rich, creamy sauce

Chicken satay noodle salad

Make our easy chicken satay noodle salad recipe with red cabbage, shredded carrots and roasted peanuts. This vibrant crunchy salad is antioxidant rich and ready in an hour.

Chicken stroganoff

This healthy spin on chicken stroganoff is high-protein, low-salt and low-fat, making it a brilliant option for a light, but creamy midweek dinner.

Ginger chicken noodle salad

Toss nutty soba noodles, shredded chicken, crunchy sesame seeds and fresh aromatic herbs with a zingy ginger dressing for a high-protein, veg filled lunch.

Healthy chicken korma

Fragrant, creamy and gently spiced, korma is super-comforting with its rich, buttery sauce. This version is lighter than the traditional recipe, yet it’s every bit as warming.

Miso and chilli chicken noodle soup

Fry shredded chicken in miso and gochujang and add to this nutritious broth for a gut-friendly, protein-packed meal.

Chicken, jalapeño and black bean stew

Lift your chicken stew with pickled chilli peppers and top with soured cream and grated cheese for a hearty midweek meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

Spanish chicken traybake

Flavour chicken thighs with sweet smoked paprika and honey, then roast until sweet and sticky alongside new potatoes, red peppers and green olives.

Cheat’s tandoori chicken

Tender whole chicken thighs flavoured with turmeric, curry paste, lemon and mild chilli powder are served alongside a simple minty yogurt dip and zingy side salad, for a light, high protein supper.

Turmeric chicken

Make chicken breasts that little bit more exciting by chucking turmeric, smoked paprika, crispy chickpeas and baby spinach into the mix. Serve with lemony yogurt and toasted pittas.

Harissa chicken and white bean bake

This vibrant recipe sees chicken thighs slathered with harissa and cooked in a rich tomato sauce with beans and olives – a healthy, high-protein family meal with a punchy kick of heat.

Chicken pasta salad

Throw together this quick and easy pasta salad using leftover chicken, tomatoes and greens for a satisfying, protein-rich lunch or midweek dinner.

Cumin-crusted chicken with kale salad and hummus dressing

This speedy dish is a clever way to make chicken that little bit more exciting. Serve with a drizzle of hummus and white wine vinegar dressing.

Healthy chicken saag

A healthy chicken curry recipe that proves you can still have your favourite Friday night foods while eating well. This dish is packed with herbs and spices for a delicious dish that's ready in just 45 minutes.

Coconut and lemongrass poached chicken with lime rice

Fluffy steamed rice, crisp green vegetables and aromatic Thai spices go into this warm and comforting bowl of coconut and lemongrass chicken – it's the perfect easy chicken dinner recipe. Make some extra for a healthy packed lunch the next day, too.

Discover even more of our favourite Thai recipes.

Chicken madras

Healthy eating doesn't mean missing out on your favourite dishes. Our chicken madras is a fragrant curry that's a quick and easy way to feed the family while offering lots of protein and antioxidants.

Shredded veg and chicken salad with Japanese sesame dressing

This healthy chicken salad recipe is packed with flavour. The rice vinegar gives a slightly sweet, tangy edge and there's plenty of crunch from the fresh veg and sesame seeds. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner.

Healthy chicken stir-fry

High in protein and low in calories, this shredded chicken and chestnut mushroom stir-fry is bursting with fresh, gingery flavour and red chilli heat.

Healthy one-pot chicken

A twist on a classic pot roast, this healthy chicken dish is infused with aromatic flavours, from the umami of miso to the grassy freshness of pak choi. Serve it up on Sunday for an alternative roast to feed the family.

Cajun chicken supreme

Pep-up chicken supremes with a spicy cajun seasoning, then serve with a dressed kale salad and honey-mustard dressing for a speedy, low-calorie dinner.

Chicken, red pepper and olive cacciatore

An indulgent chicken dish with crunchy red peppers and juicy olives. This Italian chicken one-pot is easy to make and freezes brilliantly, plus it's gluten free.

Discover even more delicious gluten-free recipes.

‘Roast’ chicken dinner

Try Donal Skehan's recipe with all the flavours of a full Sunday roast but with far less washing-up. A nourishing and speedy take on the classic, with plenty of delicious roast potatoes.

Mojito chicken wild rice salad

High on flavour and gluten free, our mojito chicken with wild rice salad is really easy to make. Packed with vibrant fruit and vegetables, it makes a perfect midweek meal for one.

Healthy chicken curry

Check out our easy chicken curry recipe with creamy coconut milk, punchy madras paste and crunchy sugar snap peas. This flavoursome curry is gluten-free, high in protein and absolutely delicious

Try even more healthy curry recipes.

Kung po chicken salad

Quick, delicious and nutritious, Donal Skehan's kung po chicken salad has got midweek winner written all over it.

Easy chicken mole

This quick and easy chicken mole recipe uses a clever cheat product so you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes. It's rich and flavourful but still nutritious – perfect for a midweek Mexican-inspired healthy meal.

Paprika chicken thighs with cherry tomatoes, courgette ribbons and mint

Check out these seriously crispy, smoky chicken thighs with easy courgette ribbons and juicy cherry tomatoes. This super easy meal is high in protein and ready in less than an hour.

Griddled chicken with mustardy lentil salad

Make our vibrant chicken salad with crunchy green beans, seasonal mangetout and lentils. This quick and easy salad is ready in just 30 minutes – the perfect way to start the week.

