65 Chicken Recipes That Are Surprisingly Low-Calorie

Chicken with Florentine Sauce

Here is my very favorite chicken florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but it’s also fast to fix on busy weeknights! —Julie Fitzgerald, St Louis, Missouri

Also try this simple, versatile and healthy chicken stir fry recipe that can be made with almost whatever you have on hand.

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Chicken Creole

Chicken Creole is deeply flavorful and comforting, showcasing tomatoes, onion, celery, green bell pepper and warm spices.

Also, check out these best low-calorie recipes of 2023.

Quick Garlic-Lime Chicken

After tending the farm and growing our own produce, I don’t have much time left for cooking. I’ve found this easy-to-prepare chicken is ideal for my many hectic days.—Doris Carnahan, Lincoln, Arkansas

Larb Gai

Larb gai (Thai chicken salad) is a dish made with ground chicken, chiles, mint and basil. Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer in lettuce cups. For a heartier version, serve it with sticky rice.

Margarita Chicken

Marinated in flavors of garlic and lime, this tangy margarita chicken is ready to go whenever the coals are hot! Serve with roasted corn on the cob and lemonade. —Kelly Bruneman, Cedar Park, Texas

West African Chicken Stew

I really love African flavors, but you don’t really encounter them much in the U.S. Here the combination of native African ingredients, all of which can be found in the States, transports you to a new culinary place. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California

So-Easy Coq au Vin

Here’s my adaptation of the beloved French dish. I substituted boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter, easy coq au vin that still showcases the traditional and memorable taste. —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles, California

Chicken Korma

Spicy and satisfying, try this chicken korma recipe that is the perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. —Jemima Madhavan, Lincoln, Nebraska

Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls

This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Spicy Chicken Pumpkin Pizza

Think pizza and pumpkin can’t go together? This chicken pumpkin pizza will change your mind. The sweetness of the pumpkin paired with the spice of the chipotle peppers makes for a delicious, balanced sauce. I love that this recipe incorporates healthy ingredients in a fun, family-friendly way. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Spanish-Style Paella

If you enjoy cooking ethnic foods, this hearty rice dish is wonderful. It's brimming with generous chunks of sausage, shrimp and veggies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Quick Chicken Lo Mein

I can throw this chicken lo mein together on a weeknight when my kids are doing their homework. It uses frozen veggies, which I always have on hand, so I don't need to run to the grocery store for ingredients. —Natasha Kennedy, Orlando, Florida

Chicken Chimichangas

Our chicken chimichangas recipe is simple, delicious and baked rather than fried, which makes them healthier than similar fried dishes. It's oh so easy to assemble these so you just may skip the restaurants from now on!

Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole

Every time I serve this creamy chicken ranch casserole, it gets rave reviews. The recipe was passed down to me and is so good! It's really easy to make, freezes well and has just a touch of heat. If your family likes more, add some jalapenos! —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri

Cilantro-Lime Chicken

A bright cilantro-lime chicken marinade soaks bone-in chicken thighs in flavor before they're slow-cooked till they're fall-apart tender.

Pineapple Chicken Casserole

I’m always looking for one-dish dinners that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church, and juggling my husband’s and teenage twins’ schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. This recipe saves the day! —Susan Warren, North Manchester, Indiana

Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Basil Chicken Spirals with Mango Salsa

I love this recipe! It is one of my favorites to wow a crowd. Most of its wow factor comes from all the fresh ingredients. I always pick up fresh herbs, garlic, cucumbers, and hot peppers—as well as honey and onions when I can— at my local farmers market. All those ingredients give this dish a punch of flavor. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Kung Pao Chicken

Homemade kung pao chicken brings bold, spicy flavors right to your kitchen. It’s a take-out classic that comes together in less time than you'd wait for delivery.

Chicken Avocado Wrap

Hearty, filling and full of fiery flavor, these chicken avocado wraps are perfect for a weekday lunch or a quick and easy dinner.

Ginger-Curry Chicken Tacos

I love tacos (who doesn't?), but I wanted to put my own unique twist on them by incorporating some Indian flavors. These ginger-curry versions hit the spot! —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Easy yet elegant, chicken with mushroom sauce begs to be made on a cozy autumn evening. Serve over a bed of potatoes or polenta to soak up all the yummy sauce.

Contest-Winning Chicken Cacciatore

My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania

Chicken Veggie Skillet

I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy, crunchy and perfectly tender, this oven fried chicken legs recipe is an easy, mess-free way to make delicious fried chicken every time.

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

Who needs takeout when you've got this quick and delicious honey chicken stir-fry! Simple ingredients and a full-proof method mean dinner will be ready in a flash.

