When you’re short on time but still want a healthy and delicious meal, these high-protein, low-calorie chicken dinner recipes are here to save the day. Here are 5 quick and easy recipes that are packed with flavor and most likely already staples that you keep on hand.
1. Lemon Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté broccoli and garlic for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet and add soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and serve.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 30g
2. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 8 large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Bibb lettuce)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in chili paste, soy sauce, honey, and diced bell peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 25g
3. Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (non-fat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and lemon juice. Coat chicken breasts with the mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Toss cucumber and red onion with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a quick salad. Serve with chicken.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 275
- Protein: 32g
4. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken and Green Beans
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk together Dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and brush with honey mustard glaze. In the same skillet, sauté green beans with a pinch of salt and pepper for 4-5 minutes. Serve together.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 28g
5. Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- Stir in pesto, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 34g
Enjoy these quick and healthy chicken dinners that are perfect for busy weeknights. Which one will you try first?