Even if I don’t know what I’m going to have for dinner, I can always count on pulling some frozen chicken breasts or chicken thighs out of my freezer to make an easy weeknight meal. Chicken is a protein that’s versatile, nutritious, and easy to cook. This collection of healthy chicken recipes is one I keep bookmarked for weekly recipe inspiration.
Easy Sesame Chicken
This no-fry stovetop recipe for sesame chicken is simple and results in crispy and saucy coated chicken pieces that are so delicious. I make this 30-minute recipe for a flavorful, high-protein weeknight dinner that pairs well with rice and cooked veggies.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
I use this basic shredded chicken recipe as the base of many of my weekend meal prep sessions. The slow cooker method is a simple way to prepare chicken that turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful every time. Versatile and customizable, it can be used in a variety of dishes from chicken salads to enchiladas and chicken casseroles.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
After creating the best homemade caesar dressing, I was inspired to use it in so many ways. One of those was this caesar salad that becomes a main dish with the additions of chicken and pasta. The flavorful dressing is a perfect match for this protein- and veggie-rich salad my entire family loves to devour.
Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata
Since I’m a sucker for anything with burrata, I love this fun twist on classic caprese salads. This grilled chicken caprese is sweet, savory, refreshing, and satisfying without being heavy. With a quick cooking time, it’s an easy weeknight dinner recipe that I enjoy any time of the year.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
For me, there’s nothing better than a recipe that requires minimal prep time and makes for a filling weeknight dinner my whole family will happily eat. This seasoned shredded chicken can be made in either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, depending on how busy my day is. Then I use it as the filling for tacos, lunch wraps, burritos, taco salads, and more.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
BLT Chicken Salad
Bacon, lettuce, and tomato together can do no wrong. And that’s the perfect trio of flavors that makes this chicken dinner so desirable. Creamy, savory, and tangy, this BLT chicken salad recipe is a lightened-up higher-protein take on the classic sandwich. It’s ready to eat in 10 minutes with no cooking required when you use leftover chicken. I enjoy this salad as a family-friendly option for meal prep lunch recipes, easy dinners, and potlucks.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Easy Blackened Chicken
This seasoned chicken is an easy way to elevate simple chicken breasts. It’s perfect for serving alongside veggies or over top of a salad, such as this chopped BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. Can be cooked on an outdoor grill or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Berry Pasta Salad With Chicken
Whenever I serve this fresh berry pasta salad with chicken, I always get requests for the recipes. I serve it as either a hearty side dish or main course salad that’s great for weeknight dinners, easy lunches, and weekly meal prep. It’s sweet, savory, tangy, high in protein, full of flavor, and ready in 30 minutes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken
After visiting a Korean BBQ restaurant, I was inspired to make these saucy, sweet, savory, and ultra delicious grilled Korean BBQ chicken skewers at home. The honey-sweetened teriyaki-style sauce gets perfectly caramelized on the chicken pieces. I serve this simple chicken breast recipe bowl style over cooked rice or just as it with a veggie side.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Lemon Chicken Piccata
I love lemony flavors, especially in a savory chicken dish like this stovetop piccata recipe. Ready in 30 minutes, this chicken recipe is a flavorful, simple, and delicious weeknight dinner that pairs well with any veggie side dish. The juicy, pan-seared chicken is finished with a bright, silky lemon-caper sauce that’s simple to make and absolutely divine.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
I make crispy chicken tenders more nutritious with a wholesome, naturally gluten-free breading and air fryer method that results in a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken on the inside. I like to serve this simple family friendly protein over top of lettuce or with a side of roasted veggies and a simple Italian salad.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Chicken Stir Fry
My oldest son loves stir fry, so when he requests it for dinner I turn to this easy stovetop recipe. It’s sweet, savory, and tangy, and an easy recipe with a quick cook time. Plus, it’s faster and more budget friendly than getting takeout. A family favorite in my home, it’s a naturally gluten-free chicken recipe that’s high in protein and easy to customize with the ingredients I have on hand.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Smothered Chicken
Similar to this simple smothered pork chops, this one-skillet recipe is a winning dinner for so many home cooks. It results in the most tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory sauce and topped with crispy bacon. I turn to this recipe for an easy and comforting weeknight dinner that pairs well with salads and veggies on the side.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
My kiddos love this chicken pot pie soup, so I happily make it for them a few times each month. This hands-off soup version of a classic comfort food dish is rich, creamy, and loaded with chicken and veggies. I serve bowls with a topping of homemade biscuits (or store-bought biscuits if I’m in a pinch) for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
