We have every kind of healthy chicken recipe covered in this roundup with recipes for chicken breasts and thighs, soups, salads and more. You’ll never have a boring chicken dinner again!
If you think a healthy chicken dinner is a bland chicken breast with a side of veggies – think again! In this list you’ll find amazing creations for creamy chicken skillets, healthy chicken nuggets, and even hearty chicken soups and casseroles.
Time to dig in!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Healthy Chicken Dinner Ideas
We all know that chicken is a relatively cheap and versatile protein that is easy to cook.
It makes the perfect base for easy weeknight dinners and is also great served cold or reheated for a grab and go lunch.
But why do we always fall into the same old rut with boring chicken recipes?
Don’t let it happen again! Save this page to come back to when you run out of inspiration for a healthy chicken dinner.
Our Tips for the Best Healthy Chicken Meals
It’s easy to get tired of chicken breast, we get it. Here are some tips to keep chicken dinners interesting:
- Opt for the fattier cuts of chicken like thighs and drumsticks (bone in and skin on too!) These cuts offer more flavor and also don’t dry out like chicken breast.
- Use some sauces and seasonings. These recipes make liberal use of homemade sauces, marinades and seasonings. Chicken will take on any flavor you pair it with!
- Mix up how you cook your chicken. Make a skillet chicken dinner, grill it, make a sheet pan dinner and use the instant pot or slow cooker. These will all result in different tastes and textures.
A Note From the Author
We know that the definition of “Healthy” is a loaded concept that is different for everyone. Here is ours:
Eat. Real. Food.
We try to keep it simple and always come back to this basic concept when defining healthy. If most of meals are made up of real food that doesn’t come highly processed from a package, we are on the right track.
Some Other Chicken Recipe Roundups
Here are some other chicken recipe listings you might be interested in:
- Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
- Healthyish Chicken Casserole Recipes
- Delicious Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Whole30 Chicken Recipes
Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
1
Creamy Chicken Alfredo (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-free)
Creamy, dairy-free and healthy comfort food, this Paleo + Whole30 creamy chicken alfredo is an easy, weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
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2
Chicken Skillet with Bacon Brussels Sprouts (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This one pan chicken skillet with bacon brussels sprouts is refreshing and flavorful. It’s great for a weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
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3
Healthy Sweet Potato Chicken Pad Thai (Paleo + Whole30)
This healthy Sweet Potato Chicken Pad Thai has Thai flavors but with healthy sweet potato noodles, creamy cashew butter and coconut aminos instead of peanut and soy. You will love how tasty and comforting this dish is.
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4
Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Juicy on the inside and a little crispy on the outside, we'll walk you through exactly how to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer.
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5
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara (Paleo, Whole30 + Low Carb)
This Paleo, Whole30 + Low Carb spaghetti squash carbonara is dairy-free, creamy and has bacon in it! It checks all the boxes and is great for meal prep!
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6
Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
This healthy teriyaki chicken bowl is made with colorful veggies and served over cauliflower rice. The teriyaki sauce is naturally sweetened with dates.
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7
Amazing Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Healthy air fryer chicken nuggets in under 30 minutes! These air fryer nuggets are made with chicken breast and lightly breaded with almond flour, tapioca flour and some simple seasonings.
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8
One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
We LOVE the ease of a one pan dish. Our one pan honey garlic chicken has it all, including chicken, sweet potato, broccoli, and a slew of tasty seasonings.
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Healthy Chicken Thigh Recipes
9
25-Minute Creamy Tuscan Chicken (Dairy Free)
Spinach, fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes combine in one pan to create this dairy-free creamy tuscan chicken in only 25 minutes! It's also Gluten-free, Paleo & Whole30, and you can make it with either chicken thighs or breasts.
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10
Healthy Grilled Pineapple Chicken
This recipe for healthy grilled pineapple chicken thighs is a summer staple! With a simple pineapple marinade, this easy grilled chicken is a crowd pleaser.
