Healthy Chicken Recipes for January

January is a very popular time of year to start trying some wonderful healthy recipes. When we come out of the colder and indulgent winter months many of us like to engage in a bit of a health kick, and there’s no better time than at the start of a New Year.

Below we have collected some of our favourite healthy chicken recipes that are perfect for creating quick, easy, tasty, and healthy dishes at home. If you are looking for some healthy recipes this January, you have come to the right place!

These quick and healthy chicken breast recipes have been put together to suit a variety of tastes, and are ideal for midweek chicken dinners or a healthy lunch. In fact, these chicken fillet recipes can all be made in under 30 minutes.

Chicken is a fantastic ingredient for those wanting to eat a little bit healthier. Chicken breast fillets are packed with protein which is essential for building muscle after exercising. Meals that are high in protein are also more likely to keep you feeling fuller for longer which in turn can stop you snacking in between meals, and therefore lower your overall calorie intake. Chicken is also very low in fat which is perfect for people wanting to eat that little bit healthier.

These recipes all use chicken breast fillets, but you could also substitute with chicken thighs. Many of these dishes are cooked in the oven like roast chicken to keep the extra fats from oils and butter to a minimum (as well as being easier for midweek meals), but you may choose to pan-fry them instead. In fact, many people prefer the texture of pan chicken.

The healthy chicken recipes we have put together are all healthy and easy recipes, and perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. If you try our January Recipes don’t forget to let us know on social media!

Ginger Chicken

This recipe for ginger chicken is one of our favourite healthy and easy chicken recipes. Based on a simple garlic chicken marinade with added ginger, the result is a tasty dish that is packed with zesty flavour. Serve with rice or stir-fried vegetables for an easy and light dinner. You can also cut the chicken into strips after it has been cooked and serve as part of a salad.

Ingredients:

 

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed and finely chopped
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 3 tsp finely chopped mint leaves
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp red chilli powder (to taste)

Method:

 

1. Mix the garlic, lemon juice, oil, coriander leaves, and mint leaves into a bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Add your spices to the lemon and ginger mixture, then stir until you have a thick paste.
3. Place the paste into a freezer bag, then add in your chicken breast fillets and seal the bag. Use the bag to massage and evenly coat your chicken breasts in the marinade. Place in the fridge and chill for 2 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6. When the oven has reached the optimal temperature, take your chicken out of the freezer bag and place on a baking sheet. Put this in the middle of the oven and cook for 18 minutes.
5. If you want your chicken a little crispy, you can place them under the grill for a few minutes to your desired level of crispiness. Take out the chicken make a small incision in one of the fillets to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and not at all pink.

Lemon and Herb Chicken

This lemon chicken recipe with herbs is a classic inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. This chicken works well when served with grilled Mediterranean style vegetables, or as a chicken salad with feta.

Ingredients:

 

• 2 chicken breasts
• 3 tsp olive oil
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped finely
• 1 tsp of oregano
• 2 tsp of mixed herbs
• 1 tsp of thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt

Method:

 

1. Mix all of your marinade ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
2. Pour your marinade into a freezer bag and place your chicken inside the bag. Seal tightly, then use the bag to coat your chicken fillets. Place in the fridge for at least one hour, and up to 4.
3. When the chicken has finished marinating, preheat your oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6.
4. Take your chicken out of the freezer bag. Place your chicken fillets on a baking sheet and put in the middle of the oven. Cook for 20 minutes. If you like to have a bit of crispiness you can place these under the grill for a few minutes.
5. Ensure the chicken is cooked through then serve as you wish.

Chicken Balti

The Balti is one of the most popular curries you see at many Indian restaurants across the UK. Balti is one of the healthiest curry options as the sauce does not use large amounts of butter, cream, or coconut milk which makes it ideal for those who still want to indulge in a delicious curry without the calories. Serve this with rice and a dash of low-fat yoghurt for a perfect chicken curry dinner recipe.

Ingredients:

 

• 2 chicken breasts, diced into large cubes
• 2 medium-sized onions, diced
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chilli powder, to taste
• 3 green cardamom pods, crush and use the seeds
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 inch of grated ginger
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed and finely chopped
• freshly chopped coriander, as a garnish

Method:

 

1. Heat up your oil in a pan to medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook while stirring until they start to turn golden.
3. Add in your ginger and garlic, stir for another minute until the aromas are released.
4. Add in your spices and salt, and stir for a few minutes and the onions are thoroughly coated. If this starts to stick add a dash of water or oil to unstick.
5. Add in your diced chicken breast and brown, stirring regularly.
6. Add in your tin of tomatoes, then fill the can halfway up with water and add this in. Stir everything together, bring to a slight boil, then simmer for twenty minutes.
7. Add freshly chopped coriander leaves just before serving.

Tarragon Chicken

Tarragon is a fantastic herb that lends itself well to chicken and fish dishes. Normally chicken cooked with tarragon is made in a hearty French-style creamy chicken casserole with lashings of bacon lardons, white wine, and cream. In this recipe, however, we have infused the chicken with the tarragon flavour without the extra calories. The result is a chicken dish that is perfect with steamed vegetables or when served as part of a mixed leaf salad with a French vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

 

• 2 chicken breasts
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed then finely chopped
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped tarragon leaves (or 2tsp ground tarragon)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp oil

Method:

 

1. Mix all of your ingredients apart from the chicken breasts into a bowl.
   When thoroughly combined, pour this in to a freezer bag.
2. Place your chicken breasts in the freezer bag and seal the freezer bag. Use the bag to coat the chicken in the marinade and massage the marinade all over.
3. Place in the fridge for at least one hour, and up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6. Take your chicken out of the freezer bag and place on a baking sheet. Place in the middle of oven.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, until the chicken has cooked through.