1/28
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: Yum! It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, and then we just fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 258 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 4 very lean meat, 2 fat.
Lemon and chicken pair so well together. Lemon juice and zest, plus a few herbs, add just the right amount of fresh flavor to this grilled chicken. Serve it with a Caesar salad or grilled veggies.
2/28
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a favorite at our house, especially in summer. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches that we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita: 369 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
This healthy Mediterranean dinner takes 30 minutes and is infused with the most wonderful fresh lemon and herb flavors. If you don’t have skewers, cook the meat and vegetables in a grill pan or under the broiler on a baking sheet.
3/28
From the Recipe Creator:
A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 127 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Infused with fresh flavors of lime, garlic and dill, this simple grilled chicken recipe takes only a couple of minutes to prep before it’s ready to toss on the grill. Pair the chicken with salad, Mexican street corn or cilantro lime rice for a weeknight meal.
4/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken skewers with tender chunks of chicken and garden fresh veggies are easy to assemble and are always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 244 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
For a barbecue appetizer or summer weeknight meal, assemble these skewers with chunks of chicken breast, garden fresh zucchini, onions and tomatoes. The fresh citrus marinade gives everything a zesty flavor boost.
5/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3 cups: 239 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/28
From the Recipe Creator:
This super-fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken, and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead of time. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup salsa: 265 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
This grilled chicken packs in all the flavors of summer. Trust us: You’ll want to make a double batch of the peach and avocado salsa to scoop up and enjoy with chips, a salad or just a spoon!
7/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Basic, yet packed with flavor, this sandwich gets a kick from zesty cheese and savory bacon. It's a great meal for summer days. —Linda Foreman, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 337 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 very lean meat, 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Grill or broil this seasoned chicken breast for a zesty chicken sandwich you can enjoy any time of year. Top with pepper jack cheese, bacon and any other fixings for a restaurant-quality sandwich at home.
8/28
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden chicken satay recipe is marinated and grilled, then served with a zesty Thai-style peanut butter sauce. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons sauce: 233 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
This recipe for chicken satay includes a turmeric-rich marinade and a lime-spiked peanut dipping sauce. You can eat this Southeast Asian dish right off the skewer.
9/28
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is so tasty that my husband insists it could be served in a restaurant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 very lean meat.
This teriyaki marinade is so simple—it uses four ingredients and can be whisked together in minutes. You’ll never want store-bought sauce again!
10/28
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the bright flavors in this recipe. The orange juice, curry powder, feta and mint really jazz up the rest of the ingredients! Once the ingredients are assembled, this recipe comes together in no time. If you like, you can use large cubed peaches or nectarines instead of apricots. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with 1/2 cup couscous and 5 teaspoons yogurt sauce: 312 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
Fluffy couscous and a cool, creamy yogurt sauce make these orange-infused chicken kabobs a complete meal. For a sweet and savory appetizer, serve the kabobs with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
11/28
From the Recipe Creator:
I switched up my mom’s recipe to create this tasty pita pocket variation. It’s one of our favorite
grilled chicken recipes and is perfect for warm days. The creamy cucumber sauce goes great with the fresh, crunchy veggies. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 428 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 801mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
This weeknight meal packs all the best Greek flavors into a hand-held, easy-to-eat pita. You’ll love the contrast of the warm, seasoned chicken with the crisp vegetables, all slathered in a cool cucumber sauce.
12/28
From the Recipe Creator:
A trip to Hawaii is easy with this juicy grilled pineapple chicken. Simply give it a quick marinade, fire up the grill and let it sizzle. We love this low-carb recipe! —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
The fresh pineapple juice marinade gives this healthy grilled chicken recipe a tropical spin. Since the recipe uses acidic pineapple juice, you’ll have it prepped, marinated and ready to grill in only an hour.
13/28
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool noodle salad makes a great casual one-bowl dinner or a perfect dish for a potluck or buffet. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 478 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
Pasta salad goes from a side dish to a filling entree with the addition of grilled chicken. While you can make this recipe up to a day ahead of time, we recommend grilling and slicing the chicken just before serving for the freshest flavor.
14/28
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this dish for years, and when I saw the same dish on the menu at Olive Garden, I knew I had a winner. Fresh basil gets all the respect in this super supper—even forks will stand at attention when it hits the table. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast: 273 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
When you’re ready to make a restaurant-quality meal at home, this is the recipe you need. The quick marinade infuses the chicken with the most delicious balsamic flavor. At the same time, the fresh basil, tomato, artichoke and onion topping is made only more mouthwatering with a layer of melty mozzarella cheese.
15/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Chimichurri is a green sauce from South America that goes with grilled meats. My citrus version brightens up grilled chicken, which gets its juiciness from brining. —Tyffanie Perez, Springville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons sauce: 427 calories, 31g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
This citrus chimichurri sauce is the perfect combination of earthy and bright, with layers of citrus, herbs and garlic blended together. It goes as well with steak and fish as it does with chicken, making it the perfect marinade for any healthy grilled protein.
16/28
From the Recipe Creator:
I was late coming home one evening and forgot to pick up tortillas for the fajitas we'd planned for dinner. So we used pita bread that I had in the freezer instead. The warm chicken-filled pockets, garnished with a homemade sauce and other tasty toppings, are now often requested when my family is hungry for something in a hurry. —Diana Jones, Springtown, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half with 2 tablespoons salsa: 327 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
17/28
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
18/28
From the Recipe Creator:
For our must-have meal, we roast chicken using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This version without skin and bones has a zesty rub of turmeric, paprika and chili powder. —Bill Staley, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 169 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
Head to the spice cupboard for this recipe! With an ingredients list including garlic powder, paprika and chili powder, you likely have everything you need for this flavorful spice-rubbed chicken. There’s no marinating needed, so it’s a perfect last-minute meal.
19/28
From the Recipe Creator:
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
These pineapple and chicken rice bowls cut the carbs by using riced cauliflower instead of traditional rice. Turn this from a weekend meal to a quick weeknight dish by using pre-riced cauliflower and making your marinade the night before.
20/28
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture: 224 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
Dijon mustard, brown sugar and a couple of seasonings are all you need to turn plain chicken thighs into a delicious meal. Pair them with sauteed zucchini and potato wedges for a healthy, balanced dinner.
21/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Relax with a cold drink after work while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Blending tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar and oil together makes the most delicious marinade to infuse this chicken with fresh flavors, and it doubles as a sauce to finish the dish. Using just 2 tablespoons of oil in the marinade saves major calories without sacrificing flavor.
22/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It is extra-special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Sauteed mushrooms, wilted spinach and melty provolone cheese make this smothered chicken dinner the picture of comfort. Using low-fat provolone helps reduce the fat and sodium of this meal without sacrificing flavor, but feel free to swap in Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a tasty alternative.
23/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Apples and chicken may seem like an unusual combination, but they make a wonderful meal when grilled to perfection. The thyme chicken marinade gives a boost of flavor and tenderizes the meat nicely. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 310 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fruit.
Fire up the grill for sweet and savory grilled chicken and apple slices! Before serving, spoon the apple and thyme sauce over the top, adding a touch of sweetness to finish the dish. Just add a serving of green beans or a side salad to complete the meal.
24/28
From the Recipe Creator:
A little sweet, a little sour and a whole lot of flavor! These kabobs make a wonderful accompaniment to any party or get-together. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 94 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
The creamy marinade infuses a tangy, sweet-and-spicy peanut butter flavor into each bite of chicken. Serve the kabobs as an appetizer or over rice for an easy summer meal.
25/28
From the Recipe Creator:
We like to use Little Red Dress brand merlot in this chicken recipe to bring out the flavor of the berries. —Elizabeth Wright, Raleigh, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons sauce: 251 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
Fresh raspberries and strawberries are boiled with merlot and sugar to create a sweet, rich sauce that adds the most amazing flavor to this lightly seasoned grilled chicken. Even though the sauce is sweet, you need only a couple of tablespoons of added sugar since the berries have natural sweetness.
26/28
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for my husband, who absolutely loves olives. I usually make a larger batch of the olive tapenade and serve it with bread or crackers as a snack or appetizer. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half (calculated without cheese): 264 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
This stuffed chicken is an olive lover’s dream! Serve it with a Greek salad, and make extra tapenade to spread over slices of toasted baguettes for an easy crostini appetizer.
27/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Broiled or grilled, this simple chicken recipe has been a favorite for years. Try it with your favorite herbs. —Rebecca Sodergren, Centerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
This simple marinade is a blank canvas for whatever herbs are handy. We love the recipe with rosemary, but feel free to substitute anything from your kitchen herb garden. Dill, tarragon, thyme or oregano would make this chicken perfect for any weeknight dinner.
28/28
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
This dinner is proof that simple ingredients can create the most flavorful outcomes. Intensely flavorful balsamic vinegar is brightened up with lemon zest and fresh herbs and balanced by extra virgin olive oil. Try serving the chicken with a fresh Caprese salad.
Healthy Grilled Chicken FAQs
How do you grill chicken so it stays healthy?
The trick to keeping grilled chicken healthy is to flavor it with simple, wholesome ingredients and pair it with vegetables or whole grains for a balanced meal. Grilled chicken—especially skinless chicken breast—is packed with protein and naturally low in calories and fat.
If weight loss is your goal, grilled chicken can absolutely be a part of a healthy meal plan—and there are so many more delicious options than plain, unseasoned chicken. Building meals around high-protein foods, like grilled chicken, can help you feel fuller for longer, with fewer hunger pangs between meals.
Unlike deep-frying or pan-searing, grilling requires less oil, which helps keep calories and fat in check. To keep it that way, skip sugary sauces (looking at you, store-bought barbecue sauce), and build flavor with healthy marinades made from olive oil, yogurt, citrus juice, garlic, herbs or vinegar. Bonus: Marinating helps keep chicken juicy, so you don’t feel the need to drown it in extra sauce at the table.
What healthy sides can I serve with grilled chicken recipes?
To build a balanced meal, pair grilled chicken with healthy sides that add fiber and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients help keep you full and satisfied so you’re not rummaging through the pantry an hour after dinner.
Light veggie-forward salads are a fresh contrast to grilled chicken and are often make-ahead friendly. Think cucumber salad, tomato salad, bean salad or crunchy coleslaw tossed with a lighter dressing. There are also plenty of ways to grill fresh vegetables. From a colorful grilled vegetable platter to classic corn on the cob, grilled veggies cook right alongside the chicken and add color, flavor and fiber to your plate.
If you want something a little heartier, serve grilled chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, a wild rice or quinoa salad, spaghetti squash, or a healthy pasta salad made with whole grain noodles and lots of vegetables.
How long should you grill chicken on each side?
Chicken breasts should be grilled over medium heat for five to seven minutes per side, while boneless chicken thighs usually need six to eight minutes per side. The exact timing depends on the thickness of the chicken—tenders and thin cutlets cook faster, while thicker breasts take a few extra minutes.
To make sure your chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Chicken is safe to eat (and pull off the grill) once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, though you may want to leave dark meat on the grill a little longer. Cooking thighs and drumsticks to at least 175° helps break down connective tissue, making the meat more tender and juicy.
