Chicken meat is a popular delicacy worldwide and for a good reason. The meat is nourishing, delicious, and a cinch to make.
Plus, it’s hard to mess up a chicken breast recipe. The tender meat will soak up any flavor you throw at it and always comes out delicious despite the preparation method.
If you’ve been trying to eat healthily or looking for recipes for weight loss, whipping up a chicken breast dish with one of these 25 healthy recipes will have you well on your way to cutting down on those calories.
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and the meat has low calories, which can benefit weight loss.
Another perk that comes with stocking up on chicken breast is the versatility in preparing—looking for Greek chicken? Try out our baked chicken recipes.
Been craving some Middle East flavors? Try some pomegranate chicken with almond couscous.
Do you have an insatiable desire for spicy foods? Lime chicken recipes will delight your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Breast Recipes
Raw Chicken meat has a dense, moist texture that is stringy and can be a bit chewy. The meat is bursting with savory flavors and sweet buttery notes.
Some also describe chicken as having an intense umami flavor.
Still, chicken is delicious meat with many nutritional benefits. The meat has a lot of lean protein for building and repairing muscles and tissues.
Studies have also classified chicken as a well-rounded healthy diet. In addition, the chicken will leave you feeling full, help your body maintain lean mass, and increase weight loss because of its low calories.
Also, the meat is brimming with essential nutrients and vitamins.
- Selenium is a mineral that boosts immune function, fertility health, and thyroid function.
- B vitamins help boost energy, improve brain health, and synthesize DNA
Delicious Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes for You to Try Out
Below is a list of healthy chicken breast recipes that will guide you to make finger-licking delightful chicken that’s a healthy sensation. Whether you like grilled chicken, a creamy side of chicken salad, pesto chicken, or hearty chicken curry, these easy and healthy recipes will be all you need.
1. Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This baked chicken recipe is all you need if you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes. The meat comes out tender and juicy. The intensely satisfying sauce adds to the flavor depth resulting in a deliciously complex relish mosaic.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp
- ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 24 oz skinless boneless chicken breasts 4 medium
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 18 oz russet potatoes peeled, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, divided
- 1.5 oz lemon 4 slices
- 16 oz fresh asparagus
- 1.5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional
2. Juicy Healthy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
A delicious and healthy chicken breast recipe, will leave your chicken dripping with marinade sauce even as it leaves the oven. Pair this with a side of roasted potatoes or stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
3. Pomegranate Chicken With Almond Couscous
The easy, healthy chicken breast recipe is brimming with mouth-watering textures and flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your taste buds on an exotic adventure, whip up this Middle Easter-inspired recipe. The almonds add that bit of crunch to the dish, and the couscous sauce mellows out the pomegranate sweet sticky glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 200g couscous
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 600g chicken mini fillets
- 4 tbsp tagine spice paste or 2 tbsp harissa
- 190ml bottle pomegranate juice (not sweetened; we used Pom Wonderful)
- 100g pack pomegranate seeds
- 100g pack toasted flaked almond
- small pack mint, chopped
4. Chicken Satay Salad
This chicken and vegetables is the perfect blend of crunch and savory. The fresh vegetables bring on the crunch, while sauce-slathered chicken adds to the umami punches. And to tie it up nicely, the peanut satay drizzled. The sauce adds to that powerful peanut punch underscored by ginger, garlic, and lime notes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tamari
- 1 tsp medium curry powder
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tsp clear honey
- 2 skinless chicken breast fillets (or use turkey breast)
- 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (choose a sugar-free version with no palm oil, if possible)
- 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- sunflower oil, for wiping the pan
- 2 Little Gem lettuce hearts, cut into wedges
- ¼ cucumber, halved and sliced
- 1 banana shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- coriander, chopped
- seeds from ½ pomegranate
5. Baked Chicken Breast (Tender, Juicy, and Delicious!)
The chicken will soak up all the marinade flavors in this delicious and healthy dish and leave the oven intensely flavored. Garnish this dish with your favorite herbs or vegetables to add robust, bright flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Tablespoons avocado oil (you can sub olive, canola, or your favorite oil)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pat of butter on each chicken breast (optional but highly recommended – I used 1.5 Tablespoons combined for all 4 chicken breasts)
- lemon slices (optional but highly recommended)
6. Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes to Lose Weight
If you’re looking for recipes for weight loss, use chicken breast. Unlike chicken thighs and wings, this is the leanness and whitest part of the chicken. Chicken breast also boasts low-fat content and fewer calories. This tasty dish will also leave you feeling full for a long time, reducing the number of times you have to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ onion, finely chopped
- ¼ tomato, chopped
- ¼ red and yellow bell peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoon tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
7. One Pan Baked Lemon Chicken with Artichokes
This chicken breast, seasoned with garlic and drizzled with lime juice marinade, comes out tangy, delicious, juicy, and tender. Sugar adds a crunchy caramelized sticky surface to the chicken, while soy sauce adds that salty umami punch.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness – OR 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup butter – melted
- juice of 1 lemon – (3-4 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
8. Easy Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken
Lemon chicken can be your dinner tonight with this easy-to-whip-together spicy chicken dish. The recipes come together in a whopping 30 minutes, dripping with tangy juices and deep savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste – (I used 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)
- optional: fresh rosemary and lemon slices for garnish
9. Healthy Chicken Recipes
These Recipes use skinless chicken to allow the tender meat to imbue all the delicious flavors. Also, you can choose to either bake, stir fry, or grill the chicken breast to give the chicken that extra health punch.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts 4 oz each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
10. Healthy Easy Chicken Recipes
Whether you grill, pan-sear the chicken, or stir fry it, the tender chicken flesh will absorb the spices you add to it and come out savory, fragrant, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless , skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 lemons
- 4-5 cloves garlic , pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11. Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
This oven-baked chicken breast recipe will make your juicy chicken tender and intensely flavored. In addition, the recipe is super easy to whip up when you want a quick, filling meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 8 oz each
- Olive oil cooking spray
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
12. Easy Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast
Lime Chicken is the perfect dish for weeknights when you want something easy to put together. The delicious dish is highlighted by the perfect blend of lemon and pepper. A secret tip to get this dish bursting with delicious juices is to blast it with heat for short periods.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large lemon thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
13. Instant Pot Chicken Breast
If you have frozen chicken breasts but no time to defrost, toss them in an instant pot with a few of your favorite ingredients and cook for about 20 minutes. Instant pot chicken comes out buttery smooth, full of flavors, and can pair well with a side of vegetables, baked potatoes, or grilled cauliflowers.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts fresh or frozen*
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
14. Perfect Poached Chicken
This is the ultimate recipe for the juiciest chicken you’ll ever make. An easy chicken recipe requires a slow cooker for the chicken to come out succulent, moist, and easy to slice, dice, or shred in your chicken salad recipes, sandwich, pie, or chicken tacos.
Ingredients
- chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 quarts
- water or broth
- 1 tbsp
- salt
15. Chicken Piccata
This recipe is perfect with classic Italian ingredients such as fresh parsley, brined capers, and extra virgin olive oil.
The simple butter sauce adds rich, soft creaminess to the bubbling skillet chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken cutlets, tenders or chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
- 2 ½ tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup flour for dredging
- 10 tbsp butter, cut into pieces, divided
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 lemon juiced (1 tbsp)
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
16. Creamy Tomato Chicken Skillet Dinner
Super simple recipes feature sweet, tangy tomatoes, heavy cream, crushed peppers, and basil to add that sweet-savory anise flavor.
This chicken and veggies combo works so well because the simple ingredients complement each other to create a comforting chicken breast recipe that will satisfy your curb craving without indulging.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast (4 medium), boneless, skinless
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 cups kale, ribs removed, torn into small pieces, packed
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
17. One Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Vegetables
If you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner that will soon become a staple in your home, give this recipe a go. The dijon mustard adds that smooth battery, slightly tangy, slightly salty spice flavor, while the golden honey adds a perfect brown tinge to the dish as it caramelizes into a sticky sweet paste. Finally, pair this dish with your favorite vegetables for an extra crunch on the bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, divided
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large shallots, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 lb fingerling potatoes (or yukon golds, cut into 1″ pieces)
- 2 sprigs rosemary, stems removed, leaves chopped
- 1/2 lb green beans, washed and trimmed
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
18. Juicy Healthy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
The simple seasoning packs this lean skinless chicken breast with intense flavors, making it a savory dinner choice. The smoked paprika adds woody, earthy flavors with notes of heat and spice. On the other hand, herbs like basil, rosemary, and oregano will enliven the dish with bright herby notes reminiscent of Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
