13 Chicken Recipes Your Waistline Won’t Thank You For

Are you in search of chicken recipes that are delicious but might make your waistline a tad worried? Look no further! We’ve got 13 mouth-watering dishes that are worth the occasional splurge. These recipes are perfect for family meals or when you want to impress some friends. Every one of them is packed with flavor that’ll have you happily reaching for that extra piece.

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing a twist to the classic dinner option, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu combines chicken with a delicious filling of ham and cheese. Cooking in the air fryer adds a crispy texture to the outer layer while keeping the inside succulent. This dish is a convenient choice for a busy weeknight, bound to be a hit with those who favor rich flavors. A must-try for cheese and meat lovers alike. Ideal for a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender chicken meets the sweet tang of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts in Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts, creating a refreshing lunch option. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also packs a nutritious punch. It’s ideal for meal prep or quick, health-conscious meals, offering a blend of textures and flavors that can rejuvenate your lunch routine. This salad proves that quick and nutritious can also be incredibly flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With its roots in the Puebla region of Mexico, Chicken Tinga is known for its spicy, smoky flavor profile. It combines shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce that brings heat and depth to tacos, tostadas, or rice. This dish is easy to make in bulk, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. It’s an excellent introduction to traditional Mexican cuisine for those looking to explore international dishes. When you’re in the mood for bold flavors but want something straightforward, this recipe is a standout choice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Where Italian inspiration meets the simplicity of a summer meal with Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Juicy chicken breasts paired with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves, all drizzled with balsamic glaze and sandwiched between toasted ciabatta bread, make this dish irresistibly fresh. It’s a wonderful option for a light yet satisfying dinner or lunch, bringing a taste of Italy to your table without the need for a passport. Each bite promises a delicious experience, perfect for a sunny day picnic or a cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings bring the comfort of Southern cuisine into your kitchen, with tender chicken and soft dumplings simmered in a hearty broth, embodying home-style cooking at its best. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warming and filling, it makes any dinner feel a little more like a gathering around a family table. A bowl of this will wrap you up in coziness, invoking memories of meals at grandma’s house.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Offering a quick and vibrant option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing flavor, Chicken Stir Fry comes with a colorful mix of veggies and succulent chicken pieces all tossed in a rich sauce. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to whatever you have on hand, delivering both simplicity and speed for a busy night. For a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, this stir fry will not disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken celebrates the simplicity of oven-baked flavors with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs infusing the chicken with herby-citrus notes. The sheet pan method ensures an easy cleanup, making it an ideal meal for those seeking to maintain a balance of flavor and convenience in their cooking. This dish offers a gourmet experience with minimal effort. This recipe is an excellent choice for a relaxed dinner party or a quiet family night in.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Replicating the heartwarming and rustic flavors found in Carrabba’s offering, Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup treats you to a comforting blend of chicken, vegetables, and broth. It’s perfect for cold days or whenever you need a bowl of comfort, bringing a slice of Sicilian hospitality to your dining table. This bowl of goodness brings the essence of Italian hospitality to your table. It’s a soup that warms the soul, suitable for those dreary days when you need a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a crisp, refreshing choice that combines tender chicken strips with crunchy noodles and vegetables, all tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. Perfect for those who enjoy lighter meals without compromising on taste, it introduces a vibrant element to your mealtime, ideal for a quick lunch or a side. It strikes an excellent balance between indulgence and wellness. This salad is a perfect choice for those seeking a flavorful lunch that doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Experience the bold flavors of Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken, where spicy chicken is mixed with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers for a fiery kick. This dish captures the essence of the popular fast-food favorite, making it possible to enjoy at home for some excitement at dinner time, especially for those who appreciate a spicy touch to their meals. Each mouthful is a celebration of flavor, perfect for spicing up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fusing the delectable flavors of marinated chicken with the creamy melt of cheese between toasted tortillas, Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas offers a unique flavor combination that’s sure to capture the attention of anyone looking for something new. Inspired by the traditional Al Pastor, it adapts its rich, smoky taste into a convenient quesadilla form, perfect for a quick snack or a casual dinner. It’s a creative culinary twist that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a solo treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Piccata is an Italian classic that balances juicy cuts of chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and capers, combining elegance and simplicity. This dish is suitable for both a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, with the delicious sauce providing an excellent complement to the chicken, ensuring a meal that’s both refreshing and fulfilling. This chicken piccata recipe is all about bringing bold flavors to life with minimal effort, embodying the essence of Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Offering a re-creation of the Outback Steakhouse favorite, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken features grilled chicken breasts topped with mushrooms, bacon, cheese, and a honey mustard sauce. It perfectly balances smoky, flavorful, and sweet flavors, inviting you to recreate a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. This recipe offers a delectable way to enjoy a touch of dining-out luxury from the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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