25 Healthy Chicken Recipes to Make You Forget You're on a Diet

POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

I'll be honest: whether I'm trying to eat healthy or not, baked or roasted chicken is a protein source I'm unlikely to gravitate toward when presented with other options. It's often just so boring and bland, am I right? But I'm eventually swayed when I come across a healthy chicken recipe that happens to be unique and packed with delicious flavors and healthy ingredients.

Here we've rounded up 25 variations on baked chicken, from healthy takes on favorites like fried chicken and wings to different versions of simple baked and roasted recipes. You'll be clearing your plate faster than you can say "winner winner, chicken dinner."

01
Baked Chicken Parmesan
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Chicken Parmesan

If chicken parm is one of your favorite Italian splurge meals, you'll love this lightened up baked version.

02
Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Breasts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Breasts

The key to making baked chicken delicious and not boring is making sure it has enough flavor. This lemon pepper recipe is just the ticket.

03
Baked Chicken Tenders
Eating Bird Food

Baked Chicken Tenders

As an added bonus to being delicious and crunchy like their fried counterparts, these

baked chicken tenders are also gluten-free.

04
Oven-Baked Fried Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Oven-Baked Fried Chicken

When you're craving a Southern classic like fried chicken, this healthier baked version will leave you feeling satisfied without wrecking your weight-loss goals.

05
One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken With Asparagus
Well Plated by Erin

One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken With Asparagus

This baked lemon chicken with asparagus doesn't just deliver a delicious main; you've got your whole meal covered with just one pan.

06
Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken
Half Baked Harvest

Oven Fried Southern Hot Honey Chicken

If you've specifically got a soft spot for fast-food fried chicken, this copycat recipe will satisfy without making you cheat on your diet plan.

07
Baked Buffalo Wings
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Baked Buffalo Wings

If buffalo wings are one of your favorite game day eats, rest assured you can still make them healthy if you try this flavor-packed recipe.

08
Honey Dijon Chicken and Potatoes
The Stay At Home Chef

Honey Dijon Chicken and Potatoes

If you want an easy yet satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup, you'll be happy with this hearty, one-pan meal.

09
Baked Chicken Parm Meatballs
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Baked Chicken Parm Meatballs

For a healthier take on spaghetti and meatballs, combine the ingredients of another favorite (chicken parm) and bake to deliciousness in the oven.

10
Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken
Creme de la Crumb

Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken

Indian food lovers can rejoice: this restaurant-quality recipe is as healthy as it is tasty.

11
Lemon and Lavender Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Lemon and Lavender Chicken

Lavender adds sweet and savory notes to spice up this spin on lemon chicken.

12
Korean Chicken Drumsticks With Kimchi Aioli
Avocado Pesto

Korean Chicken Drumsticks With Kimchi Aioli

These spicy marinated drumsticks pack traditional Korean flavors in a low-carb meal.

13
Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken

This simple baked chicken recipe proves that sometimes a smaller number of ingredients truly goes a long way.

14
Oven-Baked Rosemary Chicken
Self-Proclaimed Foodie

Oven-Baked Rosemary Chicken

Rosemary is one of those go-to spices that can instantly make baked chicken a lot less boring and a lot more flavorful.

15
Simple Baked Chicken
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Simple Baked Chicken

Simple spices like salt, pepper, paprika, and onion and garlic powders make this simple baked chicken recipe pop with flavor.

16
Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs
Cooking Classy

Roasted Garlic Chicken Thighs

The crispy, garlicky crust on these roasted chicken thighs will have you craving this recipe for dinner again and again.

17
Asparagus-Stuffed Baked Chicken
Creme de la Crumb

Asparagus-Stuffed Baked Chicken

For a more exciting take on lemon chicken, dress up the recipe with asparagus and cheese.

18
Baked Lemon Pepper Wings
Lemons For Lulu

Baked Lemon Pepper Wings

If you're on the hunt for a healthier take on chicken wings and prefer yours on the mild side, these baked lemon pepper wings are sure to please.

19
Honey Mustard Chicken
Dinner at the Zoo

Honey Mustard Chicken

Honey mustard, along with simple ingredients like olive oil and salt and pepper, make this chicken dish a surefire favorite for those who prefer sweet flavors.

20
Roast Chicken With Spring Vegetables
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Roast Chicken With Spring Vegetables

Spring vegetables like radishes and purple carrots make this roast chicken meal almost too pretty to eat.

21
Chipotle Lime Roasted Chicken With Black Bean Corn Salad
How Sweet Eats

Chipotle Lime Roasted Chicken With Black Bean Corn Salad

If you've got a hankering for a Chipotle burrito bowl but want something slightly healthier and homemade, this roast chicken meal is packed with familiar flavors.

22
Baked Chicken Meatballs
Pinch of Yum

Baked Chicken Meatballs

Whether you serve them as an appetizer or on top of a healthy pasta dish, these healthy chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit anytime.

23
Hummus Baked Chicken With Feta and Orzo
Self-Proclaimed Foodie

Hummus Baked Chicken With Feta and Orzo

If you're in the mood for unique Mediterranean flavors, hummus, orzo, and feta make for a quick meal that's both tasty and convenient.

24
Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate Chicken
Food Faith Fitness

Baked Balsamic Goat Cheese Stuffed Pomegranate Chicken

Sweet pomegranate combined with tangy goat cheese will make this superfood-loaded chicken recipe a definite hit.

25
Sriracha Baked Chicken
Avocado Pesto

Sriracha Baked Chicken

If you're a lover of that famed spicy rooster sauce, you'll go crazy for this zesty baked chicken at dinnertime.

26
POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts