For many of us, chicken is one way to get dinner on table even on the busiest of nights. It’s affordable, crowd pleasing, and versatile. Here are some of our favorite ways to turn chicken into a healthy dinner. From lemony chicken thighs to a hearty chicken marsala made in the slow cooker, these healthy chicken ideas turn this staple protein into a satisfying meal. Look for an air-chilled, ideally organic and free-range bird for the best flavor and healthiest meat.
Perfect Roast Chicken
This aptly named dish is just that—it’s simple to make, full of flavor, uses ingredients you probably already have, and will make your kitchen smell amazing. The vegetables you roast under the bird round out the plate.
Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs
Everyone loves meatballs—why not invite chicken to the party instead of beef or turkey? Seasoned with fennel, these flavorful ones are delicious with rice, or try them lettuce-wrapped.
Ginger-Scallion Chicken
Don’t be intimidated by bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts—meat cooked on the bone usually tastes better. Combine that with the simple but crazy-flavorful ingredients and you have a weeknight dish that tastes like a treat.
Bacon-Ranch Chicken Poppers
The easiest healthy chicken nuggets, great for kids (don’t worry if you’re making them just for yourself, we won’t judge). They’re baked instead of fried, there’s even some shredded carrots inside, and they’re grain-free, so they’re good for you as well as delicious.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Marsala
Get ready for a classic, restaurant-quality chicken dinner, made simple with the slow cooker. Cauli rice or zoodles and a salad are all you need to round out the plate.
Easy Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs
Even if this dish wasn’t ready in less than 30 minutes, we would still love it—but it is, so we love it even more. Fresh rosemary adds a comforting layer to this family fave.
Whole30 Indian Butter Chicken
You don’t have to be doing a Whole30 to love this dish. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—most of them are spices, which is what makes this so complex and luscious, not to mention that all those spices bring tons of good nutrition.
Healthy Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Healthy. Chicken. Tacos. We know what we’re having for dinner on the next #TacoTuesday.
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Anything good is better with buffalo hot sauce on it, in our opinion. Definitely true in this dish, where it transforms a humble grain bowl into something to get excited about.
15-Minute Healthy Roasted Chicken and Veggies
The name of this sounds awesome enough—but what it doesn’t tell you is that you also make it in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze, too. Try this simple, comforting dish on kids and adults alike.
Hungry for more?
- 20-Minute Dinners from 4 Healthy Food Pros
- 10 Plant-Based Meals to Make in 30 Minutes
- 5 Super-Healthy One-Bowl Meals
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