I’m not trying to find a new life partner when I make this recipe; I simply want to serve my husband and kids a healthy chicken dinner that I know they will all love and appreciate. And this fuss-free Marry Me Chicken recipe always does the trick. It’s a simple take on the classic Italian-American dish, combining tender chicken and a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused sauce.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Easy Indian Butter Chicken
I make this butter chicken recipe in the slow cooker for a dinner that has layers of creamy flavor that slowly simmer together until dinnertime. This favorite takeout dish of mine is incredibly easy to make right at home. I serve it over rice with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and naan for a delicious dinner every time.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This hearty, bean-free white chicken chili has been a reader favorite for years, and my family is at the top of the list of its biggest fans. It takes me just 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and get everything cooking in the slow cooker. Some people bulk at the addition of coconut milk, but this recipe is truly magical and the result is a dairy free chicken chili that doesn’t have any coconut flavor thanks to the spices and lime juice. Sometimes I stir in a can of beans for even more nutrition.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Growing up in the Midwest, chicken wild rice soup was a special treat for cooler evenings in the fall and winter. Now I make it in the slow cooker and get a nourishing mix of creamy textures and herbaceous flavors, plus plenty of protein and veggies to feed my family well.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Greek Orzo Skillet with Chicken
When I’m craving Greek flavors, nothing else will do. This one-skillet recipe always comes through for me. It’s teaming with veggies and those Greek chicken flavors I love, like lemon and briny kalamata olives plus tomatoes, chickpeas, and crumbled feta. It’s high in fiber and protein, and it makes a great weeknight dinner. I also love the leftovers for lunches all week long.
Egg Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Chicken Dumpling Soup
My mother-in-law is the dumpling soup expert of my family, so I consulted her as I was developing this cozy family-favorite one-pot soup that’s both delicious and nourishing. I love to serve it as a well-rounded meal that includes several food groups and many essential nutrients. Make it on the stovetop with my classic and easy method for cooking seasoned dumplings to perfection.
Egg Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
This rich and comforting chowder is so simple to make in the slow cooker (or Instant Pot). I love the creamy base and the hearty combination of tender chicken and sweet corn that make every bite so delicious. This satisfying and delicious blend of flavors and textures makes this one of the most loved soup recipes on this site.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Egg Roll In A Bowl (Healthy and Easy)
When I have ground chicken on hand, I use it to make this popular skillet egg roll in a bowl recipe. It’s an easy weeknight choice for me, since I can have this one-dish recipe on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s one of the easiest ways to get my kiddos to down a bunch of veggies at once.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole
When I have shredded chicken on hand, this is one of the first chicken casseroles I make. Instead of rolling enchiladas, this dish uses an easy layering technique. The result is a super delicious enchilada casserole that I top with favorite garnishes like sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. The creamy chicken-veggie filling gets stacked between layers of corn tortillas for a naturally gluten-free recipe that is loved by many.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Salsa Chicken Recipe
Everyone I’ve ever served this recipe to loves this easy salsa chicken. I turn it into simple dinner bowls with rice, the seasoned salsa chicken, and plenty of taco toppings, including the cilantro-lime crema. It’s also really good as a high-protein filling for wraps, burritos, tacos, and salads.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
My go-to chicken salad recipe, this easy and healthy refrigerator salad features chopped dill pickles and pickle juice for a salty-savory pop of flavor. I choose this recipe often as a great make-ahead for meal-prep lunches and a flavorful way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sweet and Sour Chicken
My family loves Chinese takeout, so I recreated this familiar dish for home cooks like myself who want to work in more veggies and use less sugar in the sauce. As a career recipe developer, I’m so happy with how this simple sweet and sour chicken dinner turned out, and I make it often. It cooks quickly on the stovetop for an easy weeknight dinner I know my family will love.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Stir Fry Noodles with Chicken
My husband has turned my kids into noodle lovers, and there are few dinners that excite them as much as this noodle and chicken dish. The noodles, chicken, and veggies cook quickly in a hot skillet, similar to stir fry. I can always count on this dinner as a healthy and nutritious option that’s ready to eat in less than 30 minutes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
