31 Healthy Summer Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a weight loss winner in every season. It’s high in protein yet lower in saturated fat than other kinds of meat. Plus, it blends well with so many different flavors. The recipe options are almost limitless. In summer, chicken truly shines because it fills you up without weighing you down when the days are warm and sultry. We’ve gathered over 30 of our favorite healthy summer chicken recipes, so you’ll have lots of fresh ideas for enjoying it yourself and with family and friends.

1. Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Chicken

The zingy flavor of mildly hot jalapeno peppers will light up your taste buds while the creamy melted cheese will soothe the tingle in your mouth. This dish looks like it’s complicated to make but it has just six ingredients and is ready to go in the oven in under 10 minutes. You can serve it as an entrée with sides of vegetables and brown rice or slice up the chicken breasts and put them inside a whole wheat tortilla, topped with as much salsa (a Free food) as you like. Click here for the full recipe! >

2. One-Pan Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet

When summer’s hectic schedule leaves you with little time to spend in the kitchen, you need a meal that’s easy to prepare but still satisfying and healthy. That’s the ideal time to serve this sheet pan dinner with chicken breast that the whole family will enjoy. We make it with zucchini or summer squash, which are at their peak of freshness in summer. However, you can use any non-starchy vegetables you like, including green beans, mushrooms and onions. Click here for the full recipe! >

3. Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Apple Slaw

With Nutrisystem’s handy Grilled Chicken Sandwich, you can enjoy that flame-cooked flavor without waiting for the grill to heat up. Add lettuce, tomato and onion or make it even more satisfying by topping it with crunchy sweet apple slaw you can make in minutes. It’s the ideal partner to the smoky taste of the chicken. Click here for the full recipe! >

4. Chicken and Veggie Kabobs with Brown Rice

Skewers are fun for everybody. They’re simple to prepare and cook, plus they come in individual portions that are just right for big and small appetites. We made this version with fresh summer vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Both taste great when grilled. Add a side of high-fiber brown rice and you’ve got a complete Flex meal. Click here for the full recipe! >

5. Slow Cooker Parmesan Chicken Stew

On those busy summer days when you wish someone else would prepare a delicious hot meal for the whole family, put your slow cooker to work making this hearty dish while you go about your business. It’s packed with protein-rich chicken, tender potato chunks and your choice of veggies, along with real Parmesan cheese. If you have an Instant Pot, you can cut down on the cooking time and still enjoy the full flavor of the ingredients heating up together. A light ad healthy broth-based bowl of chicken soup is a refreshing dinner that you’ll be craving all season. Click here for the full recipe! >

6. Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

Whether you’re planning a summer party or just making dinner on a warm weeknight, grilled chicken thighs are a healthy, crowd-pleasing summer chicken recipe that’s simple to prepare. Before cooking the chicken, we infuse it with flavor in our sweet and zesty marinade, made with orange and lime juice plus spices like black pepper and paprika. If you don’t have a grill or want to make this dish in winter, you can roast the chicken in the oven and it still comes out juicy and delicious. Click here for the full recipe! >

7. Strawberry Avocado Chicken Salad

If you love the tastes of fresh strawberries and spinach picked in season, this easy dish is sure to become a staple on your warm weather menu. It starts with grilled chicken and includes creamy avocado and the salty flavor of real bacon. Take it to the next level with a tasty, low-calorie salad dressing like one of our three favorites. Click here for the full recipe! >

8. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Grilling enhances the flavor of pineapple, adding a bit of smoky taste to its natural sweetness. It’s the ideal complement to chunks of chicken cooked over an open flame. We added bell peppers and onions for a serving of non-starchy vegetables and your favorite barbecue sauce for extra-delicious flavor. Click here for the full recipe! >

