When it comes to cooking chicken dishes you might be easily stumped and find yourself in a rut, cooking the same thing each week. If you or your family is getting bored with the usual, here is an impressive list of some of the most scrumptious, yet easy-to-make recipes that bring the flavor, but leave the fat and calories. No matter what kind of dish you’ve got in mind, we’ve got you covered with these tasty and healthy chicken recipes.
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Appetizers
Even though they’re mainly for getting things started, appetizers can be the food that everyone remembers the next day. Here are some great appetizers that feature chicken in a leading role.
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Spinach Artichoke Chicken
The recipe calls for chicken breasts. All you have to do to make it an appetizer is cut up the chicken into smaller bits so that it’s easier for dipping. This is a great adjustment to the typical spinach artichoke dip, as you’re adding lean protein to it in order to balance it out more. The end result should be a tasty dish that can get you started, or keep it as breasts to an entree.
Via Add a Pinch[/column]
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Greek Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
With this dish you get the savory spices from the chicken mixed with the cooling effect of the tzatziki sauce. It’s a way to get a dash of Mediterranean flavor into your life and give you some different tastes that you might not be used to. You might also want to consider subbing Greek yogurt for the regular yogurt, but they’re definitely keeping it healthy by using the organic yogurt in the recipe.
Via Easy Peasy Meals[/column]
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Baked Chicken Tostadas
These are a winner because she’s opted to bake the tortillas instead of frying them, which is what a traditional tostada recipe calls for. The author has kept it light as far as the other ingredients go. You can also add Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and avocado always adds flavor as well as healthy fats. Overall, a healthy appetizer in no time at all.
Via My Baking Addition[/column]
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Southwest Grilled Chicken Spring Rolls
Spring rolls always trump egg rolls in the health department because they’re not deep fried. With these you have the added benefit of controlling what ingredients go in them. We like how they’ve managed to fit both spinach and noodles into these. You can serve up a healthy platter of spring rolls to your guests with protein in the chicken, vegetables, carbs in the wrap and healthy fat in the avocado.
Via Everyday Southwest[/column]
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Puff Pastry Buffalo Chicken Appetizer
These would be great for your picky crowd that also likes to watch sports. It brings the flavor and feel of buffalo chicken but places it on a pastry puff so it gains some elegance. The one thing you might want to consider altering to keep it in the sphere of a healthy snack is the mayo. Be sure to use organic mayonnaise since there’s so it’s made with quality oil and eggs.
Via Simply Gourmet[/column]
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Southwest Chicken Appetizers
These turn out so cute that you might not want to eat them. Until you smell them! The end result is a nice mix of chicken with some vitamin-packed tomatoes and peppers, as well as seasoning and spices. While the ingredients she shows in the picture are all conventional, you can do yourself a favor by using organic substitutes to cut down on the additives and preservatives.
Via The Supermom Chef[/column]
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Thai Peanut Chicken “Pizza”
This appetizer has a lot going on. First, it comes in pizza form, and everybody will like that. Next, it includes things you don’t typically find on a pizza, like peanut butter and sesame dressing. The hallmark of really good apps is that they bend the rules but still bring the flavor. This one definitely measures up, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next party or as a personal snack if you get the hankering for it.
Via Sandy’s Kitchen[/column]
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Dinner
This is still the meal that gets most of the attention, so it’s good to bring your A game. Here are some healthy recipes to expand your arsenal and always be ready for the main meal.
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Moroccan Chicken
Moroccan style meals usually mean you’re going to get a flavor-packed dish that isn’t rough on your midsection. Such is the case with this chicken dish. The paprika and turmeric are going to combine to give you all of the flavor you can handle, plus turmeric made our list of superfoods and works to speed up your metabolism. Talk about a bonus to eating this already delicious dish.
