Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
Weight-loss-friendly dinners don’t have to mean boring and bland. These recipes transform protein-packed chicken into satisfying meals, paired with healthy ingredients like fresh veggies and herbs. With less than 575 calories and at least 15 grams of protein per serving, these recipes align with our weight-loss-friendly parameters. Plus, they come together in just one skillet to make cleanup a breeze. Try our One-Skillet Sesame Chicken Casserole or our High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo for a healthy dinner your tastebuds will love.
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One-Skillet Sesame Chicken Casserole Is High in Protein
This sesame chicken skillet casserole comes together in one pan for an easy dinner packed with savory, sweet and nutty flavors. Bone-in chicken thighs roast over a mixture of brown rice, green beans and bell pepper that soaks up a sesame-soy sauce as everything cooks together.
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02 of 13
Chicken Parmesan Skillet with Beans
This chicken Parmesan–inspired skillet dinner swaps the pasta for creamy cannellini beans, creating a hearty one-pan meal. Tender chicken simmers in marinara with garlic, shallots and Italian seasoning before being topped with mozzarella and finished under the broiler. Serve with toasted whole-wheat baguette slices to scoop up the saucy beans.
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03 of 13
High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo
This one-pan dinner delivers on protein and flavor with tender chicken cutlets, whole-wheat orzo and wilted kale in a creamy, lemony herb sauce. Dill and scallions add fresh brightness, while a bold homemade spice blend brings the flavor.
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04 of 13
Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet with Spinach & Peas
This creamy lemon chicken dish is a bright, one-skillet dinner that pairs tender chicken cutlets with a creamy brown rice mixture studded with spinach and sweet peas. Lemon zest and juice add fresh flavor, while a touch of goat cheese melts into the warm rice for richness and savory flavor.
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05 of 13
High-Protein Crispy Chicken & Rice Skillet Casserole
This crispy chicken and rice skillet casserole delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned with a warm blend of cumin, smoked paprika and turmeric, then seared until the skin is golden and crisp before finishing in the oven over a savory rice mixture with onion and bell pepper. A quick drizzle of spiced tahini adds a creamy, nutty finish that ties everything together.
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06 of 13
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet
This creamy garlic chicken-and-broccoli skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.
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07 of 13
Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet
This sweet potato–chicken enchilada skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of sweet potato and shredded chicken combine with store-bought enchilada sauce for a flavorful shortcut. Corn tortilla wedges are stirred in, soaking up the sauce and giving the dish a comforting, casserole-like texture.
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08 of 13
High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage
This High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage is comfort food with a twist. Tender, golden chicken cutlets rest on a bed of creamy orzo swirled with sweet, melting cabbage, shallots and garlic, all brought to life with fresh lemon zest and juice. Pecorino and a touch of half-and-half give the dish a risotto-like texture, while chives add a final pop of freshness. It’s a complete one-pan meal that’s perfect for nights when you want something cozy and satisfying.
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09 of 13
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Skillet
This creamy spinach-and-artichoke chicken skillet serves up the classic combo often reserved for dips, elevating it to main-dish status with the addition of quick-cooking chicken cutlets. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated without spending hours in the kitchen. We prefer tender canned artichokes here, but be sure to give them a good rinse to wash away some of the sodium. Add some crushed red pepper to give this dish a little kick.
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10 of 13
One-Pot Chicken, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo
This vibrant sun-dried tomato chicken-and-orzo recipe delivers a satisfying balance of protein, whole-grain pasta and vegetables in one skillet. Juicy chicken cutlets are seared until golden, then nestled into orzo simmered with savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and crumbled feta. It’s an easy complete dinner with minimal cleanup.
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One-Pan Chicken Florentine
Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served alongside sautéed chicken—is a fast and easy meal. This recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese. This chicken recipe is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.
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Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken & Rice Casserole
This creamy lemon-dill chicken and rice casserole is pure comfort in a bowl, bursting with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and dill. Tender chicken and brown rice make it a satisfying, cozy dish everyone will love. Using microwaveable rice is a game-changer for convenience. It cuts down on prep time, ensuring the dish comes together quickly. Of course, if you have it, leftover cooked brown rice will work just as well.
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Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo
This cheesy chicken-broccoli orzo is the ultimate weeknight game-changer. This dish brings crowd-pleasing flavors together in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying, comforting and delicious. Sharp Cheddar cheese adds savory flavor, but another easy-melting cheese like Gruyère or Swiss would work well too.
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