9 Quick Chicken Recipes on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less

Chicken is the perfect dinner choice when you’re short on time. It’s high in protein and fairly low in fat, and it’s a good source of B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. It’s also amazingly versatile, fitting beautifully into a variety of cooking methods and cuisines. Plus, depending on the recipe, you can get it on the table fast, key for busy weeknights. We selected some healthy, delicious, and quick chicken recipes to streamline dinnertime for you.

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1. 15-Minute Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

By pounding out chicken breasts, which you can do easily with a mallet or rolling pin, you can have fiesta lime chicken with avocado salsa ready in 15 minutes from start to finish. Lime juice and zest pair with spices like cumin and smoked paprika for a highly flavored chicken breast, and the salsa is full of heart-healthy avocado, tomatoes, fresh corn, jalapeño pepper, and even more lime juice and cumin. Thanks to the healthy fats and high fiber from avocados, this dish is also surprisingly filling.

Try the recipe from Carl’s Bad Craving.

2. Healthy Chicken Pad Thai

Gluten-free, high in protein, and full of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts, this healthy chicken pad Thai that tastes restaurant-quality but is lower in sugar, fat, and sodium than the average takeout dish. Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, faster than delivery. Swap sunflower, almond, or cashew butter for the peanut butter in the sauce, if you like. With sriracha, ginger, lime, fish sauce, and coconut sugar, this dish is loaded with flavor.

Try the recipe from What Molly Made.

3. 30-Minute Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta Skillet

One secret to tasty and quick chicken recipes is jarred pesto. But with this 30-minute chicken basil pesto pasta skillet, you actually make the pesto from scratch (though you could use ready-made anyway and save even more time). Try it with chickpea pasta for more protein and fiber, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.

Try the recipe from Whole and Heavenly Oven.

4. Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Getting a stir fry as crispy in texture as a restaurant takes a lot of skill… or an air fryer, as in this chicken and broccoli recipe. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it to cook extra quickly, and you can add the broccoli whenever you like, depending on how well-cooked you like it. Cook some quick rice or quinoa while the air fryer is going.

Try the recipe from Eat Better Recipes.

5. Healthy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

Full of bell peppers, carrots, garlic, and onion, these healthy ground chicken sloppy joes are a delicious take on the version we grew up with. You’ll spend about ten minutes on prep, then everything comes together in a hearty mixture that includes lycopene-rich tomato sauce. Apple cider vinegar adds a punchy flavor along with digestive benefits. Swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, and opt for whole-grain buns, or serve it as a bowl over prepared quinoa or rice.

Try the recipe from Hanna Magee RD.

6. 30-Minute Lemon Garlic One-Pan Chicken Breast

The flavorful lemon chicken alone is a crowd pleaser, but it even better with the green beans and mushrooms in this 30-minute one-pan recipe. When it comes to quick chicken recipes, we always appreciate a one-pan meal to streamline cleanup. You can swap out the cornstarch for arrowroot if you avoid corn. Plus, try steaming the green beans for 3 to 4 minutes instead of boiling for 10, for better texture and nutrition.

Try the recipe from Valentina’s Corner.

7. 30-Minute Thai Chicken Curry

Fresh ginger and coconut milk provide depth and vibrance to this 30-minute Thai chicken curry, which you can serve over rice or any other grain. It also has a flavorful mix of spices including coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Stewing the chicken in the rich coconut milk gives it tons of flavor in a short amount of time. Cut the chicken breast into smaller pieces to keep the cooking time low.

Try the recipe from The Roasted Root.

8. Healthy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

This honey garlic chicken stir fry takes a scant 25 minutes to prep and cook, making it one of our go-to quick chicken recipes. Broccoli florets add color and nutrients, and you prep the simple sauce directly in the pan, so you can make it as thick or thin as you like. Serve this over cauliflower rice for an even more vegetable-filled meal.

Try the recipe from Chef Savvy.

9. 20-Minute Mediterranean Chicken

Pare down the marinade time to a brief 15 to 20 minutes instead of the recommended hour, and you’ll have 20-minute Mediterranean chicken on the table in 30 minutes or less from start to finish. The marinade includes balsamic vinegar and garlic, giving the chicken depth of flavor, while the toppings such as feta cheese and Roma tomatoes bump up the Mediterranean flair.

Try the recipe from Wholesome Yum.

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