7 Healthy Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas Under 400 Calories

 

7 Healthy Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas Under 400 Calories

If you’re looking for tasty chicken breast dinner ideas that won’t break your calorie bank, you’re in the right place! Each recipe here is under 400 calories, making it easy to enjoy healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to whip up some delicious and nutritious dinners that fit into your lifestyle!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

A colorful bowl of Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and chopsticks.

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor while keeping things healthy. This vibrant meal features tender chicken pieces tossed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, all coated in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

The combination of honey and garlic creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully when cooked. The heat from the spices adds an exciting kick, making every bite enjoyable. Plus, this dish is under 400 calories, making it a guilt-free option for dinner.

To make this stir-fry, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Gather boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a few spices. The cooking process is straightforward, allowing you to whip up a healthy meal in no time.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. In a small bowl, mix honey and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
  4. Add the broccoli and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry!

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

A Mediterranean chicken salad with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil.

This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and grilled chicken, making it a perfect dinner option under 400 calories. The vibrant colors of the salad make it not only appetizing but also visually appealing. With juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.

The salad is topped with perfectly grilled chicken breast, sliced and arranged beautifully. A drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of richness, enhancing the overall taste. This dish is not just healthy; it’s also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

To make this salad, gather your favorite Mediterranean ingredients. You’ll need fresh greens, olives, and a zesty dressing to tie everything together. It’s a versatile recipe, so feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.

Ingredients

  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
  • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let them rest before slicing.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
  3. Add the Chicken: Place the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Salad immediately!

Creamy Spinach And Mushroom Chicken

A plate of creamy spinach and mushroom chicken served with couscous.

This creamy spinach and mushroom chicken dish is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. The chicken breast is perfectly seared, topped with sautéed mushrooms, and served on a bed of fresh spinach. The creamy sauce adds richness while keeping the dish light and satisfying.

Pair this dish with a side of couscous for a complete meal. The fluffy grains soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite delicious. This recipe is not only under 400 calories but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cooked couscous (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
  3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the low-fat cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Serve hot over a bed of couscous.

Pesto Chicken With Zoodles

A plate of pesto chicken with zucchini noodles, garnished with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.

Pesto Chicken with zoodles is a delightful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh zucchini noodles. This meal is not only colorful but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The vibrant green pesto adds a burst of freshness, while the cherry tomatoes provide a sweet contrast. The dish is light, making it perfect for a healthy dinner under 400 calories.

To prepare this dish, start by grilling seasoned chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, spiralize fresh zucchini to create zoodles. Sauté the zoodles briefly in a pan to soften them slightly, then toss them with pesto for a creamy texture. Finally, plate the zoodles and top them with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added crunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. In the same pan, add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto until well combined.
  3. To serve, place the zoodles on a plate, top with sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with pine nuts.

Garlic Butter Chicken And Broccoli

Garlic butter chicken breast served with steamed broccoli on a plate.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and vibrant green broccoli, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This meal is not only tasty but also light, making it a perfect dinner option under 400 calories.

The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, while the broccoli is steamed just right, keeping its crunch and nutrients. The garlic butter sauce adds a savory touch that elevates the flavors without overwhelming the dish. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a healthy dinner.

To make this dish, you will need a few key ingredients: chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, garlic, butter, and some seasonings. The combination of these ingredients creates a meal that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Steam the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
  6. Serve: Plate the chicken and broccoli, drizzling any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Salad With Avocado Dressing

A colorful bowl of buffalo chicken salad topped with avocado dressing, featuring greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots.

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of spicy and fresh flavors. The shredded buffalo chicken sits atop a bed of crisp greens, making it a satisfying meal. The creamy avocado dressing adds a rich and smooth texture that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.

In this salad, you’ll find vibrant veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, which not only enhance the flavor but also provide a colorful presentation. The addition of avocado dressing not only keeps the calories low but also packs in healthy fats.

This dish is not just tasty but also easy to prepare. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with some whole-grain bread for a more filling meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl until well coated.
  2. In a separate bowl, blend the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the dressing.
  3. On a large plate or bowl, layer the mixed greens, followed by the tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and red onion.
  4. Top the salad with the buffalo chicken and drizzle the avocado dressing over everything.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, delicious meal!

Italian Chicken Skillet With Spinach And Tomatoes

Italian Chicken Skillet with Spinach and Tomatoes in a cast iron skillet

This Italian Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it not only appetizing but also visually appealing. The skillet method ensures that the chicken stays tender while the tomatoes burst with flavor, creating a delicious sauce that coats everything perfectly.

Cooking in a skillet is quick and easy, making this meal ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s under 400 calories, so you can enjoy a hearty dinner without the guilt. The combination of protein from the chicken and the nutrients from the spinach makes this dish a healthy choice.

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this tasty Italian Chicken Skillet.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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