9. 3-Step Chicken Zucchini Nuggets

You can enjoy chicken nuggets with the rest of the family and stay on track to your weight loss goal. This version has a crispy coating around tender, juicy chicken breast, with the added bonus of the high-fiber summer squash zucchini to fill you up. Best of all, these nuggets are so easy to make you’ll have them hot and ready to eat faster than you can get to the drive-through window at a local fast food joint. Click here for the full recipe! >

10. Healthy Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap

Wraps are handy for picnic lunches or wherever your day takes you. We love to fill whole-wheat tortillas with this flavorful combination of grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese and cool iceberg lettuce topped with creamy ranch dressing. You can eat the wrap cold or heat it up in a panini press or skillet. Click here for the full recipe! >

11. Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich

Heathy chilled chicken salads are great for warm weather, so you’ll find a few on this list of summer chicken recipes. To make this tasty lunch quickly, start with a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Mix the shredded breast meat with avocado for moisture and smooth texture, then add a squirt of lime juice for a hint of tart flavor. Spread the mixture between two low-carb sandwich thins or on toasted whole-grain bread and sink your teeth into a midday meal that will keep you full all afternoon. Click here for the full recipe! >

12. Watermelon Chicken Salad

Sweet and juicy watermelon is one of summer’s most enjoyable treats, so we decided to pair it with chunks of tender chicken breast in this fresh take on a classic. It includes crisp celery and zesty red onion. Add creamy Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise and spices to taste and you have dish that’s just right for everyday lunches or summertime parties. Click here for the full recipe! >

13. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These chicken lettuce wraps are cool and crunchy on the outside and warm and tasty inside. We load them up with a mixture of ground chicken and veggies like carrots, peppers and water chestnuts, all stir-fried with Asian flavors like ginger and sesame. The whole dish comes together in about 20 easy minutes. Click here for the full recipe! >

14. Marinated Greek Chicken Skewers

The fresh and light flavors of Mediterranean cuisine are just right for summer chicken recipes. That’s why we marinated chicken breast in a tasty sauce made with garlic, oregano, olive oil and lemon juice. Chunks of the flavorful chicken are joined by bell peppers and red onions on skewers, then grilled to bring out the fresh taste of all the ingredients. Click here for the full recipe! >

15. Grilled Balsamic Chicken

Grilled summer chicken recipes are a must-have for your weight loss menu. This one pumps up the flavor with a homemade balsamic marinade that’s easy to make. This hearty meal is perfect for your summer picnics and is great with any seasonal side dish or grilled veggies that you decide to serve up. Click here for the full recipe! >

16. Greek Shredded Chicken Nachos

Nachos are given a summer-inspired twist in this Greek Shredded Chicken Nachos recipe that packs in the seasonal veggies. Topped with creamy feta cheese, it’s sure to become your go-to healthy snack when the weather is warm. Click here for the full recipe! >

17. Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet

Foil packet recipes are great for tossing in the oven and then taking along on summer picnics. Everyone has their own perfectly portioned meal that’s easy to unwrap and enjoy! This one is packed with flavor and is super easy to make. Click here for the full recipe! >

18. Italian Lovers Zucchini Boats

If you love the flavors of pizza and pasta but don’t want to fill up on all the carbs, this stuffed summer squash meal is perfect for you. Fiber-rich zucchini boats are stuffed with Italian chicken sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, marinara sauce and peppers. It’s a light and healthy meal that’s perfect for those hot summer days.  Click here for the full recipe! >

19. Mediterranean Panzanella Salad

Summer veggies shine in this fresh and filling Panzanella Salad that’s great for summer. Featuring a tasty vinaigrette made from freshly-squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, spices and herbs, it’s one of our favorite summer chicken recipes. Click here for the full recipe! >

20. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers

Your summer menu wouldn’t be complete without chicken skewers! Toss on some rainbow fruits and veggies and you’ve the ultimate picnic meal. They are not only beautiful, they’re also good for you and fit perfectly into your weight loss plan. Click here for the full recipe! >

