7 Chicken Recipes For A Healthier You

Chicken is a versatile and lean protein that can be a great addition to a healthy diet. Here are seven delicious chicken recipes that are not only nutritious but also easy to prepare.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.

2. Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the mixture, coating both sides, and place on the baking sheet.
4. Spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Serve with a side salad for a light and satisfying meal.

3. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Serve over brown rice for a filling and nutritious meal.

4. Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Serve with a Greek salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

5. Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper half and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Serve with a side of avocado for a complete and nutritious meal.

6. Chicken and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Slice into strips.
2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, raspberries, sliced almonds, and chicken strips.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

Enjoy this light and flavorful salad as a healthy lunch or dinner option.

7. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth, chicken, green beans, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Serve this comforting soup with whole grain bread for a satisfying and healthy meal.

These chicken recipes are not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try them out and enjoy a healthier you!