The Best Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes

Chicken on a bed of rice in the oven

This whole-grain, protein-rich dish is easy to prepare. Try using chicken thighs—they're inexpensive and stay juicy when baked with rice.

Recipe: Chicken on a bed of rice in the oven

Chicken breasts baked in lemon sauce

Ina Garten's baked chicken dish takes only 15 minutes to prepare. It's sure to become a family favorite, thanks to its crispy, golden-brown crust and lemon-white wine sauce.

Recipe: Chicken breasts baked in lemon sauce

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Mustard-Maple Crust

Ellie Krieger proves that white meat isn't the only part of chicken worth celebrating. She uses bone-in, skinless chicken thighs and coats the meat with a savory, low-fat glaze before roasting.

Recipe: Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Mustard-Maple Crust

Chicken breasts with cheese in the oven

When you order chicken Parmesan from an Italian restaurant, you'll likely get deep-fried chicken covered in cheese, along with a generous serving of pasta. Instead, bake a homemade version in the oven to avoid excess calories and fat; serve with a small serving of whole-wheat pasta.

Recipe: Chicken breasts with cheese in the oven

Italian Chicken Pasta Casserole

Pastina means "little pasta": any shape of small pasta can be used in this recipe. Baked with chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it turns into a cheesy treat—a true Italian soul food. Even with mozzarella and grated regular-fat Parmesan, the dish contains only 432 calories per serving.

Recipe: Italian Chicken Pasta Casserole

Baked buffalo wings with yogurt and blue cheese dipping sauce

Sure, Buffalo wings are usually served as an appetizer, but this crispy baked version can be a standalone meal—just pair it with your favorite salad.

Recipe: Baked buffalo wings with yogurt and blue cheese dipping sauce

Chicken and rice casserole

In this casserole, chicken paprikash is cooked alongside the side dish. Bell pepper is an unconventional addition, but it's rich in vitamin C and adds a natural sweetness. The brown rice soaks up the sauce, becoming rich and filling while still retaining its density.

Recipe: Chicken and rice casserole

Chicken breasts baked with potatoes and caramelized garlic

Looking for a new versatile chicken breast recipe? Bake the meat in the oven with potatoes and a mixture of garlic, brown sugar, and lemon to add a burst of flavor to this simple, hearty dish.

Recipe: Chicken breasts baked with potatoes and caramelized garlic

Oven-baked chicken in crispy breading

Crushed cornflakes and crackers create a delicious breading in Ellie's recipe. Yogurt makes the chicken tender, and a little olive oil drizzled over the meat before baking ensures a crispy crust.

Recipe: Oven-baked chicken in crispy breading

Chicken fingers with a spicy dipping sauce

Store-bought chicken nuggets often contain a whole host of unpronounceable ingredients. Make your own homemade version: kids are sure to love them, but don't be surprised if these little fingers become an adult favorite, too.

Recipe: Chicken fingers with a spicy dipping sauce

Chicken fingers with snow peas

For a low-calorie version of this traditional dish, coat the chicken in crumbled rice cereal and bake until golden brown. Don't forget the tangy-sweet orange dipping sauce, made with teriyaki sauce and orange marmalade.

Recipe: Chicken fingers with snow peas

Baked chicken breasts in cheese breading

Ted Allen offers a kid-friendly dinner recipe. Lean chicken breasts are breaded with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Recipe: Baked chicken breasts in cheese breading

Cornflake-Breaded Chicken in the Oven

Trisha Yearwood's simple weeknight dinner is equal parts juicy, spicy, and crispy. Dip chicken pieces in a low-fat buttermilk-and-hot sauce mixture, then roll in crumbled cornflakes and bake until golden brown.

Recipe: Cornflake-Breaded Chicken in the Oven