10 Healthy Chicken Appetizers

I’ve been on the hunt for some delicious, healthy chicken appetizers, and let me tell you, I’ve found some real winners!

From grilled chicken skewers that are bursting with zesty herbs to refreshing chicken lettuce wraps filled with crunchy veggies, there’s something for everyone.

And if you’re craving a little heat, spicy baked chicken wings are sure to satisfy.

These options are just the beginning of a mouthwatering journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Ready to explore all the delightful recipes I’ve gathered?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Grilled Chicken Skewers are an excellent option for a healthy chicken appetizer. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and can be customized to your liking. The best part about these skewers is that they aren’t only delicious but also low in fat and high in protein, making them a great choice for those who are keeping an eye on their diet.

For this recipe, we’ll be marinating the chicken in a tantalizing mixture of herbs and spices. The marinade not only adds flavor but also guarantees that the chicken remains juicy and tender once grilled. We’ll also be using a variety of colorful vegetables to add more nutrition and visual appeal to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bell pepper (any color)
• 1 onion
• 1 zucchini
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by cutting the chicken and the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly on the skewers.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This is your marinade.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. Once the chicken has marinated, start assembling your skewers. Alternate between pieces of chicken and vegetables until all the skewers are filled.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve your Grilled Chicken Skewers immediately, while they’re still hot.

When preparing the Grilled Chicken Skewers, remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Also, marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours guarantees that the chicken absorbs the flavors of the marinade, but if you have more time, marinating overnight will yield even better results.

Finally, feel free to play around with the vegetables on your skewers. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer. Enjoy your healthy and delicious appetizer!

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps are an easy-to-prepare appetizer that isn’t only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This dish is an excellent choice for individuals who are health-conscious or for those who simply want to enjoy a light and flavorful treat. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce, all enveloped in a fresh lettuce leaf, delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors with each bite.

Making these Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps is a breeze. All you need to do is sauté the chicken and vegetables, prepare the sauce, and assemble the wraps. This appetizer is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even as a quick snack. The recipe serves 4-6 people and can easily be doubled if you’re expecting a larger crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces. Set this aside for now.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Sauté the vegetables until they’re slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the cut chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh ginger. This will serve as your sauce.
5. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir well to guarantee that everything is coated in the sauce. Let this simmer for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
6. To assemble the wraps, spoon some of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto a lettuce leaf. Top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Extra Tips:

When preparing Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps, make sure to choose a type of lettuce that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling. Iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, and romaine hearts are all excellent choices.

Also, the chicken and vegetable mixture can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Just reheat it before serving and assemble the wraps. This way, you can whip up this appetizer in no time. Enjoy!

Nutritious Mini Chicken Tacos

There’s no need to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when trying to maintain a healthy diet. These nutritious mini chicken tacos are the perfect recipe for those looking to enjoy a tasty snack or appetizer while still keeping an eye on their health. Made with lean chicken breast, fresh veggies, and a blend of flavorful spices, these mini tacos are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

The best part about these mini tacos is that they’re versatile and can be customized according to your dietary needs or preferences. You can use gluten-free mini tortillas if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, or you can add more veggies to make it even more nutritious.

So, let’s get cooking and have a fun, delicious, and healthy snacking experience. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 12 mini corn tortillas
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1 cup of shredded lettuce
• 2 avocados, mashed
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Cooking instructions:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breast with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
5. In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and red onion. Cook until they’re soft and caramelized.
6. Once done, add the shredded chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together.
7. Prepare the mini tacos by spreading a spoonful of mashed avocado on each tortilla.
8. Top the avocado with the chicken mixture, followed by diced tomatoes, jalapeno, and shredded lettuce.
9. Drizzle some lime juice over each taco and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

As for extra tips, remember to not overcook the chicken as it can make it tough and dry.

Also, feel free to add or remove any ingredients as per your taste preference. For example, if you like a bit of creaminess, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of the tacos.

Finally, you can also prepare the chicken mixture in advance and assemble the tacos right before serving to save time. Happy cooking!

Spicy Baked Chicken Wings

Spicy Baked Chicken Wings are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, a game night, or just looking for a tasty snack, these chicken wings will certainly please everyone. This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings, being baked to perfection. They’re crispy, tender, and smothered with a spicy sauce that’s both tangy and sweet.

What’s great about this recipe is that it’s not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. You can prepare the sauce and marinate the wings ahead of time, then simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready. The result is a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress your guests, while also being a healthier choice.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of chicken wings, tips removed and drumettes and flats separated
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the middle position. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving crispy wings.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
4. Arrange the wings on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
5. While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
6. Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, toss them in the sauce until they’re fully coated.
7. Return the wings to the rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized.

Extra Tips:

When preparing this dish, remember to pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before adding the baking powder, salt, and pepper. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture.

Also, if you want your wings to be extra spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce to the mix. But if you prefer them less spicy, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more honey to balance the heat.

Enjoy your Spicy Baked Chicken Wings!

Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs

Kick off your party in a healthy and delicious way with these Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs. This appetizer isn’t only visually appealing but is also packed with nutrients and flavors that will leave your guests coming back for more. The recipe combines grilled chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini marinated in a delectable sauce, and skewered to perfection.

This is the ultimate recipe to serve at any gathering as it’s easy to prepare, cook, and serve. The Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs are a great way to incorporate a variety of veggies into your diet. The chicken provides a great source of protein, while the vegetables add a good dose of vitamins and fiber.

This recipe is also flexible as you can substitute the vegetables with your favorites or those in season. Now, let’s jump right into the recipe that serves 4 to 6 people.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will serve as your marinade.
3. Add the chicken and vegetables to the bowl and toss until they’re well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. While the chicken and vegetables are marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
5. After marination, thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the different ingredients.
6. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

Remember to cut your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Also, it’s best to marinate the chicken and vegetables for as long as possible to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

If you’re not a fan of grilling, you can also bake these kabobs in the oven at 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Enjoy these flavorful and healthy chicken and vegetable kabobs at your next gathering!

Zesty Chicken Salad Bites

Zesty Chicken Salad Bites are a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Not only are they full of flavor, but they’re also packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious choice.

They’re easy to prepare, and their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. The zesty chicken salad is packed with tangy flavors from Dijon mustard and lemon juice, and the crunchiness of celery and almonds adds a delightful texture.

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and by using Greek yogurt in the recipe, we’re cutting down on the unhealthy fats found in traditional mayo-based chicken salads. The almonds add a bit of extra protein, as well as healthy fats and fiber. Served on whole wheat crackers, these bites are a complete, balanced snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Whole wheat crackers for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your chicken. You can use leftover chicken or cook it from scratch. If you’re cooking it from scratch, make sure it’s thoroughly cooked through and then shred it into small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl, followed by the chopped celery and almonds. Stir well until all ingredients are coated with the yogurt mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, it’s better to start with less salt and add more later if needed.
5. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad onto each cracker. You can use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to make this easier.
6. Garnish each bite with a bit of fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.

When preparing these Zesty Chicken Salad Bites, feel free to customize the recipe to suit your own tastes. If you’re not a fan of almonds, you could use chopped pecans or walnuts instead.

Similarly, if you prefer a different type of cracker, feel free to substitute. Just be sure to serve immediately after assembly to prevent the crackers from becoming soggy. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Low-Calorie Chicken Spring Rolls

Low-Calorie Chicken Spring Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizer that can fit into any diet plan. Not only are they packed with protein from the chicken, but they’re also loaded with fresh vegetables, making them a healthy choice. The key to keeping these spring rolls low in calories is to use lean chicken breast and lots of colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables.

These spring rolls make a great appetizer for a dinner party or a light lunch. They aren’t deep-fried like traditional spring rolls, which markedly reduces their calorie count. The chicken provides a satisfying bite, while the vegetables add a nice crunch. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces to suit different tastes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1 cup of finely chopped red cabbage
• 1 cup of thinly sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup of thinly sliced cucumber
• 4-6 large rice paper wrappers
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Low-sodium soy sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they’re no longer pink in the middle, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
2. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, thinly slice it into strips.
3. Prepare your vegetables by washing and thinly slicing them. Keep them in separate bowls.
4. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water until it softens, about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to soak it too long, or it will become too soft and tear.
5. Lay the softened wrapper on a flat surface. Place a small amount of chicken, carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and cucumber in the center of the wrapper.
6. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll it up tightly, starting from the bottom. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Serve the spring rolls with fresh mint leaves and low-sodium soy sauce for dipping.

One key tip for making these Low-Calorie Chicken Spring Rolls is to keep the fillings as dry as possible. Wet fillings can cause the rice paper wrappers to tear. Consequently, pat your vegetables dry with a paper towel before adding them to the wrappers.

Also, don’t overstuff the wrappers. If you add too much filling, the wrappers may not close properly, and the filling could fall out. Finally, remember to roll the spring rolls tightly to prevent the filling from falling out while eating.

Healthy Chicken Quesadillas

Healthy Chicken Quesadillas are a delightful appetizer that isn’t only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits. These quesadillas are loaded with lean protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables, and calcium from cheese. They’re light, vibrant, and perfect for serving at parties or as a quick weeknight dinner.

The combination of spicy chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and melted cheese encased in a crispy tortilla will surely win the hearts of your guests or family members.

This recipe is easy to prepare and customizable according to your preference. For instance, you can spice up your quesadillas with jalapenos or tone it down by adding more cheese. Additionally, you can also opt for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative. This recipe is for 4-6 servings, so adjust the quantity of the ingredients if you want to make more or less.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Confirm all the sides are well coated.
2. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they’re no longer pink in the middle. This should take about 5-7 minutes on each side.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool. Then, shred the chicken using two forks.
4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion and sauté until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
5. Lay out a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a layer of shredded cheese, followed by the cooked veggies, shredded chicken, and another layer of cheese. Top it off with another tortilla.
6. Cook the quesadilla on a non-stick pan over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Flip the quesadilla halfway through to confirm even cooking on both sides.
7. Cut the cooked quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

In making these Healthy Chicken Quesadillas, be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to guarantee food safety. You can also add more vegetables like tomatoes or corn to make it even healthier.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Finally, remember not to overfill your quesadillas to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.

Lemon Chicken Zucchini Boats

Lemon Chicken Zucchini Boats are a delightful appetizer that will brighten up your table and delight your taste buds. This healthy recipe takes advantage of the natural pairing of lemon and chicken, and the zucchini boats provide a clever and visually appealing way to serve it. The slight tanginess of the lemon perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken, while the zucchini boats provide a healthy, low-carb base that adds a lovely crunch to the dish.

Moreover, this dish isn’t just about good looks and taste; it’s packed full of nutrition too. Zucchini is a great source of vitamins C and A, potassium, and dietary fiber, while chicken provides a good dose of protein. The lemon not only adds flavor but also provides a boost of vitamin C. This appetizer is perfect for those who are conscious about their health but don’t want to compromise on taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 lemons
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create a boat-like shape. Set the zucchini boats aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they’re no longer pink in the middle. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool. Once cool, shred the chicken into small pieces.
6. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the juice of the lemons, and the chopped parsley. Mix well.
7. Spoon the chicken mixture into the zucchini boats, and top each with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
8. Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Extra Tips:

For an extra zing, you can add some lemon zest to the chicken mixture. Also, while this recipe calls for chicken breasts, feel free to use any part of the chicken that you prefer. Just verify it’s thoroughly cooked before shredding.

Finally, the zucchini boats can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake, making it a great option for meal prep or for when you’re entertaining guests. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Lemon Chicken Zucchini Boats!

Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a favorite appetizer for both adults and kids alike, but they’re often deep-fried and packed with unhealthy fats. This recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets is a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The chicken pieces are coated with a blend of breadcrumbs and spices, and then baked until golden brown and crispy. The result is a satisfying and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

The key to this recipe is in the coating. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs and a mix of flavorful spices guarantees that these nuggets aren’t just good for you, but also delicious. Baking the chicken instead of frying it reduces the fat content considerably, but leaves the nuggets just as crispy and satisfying. The nuggets can be served with a variety of dips, making this a versatile appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
5. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
6. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to guarantee the coating adheres.
7. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Spray the tops of the chicken nuggets lightly with cooking spray.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.

When preparing these Oven-Baked Chicken Nuggets, it’s important to guarantee that the chicken pieces are all approximately the same size. This allows them to cook evenly and at the same rate.

For a crispier result, you can flip the nuggets halfway through the baking time. Also, remember that the cooking spray helps the nuggets get a nice golden color, so don’t skip this step.

These nuggets can be served as a standalone appetizer or paired with a salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this healthy alternative to a beloved dish!