Are you tired of the same old boring dinner routine? Look no further! As a busy individual, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can be overwhelming. But what if I told you that with just a few simple ingredients and some clever cooking techniques, you can whip up a mouth-watering chicken dish in no time?
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of the most scrumptious and healthy chicken recipes perfect for busy weeknights. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired flavors, we’ve got you covered with our collection of mouthwatering dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the first 10 recipes, featuring a mix of baked, grilled, slow-cooked, and stir-fried goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a more substantial dinner option, we’ve got something for everyone.
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast
A bright and citrusy twist on classic baked chicken, this recipe combines the flavors of lemon zest, garlic, and herbs to create a moist and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
6. Sprinkle rosemary leaves over the top of each breast.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your grilling game with this fresh and flavorful combination of juicy chicken and creamy avocado salsa. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve grilled chicken with avocado salsa spooned on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A comforting and nourishing soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or a busy evening. With just a few simple ingredients, this slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, green beans, and peas)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, mixed vegetables, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth until the ingredients are covered.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
In this quick and nutritious recipe, chicken breast is stir-fried with a medley of colorful vegetables and served over brown rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over cooked brown rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these tender and flavorful Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Skewers, perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. With a tangy and creamy marinade, these skewers are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with spicy chicken, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Spicy Sauce (see below)
Spicy Sauce:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Roast bell peppers and onion in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. In a small bowl, mix Spicy Sauce ingredients.
6. Assemble bowls by layering quinoa, roasted vegetables, chicken, and drizzle with Spicy Sauce.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Elevate your chicken tenders game with this crispy, cheesy, and easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders and sprinkle with minced garlic.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Transform sweet potatoes into a savory masterpiece by filling them with chicken, spinach, and creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, spinach, cream cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to make room for the filling.
5. Stuff each sweet potato with the chicken-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four potatoes.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed sweet potatoes and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
One-Pan Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
A flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines chicken breast with a variety of roasted vegetables, all cooked in one pan!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your choice of herbs (e.g. thyme, rosemary)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and herbs (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
Elevate your lunch game with this nutritious and flavorful wrap, packed with grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup whole wheat tortilla
– 2 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
– 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing (make your own or use store-bought)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper; cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, spread Caesar dressing on the tortilla, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Add chopped romaine lettuce on top of the dressing.
5. Slice grilled chicken into strips and place on top of lettuce.
6. Sprinkle feta cheese (if using) and fold tortilla in half to enclose filling.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Curry Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the warmth of curry, served atop a bed of creamy cauliflower rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add coconut milk to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add chicken back into the skillet and cook until coated with sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, prepare cauliflower rice by pulsing cooked cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
8. Serve chicken on top of cauliflower rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Savor the flavor of classic fajitas with a healthier twist using your air fryer! This recipe yields crispy, juicy chicken and tender vegetables that are perfect for wrapping up in a warm flour tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add bell peppers and onions to the bowl; toss to combine.
4. Cook in air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Serve hot with tortillas and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chicken and Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf
This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and nutty quinoa for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Return chicken to the skillet; stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Grilled Chicken
Transform your mealtime with this light and flavorful recipe, featuring zucchini noodles paired with grilled chicken and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, spiralize zucchinis into noodles. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add zucchini noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
5. Slice grilled chicken and serve atop zucchini noodles. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
A nutritious and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the goodness of chicken, broccoli, and whole grains to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/2 cup low-fat milk
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken and broccoli in olive oil until cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cooked brown rice, low-fat milk, and grated cheese.
4. Combine the cooked chicken and broccoli mixture with the rice mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
This refreshing recipe combines juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and creamy peanut sauce for a healthy and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these wraps are also great for meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce)
– 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice.
3. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Chop the cooked chicken into strips.
5. Assemble the wraps by placing a few pieces of chicken onto a lettuce leaf, then drizzle with peanut sauce.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner: A flavorful and healthy one-pan meal that combines the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with the convenience of a sheet pan dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
4. Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Low-Carb Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. This recipe combines the tender taste of chicken breast with the crisp freshness of asparagus, all in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Add the garlic and soy sauce to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the asparagus mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of chicken, black beans, and bell peppers for a nutritious and delicious main dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, rice, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Treat your family to a flavorful and aromatic meal with this easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. While the chicken is cooking, toss the sweet potato cubes with honey and spread them out on a baking sheet.
7. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 delicious and healthy chicken recipes! From classic comfort food to international twists, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy baked chicken breasts smothered in lemon garlic, grilled skewers marinated in Greek yogurt, or hearty slow cooker soups packed with veggies. Try quick and easy one-pan meals, flavorful stir-fries, or nutritious salads wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. Whatever your taste buds crave, these recipes are sure to satisfy your hunger for healthy, home-cooked meals that can be ready in no time!
