11 Delicious Low Calorie Chicken Recipes

Low-calorie barbecue chicken pita pizza is an easy dinner win when you're trying to lose weight.

Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages Low in calories and high in protein, chicken breast checks off all the right boxes when it comes to your weight-loss efforts. But eating healthy doesn’t have to mean bingeing on bland chicken breast all day.

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 From burritos and barbecue to pizza and pad thai, these 11 dietitian-approved chicken recipes are anything but boring.

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  The best part? These mouthwatering poultry picks will satisfy all your culinary cravings without racking up the calories — each has fewer than 500.

Get tips on how to stay healthy, safe and sane during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Sunflower Seed and Sage-Crusted Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders sub in seeds and sage leaves for breadcrumbs. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Calories: 275
Advertisement These easy, gluten-free tenders are great for weight loss since they cut down carbs — nixing the breadcrumbs for a nutty, seed-based crust — and pack a plethora of protein (37 grams) and other nutrients, dietitian Leslie Langevin, RD, author of The Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen Cookbook, tells LIVESTRONG.com. “Using sesame and sunflower seeds adds crunch, vitamin E and good monounsaturated fatty acids,” Langevin says, adding that you can adjust the flavor to your particular palate by subbing other nuts or seeds.
Advertisement Monounsaturated fats can help reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in your blood, which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Serve these tasty tenders on top of a salad or with wilted greens for a complete, well-balanced dish. Get the Sunflower Seed and Sage-Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe and nutrition info here.
Keto Chicken Enchiladas
These keto-friendly chicken enchiladas cut down on carbs by using zucchini wraps in place of tortillas. Image Credit: Fanfo/ adobe stock Calories: 398
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Advertisement This keto-friendly take on chicken enchiladas tosses out tortillas in favor of low-carb, low-calorie, nutrient-dense zucchini wraps. And with spices like chili powder and ground cumin, you won’t sacrifice a smidge of savory flavor. “But if you’re not following a keto diet, feel free to cut down on some of the olive oil to keep the calories a little lower and decrease the fat percentage,” Langevin says.
Advertisement Get the Keto Chicken Enchiladas recipe and nutrition info here.
Spicy Turmeric Chicken
This low-carb chicken dish dazzles with flavor and a pop of color. Image Credit: Marco Mayer/ Adobe Stock Calories: 227
Advertisement Trying to curb your carb intake? With zero total carbs per serving, this simple and quick chicken recipe — just 15 minutes from prep to plate — is for you.

Want more healthy recipes? Download the MyPlate app and get simple, tasty meals and snacks tailored to your nutrition goals.

But what this dish lacks in carbs it makes up for in tastiness thanks to its marigold-colored marinade made of an assortment of aromatic spices and fresh herbs.

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 Loaded with tangy turmeric and fragrant garlic, these seasonings not only heighten the flavor but also help decrease inflammation and keep your immune system strong, according to Langevin.

Get the Spicy Turmeric Chicken recipe and nutrition info here. 4. Baked Chicken Nuggets

These freshly baked chicken nuggets are way healthier than fast-food varieties.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Calories: 220

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 At just over 200 calories per serving, these homemade chicken bites are a healthier option compared to a six-piece portion of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, which will cost you 310 calories and twice the sodium.

Perfect for paleo dieters, these low-carb, protein-packed (19 grams), baked chicken nuggets are dipped in an egg-based batter and “breaded” with tapioca powder. Get the Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe and nutrition info here. 5. Chicken Tikka Masala

This spicy chicken tikka masala substitutes Greek yogurt for heavy cream.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Calories: 485 This healthier, homemade twist on the traditional chicken tikka masala cuts out the heavy cream and cuts down on calories and fat. Just as tasty as takeout, this recipe’s lip-smacking marinade of warm spices and creamy Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken, so it practically melts in your mouth while it tickles your taste buds. Tip The chicken needs to marinate at least three hours, so plan accordingly. For even juicier chicken chunks, let it sit overnight. We promise it’ll be worth the wait. Did we mention it’s good for you, too? With anti-inflammatory ingredients like garlic and turmeric and metabolism-boosting protein (a whopping 66 grams), this chicken dish is not only great for your waistline but for your health too, Langevin says. Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe and nutrition info here. 6. Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizzas

Barbecue chicken and pizza pair together for a winning combination of flavor.