Via Eat Good 4 LIfe[/column]
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“Easy Peasy” Chicken Enchiladas
We like this one because anything with easy in the title means you’re on a fast track to a delicious and healthy meal. This recipe artist stresses that this is just a guideline, and you can play with the ingredients to your heart’s content. If you’re trying to make it a healthy meal, you might want to consider using a light cheese blend and swapping out Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Via Life Corked[/column]
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Sticky Coconut Chicken
You might notice from the picture that even though it’s coconut chicken there aren’t coconut shavings sprinkled on top. It gets its coconut flavor from the coconut milk that is used during cooking. This infuses the coconut taste throughout the dish, and what results is a very moist and tender piece of chicken, with a hearty glaze. Round this out with a side of brown rice and steamed broccoli and you’re in business.
Via Mommy? I’m Hungry![/column]
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Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal
Skillet meals are great because you generally end up cooking everything in one pan, which means less dishes later. Consider using a different oil than vegetable oil if you want to be healthier. Your main stars here are the chicken, the broccoli, and the pasta, so be sure to choose high-quality products for these. The other ingredients all look like this makes a tasty and light meal, and all in one pan.
Via Food Hero[/column]
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Jambalaya
We couldn’t forget a jambalaya on our list of healthy chicken recipes. This one was selected because it keeps things simple while not forgetting any of the basics. You’ll get the kick that you’d expect, without having to worry about the exact measurements. This might not suit your cooking style if you like to have everything detailed, but it capture the Creole cooking essence by being lax and lighthearted about what goes in.
Via Cafe Delites[/column]
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Boozy Margarita Chicken with Marinade
Here’s a way to keep your family happy, and also tantalize your own taste buds. They’ll be able to recognize it as a chicken breast, and you’ll be able to appreciate the many seasonings that are used in it. The grilling gives it even more flavor, and it’s easily paired with any steamed veggies you want with it. Consider adding a side of carbohydrates to balance the protein of the chicken.
Via The Slow Roasted Italian[/column]
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Roasted Brussels Sprout & Chicken Sausage Pasta
You can’t get much healthier than using Brussels sprouts in your cooking, and pairing it with chicken sausage helps you avoid the higher fat and sodium content of pork or beef sausage. Using corkscrew pasta is a great idea because in one dish you’re getting a protein, carb, and a veggie so no sides are necessary. Consider using whole wheat or gluten free pasta for even more benefits.
Via Cait’s Plate[/column]
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Paprika Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
What’s fantastic about this dish is it will help you figure out how to roast an entire chicken if you’ve never done so before. Using paprika as the base spice gives this a lot of flavor, and with the potatoes included you’re getting a protein and a starch. Add a nice vegetable side and you’re all set. The veggie can help add a new flavor so you don’t get paparika’d out.
Via Diana a Broad[/column]
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Chicken Burgers
Once you learn exactly how to cook these – which is easy because they walk you through with pictures – you might be adding them to your regular menu. They provide all the taste you’d want and can be used in a variety of ways, without adding extra pounds to your body. They even point out that they’re a hit with kids, so it’s a great way to make sure they’re getting protein, without resorting to regular burgers.
Via I Food Real[/column]
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Harissa Sticky Chicken with Couscous
You’ll be done with this dish before you even realize you’ve started cooking. The best part is no one has to know how easy it is to make. It’s a five minute prep time, and is done just ten minutes later. If you’ve ever wondered how to use couscous this would be a great entry level recipe. The simple ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store, so this is easy all around.
Via GoodFood[/column]
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Kerala Style Chicken Curry with Thick Gravy
This is a wholesome dish and is a way to try out a different style of cooking than you might be used to. Kerala is in the southern part of India and this means you’ll be able to get an idea of how to cook Indian food. If you’re a big fan and have never attempted to cook a dish, here is a step-by-step plan so you can add this to your other tasty chicken recipes that you cook on a regular basis.
Via Indugets Cooking[/column]
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Palak Chicken Curry with Spinach
This is a Pakistani-inspired dish that promises to be quick and easy once you have the ingredients all lined up. The curry flavor is going to be different than other curries from around the world, but perhaps closest to Indian curry. Spinach is a bona fide superfood, so you’re starting off with a good base. Use chicken breast instead of just chicken in order to make this even healthier.
