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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    34 Satisfying Chicken Meals That Are Actually Good for You

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 5, 2025, updated December 17, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Chicken is such a versatile ingredient, packed with protein and flavor. From grilled dishes to hearty soups, there are plenty of satisfying recipes that are good for you. These meals are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion, making it simple to enjoy delicious and nutritious food.

    Chicken and Chickpea Soup

    Chicken and Chickpea Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This chicken and chickpea soup is a simple and healthy dinner option. With just a few ingredients and some time to let it cook, you can enjoy a warm and satisfying meal.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping to begin, you end up with a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and sauce all cooked together in one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Caprese chicken.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Caprese Chicken is a simple dish that requires only 5 ingredients and can be prepared in one pan. It's a satisfying meal that's great for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This whole cooked chicken is incredibly tender and simple to make. It's hard to believe this rotisserie-style chicken comes from your slow cooker, and you can prepare it ahead of time for easy weeknight dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Pesto Chicken

    Pesto chicken with a side of salad.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    Pesto chicken is simple and delicious, featuring juicy grilled chicken breast paired with a rich and creamy basil pesto sauce. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick and easy to whip up using simple, healthy ingredients. Perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking, it keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor with olive oil, lemon, and basil.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Chicken Thighs

    Grilled Chicken Thighs with fresh herbs.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This simple recipe is quick and packed with flavor. The marinade is made in just a few minutes with common spices, and then a quick grill gives you a delicious dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken and Yellow Lentil Soup

    Chicken and Yellow Lentil Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This chicken and yellow lentil soup is a comforting dish that will warm you up and make you feel good. It's a simple homemade soup that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    This recipe lets you cook chicken breasts straight from the freezer, saving you time and effort. Just grab the frozen chicken, add a few simple ingredients, and in 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Foil packets with boneless chicken thighs and sliced peppers and onions are a simple and tasty option for grilling. This meal is quick to prepare and can be ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Legs

    Baked chicken legs with green beans.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Baked chicken legs are juicy and crispy, making them a delicious option for dinner. They're simple to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a hands-off cooking experience.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This dish features tender chicken baked alongside butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli, all on one pan. It's a simple and healthy meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features lemon, chicken broth, capers, and dijon mustard for a flavorful chicken meal that everyone will enjoy. With just a few easy steps and a bit of cooking time, this chicken piccata will be ready to serve for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    ​Chicken Thighs with Grapes, Thyme & Smoked Paprika

    Roast Chicken and Grapes on a plate
    Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson.

    This is an easy one-pan meal that brings out the sweetness of grapes, the smoky flavor of paprika, and the savory taste of chicken and thyme. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a great option to add to your weekly meals. It features a tasty base and is topped with crunchy peanuts.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks can be ready in just 20 minutes after soaking in olive oil, lime juice, and spices. They turn out tender with a nice crispy outside, making this a go-to way to prepare them.

    Get the recipe

    Blackened Chicken Tenders

    Blackened chicken.
    Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Blackened chicken tenders are simple to prepare right in your kitchen. You can either mix your own spices or grab a bottle of blackening spice from the store for a faster option.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Mango Wraps

    Chicken Mango Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    Chicken Mango wraps are full of flavor and offer a refreshing sweetness from the mango. This is a great option for a quick and healthy meal.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

    This one pan chicken and potatoes dinner features juicy roasted chicken thighs and drumsticks, tender potatoes, roasted garlic, and button mushrooms all cooked together on a single sheet pan. It’s a simple meal that takes just 15 minutes to prep before it goes into the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    Sheet pan chicken drumsticks with potatoes are simple, healthy, and really tasty. The lemon garlic seasoning adds great flavor, making this a quick dinner option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Chicken & Rice Casserole

    A rice and chicken casseroele.
    Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

    Lemon Chicken and Rice Casserole is a simple one-pot dish packed with fresh citrus and herbs, featuring juicy chicken thighs and creamy rice. It's a great option for a healthy meal that doesn't require much work.

    Get the recipe

    Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

    Peanut Butter Chicken Curry with rice.
    Photo Credit: Mae's Menu.

    This dish offers a tasty take on traditional chicken curry, blending creamy coconut with rich peanut butter for a flavorful experience. It's filled with warm spices and is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a cozy dinner during the week.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

    Air fried chicken tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marinating chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and spices for just 15 minutes brings out great flavor. After that, a quick 10 minutes in the air fryer results in juicy and tender chicken.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This healthy chicken dish is packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. It’s a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just 35 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Legs

    Chicken legs marinated in Mexican chicken marinade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer chicken legs turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This cooking method gives them a beautiful golden brown color while keeping the meat nice and tender.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is easy to prepare using rotisserie chicken and is full of fresh lemon and rosemary flavors. It's a great option for a healthy meal that doesn't require much work.

    Get the recipe

    Peruvian Drumsticks

    Peruvian drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Jamil Ghar.

    Oven baked drumsticks are soaked in vinegar and seasoned with classic Peruvian spices like smoked paprika and cumin. This is a great meal for busy nights and can be ready in just 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Chicken Couscous Soup

    Lemon Chicken Couscous Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This is a simple and comforting dinner option. Making your own stock during the week can seem tough, but this recipe keeps it easy.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies.
    Photo Credit The Feathered Nester.

    This dish features tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables all cooked together on one pan. It's a healthy option that's great for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    Butter Chicken is a creamy and tasty dish that's simple to prepare in your slow cooker. It pairs well with pilau rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken patties are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer. With just a few simple steps and no chopping needed, they stay juicy thanks to some fresh lemon juice.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just 25 minutes, including prep time. Packed with chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, it’s a satisfying low-carb dish that can stand alone or be served with noodles or rice.

    Get the recipe

    Boiled Chicken Drumsticks

    Boiled chicken drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This dish brings out the best in chicken drumsticks by simmering them in flavorful spices and then crisping them up under the broiler. It's an affordable and simple option that's great for weeknight meals.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    A simple yet flavor-packed dinner that makes an easy weeknight meal or Sunday dinner. This classic Italian dish is cooked low and slow and can be served over pasta, polenta or rice.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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