20 Amazing Whole30 Chicken Recipes You'll Want to Make ASAP
Yes, you can eat these on your diet!
If you're just getting started with the Whole30 diet (or maybe you're doing it again!), you're probably wondering what you're going to cook. The 30-day elimination diet can feel pretty restrictive, so it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed.
If you’re looking for some fun, flavorful chicken recipes to add to your repertoire, you’re in luck. These picks are all easy to whip up, from salads and soups to comfort-food classics, like wings and meatballs.
Chicken and Beet Salad with Orange
This salad by Real Simple Good will satisfy that sweet craving. Add some almonds on top for extra fat and crunch, and avocado for a creamy texture that’ll hold it all together.
Quick and Easy Cabbage Chicken Stir-Fry
For a warm chicken stir-fry that’s no-hassle on a busy weeknight, look no further than this cabbage chicken recipe by Eat Drink Paleo. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it Whole30 compliant, and try napa cabbage, which is lighter and sweeter in taste.
Paleo “Breaded” Chicken Cutlets
If you miss that breaded, crusty texture of chicken cutlets when on Whole30, this recipe by Paleo Running Momma has you covered. It takes a mere 15 minutes to cook (how easy is that?) and it’s kid-friendly, too. Think of them as a Whole30 plate of chicken nuggets.
Creamy Spiced Apple Pecan Chicken
This sweet and creamy chicken recipe by Wholesomelicious almost tastes like dessert, but it’s totally good for you. Plus, it has fat from the pecans and protein from the chicken to keep you full until your next meal. Serve over greens or veggie noodles for some added fiber.
Creamy Whole30 Bacon Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Thyme
Bacon and cream sauce? This chicken dish by 40 Aprons hits all the right notes with these tasty, rich add-ons. The salty, crispy bacon on top balances nicely with the meatiness of the mushrooms and creaminess of the sauce. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Fall Cobb Salad
Perfect for lunch or dinner, this cobb salad recipe by One Lovely Life has diced chicken, as well as bacon, eggs, avocado, apples, and some crunch. Make a big batch to save for leftovers during the week.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers topped with grilled pineapple will really hit the spot when you’re craving something meaty but also sweet. The blogger, Paleo Running Momma, doesn’t mess around with the seasonings, either, as she uses a homemade chipotle ranch sauce to complement the fruitiness.
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Casserole on Whole30? That’s right. This healthy broccoli casserole by Real Simple Good is simply delicious, and it won’t wreck your diet. Made with coconut milk and ghee, there are some good fats in there, and there’s a bit of bacon for that added crunch and flavor. Make a big batch at once!
Healthy Chicken Stir Fry With Dijon Orange Almond Sauce and Zucchini Noodles
Make this yummy chicken stir-fry by Food Faith Fitness Whole30 compliant by serving it over a bed of zoodles (as opposed to rice or pasta noodles) and making sure the Dijon mustard does not contain wine. It’s a great weeknight meal—it takes just 30 minutes—and it has some zest and creaminess to hit all the flavor notes.
Herby One-Pan Chicken With Oranges
Paleo, low-carb, and Whole30 approved, this chicken dish by A Saucy Kitchen is super healthy and flavorful with a citrusy zest. There are just 4 carbs per serving of two chicken pieces, which is pretty awesome, and there’s a whopping 29 grams of protein to fill you up.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
This chicken chili recipe from The Real Food Dietitians has a thick texture from the coconut milk and amazing flavor from spice and jalapeño (yes—there’s a kick!). Put it in the slow cooker before heading out for work and it’ll be all set when you’re back home.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Burrito Bowls With Cauliflower Rice
If you're craving Mexican flavors, whip up a healthy burrito bowl that’s Whole30-friendly, like this one from Wholesomelicious. With avocado and bacon bits, it’ll totally meet (or surpass!) your expectations.
Paleo Chicken Chile Verde
Usually chili recipes are red or white in color, but this one by A Spicy Perspective has a nice green hue and is loaded with good-for-you nutrients, like heart-healthy fat from avocado and antioxidants from the peppers.
Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash for a pasta swap makes this chicken dish by One Lovely Life Whole30 approved. The dairy-free pesto enhances the flavor and goes nicely with fresh tomato slices.
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
These sliders by The Real Food Dietitians are the ideal game night food. You can lighten them up by subbing sweet potato “buns” for lettuce wraps, if you like, while still keeping all the spicy, creamy filling. The chicken is super tender—it’ll just melt in your mouth.
Sticky Slow Cooker Chicken Wings With Pineapple 5-Spice Sauce
A wing recipe you can actually eat on Whole30? Sign us up. This sweet and spicy chicken wing dish by Food Faith Fitness is the ultimate comfort food or guys’ night treat. Let it cook in the slow cooker and it’ll be ready before you know it.
Thai Red Coconut Chicken
A savory Whole30 makeover on Thai coconut chicken, this dish by A Saucy Kitchen is packed with flavor, and it’s thick and creamy from the coconut milk. Plus, it’s gluten-free and ready in 30 minutes.
Chicken Fajita Whole30 Stuffed Peppers
These peppers by Wholesome Yum are filled with tender, juicy chicken and—yes—more bell peppers, with a spicy marinade that’s perfect for Mexican night at home.
Healthy Ground Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce
Meatballs are super versatile. They can be used for appetizers, in a soup, on a bed of zoodles, or eaten plain with a toothpick. This recipe by Wholesome Yum makes a low-carb meatball dish with a tasty garlic and rosemary coating.
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.
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