Via Crave Cook Click[/column]
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Sous Vide Thai Chicken Wraps with Peanut Satay
What’s great about this recipe is she’s got you making everything from scratch, right down to the wraps. If you want to speed things up you could always by wraps and bypass this step. The rest of the recipe takes you through how to make satay sauce, and how to get the chicken just right. She also explains out to wrap it up so it looks like the picture.
Via The Kitchen Alchemist[/column]
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Thai Chicken Burgers
This calls for ground chicken, so be sure you opt for ground chicken breast so that it’s low in fat but still has the protein you’re looking for. The rice wine vinegar is going to give it the “Thai” flavoring, since it is used so prominently in Thai dishes. The recipe is nice because these burgers store and reheat nicely so you can make a batch and eat them over the next few days.
Via NutMeg Nanny[/column]
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Chicken with Bulgur and Peppers
The bulgur might be new to some cooks, but it’s definitely worth exploring and adding to your repertoire. It’s amazing that a list of simple spices, vegetables, and chicken can turn into this masterpiece. And this is one dish that doesn’t need much added to it. The chicken gets you your protein, the bulgur is the carb, and the peppers give you a veggie for a well-balanced meal. Nice job Elly!
Via Elly Says Opa![/column]
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One Pan Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
This dish is so easy to make and you only need one pan to do it in. It features rice, olive oil, and a bunch of healthy spices that include paprika and cumin. It also contains black beans for added fiber and chicken thighs for protein. See more healthy dinner recipes here.
Via Gimme Delicious[/column]
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Game Time
When the Big Game comes around you don’t want to feel like you’re having half a party because you’re watching your weight. Here are some ways to party it up, but still slim down.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
These are sure to be a game day favorite, and it’s easy to make them gluten free because all that’s necessary is to buy gluten free tortilla chips, with corn tortilla chips being a good choice. The rest of the toppings are basic but he hasn’t forgotten anything here. The challenge will be to get all of these yummy foods to stack onto the chip.
Via Once Upon A Chef[/column]
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Healthy Crispy Chicken Buffalo Wings
You’ve got to have buffalo wings or it’s not really a sporting event, right? These hit the spot and you won’t even miss the added fat and calories you’d get at your favorite sports bar. The Sriracha sauce originates in Thailand, so these are going to have a bit of a different kick to them than what you might be used to, but you might end up adding them to your game time ritual.
Via Best Recipe Box[/column]
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Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs with Blue Cheese Dressing
Here’s another way to enjoy the buffalo wing flavor in a different form. They’ve even managed to incorporate the blue cheese dipping sauce so you get the full experience. There’s nothing not to like about this sandwich, and it’s sure to satisfy the manliest of men for a big game, or any day of the year really. Because the meatballs are made of chicken it’s healthier than a typical meatball sub.
Via Pixelated Crumb[/column]
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Baked Buffalo Chicken Rolls
The baking provides the magic here, no need to deep fry to get buffalo chicken flavor. In a nice twist they use egg roll wrappers so you’re getting a nice fusion of Asian style cuisine, but loaded up with some good ol’ American favorites. Pair these with the classic celery that comes with buffalo wings, toss in a side of oil and vinegar dressing and you’ve got it made so well you won’t feel like you’re being healthy.
Via Dainty Chef[/column]
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Orange Bourbon Mini Chicken Phillies
What’s great about these is you can use your crock pot to make them. Make a big batch and keep them piping hot in the pot during the game so people can serve themselves when they get hungry. Or you can plate them all up since the real draw is just how cute they look as little mini sandwiches. Thanks for the great recipe, Amber!
Via Slim Pickings Kitchen[/column]
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Grilled Up
Grilling not only adds flavor to the chicken and other ingredients, it keeps things healthy by not requiring any oil or fats to cook it in. All you get is all-natural flame-grilled chicken.
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Hawaiian Grilled Chicken & Pineapple
Adding pineapple to a dish automatically gives it the Hawaiian feel. The directions on this one are pretty straightforward, and the ingredients are a clinic in simplicity. They provide a few options as far as how you can make this, but overall you’re looking at a pretty good meal here, since you have a fruit providing the carbs to balance the chicken. Think of putting some veggies on that skewer for more nutrients.
