35 Low Calorie Chicken Recipes
Chicken is the ultimate lean protein, but let’s be honest—grilled plain chicken breast gets boring fast. These 35 recipes prove that eating light doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, with options ranging from Asian-inspired stir-fries to Mediterranean-style sheet pan dinners.
1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Source: thewholecook.com
Bright citrus and fresh herbs create a super simple marinade that takes 10 minutes to come together. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s under 200 calories per serving.
2. Garlic Ginger Stir Fry
Source: skinnytaste.com
This quick weeknight dinner combines tender chicken strips with colorful veggies in a sauce that’s way lighter than takeout. The secret is using low-sodium soy sauce and just a touch of sesame oil.
3. Baked Cajun Chicken Tenders
Source: allrecipes.com
Crispy on the outside but incredibly moist inside, these tenders are seasoned with paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Perfect for meal prep since they reheat beautifully.
4. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken
Source: cookingclassy.com
A sticky-sweet glaze made from Dijon mustard and raw honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Each piece comes out glossy and packed with tangy flavor.
5. Tomato Basil Chicken Breast
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes create an Italian-inspired sauce that feels fancy but takes only 20 minutes. Serve over zucchini noodles to keep calories minimal.
6. Thai Green Curry Chicken
Source: recipetineats.com
Coconut milk and green curry paste bring authentic Thai flavors without the typical calorie load—use light coconut milk to keep it under control. Packed with peppers and Thai basil.
7. Sriracha Lime Chicken
Source: averiecooks.com
Spicy, tangy, and totally addictive, this glaze balances heat with brightness from fresh lime juice. It’s the kind of chicken you’ll want to eat straight from the pan.
8. Mediterranean Herb Roasted Chicken
Source: chicken.ca
Oregano, thyme, and garlic create an aromatic crust when roasted whole or in pieces. The skin crisps up while the meat stays tender and juicy.
9. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Source: alltypesofbowls.com
Thick and glossy teriyaki sauce clings to perfectly seared chicken pieces over brown rice and steamed broccoli. One bowl tastes like restaurant-quality but costs a fraction of the calories.
10. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Source: cleananddelicious.com
Shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce served in crisp lettuce leaves cuts the carbs drastically. Drizzle with a tiny bit of ranch and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
11. Balsamic Vinegar Chicken
Source: simplysissom.com
Rich, slightly sweet balsamic glaze with a hint of garlic creates a sophisticated dinner that feels indulgent. The vinegar reduces to a sticky coating that’s incredibly flavorful.
12. Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers
Source: mydominicankitchen.com
These grilled skewers are marinated in fresh cilantro, lime, and minimal oil for maximum flavor without excess calories. Perfect for summer grilling season.
13. Cajun Blackened Chicken
Source: keviniscooking.com
A bold spice rub creates a dark, crusty exterior with a smoky kick that doesn’t fade after cooking. The inside stays tender and juicy every time.
14. Greek Yogurt Herb Marinade
Source: thewoodenskillet.com
Tangy Greek yogurt mixed with herbs keeps the chicken incredibly moist while adding a touch of creaminess. This marinade works on chicken thighs or breasts.
15. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Source: littlespicejar.com
Tender shredded chicken pairs with crispy vegetables and a light sesame dressing that’s addictive without being heavy. Topped with sliced almonds for a little crunch.
16. Mustard Crusted Chicken Cutlets
Source: skinnytaste.com
Thin pounded chicken breasts coated in Dijon mustard and panko breadcrumbs bake up golden and crispy in minutes. A weeknight favorite that tastes like breaded chicken without the deep fry.
17. Kung Pao Chicken
Source: seriouseats.com
Spicy, nutty, and incredibly satisfying, this Szechuan-inspired dish combines chicken with peanuts, peppers, and a sauce that’s lighter than most takeout versions. Serve over cauliflower rice.