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12
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mustard Cream Sauce (No Dairy)
This skillet mustard chicken recipe is coated in a creamy, comforting, dairy-free mustard sauce. Made with chicken thighs and savory bacon bits.
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13
Insanely Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
The easiest shredded buffalo chicken in the Instant Pot! Packed with bold flavors, easy to make and always the hit of the party. Less than 10 minutes of hands on time for this insanely easy recipe!
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14
Stovetop Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs (Dairy Free)
This stovetop creamy garlic chicken thighs recipe with bacon comes together in 30 minutes using one pan. It’s lathered in a creamy dairy-free sauce.
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15
Korean BBQ Chicken (Paleo + Whole30)
An easy recipe and flavorful marinade, this Paleo + Whole30 Korean BBQ chicken is authentic and tasty! Grilled chicken thighs are an easy weeknight dinner.
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16
Spicy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This one pan spicy chicken and cauliflower rice is an easy low carb weeknight dinner that you can have on the table in 30 minutes. It's Paleo + Whole30 too!
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Healthy Soup Recipes with Chicken
17
Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-free)
This chicken pot pie soup is Paleo, Whole30 and dairy-free and uses all real food ingredients to bring you a classic comfort food dish in a bowl.
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18
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This Paleo, Whole30 + Keto Instant Pot white chicken chili is an easy recipe that’s a perfect weeknight dinner. Only 10 minutes of prep for a healthy meal!
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19
Chicken Coconut Curry Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
This Thai inspired chicken coconut curry soup is packed with vegetables and a creamy, savory curry broth. It's a Paleo, Whole30 and low carb soup too!
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20
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)
Since the weather turned chilly, this crockpot chicken enchilada soup is one that we’ve had on repeat! It’s so tasty and warming.
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21
Quick, Comforting Spanish Chicken Stew
Looking for a hearty, Spanish-style chicken stew, but don't have all day? Easily make it on the stove top or in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
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Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes
22
One Pan Baked Chicken and Broccoli
This one pan baked chicken and broccoli is made with either chicken breasts or thighs. Juicy chicken, squash and broccoli all in one bite!
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23
Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Caprese
Healthy oven-baked chicken caprese – easy Keto chicken dinner with Paleo + Whole30 options. Use chicken breast or thighs, buffalo mozzarella + dairy-free pesto.
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24
Healthy Baked Buffalo Chicken Casserole
We made this healthy baked chicken casserole Paleo, Whole30 and Low Carb, and with a simple modification it can also be made Keto. It's perfect for a family meal or meal prep!
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25
Chicken Fajita Bake (Paleo + Whole30)
We are huge fans of tacos, fajitas and pretty much anything with Mexican flavors! And of course we love simple, quick and easy meals. So, this Paleo and Whole30 chicken fajita bake is basically where all the things collide! You’ll love this flavor-packed Paleo and Whole30 sheet pan meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes!
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26
Chicken Pot Pie (Dairy Free)
This dairy free chicken pot pie has a creamy, dairy-free filling with all the chicken pot pie goodies, and a crust that will have you swooning!
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27
30-Minute Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Keto + Whole30)
With only 4 ingredients, these baked keto-friendly buffalo chicken meatballs are ready in 30 minutes! Drizzle with homemade ranch sauce for a delicious meatball dinner.
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28
Creamy Chicken Casserole (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-Free)
This Paleo + Whole30 Creamy Chicken Casserole is made with spaghetti-squash so it’s grain-free, gluten-free and the creamy, cheese-like sauce is dairy-free!
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Healthy Chicken Crockpot Recipes
29
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken (Paleo + Whole30)
This Paleo + Whole30 slow cooker teriyaki chicken is an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep recipe. This healthy teriyaki chicken recipe is sure to be a new favorite and something you add to you regular rotation as an easy dinner the whole family loves!