Via Key Ingredient[/column]
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Red White and Blue Grilled Chicken
It doesn’t need to be July 4th to cook this chicken dish up, although that’s a great month to fire up the barbecue. The big draw here is that they show you how to make the berry salsa that goes on top of it, and what gives it the red and blue color. Just when you thought this was a safe and sweet dish they go and add a jalapeno to keep your taste buds guessing.
Via Just a Pinch[/column]
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Grilled Chicken Skewers with Arugula Almond Salsa Verde
These might appear plain at first, but by the time they get done with them these skewers look fit for a five star restaurant. You’ll be walked through a path of different tastes, starting off with the lemon, then on to the fresh chives, and then the robust flavor of the capers. They’re relatively easy to make, since the grill is doing the heavy lifting. It’s a matter of mixing up the sauce and working on presentation.
Via Joanne Weir[/column]
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Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Wings Recipe
Chicken wings get a bad rap because they’re usually dunked in a deep fryer to cook. Once you remove that from the equation they’re not too bad of an option if you’re watching your weight. With the honey mustard being glazed onto these, you’re in for a treat. Just be sure to nosh on some veggies with them so you’re getting some fiber at the same time.
Via Cully’s Kitchen[/column]
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Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
The grilling that goes into the flavor of the chicken really does the trick here, and you might never have an ordinary club sandwich again after taking on this one. It’s really easy to make this more healthy by leaving out the bacon, but then it’s not really a chicken club anymore, but just a sandwich. Leave in the avocado because although it adds to the fat, it’s the good kind of fat that helps you lose fat.
Via Closet Cooking[/column]
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Grilled Chicken Legs Wrapped in Bacon
When choosing this recipe we realized that it’s wrapped in bacon, but if you use a lean cut you should be OK. The flavor that it will add to the meal will be worth it, and as long as you don’t eat seconds it won’t hurt. The combination of the grilled chicken, mixed with the beer and bacon makes this a most interesting meal to try, and if you’re still worried about the bacon, make it one of your free meals.
Via From Brazil to You[/column]
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Chicken, Peach, and Sausage Kabobs
This author has a pretty unique take on chicken skewers. It’s not everyday you see peaches matched with chicken, or chicken in the form of sausage on a skewer. These combine to make a very flavorful meal. She even shows you how to make a healthy side with onions so you can round out this meal. The plum is your carb and the chicken supplies protein.
Via Cravings of a Lunatic[/column]
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Lunch
The midday meal that often gets overlooked because of work or errands, it’s actually important to eat a decent meal, since this is when your digestive juices are strongest. These healthy chicken recipes make a great choice.
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Easy Fajita Wraps
They’ll show you how to take common leftovers and make them into something really special. Out at a restaurant you might be tempted to order fajitas until you see the price. This is a way to get the same sort of flavor experience, but at home, on the cheap, and using ingredients you might just have in your refrigerator. Bonus! They also show you how to wrap them up properly so they look pretty.
Via The Talking Kitchen[/column]
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Sonoma Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Sonoma chicken salad is a great summertime food, and really can be eaten anytime of the year. The grapes it contains add a nice sweet flavor to the chicken and accompanying ingredients. The celery and pecans really solidify this as a healthy lunch option, and as long as you’re putting it all on a multi-grain bread you’re going to come out a nutritional winner.
Via The Comfort of Cooking[/column]
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Healthy Chicken Salad Sandwich
This sandwich just screams healthy, but it also promises to be a taste sensation. You’ve got multiple superfoods all working together to not only fill you up, but keep you feeling full, and make it so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything at all. They’ve even figured out how to include asparagus in a sandwich, and are mindful enough to use low-fat mayo and Greek yogurt for flavor without the guilt.