Advertisem*nt

Butterflied ras el hanout chicken breast with chopped salad

This North African-inspired recipe with butterflied chicken and ras el hanout is gluten free and packed full of flavour. A light and easy midweek meal.

52 healthy chicken recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest thing to cook chicken with? ›

Poached Chicken

Poaching is great because it adds virtually no fat to your food, yet yields subtle flavour and moisture. To poach your chicken, add your ingredients (chicken and any other vegetables, aromatics, and spices you like) to a skillet or pot, and add a cooking liquid such as broth, wine, or coconut milk.

What is the least fattening way to cook chicken? ›

Steaming. Steaming is another healthy and quick cooking method for chicken. For this method, you use a steaming basket and pot of hot water. Alternatively, you can get the same results by cooking in a steam-assisted hybrid oven.

What's the healthiest part of the chicken to eat? ›

The bottom line

The chicken breast is lean and has the most protein by weight, making it ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass and improve recovery. Fattier cuts like the thigh, drumstick and wings have more calories, which make them better for people wanting to build muscle or gain weight.

How to cook chicken to reduce fat? ›

Air frying is an innovative way to cook chicken that gives the delicious taste of frying without the need for lots of oil. This is a great alternative to deep frying, as it makes chicken just as crispy and tasty, while requiring far less fat by using powerful waves of hot air to evenly cook your food.

Can I eat chicken everyday and be healthy? ›

Chicken is a healthy food (as long as it's poached, baked or grilled), but that doesn't mean you should eat it every single day. As both dietitians have explained, eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to give your body the nutrients it needs.

Is it healthier to fry or bake chicken? ›

But there's a healthier, equally delicious way to eat comfort food like fried chicken. And it's all thanks to your oven. By cooking chicken in the oven, you'll use little oil, which will minimize heart health risks. Aside from being healthier for your heart, this chicken is also high in protein (8 g per serving).

Is chicken bad when trying to lose weight? ›

Including chicken in your diet can aid weight loss as it is high in protein and nutrients while low in calories. However, avoiding fried and processed options is essential and opt for organic, natural chicken. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and balanced protein intake are crucial for effective weight loss.

What is the best chicken to eat to lose weight? ›

If your main aim is weight loss, then the best type of chicken you can opt for is- skinless, boneless chicken breast. Do you know that 3-ounce serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast provides just 140 calories, a whopping 26 grams of protein, and just 3 grams of fat?

Should I avoid chicken to lose weight? ›

Less amount of fat is found in chicken as compared to mutton. Therefore chicken can help more in weight loss. People who are planning to lose weight or are following any diet plan can consume chicken instead of mutton. More protein is found in mutton than chicken, but calories are found less in chicken.

What is the unhealthiest part of a chicken? ›

The highest fat content in a chicken comes from the skin, followed by the wings, which just barely edge out the next-fattiest cut of chicken meat, the thigh. Next up is the drumstick, followed by breast meat, which is the leanest cut of chicken.

Is rotisserie chicken good for you? ›

Even with additives, a rotisserie chicken is a far healthier choice than a fast food run, says Allers. “It's still lower in fat and calories than fast food. It's serving its purpose – it's fast, but it can still help you create a balanced meal.

What is the healthiest fish to eat? ›

7 Healthiest Fish to Eat, According to Experts
  1. Sardines. “Sardines are one of the healthiest fish to eat because they're very high in omega-3s,” says Gomer. ...
  2. Mackerel. Mackerel is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, says Sauceda. ...
  3. Anchovies. ...
  4. Salmon. ...
  5. Herring. ...
  6. Trout. ...
  7. Tuna.
Mar 28, 2024

Can I eat chicken to lose belly fat? ›

If you are a meat-eater, lean chicken breast is a great source of protein if you want to beat belly fat. But do not forget healthy, fatty fish such as salmon.

Is frying chicken in olive oil healthy? ›

Yes, you can fry chicken in olive oil. It's a healthier way to enjoy one of your favorite foods without sacrificing taste! You can both shallow pan fry and deep fry in olive oil. Although, our preferred method is shallow pan frying.

How much chicken should I eat per day to lose weight? ›

How much chicken should I eat per day to lose weight? As a lean meat, chicken doesn't have much fat — so aim for 100g per day as part of a balanced diet to make sure you're getting what you need. High is protein, it's a solid choice for feeling satiated for longer, weight loss and maintaining lean body mass.

What is the best way to eat chicken breast for weight loss? ›

Skinless chicken breast is a good choice for weight loss. It's lean, low in calories, and high in protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied while promoting muscle maintenance. Be mindful of cooking methods; grilling, baking, or steaming chicken without adding excessive fats or oils is the healthiest option.

Is it healthy to cook chicken with oil? ›

Yes, you can fry chicken in olive oil. It's a healthier way to enjoy one of your favorite foods without sacrificing taste! You can both shallow pan fry and deep fry in olive oil. Although, our preferred method is shallow pan frying.

What is the healthiest way to cook meat? ›

Grilling, roasting, baking, broiling, steaming, press cooking and slow cooking are some of the healthiest ways to cook meat. And yes, you should avoid deep-frying it. “Avoid marinades and sauces that are high in sugar and sodium,” she adds.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 6416

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.