10+ Healthy Lean Chicken Recipes to Elevate Your Meals

Healthy lean chicken recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy delicious meals while keeping your diet in check. Incorporating lean chicken into your cooking not only provides a great source of protein, but it also supports a balanced and nutritious meal plan.

With so many variations to choose from, you can easily prepare flavorful dishes that your family will love. Whether you are looking for quick dinners or impressive meals for guests, lean chicken recipes can fit any occasion and satisfy any palate.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a tasty and healthy option for your meals. This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs with lean chicken. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.

To make this dish, start by marinating the chicken. Use ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. These flavors soak into the chicken, making it delicious.

You can grill the chicken on medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken in a resealable bag and pour marinade over it.
3. Seal the bag and marinate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the grill to 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
5. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.

2) Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Honey garlic chicken skewers are a tasty and healthy choice for any meal. They are easy to make and perfect for grilling.

To start, marinate your chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Once marinated, thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).

Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally. Brush with extra marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.

These skewers not only taste great but also provide lean protein, making them a healthy meal option.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill to 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
5. Grill skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally.

3) Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a delicious and healthy option for your dinner. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. The balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with chicken.

To start, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Marinating the chicken in a mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs will boost the flavor even more.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

You can serve this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It’s perfect for meal prep too!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with your choice of sides.

4) Thai Coconut Curry Chicken

Thai Coconut Curry Chicken is a tasty dish that combines chicken with fragrant coconut milk and spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week.

You start by cooking chicken in a bit of oil until it’s golden brown. Then, add garlic and ginger for flavor. Next, stir in green curry paste for that delicious kick. Pour in coconut milk and let it simmer.

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (13.5 oz or 400 ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Add green curry paste and mix well.
5. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
7. Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice.

5) Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Garlic butter chicken thighs are a delicious and simple dish. You’ll love how juicy and flavorful they turn out. The combination of garlic and butter makes this meal rich and satisfying.

To start, season your chicken thighs with garlic and other spices. You can add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor. Then, cook them in a skillet until they are golden brown and crispy.

For a delicious twist, consider adding lemon juice. This enhances the taste and keeps the dish bright and fresh. Make sure to serve it with your favorite sides like asparagus or rice.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add chicken thighs, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

6) Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

Mediterranean stuffed chicken is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. You can fill boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a tasty mix of spinach, feta cheese, and spices. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

To make it, start by seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Then, mix the spinach and crumbled feta cheese in a bowl. You can also add roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Next, carefully stuff the chicken breasts with the mixture. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. This meal is great served with a side salad or whole grains.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, and roasted red peppers.
4. Stuff the chicken with the spinach mixture.
5. Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.

7) Sesame Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

Sesame ginger chicken stir fry is a tasty option that’s both healthy and quick to prepare. The combination of soy sauce and ginger adds great flavor to the chicken. You will enjoy this simple dish that comes together in about 20 minutes.

To start, gather your ingredients and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.

Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-6 minutes until it’s golden brown. Add fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce to bring all the flavors together. You can also toss in your favorite veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken into small pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in ginger and soy sauce.
5. Add vegetables and cook until tender.

8) Mango Avocado Chicken Salad

This Mango Avocado Chicken Salad is a perfect light meal. It combines juicy chicken, creamy avocados, and sweet mango for a refreshing taste. The dish is colorful and packed with nutrients.

Start with cooked, shredded chicken. Add diced mangoes and avocados to the bowl. You can also include some diced red onion for extra flavor.

A squeeze of lime juice brings everything together. Drizzle with a light dressing of your choice to keep it healthy. Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.

This salad is great for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to prepare and keeps well for a few days in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced mango, diced avocado, and onion.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to combine and serve fresh.

9) Spicy Sriracha Lime Chicken

Spicy Sriracha Lime Chicken is a tasty option for a healthy meal. The mix of Sriracha sauce and lime creates a flavorful marinade that adds a kick to your chicken. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

To make this dish, start by marinating your chicken in a blend of Sriracha, lime juice, and other simple ingredients like garlic and salt. This marinade infuses the chicken with great flavor.

After marinating the chicken, grill or bake it until it’s cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve alongside rice or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix Sriracha sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt.
2. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill, or until fully cooked.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

10) Rosemary Lemon Chicken Breasts

Rosemary Lemon Chicken Breasts are a delicious and healthy meal option. The bright flavors of lemon and rosemary bring a tasty twist to your dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and only requires a few ingredients.

You can cook this chicken in the oven or on the grill for a lovely char. Start by marinating the chicken breasts in lemon juice, garlic, and fresh rosemary. This allows the flavors to soak in.

Bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
4. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cook for 20-25 minutes until done.