Via Epicurian Mom[/column]
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Kale Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Wrap
The genius of this wrap is that they’ve replaced the romaine lettuce usually used with kale. Not that romaine lettuce is bad for you, it’s totally nutritious. It’s just that kale offers even more good phytonutrients for your body. So you’re getting the lovely taste of a Chicken Caesar salad all wrapped up so it’s great for a healthy lunch on the go. It’s using olive oil and mustard to replace the Caesar dressing.
Via Heather Christo Cooks[/column]
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Chicken Club Egg Rolls
Before you do a double take on this one, yes, they’ve managed to stick a chicken club inside an egg roll. The recipe calls for bacon, but you could leave it out if you’re wanting to keep things lean and mean. You’ll then be left with mostly a chicken and avocado sandwich, which is still really tasty when it’s wrapped in an egg roll shell. We’re not sold on the avocado dipping sauce, since it already has avocado in it, but it’s still a great concept.
Via Dinners Dishes and Desserts[/column]
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Crispy Chicken Salad Wraps
You simply can’t go wrong with these, but if you want to tinker with the recipe, you might want to sub out the sour cream with Greek yogurt, and go with organic or a reduced fat mayonnaise. She heats things up with a little hot sauce, so these aren’t going to bore you while you’re eating them. Pass on the pictured potato chips if you’re looking to use this as a diet food.
Via A Bitchin’ Kitchen[/column]
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Roasted Vegetable and Balsamic Chicken Wrap
Roasted veggies make everything taste great, and when you add in some balsamic vinegar you’re already two for two. The chicken is going to soak up that great flavor, and by the time you wrap these up you’re going to be ready to devour them. The best part is there isn’t a single ingredient that will set back your diet, and you can go with gluten-free wraps if your diet warrants it.
Via Nutritionist in the Kitch[/column]
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Bacon Jam Chicken Club Sandwich
Roll up your sleeves when you eat this sandwich. This ones a little complicated because you’ll need to take the time to make up a batch of bacon jam. Sources say it’s worth the time, effort, and wait. Take out the extra strips of bacon if you don’t want the extra fat and calories. Leave in the avocado for the good fat it contains, and be sure to use an organic tomato so it’s topped with a superfood.
Via Closet Cooking[/column]
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Chicken-Quinoa Burgers with an Avocado-Yogurt Sauce
This is a very unique concoction as most cooks wouldn’t think to mix quinoa with chicken. But it’s an interesting way to get the health benefits of quinoa in a hearty burger. You probably won’t miss the beef with this tasty burger, and your body definitely won’t miss all of the saturated fat and extra calories that come with it. The avocado sauce on this is a splendid idea.
Via Bev Cooks[/column]
See more healthy lunch ideas
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Pasta
You might choose to sub out any regular pasta with whole wheat pasta. You’ll get the extra fiber and nutrients they contain, while only subtly changing the taste.
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Grilled Chicken Pasta in a Tomato Cream Sauce
The cream sauce might put you over on the fat and calories, but you may be able to make an adjustment to low-fat options. Keep in mind that you’re not going to get the same taste and texture as you would by following the recipe exactly. There’s just no reasonable substitute for heavy cream and butter. This might be a good meal to make on a free day if you have one, but it’d be worth it.
Via The Talented Chef[/column]
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Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
By using less than a cup of cream and a only half a stick of butter they’ve managed to make this grilled chicken and pasta dish a winner. The basil will help you lose weight, and will give it a nice pesto taste. You might want to swap out the pasta with organic whole wheat penne in order to add even more nutrients to your meal, without sacrificing flavor.
Via The Pioneer Woman[/column]
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Farmer’s Market Pasta Salad
Here’s a great recipe to follow, especially when the veggies are in season. She’s got the right idea by suggesting that you purchase the ingredients at your local farmer’s market. Eating locally not only helps the environment, and the local community, it makes for better tasting food since the ingredients are typically fresh and preservative free. Take out the cheese if you’re looking for a way to cut fat and calories for this meal and add in grilled chicken.
Via Cravings of a Lunatic[/column]
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Nutty Arugula Pesto with Penne
This recipe doesn’t call for chicken, so you’ll need to add it. We think the combination will be amazing. Chicken and spices mix really well, and that’s a good thing because it doesn’t really pack a lot of taste bud-popping flavor by itself. When you combine it with spinach and arugula you’re really making a healthy choice you can add to the regular line-up.
Via Kitchn[/column]
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Creamy Tomato Chicken and Courgettes Fusilli
What’s a courgette? It’s another term for zucchini. Anytime you spot the word creamy in a dish you immediately have to wonder if it’s going to put you off your diet for a day. The recipe uses just a half cup of cream for the entire dish, so it shouldn’t be too much of a strain on your diet. It’s counteracted by wonderful ingredients like garlic, basil, and paprika. The end result is a tasty and eye-appealing treat.
Via ang sarab[/column]
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Lemon Chicken Pasta
Julie says a little cream goes a long way, and we couldn’t agree more. She does also add some cheese to this dish, so you may want to keep an eye on your portion size. It’s really easy to eat too much pasta in one sitting, especially when it’s al dente, and it’s in fun bowtie shapes. The lemon and onion combine nicely for a zesty flavor in this somewhat monotone dish. Consider adding some brightly colored bell peppers for added taste and presentation.
Via Chef Julie Yoon[/column]
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Chinese Chicken with Noodles
No rice needed on this dish that inspired a Barenaked Ladies song. The noodles serve as your carb, and the chicken provides the protein. There’s plenty of garlic with its cleansing effects. Be sure to have a salad with this meal because it’s scant on the vegetables, with just a few green onions mixed in. You should also opt for a low sodium soy sauce, and check the label on the teriyaki sauce because those can have added fat and sugars.
Via Blog Chef[/column]
See more delicious pasta recipes
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Pizza
Everyone’s favorite! Chicken used to be a bizarre ingredient on a pizza, but it quickly caught on and now it seems quite natural and at home with the other toppings. These are healthy recipes you can try tonight.
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Citrus, Chicken and Goat Cheese Pizza
If you’re struck by this having goat cheese, you should definitely give it a try before writing it off. It’s actually really good, and goat products are becoming more popular as a stand-in for cow products. The addition of citrus fruits and goat cheese to a pizza is making this more of an delicacy than a pizza, and is a nice break from the typical pepperoni and mozzarella job you might be used to.
Via The Healthy Foodie[/column]
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Creamy BBQ Chicken Pizza
Adding cream and butter to barbecue sauce is delicious. Who would’ve thought? That’s the big move made here by Bev. The other ingredients she uses are pretty standard for a barbecue chicken pizza, including red onions, and of course chicken breast. She poaches them, but you could also grill them for a smoky flavor added to the barbecue. Worried about the fat content? Use low-fat mozzarella cheese instead of the full strength variety.
Via Bev Cooks[/column]
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Thai Chicken PIzza
This is trying to take a bite out of California Pizza Kitchen’s bottom line by replicating their Thai Chicken Pizza at home. The end result is a fantastic combination of yummy veggies, cheeses, peanuts, chicken, and spices that will bring a taste of Thailand into your home, without the overseas flight. The basil and red pepper flakes provide a robust flavor and some heat, so it’s well-rounded palate-pleaser.
Via Annie’s Eats[/column]
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Roasted Garlic Chicken PIzza
A pizza with only 5 minutes of prep, we just had to see this. It’s got plenty of flavor thanks to the roasted garlic, and it saves you time by recommending that you buy your pizza crust from the store. It also uses a cooking cream to shorten the steps, but also uses onions and parsley so you’re definitely going to feel satisfied once you’re done eating it.
Via Gimme Some Oven[/column]
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Cherry Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Fruity, barbecue-y pizza? We had to look at this one twice when we first saw it. It was the first time we’d seen cherries make their way to a pizza that wasn’t a dessert pizza. The more we thought about it the more a cherry barbecue sauce made a lot of sense. If you have some extra cherries you need to get rid of, go for this one, but it merits buying cherries just to try it out. Have a salad before eating this, because it only has an onion on it.
Via Pennies on a Platter[/column]
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Salads
The quintessential diet food gets a protein boost with chicken. These are generally easy to make, and can serve as a meal, or as the start of a meal.
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Chicken Chickpea Chopped Salad
The presentation on this salad is great, since you can see all of the different ingredients you’ll soon be jumping into. You can eat them one at a time, or you can mix it all up once you’re done admiring them. This really packs a nutritious punch, with protein in the chicken, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, good fat from the avocado, and it uses goat cheese instead of regular cheese made from cow’s milk.
Via Ambitious Kitchen[/column]
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Healthy Chopped Chicken Salad
The broccoli slaw in this gives it a leg up on other chicken salads since you’re getting the nutritious benefits of raw broccoli. The cumin and chili powder make this one chicken dish you’ll remember on your palate. They’re also mindful of the fat and use fat-free cheese. Since it’s already chopped up it’s easier to chew up which aids in digestion and makes this a great dietary choice.
Via From Rose Colored Glasses[/column]
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Honey-Glazed Chicken Salad
The color the honey glaze gives this chicken is enough to stop what you’re doing right now and go make it. This would make a great lunch, and can be prepared ahead of time as a nice take-along lunch for work. The recipe calls for lettuce, but you’ll want to use romaine or spinach as your base for the most health benefits. Overall a great looking dish that’s a great substitute for heavier fare.
Via Seasoned with Spice[/column]
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Healthy Chicken Salad
There are many ways that you can serve up this chicken salad, and the ingredients it contains makes it something you can add to your regular menu. It contains things like Greek yogurt, so it’s keeping up with the latest trends. It also has some mango and grapes in it so you’re going to get a nice sweetness to it. Coupled with the chicken and all the celery and lettuce if you serve it atop a salad this is a great option.
Via The Hungry Table[/column]
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Chez Mégane Chicken Salad
This is a chicken salad that you’ll eat one bite at a time – because you have to. It’s presented in a way that forces you to stop and savor each individual morsel, and contemplate how each of the ingredients complement each other. This slows you down, which helps with weight loss, but it also includes some great ingredients so you can eat it guilt free, including fat-free yogurt to compensate for the mayo.
Via Chez Megane[/column]
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Stephanie’s Chicken Salad
It’s nice to get a recipe from a Registered Dietician, and you can definitely eat this without worrying about your waistline. You also won’t have to worry about boring your taste buds because it has plenty of flavor thanks to Dijon mustard, and cooked in flavor from the rotisserie chicken. This is a way to get chicken salad without having to suffer through the mayonnaise.
Via Prevention RD[/column]
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Maggie’s Chicken Salad Wedges
Salad wedges add a certain amount of jenesequa to an otherwise mediocre dish. But in this case you’re placing a hearty chicken salad on top of it, complete with halved grapes and good-sized chunks of chicken. This is a way to turn heads with your chicken salad, if that was your intent. The cottage cheese gives it even more protein, there’s plenty of veggies, and the grapes add carbs so you’re all set.
Via Maggie’s Bites[/column]
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Slow Cooker
It’s nice to turn on the slow cooker before work and arrive to an aromatic home with dinner ready to be plated. These chicken recipes serve it up crock pot style.
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Chicken Chile Verde
The verde makes it green, and this chicken dish is big on putting lots of strong flavors into the crock pot and letting it make the magic. Think jalapenos, those are green right? But it also has some lime and lime zest so that you’re getting a nice sour and citrusy flavor as well. The chicken serves as the backdrop on this dish, and when you follow their serviing suggestion you’re getting a balanced meal.
Via Two Peas and Their Pod[/column]
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Crockpot Chicken Adobo
The adobo means you’re getting a nice marinated flavor to this, without adding a lot of calories. They have really thought this through to make it a very healthy dish, including using a low sodium soy sauce, and brown sugar rather than regular sugar. This is a nice entree that only leaves you with the task of coming up with a good vegetable and carb to go with it.
Via Table for Two[/column]
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Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue
If you like a good pulled pork sandwich, but you’re trying to watch what you eat and avoid pork, this could be the hero to the rescue. It’s going to give you all the flavor you’re seeking, and will go onto the same bun, but in place of the pork you’ll get skinless, boneless chicken with all of its protein, and it’s low-fat nature. A perfect compromise!