19. Baked Chicken Breast (Tender, Juicy, and Delicious!)
Sheet pan dinners just got a significant boost. With this recipe, the marinated chicken is set in the oven to slowly bake into a perfect brown tinge. As a result, the outside is crispy and delicious, while the inside remains moist, tender, and juicy.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Tablespoons avocado oil (you can sub olive, canola, or your favorite oil)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pat of butter on each chicken breast (optional but highly recommended – I used 1.5 Tablespoons combined for all 4 chicken breasts)
- lemon slices (optional but highly recommended)
20. The Very Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast
If you require a tender and easy chicken breast recipe full of flavor, give the oven-baked chicken recipe a try. The chicken comes out caramelized to a sticky sweet paste but is still crispy on the outside. Prepare a garlic-infused butter sauce to drizzle on the chicken for extra juiciness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
21. Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast
For an easy and delicious meal, toss your chicken in your favorite herb mixture before setting it in the oven to bubble in delicious juices and come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. To keep the chicken moist, you can glaze it with sauce from time to time as it bakes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika*
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
- olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
22. Honey Sriracha Baked Chicken Breasts
Honey-sriracha baked tender chicken breasts burst with flavors highlighted by sweet and sour notes. The boneless skinless chicken breast is slathered with a thick layer of honey sriracha sauce for that blend of hot, sweet, tangy flavors. As the chicken bakes, the glazed spices caramelize on the surface, transforming into a sticky amazingness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Sriracha Sauce or Hot Chili Sauce, (you can also use sweet chili sauce)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- FOR THE CHICKEN
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 (1 pound total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- FOR GARNISH
- chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- sesame seeds
- lime wedges
23. Baked Crack Chicken Breasts
Baked Crack Chicken Breasts, also known as Ranch Chicken with bacon, is a creamy, savory dish loaded with crispy bacon and stringy cheese. This delicious delicacy goes down like a dream. It’s hard to believe it’s both keto-friendly and low-carb.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
- FOR THE CHICKEN
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 (1-pound, total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- FOR THE RANCH CREAM CHEESE
- 4- ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, white or yellow – I use a little of both
- FOR GARNISH
- chopped fresh parsley
- sliced green scallions
24. Best Ever Baked Teriyaki Chicken
You’ll love this recipe if you love chicken drizzled with sweet, tangy, and sticky teriyaki sauce. The baked chicken comes out tender and chock full of intense flavors. You can kiss that boring chicken goodbye with this oven-baked chicken breast recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – pounded to even thickness less than 1 inch
- 1 ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce – divided
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- chopped green onions and steamed rice, for serving
25. Smothered Sour Cream Chicken
We guarantee that this recipe will frequently appear in your meal rotation. This easy and healthy chicken breast recipe results in a succulent creamy chicken. The lean chicken breast is smothered with a smooth, creamy sauce to infuse the meat with flavor while keeping it tender and moist.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Final Take
There you go, a list of healthy and delicious chicken recipes to delight all chicken lovers’ hearts. These delicacies will hit your dining table in no time. Pair them with your favorite vegetable or carbohydrate side for a nutritionally complete meal.
FAQs on Healthy and Easy Chicken Breast Recipes
What is the healthiest way to cook chicken breast?
- Grilling can be a healthy way to prepare your chicken breast as it does not involve slathering the chicken with unhealthy ingredients like wheat or adding extra oil.
- When you Bake chicken, it results in a low-fat dinner that is great for weight loss.
- Stir-frying chicken with a bit of oil and your favorite vegetables results in a delicious light dinner that is healthy and filling.
Which spices go well with chicken?
Dried basil, salt, fresh ground pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder can all dry rub or marinate chicken.
Is chicken breast healthy for weight loss?
Chicken breasts are packed with nutrients and can provide a well-rounded meal. The meat is also low fat and low carb, leaving you feeling full for a long time and contributing to weight loss.
What dishes go well with chicken?
Creamy cucumber salad, cheesy crescent bread, mashed potatoes, toasted herbs, potato salad with bacon, roasted carrots, and baked asparagus all pair well with a side of chicken.
How long does it take to bake chicken?
The time the chicken will take to cook in an oven will depend on how hot the stove is. At 350oF, the chicken will take about 30 to 35 minutes. At 400 oF, the chicken will take about 20 to 25 minutes.