21. Zucchini Noodles with Chicken and Cheese

Zucchini is one of our favorite summer veggies. It also pairs great with chicken for healthy summer recipes. All you need is a spiralizer to create perfect veggie noodles that can easily replace pasta in your favorite dishes. This Zucchini Noodles with Chicken and Cheese recipe is super simple to make and is great for a fancy summer dinner on the patio with the family. Click here for the full recipe! >

22. Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled chicken is always a summer staple. Throw it on a veggielicious salad and you’ve got the prefect warm weather meal. Featuring tender grilled chicken, a bed of veggies and beans, plus a tasty homemade dressing, this summer salad is every bit as tasty as it sounds. Click here for the full recipe! >

23. Chicken Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Spring rolls are a light and healthy meal that’s great when it’s hot outside. We created a healthy version filled with tender chicken and crunchy coleslaw mix. Topped with a homemade peanut sauce, you’ll feel like your dining at your favorite restaurant without having to leave your house. Click here for the full recipe! >

24. Chicken Sausage and Peppers Sandwich

Skip the hot dogs and hamburgers and whip up a hearty, flavor-packed chicken sausage sandwich! This one is perfect for summer and is filled with fresh bell peppers and sliced onions, all nestled into a warm toasted bun. Get grilling and try this amazing summer chicken recipe today. Click here for the full recipe! >

25. Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Enjoy the flavors of tropical coconut in a warm chicken curry dinner. Featuring fresh summer veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, this meal is sure to liven up your summer menu. It’s a family friendly meal that you’ll be making all season. Click here for the full recipe! >

26. BBQ Chicken Sandwich

It’s barbecue season! This list of summer chicken recipes wouldn’t be complete without a healthier version of the classic BBQ chicken sandwich. Chicken breast and smoky BBQ sauce combine with a flavorful, seasoned coleslaw in this hearty BBQ sandwich that won’t wreck your diet. Click here for the full recipe! >

27. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Who doesn’t love a tender chicken kabob that is grilled to absolute perfection? This unique twist on classic chicken skewers is sure to keep your mealtime interesting. Grilled chicken kabobs are paired with a sweet and tangy peanut dipping sauce, which is made in minutes. Click here for the full recipe! >

28. Boneless Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

Another BBQ dish for your list of summer chicken recipes, this one is sure to please the whole family. Crispy chicken nuggets are covered in a seasoned breading and topped with a delicious honey BBQ sauce. Plus, they fit perfectly into your Nutrisystem weight loss program. Click here for the full recipe! >

29. 3-Step Curried Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Chicken salad gets a healthy and flavorful makeover in this tasty recipe. The classic base of mayo is swapped for nonfat Greek yogurt. We also add shredded carrots for an extra crunch and texture. Enjoy this Curried Rotisserie Chicken Salad on a lettuce wrap, whole wheat tortilla or on whole grain toast. Click here for the full recipe! >

30. Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Burrito

We love sushi in summer because it’s cool, refreshing and packed with protein that fills you up and keeps you satisfied. We got creative and turned sushi into a burrito, then added shredded chicken for a filling meal that everyone will love. If you need a fun and unique lunch to get you through the work week, this is just the recipe for you. Click here for the full recipe! >

31. Chicken Salad BLT

Two classic sandwiches unite in this easy summer chicken recipe. Enjoy the flavors of a BLT in a healthy chicken salad sandwich! Featuring crispy turkey bacon and veggies, it’s just as delicious as your favorite order at the local sandwich shop. Click here for the full recipe! >

The post 31 Healthy Summer Chicken Recipes appeared first on The Leaf.

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Sometimes it's important to take stock of the progress you've already made.

Recently I've been in a bit of a funk because my weight loss has come to a screeching halt. I keep rubberbanding around the same two pounds, almost breaking out of it but then overeating due to the stresses of life and undoing any new progress. Which is only adding more stress to my life, thus perpetuating the cycle.

