Are you looking to reduce your risk of heart disease, but don’t want to sacrifice flavor and variety in your diet? Look no further! Low cholesterol doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. With these 20 delicious and healthy chicken recipes, you can enjoy a balanced diet that’s good for your heart while still satisfying your cravings.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, our low cholesterol chicken recipes are packed with nutrients and flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, spicy, or tangy, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? These recipes are all under 300 calories per serving, making them a guilt-free addition to your meal routine.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for low cholesterol chicken recipes that are perfect for anyone looking to prioritize their heart health. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the many benefits of a healthy diet!
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this bright and citrusy twist on classic baked chicken. The tanginess of lemon and the richness of garlic create a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with olive oil.
4. Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herb-Roasted Skinless Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this easy and flavorful recipe for Herb-Roasted Skinless Chicken Thighs. A blend of fresh herbs and garlic adds a savory twist to tender, juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Savor the flavors of summer with this refreshing twist on a classic grilled chicken recipe. The creamy avocado salsa adds a silky texture and a burst of citrusy freshness that pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. In a bowl, combine avocado, lime juice, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Mix well.
4. Serve grilled chicken with avocado salsa spooned on top. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow-Cooked Chicken and Vegetable Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect comfort food for chilly days. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced bell pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
3. Pour in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and thyme.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Turmeric Chicken Stir-Fry
A vibrant and aromatic stir-fry that combines the bold flavors of turmeric, chili flakes, and soy sauce with succulent chicken and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1/2 tsp chili flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add turmeric, chili flakes, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add bell peppers and broccoli to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes
Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes: A flavorful and healthy dish that combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean region with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sliced olives, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with olive oil.
5. Top each chicken breast with the olive mixture, diced tomatoes, and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these succulent chicken skewers smothered in a rich and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush with remaining marinade during the last minute of grilling.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Looking for a flavorful and healthy meal option? This recipe combines the perfect blend of protein, fiber, and vitamins in a colorful bell pepper. With quinoa and chicken as the base, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cooked and diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
4. Drizzle tops with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cilantro Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Get ready for a fresh twist on traditional wraps! This recipe combines the brightness of lime, the earthiness of cilantro, and the juiciness of chicken all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
– Optional: avocado slices, red onion, and/or crumbled queso fresco for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest before slicing into thin strips.
6. Assemble wraps by placing sliced chicken onto a lettuce leaf, adding optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Spinach Soup with Ginger
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of flavors, combining the richness of chicken and spinach with the invigorating zing of ginger. Serve warm on a chilly day for a comforting pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, ginger, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Stir in the spinach leaves and let wilt into the soup.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of Chicken and Spinach Soup with Ginger!
Pesto Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe combines the richness of pesto sauce with the tender juiciness of grilled chicken and zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see below for recipe)
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Pesto Sauce Recipe:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto sauce ingredients.
3. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, spiralize zucchinis into noodles.
6. Toss zucchini noodles with a little olive oil and salt to taste.
7. Serve grilled chicken on top of zucchini noodles, drizzled with pesto sauce and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this stir-fry is a quick and easy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. With the nutty flavor of brown rice and the earthy taste of mushrooms, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
Instructions:
1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (5-6 minutes).
4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pan; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (4-5 minutes).
6. Return chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, and stir-fry everything together for 1 minute.
7. Serve chicken and mushroom mixture over cooked brown rice.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Garlic Rosemary Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Elevate your dinner game with these flavorful and aromatic chicken drumsticks, infused with the perfect balance of garlic and rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer.
4. Brush the tops of the drumsticks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle the garlic-rosemary mixture evenly over the drumsticks, making sure each piece is coated.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dressing
This salad is a perfect combination of protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed chickpeas, and tangy lemon dressing, all brought together by crunchy greens. It’s an ideal meal for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chickpeas, mixed greens, red onion, and feta cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
One-Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Simplify your dinner routine with this easy and flavorful one-pan recipe, featuring chicken breast, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sweet potato slices to the skillet in an even layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Return the chicken breast to the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
This recipe combines the flavors of chicken, broccoli, and low-sodium soy sauce for a healthy and tasty meal. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have this dish ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add the broccoli and onion to the skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli mixture.
5. Pour in low-sodium soy sauce and stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and White Bean Chili
This classic chili recipe is a comforting blend of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Chicken and Asparagus Skillet with Lemon
Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful skillet dish. Succulent chicken, tender asparagus, and a hint of citrus come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add asparagus, thyme, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until asparagus is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this refreshing twist! A tangy Greek yogurt marinade adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of kale, the tenderness of chicken, and the tanginess of apple cider vinaigrette, making it a perfect representation of fall flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded, torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinaigrette (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine kale, red onion, and chicken.
2. Drizzle Apple Cider Vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Top with blue cheese crumbles (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious low cholesterol chicken recipes that are perfect for maintaining heart health. From baked and grilled options to stir-fries and stews, these mouth-watering dishes are packed with flavor and nutrients. Try Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast, Herb-Roasted Skinless Chicken Thighs, or Spicy Turmeric Chicken Stir-Fry. Or, go Mediterranean with Olives and Tomatoes or enjoy a light and refreshing Cilantro Lime Chicken Lettuce Wrap. With these recipes, you can indulge in the taste of chicken while keeping your cholesterol levels in check.