18. Paprika Chicken with Peppers
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
Hungarian paprika gives this dish its signature color and subtle smokiness while peppers and onions cook down alongside the chicken. The sauce is naturally low in calories but tastes rich.
19. Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Source: thecozycook.com
Just a touch of Parmesan and plenty of garlic keep this creamy sauce indulgent-tasting but surprisingly light. Serve over spinach or zucchini noodles.
20. Tandoori Spiced Chicken
Source: sinfullyspicy.com
Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric create an Indian-inspired marinade that’s full of flavor. The yogurt keeps the chicken incredibly moist as it cooks.
21. Lemon Garlic Chicken Piccata
Source: jessicagavin.com
Thin chicken cutlets are pan-seared and finished with a bright lemon-caper sauce that’s elegant but simple. It comes together in under 20 minutes.
22. Soy Ginger Poached Chicken
Source: hermanathome.com
Poaching keeps the chicken perfectly tender while infusing it with soy and ginger flavor throughout. Shred it for salads, soups, or grain bowls.
23. Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken
Source: allrecipes.com
Gochujang paste brings a unique umami-forward heat that’s addictive without being overwhelming. The glaze caramelizes in the oven creating a beautiful dark coating.
24. Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken
Source: thekitcheneer.com
Fragrant rosemary and whole garlic cloves roast alongside chicken pieces creating an aromatic dinner that fills your kitchen with amazing smells. Simple but totally satisfying.
25. Orange Soy Glazed Chicken
Source: allrecipes.com
Bright fresh orange juice balances salty soy sauce in a glaze that’s slightly sweet but deeply savory. The citrus keeps things light and refreshing.
26. Italian Herb Baked Chicken Thighs
Source: marcellinaincucina.com
Dark meat from thighs stays juicier than breasts when baked, especially when coated with Italian herbs and a bit of lemon. More flavorful than you’d expect at under 250 calories.
27. Pesto Crusted Chicken Breast
Source: bonappetit.com
A thin layer of basil pesto creates a vibrant green crust that keeps the chicken moist inside. Use lighter pesto with less oil to keep calories in check.
28. Vinegar Braised Chicken
Source: bonappetit.com
Red wine vinegar braises chicken low and slow creating tender meat infused with tangy depth. The cooking liquid becomes a light sauce that’s packed with flavor.
29. Coconut Curry Chicken Soup
Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com
Shredded chicken simmers in a fragrant coconut broth with vegetables and curry spices for a comforting meal under 300 calories per bowl. Light coconut milk is the key.
30. Miso Glazed Chicken
Source: americastestkitchen.com
Umami-rich miso paste mixed with mirin creates a glossy caramelized glaze that’s deeply savory and slightly sweet. The sticky coating is incredibly crave-worthy.
31. Lime Cilantro Chicken Bowls
Source: thewoodenskillet.com
Seasoned shredded chicken mixed with lime and cilantro works in salads, tacos, or grain bowls throughout the week. Make a big batch on Sunday for easy meal prep.
32. Red Pepper Chicken Skillet
Source: kierstenhickman.com
Sweet roasted red peppers pair beautifully with tender chicken pieces in a garlicky pan sauce that tastes restaurant-quality. Everything cooks in one skillet in 25 minutes.
33. Thyme Lemon Chicken Cutlets
Source: sallysbakingaddiction.com
Fresh thyme and bright lemon juice create a simple but elegant flavor combination on thin, quickly-cooked chicken cutlets. Perfect for when you need dinner in 15 minutes.
34. Smoked Paprika Chicken with Kale
Source: hotcooking.co.uk
Smoky paprika seasons the chicken while massaged kale creates a nutritious bed underneath that gets kissed with the pan drippings. A complete meal in one skillet.
35. White Wine Garlic Chicken
Source: simplyrecipes.com
Chicken poaches gently in white wine and chicken broth creating an incredibly tender result with a light, elegant sauce. The wine reduces slightly creating subtle flavor depth.