When I need a recipe that works for a variety of special diets and always hits the spot, this oven baked buffalo chicken recipe is what I make. It’s unique because strands of roasted spaghetti squash get mixed with chicken, buffalo sauce, and veggies and served inside the squash shells. Drizzled with a little ranch on top, this healthy chicken recipe always makes my mouth water.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken and Chickpea Curry
This easy one-skillet dinner is almost too good to be true. Chicken, chickpeas, and veggies get infused with warming spices and coconut flavor in a curry that takes only 30 minutes but tastes as though it has been simmering all day long. Not only is this recipe high in protein, but it’s also a great source of fiber, and it provides out-of-this-world flavors.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
I developed this chicken pot pie casserole as an easy way to feed my family a dish they love, but without needing to mess around with pie crust. This easy take on a classic main dish comes together in one baking dish and is topped with no-fuss drop biscuits. Rich, creamy, and loaded with veggies, it’s a well-rounded dinner with flavors that please all eaters in my household. It’s also a plus that I can use either raw or pre-cooked chicken breast or thighs.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Southwest Chicken Quinoa Casserole
This magical recipe is made by stirring several wholesome ingredients, including chicken and uncooked quinoa, together in a casserole dish. I stick it in the oven and what comes out is a delicious family friendly casserole that has perfect melded flavors, great textures, and well-rounded nutrition. It’s a simple chicken dinner recipe that doesn’t even require side dishes.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
I created this sheet pan chicken dinner because I wanted to showcase in-season fall produce, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, plus warming seasonings, like cinnamon and cumin, that are just right for harvest season. I use boneless skinless chicken cutlets, but chicken thighs also work great. Everything cooks on a sheet pan at the same time for a chicken dinner with veggies built right in. While the chicken is roasting, I stir together the simple maple-Dijon dressing to drizzle over top.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Chicken
When I want to make a nourishing and comforting meal for a friend, such as a new mom or friend who has been sick, I make this simple chicken casserole. It works well for a variety of diets and the Tex-Mex flavors are so comforting. This family-friendly quinoa casserole is high in protein, veggie loaded (with corn, zucchini, and tomatoes), and provides wonderful leftovers. I like to serve it with tortilla chips for scooping.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
I really appreciate this recipe, which provides step-by-step photo instructions for how to make spatchcock chicken on the grill. I use this technique to make juicy and succulent chicken that cooks evenly and gets infused with delicious smoky flavor. It’s great for a whole chicken dinner and also to use leftovers to use in other chicken recipes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
I use my crockpot to make this tender shredded Hawaiian chicken, where a mix of boneless skinless chicken breast and thighs cook together in a sweet-savory mix of pineapple, coconut aminos, lime juice, and ginger. The super flavorful chicken is so good for serving inside tortilla wraps, and also an upgrade for lunch chicken lettuce wraps, tacos, burritos, and over salads.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Artichoke Chicken with Goat Cheese
In this colorful and nutritious sheet pan recipe, juicy chicken breasts cook alongside baby artichokes, mushrooms, and bell peppers. This Mediterranean chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s ready in under 45 minutes and almost all of that is hands off, which gives me plenty of time to tidy up the kitchen and set the table for my hungry eaters.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Sweet Potato Broccoli Chicken Bake
Broccoli, sweet potato, red onion, and garlic bake on a sheet pan with chicken breasts in this super simple weeknight meal. This recipe gets unexpected mix-ins, like dried fruit, walnuts, and a squeeze of lemon juice that make every bite interesting and oh-so-good. When I serve this wholesome dinner, I feel good about all the nutrition my family is getting.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
When I think of healthy chicken recipes, this is one of the first that comes to mind. I love how quickly the recipe comes together by making a simple spice rub to coat the boneless skinless chicken thighs. The seasoned chicken roasts on a sheet pan next to broccoli and red onion and the veggies get crispy and delicious while the chicken cooks to perfect doneness. I drizzle a honey-mustard sauce over top and serve it alongside mashed sweet potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
This is probably my favorite crockpot chicken recipe. It makes saucy Thai peanut chicken with vegetables that I serve over cooked noodles or brown rice. My family can’t get enough of the tender chicken, sweet red peppers, and homemade peanut sauce that is so flavorful. Any leftovers of this healthy chicken recipe never last long in my home.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Paleo
One Pan Balsamic Chicken And Veggies
When I’m looking for the fastest way to make a sheet pan chicken recipe, this is the recipe I use. I love that I can get flavorful healthy baked chicken plus plenty of veggies on the table in less than 20 minutes. It’s also a bonus that this recipe hardly uses any pans, so it’s easy to clean up afterwards. I serve it with a side of sourdough bread and call it a winner winner chicken dinner.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Creamy BBQ Chicken Salad
This unsuspecting recipe makes anyone a believer in the ability of healthy ingredients to come together for a satisfying and delicious dinner that is crave worthy. The chopped smoked almonds are a wonderful addition that add some sneaky crunch and a layer of flavor that complements that tender chicken, juicy grape tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, curly kale, onion, and creamy BBQ dressing. I love this recipe as a superb way to use up leftover chicken.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Salsa Verde Chicken
When I’m running short on time, I know I can count on this easy chicken dinner. It takes me just 5 minutes of prep time and 5 simple ingredients to get everything cooking away in my slow cooker. Hours later, I have delicious, saucy shredded chicken that I serve over rice bowls and top with fresh ingredients, like sliced radishes, herbs, and avocado.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
When game day rolls around, this is the warm dip recipe that I’m usually making. It’s creamy, delicious, and easy to make in my crockpot. The dairy-free dip has that perfect amount of kick that pairs so well with fresh carrots, celery, and crackers. This buffalo chicken recipe is an appetizer that’s well loved and couldn’t be easier to make.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really come to love buffalo chicken flavors in all shapes and forms. This simple crockpot buffalo chicken is a simple protein to make that I serve as a fun way to spice up baked potato night in my home. It’s also really good over lettuce greens with a topping of blue cheese dressing and chopped celery or spooned over top of baked sweet potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew
As a Colorado resident for more than a decade now, I know that green chile stew is a regional favorite. And I love to serve this chicken stew to all the green chile lovers in my life (there are many)! Thick, creamy, and a great source of protein, this flavorful stew is made with simple ingredients. I serve it with warm tortillas for dipping and topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Buffalo Chicken Egg Muffins
I try to keep breakfasts interesting around here, and I try to ensure they provide a good amount of protein to help fuel my family all morning long. This simple egg muffins recipe does both, awakening our taste buds, dishing up protein and veggies, and making mornings simple and streamlined. These muffins are great for make ahead and also pack well for those days when my family is trying to get out of the house quickly.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Avocado Chicken Waldorf Salad
In this mayo-free twist on the classic waldorf chicken salad, avocado gives everything a creamy coherence plus great flavor and good monounsaturated fats. There’s a lot to love about this quick chicken recipe that can be served over greens, scooped up with crackers, served as a sandwich, or (my favorite) stuffed into a croissant.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
One-Dish Chicken Fajita Bake
My husband and I love to share a meal of sizzling fajitas, and this sheet pan chicken fajita recipe has become our simple way to enjoy a favorite dinner together at home. Spiced chicken pieces and veggies cook side by side in the oven to perfect doneness. Depending on what I’m craving, I serve it over rice or baked sweet potato, or as a topping for a hearty lettuce salad, or in the traditional way with warm tortillas and guacamole.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry
When the weather turns cooler, I crave this simple and healthy curry chicken. I start it in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime I have a nutritious Indian spice-infused dish that is heaven in a bowl. I dish it over cooked rice for a protein- and veggie-rich dish that is so cozy and good.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
These chicken sloppy joe sliders turn a comfort food into a unique veggie-loaded dinner that my kids love to eat. The saucy sloppy joe filling gets served between two sweet potato rounds for one delicious and hearty meal. The chicken sloppy joe meat is also great served in a lettuce wrap, over a bed of greens, or between buns.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many healthy ways to cook and eat chicken. As a registered dietitian, my favorites are to roast chicken on a sheet pan with vegetables, cook chicken pieces in a skillet with seasonings, vegetables, and a homemade sauce, to grill chicken, and to cook chicken in the crockpot with a liquid or sauce component plus a variety of vegetables. Any of these methods results in home cooked chicken recipes that are wholesome and provide many nutrients.
Boneless skinless chicken breast and thighs are a lean protein. Skinless chicken is a low-fat, low-carb, and high-protein food that is commonly used when people are planning meals for weight loss.
Absolutely! Chicken recipes can fit nicely into a weight loss meal plan and when meal prepping healthy dinner recipes. We offer many free healthy meal plans that feature chicken recipes.
The best temperature for baking chicken breast is 375 degrees Farenheit. Here’s how: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Remove the chicken breast from the marinade (if using), discarding the juices. Place the chicken in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake the marinated chicken until the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, 15-20 minutes. Make sure the thickest part of the chicken registers 165℉ on an instant-read thermometer.
More Recipe Roundups I Recommend
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