Image Credit: Brent Hofacker/ Adobe Stock Calories: 409

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 Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Finger-licking barbecue sauce, mouthwatering mozzarella and juicy grilled chicken make the tastiest toppings for this healthier, high-protein (29 grams per serving) pita pizza.

“This can be a nice dish to use up leftover chicken,” says Langevin, whose favorite trick for home cooking is “cook once, eat twice!” And with only 10 minutes of prep time, these crispy personal pizzas are perfect for busy weeknights. Get the Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizzas recipe and nutrition info here. 7. Sesame Chicken Nori Burrito

This sesame chicken burrito is a spin on sushi rolls.

Image Credit: Mixed Makeup Calories: 247 This sushi-inspired sesame chicken burrito substitutes seaweed for traditional tortilla wraps, saving you a ton of calories and carbs. Plus, adding nori piles on powerhouse nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and K and iodine, Langevin says. Grilled chicken breast, avocado and brown rice provide the perfect balance of lean protein, plant-based fats and complex carbs that you need to maintain steady blood sugar levels, keep your stomach full and achieve healthy weight loss, Langevin says. Get the Sesame Chicken Nori Burrito recipe and nutrition info here. 8. Chicken Pad Thai Zoodles

Choose this homemade, healthier chicken pad thai over greasy takeout.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Calories: 296

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 Low-carb, low-calorie zoodles replace rice noodles in this healthy spin on pad thai. For reference, one cup of starchy rice noodles will run you 14 times the carbs (and more than 12 times the calories) as the same serving of zoodles.

And between fresh zucchini, summer squash, carrots and bean sprouts, you’ll be on target to achieve your two to three cups of veggies a day — the recommended daily serving for an adult. To make this dish even healthier, lower the sodium content. Langevin recommends substituting coconut aminos (which have a mild soy sauce flavor) for the sea salt. Get the Chicken Pad Thai Zoodles recipe and nutrition info here. 9. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

This stree-free slow cooker chicken cacciatore is ideal for busy weeknights.

Image Credit: Mark Sisson Calories: 299 Overflowing with fiber-filled veggies like juicy tomatoes, crisp bell peppers and meaty mushrooms, this chicken cacciatore recipe is rich in potassium and vitamin C and great for weight loss, Langevin says. Plus, stress-free, no-fuss “slow cooker recipes are ideal choices when we are working from home or chasing our families around,” she says. Simply toss your ingredients in the pot and let them simmer while you go about your day. Once the chicken stews and tenderizes in its own juices, it’ll be falling off the bone. Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe and nutrition info here. 10. Pesto Chicken Farro Risotto

Whole grains replace starchy arborio rice in this farro-based risotto.

Image Credit: ALF photo/ Adobe Stock Calories: 347 If you’re modeling your weight-loss plan on a Mediterranean diet, this low-calorie pesto chicken dish will help you reap the heart-boosting benefits with its healthy fats, whole grains and lean protein. This recipe forgoes rice in favor of the complex carb farro, creating a rich risotto bursting with B vitamins. High in fiber, the ancient whole grain also gives you the “I’m full” sensation for longer, so you’re less likely to overindulge. A major win for those with weight-loss goals. “For a gluten-free spin, use gluten-free broth and short grain brown rice, which will mimic the texture of farro,” Langevin says. Get the Pesto Chicken Farro Risotto recipe and nutrition info here. 11. Feel Better Chicken Soup

Add this healthy chicken soup staple to your recipe book.