Italian Chicken Tenderloins

My friend made this meal for my husband and me after our first child was born. Since chicken tenderloin recipes can be so caloric, I trimmed down the fat and carbs, but we love it just the same. —Beth Ann Stein, Richmond, Indiana

Chicken Sausages with Polenta

I get a kick out of serving this chicken sausage dish—everyone's always on time for dinner when they know it's on the menu. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Baked Chicken Chalupas

I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin

Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish

We all need a quick meal that's deliciously healthy. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I grill the chicken and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. To amp up the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio

Chicken Artichoke Skillet

My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado

Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs

The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois

Quick Chicken Parmesan

My mother inspired me to develop my first pasta sauce. It's tangy, simple and really satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it gets, so keep that in mind if you have time to spare. —Danielle Grochowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Skillet Chicken with Olives

While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts

Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Everyone goes for this super moist, garlicky chicken, including my fussy kids. For your holiday buffet or family gathering, serve it with rice or noodles. —Carole Lotito, Hillsdale, New Jersey

Hearty Chicken Gyros

I love reinventing classic recipes to fit our taste and healthy lifestyle. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be served with oven fries or on its own. You can add Greek olives, omit the onion, or even use cubed pork tenderloin for a new taste. —Kayla Douthitt, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Strawberry Mint Chicken

I hand-pick wild strawberries for this saucy chicken dish. We love it with fresh spring greens and a sweet white wine. —Alicia Duerst, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Peach Chicken

You may not associate peaches with dinner, but this sweet and savory peach chicken dish will win you over. Serve it with rice or couscous for a flavorful meal that comes together in 30 minutes.

Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad

Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing says "simple" like using a slow cooker to make Crockpot chicken noodle soup! Prep your ingredients, set the slow cooker and wait for magic to happen.

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It’s one of those basil recipes that tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania. If you like this, then you must check out our collection of summer chicken recipes.

Chicken Fajitas for Two

This is the best fajita recipe I've ever tried. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. The servings are hearty, but this dish is so good that my husband and I never have a problem finishing it! —Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Spicy Apricot-Glazed Chicken

Looking for a new chicken idea? Save yourself a trip to the store and check the fridge first. I found out chili sauce, mustard and apricot preserves for a sweet, hot flavor. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Spicy Barbecued Chicken

This spicy, saucy chicken is great served with basil-buttered grilled corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw. —Rita Wintrode, Corryton, Tennessee

Baked Chicken Tenders

Feel like a kid again with this recipe for easy baked chicken tenders.

Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken

I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Barbecued chicken gets a makeover in this recipe. The combination of ingredients makes for a mellow flavor that tastes more grown up than the original. It's fantastic over rice, pasta or potatoes. —Sharon Fritz, Morristown, Tennessee

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

Spicy Shredded Chicken

I love Mexican food, but not the high calorie count that often comes with it. This easy dish is healthy, delicious and a definite crowd pleaser! I like to serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans and salsa. For an equally awesome dish, you can substitute beef or pork for the chicken. —Heather Walker, Scottsdale, Arizona

Italian Sausage and Provolone Skewers

My husband made sausage and veggie kabobs when we didn't have buns to make classic sausage bombers. Grill ‘em up, then add cheese cubes. —Cindy Hilliard, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Orange-Spiced Chicken

Five ingredients are all you’ll need for this fast and extremely flavorful marinade. With one taste, it’ll become your most-requested chicken recipe! —Debra Stevens, Lutz, Florida

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This dump-and-go chicken cacciatore recipe is just the slow cooker meal you need for busy weeknights.

Savory Braised Chicken with Vegetables

My braised chicken is a recipe my mom used to make when I was small. It tastes much more complicated than it actually is! —Michelle Collins, Lake Orion, Michigan

Chicken Brunch Bake

Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa

Cumin Chicken

This zesty chicken dish comes together in a flash, so it's perfect for those busy weeknights. But it's so saucy and delicious, it's certainly good enough for company! —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

Lime-Ginger Chicken Tenders

We cook a lot of boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re low in fat, high in protein, and almost always a smart buy at the grocery store. To keep things exciting, I add a few of our favorites to the mix like jalapenos, lime and fresh ginger. —Samantha Anderson, Fort Worth, Texas

Mushroom & Herb Chicken

My easy skillet dish is a comfort food classic. It's also delicious with rice instead of noodles. No one will guess they're eating healthy with this one. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Maple-Thyme Chicken Thighs

We eat a lot of chicken at our house, and figuring out different ways to serve it gets challenging. My family went nuts for the cozy maple flavors in this recipe, so now I share it at potlucks, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Grilled Basil Chicken

This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire. If you like this, then try these healthy grilled chicken recipes.

Chicken Butternut Chili

At our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas