Light doesn’t have to mean bland, and these 17 chicken recipes make sure of it. They keep the crunch, the sauce, and all the fun without weighing you down. Think bold flavors, crispy edges, and meals that still feel like meals. It’s proof you can eat lighter without losing what makes chicken actually worth eating.
Italian Chicken
Sometimes simplicity packs the most flavor. Italian Chicken blends bold and classic elements that hit the right notes, without being overly complicated. Each bite carries familiar flavors that work wonderfully together. Great for a light dish that’s filling yet easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
A crispy treat that brings smoky and rich flavor to the table. Chicken Tinga Tostadas combine crunch with a layered and hearty taste. The combination works well for a quick meal or snack with none of the flavor punched out. Perfect for something satisfying without leaving you feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Bold and smoky flavors come together in Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze for a plate full of character. Tender inside with a slight char outside, this dish turns simplicity into something deeper. Balanced with a glaze that gives it a slightly tangy kick, it’s big on texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Easily balances being both comforting and flavor-forward without overdoing it. Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup keeps it light yet hearty, with each spoonful offering texture and depth. A go-to choice whether you’re after something warm or just familiar that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Scampi
Light yet full of bold flavor, Chicken Scampi delivers a taste that feels satisfying without feeling heavy. Perfectly textured pieces with just the right balance of sauce fill this dish with personality that keeps things interesting but not overwhelming. Easy to eat and versatile for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Lighter meals are welcome when the weather’s warm and the grill’s going. Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs offer a balanced mix of brightness and char without pushing too hard in either direction. They come together quickly and bring a mix of flavors that play well together. A solid choice for keeping things relaxed but still worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Chinese Chicken Salad
Crisp textures pair with balanced savory flavors in Chinese Chicken Salad for a dish that’s light but still robust. The mix keeps things bright without being overpowering, delivering a fun contrast with every bite. Offers refreshment without lacking depth that makes it feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings
Sweet and smoky elements come together beautifully in Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Tender yet crispy wings carry just enough fruitiness to enhance their slightly spicy kick, offering a layered taste experience. Perfect thought if you’re after crunch without losing vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Looking for something quick and delicious? Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs deliver bold flavors with easy prep and minimal cleanup. The air fryer adds a crispy finish without the extra grease. It’s a great choice for a balanced, deeply fulfilling meal that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
A classic flavor that’s bold but not overbearing makes Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce a great choice. Slightly smoky from the grill with a coating that brings a balanced level of spice, these wings deliver crunch and flavor without going too heavy. Ideal for keeping things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
Layers of taste come together in Copycat Alice Springs Chicken for a dish that feels indulgent without going overboard. The textures play well together, while the rich elements add depth, making every bite feel complete. It’s a great pick for a balanced but filling option.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken
Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Meals that feel both light and filling can be hard to come by, but this one finds the balance. Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet brings together tender pieces and a mix that feels fresh without being flimsy. It’s quick to make and works well when time is short but a solid dinner is still the goal. A simple way to keep things easy without skipping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
A mix of light yet bold flavors makes Mediterranean Chicken Bake stand out. The dish offers rich textures and a balance that keeps it filling without feeling too much. It’s layered in a way that gives you something different with each bite while still staying consistent overall.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Perfect for keeping things simple but flavorful, Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts bring together smoky grill notes with bold yet refreshing hits of lime. The textures add a nice balance to the well-rounded flavors. Ideal for when you want something light but dynamic enough to enjoy fully.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Meals that come together quickly and still feel complete are always welcome. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad brings that mix of ease and layered texture without overcomplicating things. It’s light enough to keep things breezy but still holds up as a full lunch or dinner. A reliable choice when time is limited but variety still matters.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Bold smoky notes combine with just the right amount of warmth in Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup, making for a dish that’s both comforting and fresh. It’s textured enough to feel hearty without being too heavy, with pieces that blend beautifully for a full-flavored result.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Paprikash
Balanced richness defines Chicken Paprikash, offering depth without weighing you down. The flavors meld beautifully, giving this dish a warm and savory feel that’s hard to resist. It’s hearty yet light enough to keep you coming back without overdoing it. Perfect dinner choice for versatility.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash