21 Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a versatile and lean protein that serves as an excellent foundation for an anti-inflammatory diet. When paired with potent spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, and combined with nutrient-dense vegetables, chicken dishes can help reduce chronic inflammation while providing essential nutrients. This collection features 21 recipes designed to be both delicious and health-supportive.

1. Turmeric Ginger Grilled Chicken

This recipe uses a powerful marinade of turmeric and ginger to infuse the chicken with anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, ginger, turmeric, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.

2. Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skillet

Rosemary and lemon provide a fresh, antioxidant-rich flavor profile to this simple one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup asparagus spears, trimmed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
3. Add garlic, rosemary, and lemon slices. Sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Add asparagus and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Turmeric Soup

A comforting soup packed with healing spices and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• 6 cups chicken bone broth
• 2 cups spinach

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft.
2. Stir in turmeric and ginger.
3. Add bone broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in shredded chicken and spinach until wilted.

4. Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes

Rich in healthy fats and lycopene, this dish is a Mediterranean staple.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place chicken and vegetables in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through.

5. Maple Turmeric Glazed Chicken

A sweet and savory way to get your daily dose of turmeric.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk together maple syrup, turmeric, vinegar, and oil.
2. Toss chicken in the mixture.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, basting halfway through.

6. Chicken and Bok Choy Stir-Fry

Bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable with strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 heads bok choy, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté chicken in sesame oil until cooked.
2. Add ginger and bok choy.
3. Stir in coconut aminos and cook until bok choy is tender-crisp.

7. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 lemon.
Instructions: Toss chicken and chopped veggies with oil, thyme, and lemon juice. Roast at 400°F for 35 minutes.

8. Garlic and Thyme Chicken Thighs

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 6 cloves garlic (smashed), 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 2 tbsp olive oil.
Instructions: Sear chicken in a skillet with oil. Add garlic and thyme. Finish in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes.

9. Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, 1 large sweet potato (cubed), 1 can coconut milk, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ginger.
Instructions: Brown chicken, add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes.

10. Pesto Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken strips, 2 cups zucchini noodles, 1/4 cup basil pesto (olive oil based).
Instructions: Cook chicken, toss with zucchini noodles and pesto until warmed through.

11. Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skewers

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp turmeric.
Instructions: Rub chicken with spices and olive oil. Thread onto skewers and grill for 10 minutes.

12. Chicken and Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, 4 cups kale, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey.
Instructions: Massage kale with dressing, top with chicken and toasted sunflower seeds.

13. Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Garlic

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 1 bunch asparagus, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil.
Instructions: Place chicken and asparagus on a sheet pan. Top with garlic and oil. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

14. Ginger Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, 3 cups broccoli, 2 tbsp ginger (minced), 2 tbsp coconut aminos.
Instructions: Stir-fry chicken and broccoli with ginger and coconut aminos until tender.

15. Chicken and Avocado Salsa Bowls

Ingredients: 1 lb grilled chicken, 2 avocados (diced), 1 cup tomatoes, 1/4 cup red onion, lime juice.
Instructions: Mix avocado, tomatoes, and onion with lime juice. Serve over sliced chicken.

16. One-Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Instructions: Roast chicken and sprouts with oil and vinegar at 400°F for 25 minutes.

17. Chicken and Quinoa Power Bowl

Ingredients: 1 cup cooked chicken, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup steamed kale, 1/4 cup blueberries.
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon.

18. Cilantro Lime Chicken

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped), juice of 2 limes, 2 tbsp olive oil.
Instructions: Marinate chicken in cilantro, lime, and oil. Grill or pan-sear until done.

19. Chicken and Cauliflower Rice “Fried Rice”

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken (diced), 4 cups cauliflower rice, 2 green onions, 1 tbsp ginger, 2 tbsp coconut aminos.
Instructions: Sauté chicken, add cauliflower rice and aromatics. Stir in coconut aminos.

20. Baked Chicken with Fennel and Orange

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 1 fennel bulb (sliced), 1 orange (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil.
Instructions: Layer fennel and orange under chicken. Drizzle with oil. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

21. Chicken and Walnut Salad

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1 stalk celery, 2 tbsp olive oil mayo.
Instructions: Mix ingredients together. Walnuts provide omega-3s for an anti-inflammatory boost.