But then today I went looking for this old video as part of a story I was telling some friends about some weird ice cream I ate once, and I was astonished by how different I look compared to then. This was from two years before I started taking care of my weight, and the difference is INSANE. It is legitimately hard to believe I was ever that fat. I'm still pretty fat now but I least I look like an actual human being instead of whatever THAT was. It's funny because intellectually I know how far I've come, but I feel like I lost that emotional understanding, and this is helping me to get it back. Getting a look at the big picture is helping me to stop sweating the small details, and I feel like it's rekindling my motivation on all this.

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How did you set your target weight?

What the title said... I'm curious as to how those who are working toward a specific target determined that number?

For context, although at one point in my life I hit 277, this most recent weight loss attempt (two years now) started at 240. When I started, I looked at myself, looked at my smart scale stats on how much of my weight is "fat-free body weight," added in a percentage for reasonable amount of body fat, given my gender and age, and figured I needed to lose about 60 lbs.

Fast forward to hitting that 180 mark and realizing I still had a way to go--clearly plenty of fat still there. So I adjusted down to 165. Got there, still not "done." Adjusted down to 160. Still not done. I asked ChatGPT how to visualize a poundage and it said that you can roughly estimate 5 lbs of body fat to be about the physical dimensions of a loaf of bread. So looking at my current body, I see a loaf on each thigh, probably, and one on my stomach. So I'm *still* approximately 15 lbs away from done. That's not great, but it's okay. I'll get there, but I have to say that I would not have looked at my 240-lb body and thought I needed to lose 95 lbs. Maybe I was delusional but it's kind of eye-opening to know how far off my original estimate was!

So I'm curious as to whether people are working from self estimate, a target set by a doctor, or what?

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Should I just trust the process or revisit my calorie deficit?

I started my weight loss journey at 230 lbs and I’m down 40 lbs over the past 4.5 months! Currently sitting around 190 lbs, female, 5’7”. It’s been a steady and mostly smooth ride… until now.

For the past couple of weeks, the scale hasn’t budged. I’ve been eating about 1600 calories on weekdays and closer to 1800 on weekends. I’m not doing any formal workouts at the moment, but I do get in about 8,000 steps a day on average.

Now I’m wondering — should I adjust my calorie deficit further, or just stay the course and trust the process? I’ve heard that plateaus are normal, but I’m not sure if this is one of those times to tweak something or just be patient.

Anyone else been through this? What worked for you when the scale got stuck?

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Summertime and Sunshine: The Perfect Time to Get More Vitamin D

It’s been long known that vitamin D plays a valuable role in health. From supporting our immune systems to promoting brain, bone and lung health, it’s very important to get enough of the “sunshine vitamin.”

Our bodies require vitamin D for many functions. For example, we need it in order to absorb calcium, iron and other essential nutrients. Vitamin D deficiency is a serious concern and unfortunately more common than many may realize. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include fatigue, regular sickness or infection, bone or muscle pain, mood disorders or hair loss. If you are a deficient for a long time, it can lead to serious problems, such as autoimmune, cardiovascular and neurological conditions.

Since vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, it’s also possible to get too much of it. While this is rare, vitamin D toxicity is serious and can lead to high amounts of calcium in the blood. This is generally caused by large doses of vitamin D supplements. If you have any questions or concerns about vitamin D supplements, speak with your doctor to assess your needs and determine what is right for you.

It’s important that you’re finding ways to get this important vitamin in healthful doses. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to soak up some sunshine and get vitamin D! Incorporate healthy vitamin D-rich foods and outdoor exercise into your Nutrisystem weight loss plan. Here are some tips that may help:

7 Signs You Need More Vitamin D

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Get your vitamin D naturally from foods.

As with any vitamins and nutrients, whenever possible, it’s ideal to get your intake naturally. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods and beverages — specifically nutrient-dense foods and beverages.”

There aren’t too many food sources that contain naturally occurring vitamin D. However, there are some healthy options that can easily be incorporated into your Nutrisystem weight loss plan. Salmon and other fatty fish are one of the best choices! You can also get it from certain types of cheeses, egg yolks and mushrooms that are grown under UV lights.

