19 Simple, Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes that Make White Meat Craveable

Turmeric-Ginger Marinated Chicken
Photo: Andy Lyons

Look forward to diving into a feast of white meat in these simple, healthy chicken breast recipes. Because chicken breasts are naturally lean, each of these mains has less than 450 calories and more than 15 grams protein—plus we're keeping an eye on healthy fat sources, fiber, and vitamins and minerals in each of these healthy chicken breast dinner ideas. You'll find fresh chicken stir-fry recipes, healthy breaded chicken breasts, healthy baked chicken breast creations, skillet dinner winners, and many more fun healthy chicken breast recipes that your whole family will adore.

01 of 19

Grilled Chicken and Cherry Salad

Grilled Chicken and Cherry Salad
Blaine Moats

Juicy fresh cherries, cool and crunchy vegetables, salty sunflower seeds—summer tastes like this simple, healthy chicken breast recipe. With less than 250 calories, this best-served-chilled dish has just enough mayo in the dressing to round out the tart citrus and vinegar elements and to give a nod to the nostalgic summer break recipe of picnic chicken salad.

Test Kitchen Tip: Don't want to (or don't have time to) grill chicken yourself? Opt for a rotisserie chicken to get a head start.

02 of 19

Turmeric-Ginger Marinated Chicken

Turmeric-Ginger Marinated Chicken
Andy Lyons

This grilled chicken recipe goes international thanks to a spice blend of fresh turmeric and ginger—two potent anti-inflammatory ingredients—plus coriander seeds. Gut-friendly (and delicious!) Greek yogurt is the marinade base that helps those flavors soak into the meat. Make this protein-packed anti-inflammatory chicken breast recipe a meal by serving over basmati rice.

03 of 19

Chicken with Minted Yogurt Sauce

Chicken with Minted Yogurt Sauce
Blaine Moats

Go Greek. This healthy chicken breast dinner is topped with a chunky tzatziki-style sauce. All for less than 200 calories! To complete this Mediterranean meal, pair the chicken with a fresh, crisp Romaine salad topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Don't forget the warm pita!

04 of 19

Chicken and Vegetable Sauté

Chicken and Vegetable Sauté
Karla Conrad

Chicken and veggies have never looked or tasted better. Cut chicken breasts into strips, then stir up this vibrant chicken dinner in 30 minutes. Great Northern beans add even more protein, so this healthy chicken breast dinner recipe clocks in at 43 grams. That makes it one of the most robust dinner dishes we've ever developed.

05 of 19

Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken with Fingerlings

Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken with Fingerlings
Karla Conrad

We'll never pass up a meal of meat and potatoes—especially one that's ready in 30 minutes and clocks in at just 255 calories. Sprinkle on a little extra thyme before serving this healthy chicken breast recipe. We'd be willing to wager everyone will come back for seconds of this high-protein, low-calorie dinner.

06 of 19

Peachy Chicken Pasta Salad

Peachy Chicken Pasta Salad
Andy Lyons

A summer potluck favorite—pasta salad—steps into the main dish spotlight once you add healthy chicken breast to the lineup. Far more flavorful than the standard store-bought salads, this 323-calorie recipe features fresh basil, crunchy walnuts, savory chicken (of course), and a quick DIY dressing. The 30-minute assembly is as easy as boiling pasta, cooking chicken, mixing them together, and grabbing a fork.

07 of 19

Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
Jason Donnelly

Balsamic vinegar, with its hallmark dark color, syrupy body, and slight sweetness, infuses this healthy boneless skinless chicken breast recipe with loads of flavor without adding any fat and hardly any calories. Your favorite homemade or bottled Italian dressing joins the party with the chicken breast tenderloins, too. For a side and supper in one (for less than 275 calories), toss in asparagus, carrots, and tomatoes near the end of the prep time.

Buy It: VSOP Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar ($33, Williams Sonoma)

08 of 19

Almond-Crusted Chicken

Almond-Crusted Chicken
Andy Lyons

Coat chicken breasts in almonds and panko bread crumbs for the crunchiest pan-fried coating ever. (We bet this healthy breaded chicken breast recipe would be a hit cooked in the air fryer, too, by the way!) If you stick with the skillet method, add fresh spinach to the pan once the chicken cooks for a quick veggie side.

09 of 19

Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Blaine Moats

On those nights when you can't decide between a simple healthy baked chicken breast recipe or taco night, we say, "Choose both!" Make your own tomatillo salsa for this healthy chicken casserole to control the sodium content and give it a pop of fresh flavor. A dollop of light sour cream is just enough to balance the nice amount of spice.