Image Credit: Thomas Francois/ adobe stock Calories: 156 The ultimate comfort food, this low-sodium, low-calorie chicken soup is spilling over with good-for-you veggies, which offer vital vitamins like A, E and C, and provides all the nutrition you need in one bowl, according to Langevin. At just 156 calories per serving, you can afford to have seconds without busting your daily calorie count. Chicken soup is also a staple when you’re sick and for good reason. With hydrating broth, energy-boosting lean protein and disease-fighting antioxidants, a warm cup of this nutritious meal can help strengthen your immune system if you’re under the weather. Get the Feel Better Chicken Soup recipe and nutrition info here. Concerned About COVID-19? Read more stories to help you navigate the novel coronavirus pandemic:

10 Ways to Stick to Your Weight-Loss Goals When You’re Stuck at Home 4 Comforting Lentil Recipes With More Protein Than Chicken The 12 Healthiest Non-Perishable Foods to Keep Stocked

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  references
  
      My Food Data: “Rice Noodles (Cooked).”
    
      My Food Data: “Organic Zucchini Noodles.”
    
      McDonald's: "6 Piece Chicken McNuggets"
    
      American Heart Association: "Monounsaturated Fat"
       




  references
  
      My Food Data: “Rice Noodles (Cooked).”
    
      My Food Data: “Organic Zucchini Noodles.”
    
      McDonald's: "6 Piece Chicken McNuggets"
    
      American Heart Association: "Monounsaturated Fat"
    




Low-calorie barbecue chicken pita pizza is an easy dinner win when you're trying to lose weight.

Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages

Get tips on how to stay healthy, safe and sane during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

These chicken tenders sub in seeds and sage leaves for breadcrumbs.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Sunflower Seed and Sage-Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe and nutrition info here.

These keto-friendly chicken enchiladas cut down on carbs by using zucchini wraps in place of tortillas.

Image Credit: Fanfo/ adobe stock

Get the Keto Chicken Enchiladas recipe and nutrition info here.

This low-carb chicken dish dazzles with flavor and a pop of color.

Image Credit: Marco Mayer/ Adobe Stock

Want more healthy recipes? Download the MyPlate app and get simple, tasty meals and snacks tailored to your nutrition goals.

Get the Spicy Turmeric Chicken recipe and nutrition info here.

These freshly baked chicken nuggets are way healthier than fast-food varieties.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Baked Chicken Nuggets recipe and nutrition info here.

This spicy chicken tikka masala substitutes Greek yogurt for heavy cream.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

The chicken needs to marinate at least three hours, so plan accordingly. For even juicier chicken chunks, let it sit overnight. We promise it’ll be worth the wait.

Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe and nutrition info here.

Barbecue chicken and pizza pair together for a winning combination of flavor.

Image Credit: Brent Hofacker/ Adobe Stock

Get the Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizzas recipe and nutrition info here.

This sesame chicken burrito is a spin on sushi rolls.

Image Credit: Mixed Makeup

Get the Sesame Chicken Nori Burrito recipe and nutrition info here.

Choose this homemade, healthier chicken pad thai over greasy takeout.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Chicken Pad Thai Zoodles recipe and nutrition info here.

This stree-free slow cooker chicken cacciatore is ideal for busy weeknights.

Image Credit: Mark Sisson

Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe and nutrition info here.

Whole grains replace starchy arborio rice in this farro-based risotto.

Image Credit: ALF photo/ Adobe Stock

Get the Pesto Chicken Farro Risotto recipe and nutrition info here.

Add this healthy chicken soup staple to your recipe book.

Image Credit: Thomas Francois/ adobe stock

Get the Feel Better Chicken Soup recipe and nutrition info here.

Read more stories to help you navigate the novel coronavirus pandemic:

10 Ways to Stick to Your Weight-Loss Goals When You’re Stuck at Home 4 Comforting Lentil Recipes With More Protein Than Chicken The 12 Healthiest Non-Perishable Foods to Keep Stocked

10 Ways to Stick to Your Weight-Loss Goals When You’re Stuck at Home
4 Comforting Lentil Recipes With More Protein Than Chicken

The 12 Healthiest Non-Perishable Foods to Keep Stocked

   My Food Data: “Rice Noodles (Cooked).”

   My Food Data: “Organic Zucchini Noodles.”

   McDonald's: "6 Piece Chicken McNuggets"

   American Heart Association: "Monounsaturated Fat"