Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (2024)

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (1)

The last thing you want to do when you get home from a long day of work is worry about what to make for dinner. But that doesn't mean you need to make the same boring dish night after night. Try some chicken--one of the easiest and healthiest ways to get lean protein in your diet. Check out our 10 favorite chicken recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

Chicken Spinach Parm

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (2)

This just might be the simplest chicken dish out there. It takes only 10 minutes to make, and packs a serious nutritional punch: Spinach is one of the most powerful veggies out there, chock full of vitamins A, C, K, and calcium, fiber, and beta-carotene. Enjoy dinner while your food helps fight off cancer and heart disease.

Ingredients:
• Olive oil
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• Grated parmesan
• Marinara
• Garlic
• Baby spinach leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition facts per serving: 366 cal, 17.4 g fat (2.9 g sat), 21 g carbs, 4.1 g fiber, 32.1 g protein

Click here for the full recipe and directions.

Chicken Flautas

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (3)

Skip the frozen food aisles: If you have shredded chicken on hand, you can make this finger food yourself. Serve with rice and beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:
• Shredded cooked chicken breast
• Shredded low-fat jack cheese
• Red onion
• Soft flour tortillas
• Pico de gallo

Nutrition facts per serving: 289 cal, 9.8 g fat (4.7 g sat), 26.5 g carbs, 1.8 g fiber, 21.9 g protein

Click here for full recipe and directions.

Chicken Pesto Pizza

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (4)

Who isn’t psyched about pizza for dinner? A prebaked pizza shell is the secret to this quick and easy dish--great for those rushed weeknights. Having control over the toppings makes it healthier than delivery, but just as delicious.

Ingredients
• 12" prebaked pizza shell
• Prepared pesto
• Cooked chicken
• Roasted red pepper
• Water-packed canned artichoke hearts
• Crumbled goat cheese

Nutrition facts per serving: 528 cal, 19.6 g fat (5.9 g sat), 58.8 g carbs, 5.2 g fiber, 29.9 g protein

Click here for full recipe and directions.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (5)

Pasta is a secret weapon for the active woman. Not only is it a meal-in-minutes, but if you choose the whole-wheat stuff, it'll provides a gradual release of energy all day long. This recipe is a well-rounded dish, combining spinach, beans, and roasted red peppers to keep your belly full and your taste buds happy.

Ingredients:
• Barilla Plus penne pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Dried rosemary
• Cannellini beans
• Roasted red pepper
• Baby spinach leaves
• Grated parmesan

Nutrition facts per serving: 405 cal, 6.3 g fat (1.7 g sat), 46.4 g carbs, 8.9 g fiber, 39.5 g protein

Click here for the full recipe and directions.

Lemon Herb Chicken

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (6)

This simple recipe has only eight ingredients, but each one brings major flavor. The lemon adds the tang while the herbs add an exotic, homemade touch. Serve with brown rice and a side of broccoli for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients:
• Olive oil
• Chicken breasts
• Lemon
• Parsley
• Mint
• Basil
• Salt and pepper
• White wine

Nutrition facts per serving: 377 cal, 24.1 g fat (3.5 g sat), 5 g carbs, 1.3 g fiber, 28 g protein

Click here for full recipe and directions.

Moroccan Stewed Chicken

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (7)

You might think you have to cook all day for this flavorful dish—but you can get the rich “stewed” taste in just 30 minutes. The chicken loads this dish with protein, but the veggies and legumes keep it well-balanced. Serve it with 1/2 cup cooked couscous tossed with golden raisins, toasted pine nuts, and chopped cilantro.

Ingredients:
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Zucchini
• Garbanzo beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken stock
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground cumin
• Ground cinnamon

Nutrition facts per serving: 356 cal, 12.1 g fat (2.9 g sat), 31 g carbs, 695 mg sodium, 6.5 g fiber, 29 g protein

Click here for full recipe and directions.