Many of the foods in America are fortified and can give a dose of this important vitamin. Fortified foods have the potential to provide most of your vitamin D intake. Common fortified foods include cereal, milk, plant-based drinks, orange juice, yogurt and cheese. Check the label to make sure you are buying a fortified version.

Seek the sunshine.

Vitamin D is the only nutrient the human body produces when exposed to sunlight. And now that summertime is rolling around, it’s a great time to start getting those daily doses of vitamin D by getting outside!

According to Medical News Today, “The skin produces more vitamin D when in the sun during the middle of the day, the time it is at its highest point in the sky. When spending prolonged time in the hot sun, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated.” They also explain that your skin color and the amount of skin that you expose to the sunshine will influence how much and how quickly you make vitamin D.

Make sure that you’re using proper sun protection. Sunscreen is important to help reduce your risk of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States. Overexposure to sunshine can be problematic, so as with most things in life, balance is key.

According to experts at Yale Medicine, “Because skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can be such a devastating disease, it’s best to use sunblock when outdoors in strong sunlight for any prolonged length of time. Because this may limit the amount of vitamin D you get from sun exposure, make sure your diet includes sources of vitamin D from foods or supplements.” Again, always speak to your doctor before taking a new supplement.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

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Get out and get moving.

With the weather continuing to warm up, you can make getting outside a win/win by not only boosting your intake of vitamin D but also being on the move and torching calories. The key is to get outside and get moving.

Whether you want to go for a walk, hit the trails to hike, ride a bike or maybe go for a swim, people tend to really enjoy being outdoors—and may end up burning more calories as a result. There may be mental health benefits, as well. A study, published in Mental Health & Prevention, found that exercising outdoors reduces stress and improves overall wellbeing.

For so many reasons, green space is good for us! We spend so much time in front of screens and breathing in filtered air that simply being outside really does our bodies good. And it gives us lots of ways that we can keep our bodies active and moving!

One of the best ways to stay active all summer is by switching up your routine so that you don’t get bored. There are many different summertime exercises and activities that can keep those pounds coming off all season long. Check out some of our favorites here! >

Smart choices for your body.

At the end of the day, it boils down to making the best choices for your body. Spending some more time outside during the summer will give you just the vitamin D boost you need along with more opportunities to stay active. In the end, that’s a win for your health.

*Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about vitamin or vitamin D supplements, as well as before making any dietary changes. 

10 Foods High in Vitamin C

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The post Summertime and Sunshine: The Perfect Time to Get More Vitamin D appeared first on The Leaf.

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15 lbs away from my previous start weight

It’s kind of bittersweet, I’m very proud of myself for losing 35lbs so far, will be 50 lbs when I get to my previous start weight, but at the same time it’s disappointing I let myself get so far past my last SW. My last major go at weight loss I lost 70 lbs, kept it off for over a year before Covid lockdowns happened and forced me to hermit and process some major trauma and I ended up gaining the weight I lost and more back over a period of years. I understand why it happened and I know what to do differently this time around. I know I’m capable of losing large amounts of weight, I’m trying to see all my previous go rounds as practice not as failure. Each time it gets easier and I find more successful strategies.

Just wanted to share Incase anyone else was having mixed feelings about their multiple attempts

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Fretting about going over

I went 172 over my cals today and feel awful about it , I've never gone over before like this, am I going to gain weight for this one day of going over? Planned on being back on track tomorrow obviously but on the day after I have a nice dinner to make that will probably put me over a little as it was intended to be a little treat day but now I feel like I can't afford it or deserve it for going over today I don't want to lose track of my weight loss when I've come so far-

Can anyone give me any insight on this? Should I worry? Am I going to gain a pound or two back, I'm sorry if this sounds ridiculously, I do not have a support network or anyone knowledgeable about these things so I come to a place like this seeking help and advice. Have a great day.

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