Via Ask Chefs[/column]
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Taco night is better when you don’t have to babysit the meat. With this you get to sub out the ground beef for chicken, and you get to let the slow cooker do all the work. All that’s left to do is top your taco the way you see fit, or use their suggested toppings and this makes for a great family meal night. Plenty more time to ask how everyone’s day was.
Via Smart Bottom[/column]
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Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
The ground pepper and romaine are good for your metabolism. Sub out the chicken thighs with chicken breasts to get a higher quality protein. Also, you’ll want to select a Caesar dressing that doesn’t put you over the limit on calories, carbs, or fat. Use a whole wheat bun, and this is now a pretty good for you sandwich, and one that you can enjoy as soon as it’s ready.
Via The Girl Who Ate Everything[/column]
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
There’s nothing like a good stew, especially when you don’t have to continually stir it or make sure it doesn’t boil over. Enter the slow cooker. Now you can add all of your ingredients and go do other things while it makes sure that your ingredients get to know one another without burning. A totally balanced meal, with veggies and potatoes filling in to round things out.
Via Skinny Ms.[/column]
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Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos
Nachos from a slow cooker? Now we’ve seen everything. These are the kind of chicken nachos you’ve always wanted to make, because the chicken gets so tender that you don’t have to spend forever chewing it up. It has beans added for extra fiber, and you can choose your own chips, getting low sodium, organic, or gluten free varieties depending on what you’re watching out for.
Via Bev Cooks[/column]
See more healthy crock-pot meals
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Soups
Soups make great dishes for cold, wintry days, or quick dishes any time of the year. You don’t have to resort to a can with these easy-to-make chicken soup dishes.
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Chicken Chile Tortilla Soup
This is the kind of soup that’s so popular in restaurants because it tastes like an enchilada or other Mexican dish, but is in soup form. The chicken gives it protein, but it gets a lot of help from the tomatoes, chilies, jalapenos, and avocado as far as it being a good food to warm you up when you’re trying to slim down. She even suggests using sea salt, which is more beneficial to the body than table salt.
Via Campbells[/column]
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Thai Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk
There are plenty of ingredients in this that make it a very Thai-inspired dish, including Sriracha sauce, ginger root, and coconut milk. They say it can also help you battle back the flu because it contains a base of Flu Fighter chicken stock. But you don’t have to wait until you’re getting sick to enjoy this soup and its kaleidoscope of flavors.
Via Everyday Maven[/column]
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This hearty soup is sure to hit the spot, and can even serve as a light meal rather than a lead up to a meal. The gnocchi really help to fill you up, and give it a good texture. An interesting mix of nutmeg and thyme make this one soup that will stand out on the menu, and could even become a go-to in the soup department.
Via Key Ingredient[/column]
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Healthy Chicken Stew
You might be surprised to find that there are only 6 ingredients in this dish, and one of them is water! It takes on a lovely color and contains the chicken of course, but also some onions and peppers. Be sure to serve this on top of a bed of rice, or perhaps some pasta in order to get your carbs and make it a balanced meal.
Via Imagelicious[/column]
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Chipotle Chicken Soup (gluten-free)
You don’t have to do anything special to this dish to make it gluten free, it naturally is. You won’t even notice because it has so many diverse and strong flavors that it’s going to keep your taste buds on alert. It has things like chipotle chilis, cilantro, and cumin so it’s packing some heat, as well as some more traditional spices. Plus it’s a balanced and complete meal. Score!
Via Katrina Runs[/column]
See more nutritious soups
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Chicken makes a great addition to most meals, especially if it’s skinless and boneless. You’re getting a high quality protein that plays well with the other ingredients, often soaking up juices, infusing itself with spices, and otherwise adding a nice texture to things. Just be sure to balance out your meals with a carbohydrate and a veggie so you feel satisfied as long as possible. If you have your own favorite chicken recipe, be sure to add it below.