Sizzling Fajitas

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (8)

Leftover chicken breasts get new life with this popular Mexican standby. And don’t be afraid to go heavy on the spice: It turns out capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their mouth-searing quality, can also fire up your metabolism, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic
• Chicken breasts
• Salsa
• Chili powder
• Nonfat sour cream
• Whole-wheat tortillas
• Shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

Nutrition facts per serving: 288 cal, 10.2 g fat (4.6 g sat), 29 g carbs, 490 mg sodium, 2.7 g fiber, 25 g protein

Click here for the full recipe and directions.

Quick Pad Thai

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (9)

Who needs to order takeout when you can create your favorite Thai dish at home? This exotic dish is easy to make with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry, like soy sauce, peanut butter, cilantro, and red pepper flakes. The best part? Dinner will be on the table in 25 minutes, and you don’t have to tip the delivery guy.

Ingredients:
• Whole-wheat cappellini or angel-hair pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Fish sauce
• Eggs
• Cilantro
• Olive oil
• Peanut butter
• Sugar
• Red chili flakes

Nutrition facts per serving: 342 cal, 9.9 g fat (2.1 g sat), 39 g carbs, 478 mg sodium, 4.9 g fiber, 25 g protein

Click here for the full recipe and directions.

Instant Chicken and White Bean Stew

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (10)

You have to love a recipe with the word instant in the title and pesto in the ingredients list. On a night when you feel too tuckered out to cook, this dish practically makes itself with a little leftover chicken and some pantry items.

Ingredients:
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth
• Zucchini
• 1 can cannellini beans
• Black pepper
• Diced chicken
• Prepared pesto

Nutrition facts per serving: 265 cal, 8.3 g fat (1.8 g sat), 22 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 25 g protein

Click here to get full recipe and directions.

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (11)

Toss these good-for-you veggies and the chicken in a wok or skillet for a one-pan meal that couldn’t be simpler. Serve with brown rice for a complete meal that fills you up without being a total calorie bomb.

Ingredients:
• Peanut oil
• Red-pepper flakes
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Asparagus tips
• Carrots
• Onion
• Snow peas
• Sliced almonds
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce

Nutrition facts per serving: 463.7 cal, 18.2 g fat (2.8 g sat), 13.6 g carbs, 4.5 g fiber, 60 g protein

Click here for the full recipe and directions.

Eat right for your muscles—
Download the 12 Best Foods For Your Abs List!

Low-Fat Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the least fattening way to cook chicken? ›

The Winner: Poaching

For four ounces of poached chicken, you're looking at 120 calories with just 1.4 grams of fat.

What is the lowest fat chicken? ›

Chicken breast is the epitome of low-fat, high-protein and if you are watching your fat intake then this is a good choice for you. It is the most expensive part of the chicken as most people believe the white meat in the breast is more appetizing than the dark meat from other parts of the chicken.

How to cook chicken to reduce fat? ›

Air frying is an innovative way to cook chicken that gives the delicious taste of frying without the need for lots of oil. This is a great alternative to deep frying, as it makes chicken just as crispy and tasty, while requiring far less fat by using powerful waves of hot air to evenly cook your food.

How can I eat chicken without fat? ›

Here are some tips: Choose Lean Cuts: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs as they are leaner cuts with lower fat content compared to other parts of the chicken. Grilling or Baking: Cooking methods like grilling, baking, or roasting are better options than frying.

What is the best way to eat chicken breast for weight loss? ›

Here are some tips for incorporating chicken into a weight loss diet:
  1. Choose skinless, boneless chicken breast whenever possible.
  2. Remove the skin from any other cuts of chicken before cooking.
  3. Cook chicken using healthy methods, such as grilling, baking, or sautéing.
  4. Avoid frying chicken.
Jan 29, 2019

Is chicken OK for weight loss? ›

As a lean meat, chicken doesn't have much fat — so aim for 100g per day as part of a balanced diet to make sure you're getting what you need. High is protein, it's a solid choice for feeling satiated for longer, weight loss and maintaining lean body mass.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5801

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.