10+ Kale and Chicken Recipes for Healthy Eating

Kale and chicken make a delicious and nutritious pair that can elevate any meal. These ingredients are not only versatile, but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty dish to impress your guests, you’ll find plenty of options to explore.

With various cooking methods and flavor profiles, there are endless possibilities for creating satisfying meals. You can enjoy them in stir-fries, sautés, or even baked dishes. By incorporating kale and chicken into your recipes, you can enjoy meals that are both healthy and full of flavor.

Grilled Kale and Chicken Caesar Salad

This Grilled Kale and Chicken Caesar Salad is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. The combination of grilled chicken and fresh kale makes it satisfying and packed with nutrients.

Start with lacinato kale, known for its hearty texture. Massage the kale with a little olive oil to make it tender.

Next, grill your chicken until it’s golden brown. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the salad perfectly.

You can top your salad with shaved parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons for added texture. A drizzle of homemade Caesar dressing ties everything together. This salad is light yet filling, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch lacinato kale
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 chicken breast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shaved parmesan cheese
• Croutons (optional)
• Caesar dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Rinse and chop the kale, then massage with olive oil.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the chicken for 7-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
5. Slice the grilled chicken.
6. Assemble the salad by combining kale, chicken, and toppings.
7. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and enjoy!

Kale and Chicken Stir Fry

Kale and chicken stir fry is a tasty and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. Start by gathering your ingredients and getting your wok or skillet ready.

You’ll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped kale, and your favorite veggies like bell peppers and onions. Don’t forget garlic and a sauce to tie it all together.

Heat oil in your pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Then, add in the garlic and veggies, cooking until they are tender.

Once everything is cooked, stir in the kale and your chosen sauce. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Chopped kale
• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Garlic
• Your favorite sauce (like soy or peanut sauce)
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and veggies; cook until tender.
4. Stir in kale and sauce; cook until kale wilts (3-5 minutes).

3) Lemon Herb Chicken with Sautéed Kale

This Lemon Herb Chicken with Sautéed Kale is a tasty and simple dish. You will enjoy the juicy chicken paired with the vibrant green kale. The lemon adds a bright flavor that really brings everything together.

To start, marinate your chicken in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for about 20 minutes. This step helps infuse great flavors into the meat.

For cooking, grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 6 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken cooks, heat some olive oil in a skillet. Add chopped kale and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s tender. Season it with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Serve the chicken on a plate and top it with the sautéed kale. This dish is great for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or oregano)
• 4 cups kale (washed and chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 20 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for 6 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped kale for 5 minutes.
4. Season kale with salt and pepper.
5. Serve chicken topped with sautéed kale.

4) Kale and Chicken Soup with Quinoa

Kale and chicken soup with quinoa is a nourishing dish that is perfect for any day. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty quinoa, and nutrient-packed kale for a delicious meal.

To make this soup, you will need to start with fresh ingredients. Adding garlic, onion, and celery boosts the flavor significantly.

Cook everything in a slow cooker for an easy dinner option.

You can serve this soup warm, making it a comforting choice for chilly nights. It is also great for meal prep since it freezes well.

Feel free to adjust seasoning and add in your favorite spices to customize the taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken, onion, celery, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Add quinoa and chicken broth.
3. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in kale, seasonings, and lemon juice.
6. Cook for another 30 minutes on HIGH until the kale is tender.

5) Spicy Kale and Chicken Tacos

These Spicy Kale and Chicken Tacos are a fun twist on taco night. The combination of chicken and kale brings great flavors together.

To start, you’ll season your chicken with spices like chili powder and cumin for a kick. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through.

In another pan, add kale and cook until it’s wilted.

Then, warm your taco shells and fill them with the chicken and sautéed kale. Top with fresh ingredients like avocado or salsa for extra flavor. Enjoy your spicy tacos with friends or family!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Taco shells
• Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken with chili powder and cumin.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Cook chicken until no longer pink inside, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add kale to another pan and sauté until wilted.
5. Warm taco shells.
6. Fill shells with chicken and kale, then add toppings.

6) Kale and Chicken Pasta Primavera

Kale and Chicken Pasta Primavera is a colorful and nutritious dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner. The fresh vegetables and tender chicken combine beautifully with kale and pasta.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta in salted boiling water. While that cooks, sauté chicken pieces in olive oil until golden.

Then, add garlic and a mix of seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

Toss in the chopped kale toward the end of cooking to keep it vibrant. Once everything is combined, use a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice only)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
4. Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in kale and cook until wilted.
6. Combine with pasta and lemon juice; mix well.
7. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Baked Chicken and Kale Casserole

Baked Chicken and Kale Casserole is a delicious and healthy meal you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please your family.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need tender shredded chicken, fresh kale, and a creamy sauce. This dish often includes Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the rice if you’re using it, and set it aside.

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft.

Next, mix the cooked chicken, kale, and cooked rice in a large bowl. Add the creamy sauce and season with your favorite herbs. Transfer everything to a baking dish.

Finally, bake for about 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup creamy sauce
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the rice and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
4. Mix chicken, kale, rice, and sauce in a bowl.
5. Transfer to a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

8) Kale and Chicken Power Bowl

A Kale and Chicken Power Bowl is a nutritious and delicious meal. It combines lean protein with healthy greens for a satisfying dish.

Start by marinating your chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. This adds flavors and moisture.

While the chicken is marinating, chop fresh kale and any other veggies you like, such as bell peppers or carrots.

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 165°F (75°C). In another pan, sauté the kale for a few minutes until soft.

You can also add brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber.

Once everything is cooked, assemble your bowl. Start with a base of grains, then add the chicken and sautéed kale. Top it off with your favorite dressing or a sprinkle of seeds for crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 chicken breast
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: seeds, nuts, or dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Sauté the kale in a separate pan for about 3 minutes.
4. Assemble the bowl with grains, chicken, and kale.
5. Add any optional toppings before serving.

9) Kale and Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Kale and chicken stuffed peppers make a nutritious and delicious meal. You can use bell peppers of any color, but red or yellow add a nice sweetness.

Start by cooking diced chicken with chopped kale and your favorite seasonings. This mix creates a flavorful filling.

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Then, fill each pepper with the chicken and kale mixture. You can add cheese on top if you like.

Bake the stuffed peppers in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This will help the peppers soften and the flavors blend together.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 pound (450 g) cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the diced chicken in olive oil.
3. Stir in the chopped kale and season with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds.
5. Fill each pepper with the chicken and kale mixture.
6. Add cheese on top if desired.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are soft.

10) Garlic Butter Chicken and Kale Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Kale Skillet is a simple and tasty dish. This meal combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and nutritious kale. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

Start by sautéing garlic in butter until it’s fragrant. Then, add chicken breasts and cook them until golden brown.

Next, toss in the kale and let it wilt. The garlic butter coats everything beautifully.

Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. This dish is flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook until golden brown.
4. Add the chopped kale. Stir until it wilts.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
6. Cook until the chicken is done. Check by inserting a thermometer; it should read 165°F or 75°C.