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30
Chicken Carnitas (Juicy & Crispy!) – Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Whether you're meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this juicy chicken carnitas recipe is a great option. Only 10 minutes of active prep and then set your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker and walk away. This healthy chicken recipe is a quick and easy go-to for any day of the week!
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31
Chicken Tinga (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto) Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
An easy Instant Pot or slow cooker meal, this Paleo, Whole30 + Keto shredded mexican chicken is a versatile and fun dish that the whole family will love!
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32
Juicy, Shredded Crockpot Mexican Chicken (5-Minute Prep!)
An easy prep recipe, this perfectly seasoned crockpot Mexican chicken uses either breasts or thighs and gives you the best tender, juicy, shredded chicken.
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33
BBQ Pulled Chicken – Slow Cooker or Instant Pot (Paleo + Whole30)
This Paleo + Whole30 BBQ pulled chicken is a versatile meal prep recipe, and we give you Slow Cooker + Instant Pot instructions! It’s a family favorite and an easy, healthy recipe with no added sugar!
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Healthy Salad Recipes with Chicken
34
Easy Thai Chicken Salad
When people say eat the rainbow, they mean eat this Paleo + Whole30 Thai chicken salad! You need leftover chicken, produce and the best "peanut" sauce!
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35
Homemade Keto Chicken Salad Recipe
This low-carb, keto-friendly chicken salad recipe uses chicken breast, 1/2 cup of avocado oil mayo, plus bacon and olives. Ready in 15 min!
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36
BLT Salad (Paleo + Whole30)
This BLT salad is so flavorful and only has 8 ingredients! It’s a quick and easy meal and sure to be your new go-to Paleo + Whole30 salad option!
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37
Mediterranean Chicken Salad (Paleo + Whole30)
This quick and easy mediterranean chicken salad is the perfect light meal for spring and summer.
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38
Easy Paleo Cobb Salad
This easy Paleo cobb salad is packed with all the flavors, like smoky bacon, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes and a tangy balsamic dressing!
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35+ Healthy Chicken Recipes: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet
This healthy spinach artichoke chicken skillet is a quick 30 minute, one pan meal the whole family will love! Plus, we've rounded up some of our favorite healthy chicken recipes for you!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (1 tbsp ) avocado oil
- 1.5 lbs (680.39 g) chicken thighs, (or breasts)
- salt and pepper
For the spinach artichoke sauce:
- 1 can (1 can) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped, (14.5 oz can)
- 1 cup (224 g) mayo
- 1/4 cup (11 g) nutritional yeast
- 3 cups (90 g) spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves (4 cloves) garlic, minced, (or sub 1 tbsp garlic oil)
For the rest:
- 1 bunch (1 bunch) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
- 6 cups (960 g) Cauliflower rice, (or white rice if not Whole30 or Keto)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Add avocado oil to a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in chicken and season with salt and pepper, about a 1/2 tsp each.
- Let chicken cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, and then flip and season the other side with more salt and pepper, about a 1/2 tsp each. Cook for another 4 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, place all of the spinach artichoke sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Also, prep asparagus and cauliflower rice if not using pre-riced cauliflower.
- Once chicken is done, remove from pan and set on a plate. Turn off the heat, and add cauliflower rice and asparagus to pan. Add some salt and pepper to taste and mix around.
- Layer sauce on top of rice mixture, and add chicken on top of sauce.
- Transfer to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through.
- Once done, remove, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition facts are an estimate provided for those following a Ketogenic or low-carb diet and do not include the topping/serving items for this recipe. See our full nutrition information disclosure here.
Calories: 664kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 56g, Fiber: 7g
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
Wow! This recipe was delicious and came together quickly, and I was pleasantly surprised by the timing. I would suggest buying the pre-riced cauliflower unless you have the time and energy to get your food processor out and then clean it up, this slowed me down a bit, but the family loved it!
Thanks for another excellent weeknight meal.
Pre-riced cauliflower is a great time saver for this recipe. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for coming back to leave a rating and review, we appreciate it 🙂