Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

| 2 min read

Chicken breast is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason – it’s lean, protein-packed, versatile and generally easy to prepare. But let’s be honest – it can also get boring if you fall into the habit of making the same plain grilled chicken week after week.
With a few tweaks and additional ingredients, you can make this humble cut of meat into flavorful, healthy dishes that keep mealtime exciting while supporting health goals. While sliced chicken breast on a salad or sandwich fit may fit the bill here and there, try one of these ideas:
This recipe is perfect for when you have leftover grilled tenders. The romaine adds a needed crunch while the whipped feta spread takes the sandwich to the next level.
The Nashville hot chicken sandwich is all the rage, and for good reason. It’s heat, crisp coating and juicy center makes it delicious. In this air fryer hot chicken sandwich recipe, air frying the buttermilk-marinated chicken gives it a healthier twist.
Traditional tostadas are made up of fried corn tortillas, topped with refried beans and beef and toppings. In this lighter version, flour tortillas are baked with spray oil to achieve a crispy base. Lighter in saturated fat and overall calories, this recipe is made with saucy pulled chicken.
This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe pineapple with the zesty kick of jalapeño. The pineapple juice adds natural sweetness, and its enzymes help tenderize the chicken. To make this a full meal, serve with our grilled corn and avocado pasta salad.
Chicken parmesan is an Italian-American staple and an ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a lighter option to the deep-fried dish, this air fried version skips the heavy fat and crisps up similar to the real deal. Simply bread the chicken, add to a preheated air fryer, then serve over fettucine tossed with your favorite jarred marinara sauce and voila!
Image: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
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