These tasty chicken meal prep ideas make it easy to eat well all week long.
43 Chicken Meal Prep Recipes
1/43
Southwest Chicken Dinner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the bold flavors we love, but missing the calorie-laden tortilla. —Marquisha Turner, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without optional toppings): 398 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
New to meal prep? These tips and tricks can help.
2/43
DIY Salad in a Jar
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our farm-fresh salad is layered with gorgeous garden veggies. And we built in a homemade dressing flavored with fresh herbs. Just shake it up to eat the rainbow. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 364 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
3/43
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 504 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1151mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 52g protein.
4/43
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/43
Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 281 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
6/43
Berry Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bright berries and creamy goat cheese make this one a winner! —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with 1 chicken breast half and 1 tablespoon dressing : 268 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
7/43
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled lettuce wraps: 257 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
8/43
Cashew Chicken with Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 638 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
9/43
Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
10/43
Casablanca Chutney Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this dish. An array of spices and dried fruit slow cook with boneless chicken thighs for an aromatic and satisfying meal. To make it complete, serve over Jasmine or Basmati rice. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 389 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
11/43
Chicken Barley Soup
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
12/43
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
13/43
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup artichoke mixture: 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/43
Strawberry Tarragon Chicken Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After thinking about creating this salad for some time, one spring I used my homegrown strawberries and fresh tarragon to do a little experimenting. It didn't take me very long to come up with a winner! My husband enjoyed my creation as much as I did, and now we can't wait for strawberry season to come around each year. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 378 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
15/43
Curried Chicken Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 367 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/43
Skinny Cobb Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
17/43
Chicken Avocado Wrap
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
18/43
Super Fast Mexican Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 254 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 998mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
19/43
Chicken, Nectarine and Avocado Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is really summery and comes together very quickly. Using granola adds crunch and makes it different. I've tried using a various types of granola, and our favorites have been those that aren't overly sweet but have lots of nuts. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 561 calories, 32g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
20/43
Mongolian Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fun way to make chicken. Mongolian chicken has a lot of flavor and a bit of heat for good measure. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups equals 376 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
21/43
Chicken Pitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
22/43
Baked Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't remember when or where I found this oven-baked fajitas recipe, but I've used it nearly every week since. We like it with hot sauce for added spice. —Amy Trinkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 375 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
23/43
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 312 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
24/43
Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The convenience and simplicity of this chicken dinner make it extra awesome. Feel free to change the veggies throughout the year—the sticky-spicy-sweet sauce is tasty on everything!! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 490 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1665mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
25/43
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings plus 1 cup leftover dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Juicy berries, crisp sugar snap peas and crunchy pecans complement the lime-marinated chicken in this pretty salad. The homemade sweet-sour dressing is simply delicious. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 479 calories, 35g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
26/43
Mediterranean Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/43
Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
28/43
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 4 ounces potatoes and 2 tomatoes: 446 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
29/43
Curried Chicken & Peach Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very healthy and simple salad to make; even my non-cooking husband can whip it together in minutes. We’ve served this to friends over the years, and they always ask for the recipe. —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit.
30/43
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese dressing and hot pepper sauce enhance these yummy tortilla wraps. Filled with chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, these buffalo chicken wraps are colorful, fun to eat...and tote-able, too! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 879 calories, 55g fat (18g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1589mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
31/43
Angel Hair with Chicken & Cherries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nutmeg and cherries are the new "it" pair. It’s the secret something that really makes this angel hair pasta dish. My vegetarian friend likes it just as well without chicken. —Mary Ann Sander, Centralia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup pasta with 3/4 cup chicken mixture: 561 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 36g protein.
32/43
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
33/43
Chicken Croissant Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 537 calories, 35g fat (11g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
34/43
Squash & Chicken Stew
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 384 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 37g protein.
35/43
Chicken Caesar Pitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hand-held and picnic friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance for a fast-fix lunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 398 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 65 mg cholesterol, 919 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate (3 g sugars, 5 g fiber), 31 g protein.
36/43
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
37/43
Asian Chicken Crunch Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love all kinds of wraps and Asian foods. This is an easy go-to in our house that works for everyone. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 519 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 1250mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 19g protein.
38/43
Chicken Pasta Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
39/43
Chicken, Asparagus & Corn Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken and asparagus make a light, comforting soup that’s easy to do with common ingredients. If we have rotisserie chicken, it goes into this soup. —Jennifer Vo, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 215 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 800mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
40/43
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
41/43
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some recipes for chicken paprikash include vegetables like bell peppers and celery, but not my Grandmother Alta’s. Hers was a simple combination of chicken, onions, garlic, paprika and sour cream. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 422 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
42/43
Chicken Garden Medley
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my family sampled this dish at a friend's house, it quickly became a favorite—especially with our teenage daughters, who request it at least once a week! —Dohreen Winkler, Howell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 404 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
43/43
Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 612 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1113mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.