Test Kitchen Tip: To trim down on day-of prep time, assemble this 8-serving chicken casserole up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake and dig in.

10 of 19

Sweet Potato, Chicken, and Spinach in Browned Butter

Sweet Potato, Chicken, and Spinach in Browned Butter
Jason Donnelly

Summer squash isn't the only vegetable that should be able to take a spin in the spiralizer. Swoodles, or sweet potato noodles, meet piles of fresh spinach and apples in the foundation for this healthy chicken breast recipe. A little sweet, nutty browned butter helps the nutrient-packed skillet dinner taste like a dish ordered off a restaurant menu.

Buy It: OXO Tabletop Spiralizer ($48, Bed Bath & Beyond)

11 of 19

Korean-Style Chili-Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Korean-Style Chili-Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Karla Conrad

Allow us to introduce one of the best healthy chicken breast recipes for those who like their entrée to pack a pleasantly spicy kick. This healthy chicken stir-fry gets its sweet-hot character from Asian chili-garlic sauce and brown sugar. Top it off with an easy tangy pickled vegetable medley for a colorful flavor explosion.

12 of 19

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Andy Lyons

A little feta cheese goes a long way to amp up the flavor and adds a lovely salty quality to any dish. (This fact is fantastic for the financial and the fat and calorie budget.) Top fresh vinaigrette-dressed greens with this healthy stuffed chicken breast recipe for a weeknight dinner winner that's just 168 calories. Those low calories mean it's perfect for a side of warm sourdough bread if you ask us.

13 of 19

Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts

Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts
Blaine Moats

If you're looking for a foolproof, simple healthy chicken breast recipe, put this fan-favorite 30-minute meal at the top of your list. This 258-calorie main dish has hundreds of five-star reviews for good reasons; it's 30-minute prep, handful of refrigerator and pantry staple ingredients, and one skillet cooking. Oh yes, it's delicious, too. Roast fresh asparagus spears or any other seasonal veggie to pair with it.

Buy It: Circulon Skillet ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond)

14 of 19

Herbed Chicken Orzo and Zucchini

Herbed Chicken Orzo Zucchini
Andy Lyons

Score your daily dose of vegetables once you add this healthy chicken breast dinner to the menu. Half of a zucchini per serving adds plenty of fiber and potassium with very few calories. "The flavors were well-balanced, chicken was tender, and zucchini had a nice roasted finish," one BH&G fan says in her five-star review.

15 of 19

Corn Bread Chicken with Kale

Corn Bread Chicken Kale
Jason Donnelly

This healthy breaded chicken breast keeps fat in check with a light spritz of cooking spray before dredging the chicken in corn bread stuffing mix ($2, Target) for a satisfyingly crunchy coating. No deep-fryer required. Plus, you can get your superfood fix with the wilted kale we suggest serving alongside.

16 of 19

Greek Oregano Chicken with Spinach, Orzo, and Grape Tomatoes

Greek Oregano Chicken Spinach Orzo Grape Tomatoes
Jason Donnelly

This Mediterranean-inspired simple, healthy chicken breast recipe is a touch over 400 calories, but it already includes your veggies and pasta. No other sides—or effort—are needed. Lemon peel and juice punch up flavor without adding sodium or fat.

17 of 19

Chicken Taco Casserole

Chicken Taco Casserole
Blaine Moats

Dish up this simple, healthy chicken breast recipe for a complete picky eater-friendly meal that sneaks in nutrient-rich spinach and bell peppers. Shh..we won't tell! What we will happily discuss, though, is the 196-calorie total, which saves plenty of room to end the meal with a healthy dessert.

Test Kitchen Tip: Save a little money by cutting whole chicken breast halves into strips yourself instead of getting a package of chicken breast stir-fry strips.

18 of 19

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Blaine Moats

A cozy chicken casserole doesn't often pack in this many veggies—or this much protein (29 grams). Enjoy this classic, crowd-pleasing, simple healthy chicken breast recipe on its own or with a side salad. For a bonus nutrition boost, spoon the saucy casserole over steamed cauliflower rice or broccoli spears.

19 of 19

Chicken Breasts with Smoky Pepper Sauce

Chicken Breasts with Smoky Pepper Sauce
Jacob Fox

This easy, healthy boneless skinless chicken breast recipe can be on the table in just 35 minutes. (Psst… it freezes beautifully, so we recommend making a double batch to thaw and enjoy later—twice the meal for the same effort!) Sautéed bell peppers, loaded with vitamin C and fiber, make a colorful contribution to the tomatoey sauce for this protein-rich dish.

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