21 Healthy & Budget Baked Chicken Recipes

Looking for healthy baked chicken recipes that are affordable, easy, and absolutely delicious? You’ve come to the right place! These healthy baked chicken recipes make it simple to enjoy wholesome dinners every week without stress or complicated prep. This roundup features more than 20 nutritious chicken dinners that prove eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. These healthy baked chicken recipes are easy to make and full of flavor. From juicy baked chicken breasts with vegetables to crispy drumsticks, cheesy casseroles, and flavorful sheet pan meals, these dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep.

Baked chicken drumsticks with crispy golden skin, coated in garlic butter and herbs, served hot and juicy on a white plate
Juicy baked chicken glazed with garlic butter and herbs — the perfect comfort meal. Save / Pin it →

The best part? All of these healthy chicken recipes use simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or just want wholesome dinners your whole family will enjoy, these oven-baked chicken recipes will quickly become staples on your weekly menu. Save these healthy baked chicken recipes for quick, wholesome dinners.

Easy and healthy baked chicken recipes – golden oven roasted chicken, juicy drumsticks, and sheet pan dinners
Save these easy & healthy baked chicken recipes for your next cozy dinner.

Want more weeknight inspo after this list? Browse our Dinner archive, or save our Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners for fast mains and sides.

Easy & Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

These healthy baked chicken recipes make weeknight dinners simple, nourishing, and affordable. From crispy drumsticks to juicy chicken breasts and cozy casseroles, every dish is full of flavor and ready for your next family meal.

21. Crispy Drumsticks – Easy Healthy Baked Chicken Recipe

Golden, crackly skin and juicy meat with just a few pantry spices. These baked drumsticks are weeknight gold for low-carb or keto eaters and anyone who loves fast cleanup. Pat the chicken dry, rub with olive oil or melted butter, and season with smoked paprika, garlic, and salt. Roast until the skin is shatter-crisp. Serve with a simple salad or roasted veggies for a budget-friendly dinner.

Crispy oven baked chicken drumsticks on a tray

20. Baked Pesto Chicken – 25-Minute Mozzarella Bake

Five minutes of prep, big Italian flavors. Smear basil pesto over chicken breasts, top with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, then bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. It’s fresh, juicy, and dinner-party pretty with almost no effort. Swap chicken thighs if that’s what you have, or try the same method with salmon. Add a simple green salad and garlic bread to round out the plate.

Pesto baked chicken with tomatoes and melted mozzarella

19. Juicy Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella & Tomatoes

Moist, tender chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella and sweet cherry tomatoes. This healthy, kid-approved bake is ready fast and perfect for meal prep. The secret is seasoning well, baking just until done, and letting the cheese melt into the pan juices. Serve with steamed greens, zucchini noodles, or a scoop of rice for an easy complete meal.

Baked chicken breast topped with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes

18. Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs – Keto Friendly

Thighs are naturally juicy, and this no-fuss method guarantees extra-crisp skin. A simple mix of Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, onion and garlic powder creates a flavorful crust that works for boneless or bone-in cuts. Bake on a rack so heat circulates, then rest a few minutes so the juices settle. Great with cauliflower mash or roasted carrots.

Crispy baked chicken thighs on a sheet pan

17. Perfect Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast – Meal Prep Hero

Say goodbye to dry chicken. This method uses a quick brine and a five-spice pantry rub for tender, flavorful breasts in under 20 minutes of bake time. Brining helps the meat stay moist; pat dry, season generously, and bake just to 165°F. Slice for bowls, salads, or sandwiches throughout the week—budget friendly and versatile.

Sliced juicy oven baked chicken breasts

16. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast – Ultra Flavorful

Aromatic garlic butter melts into the chicken as it bakes, keeping every bite moist and rich. The marinade relies on simple ingredients—garlic, butter, herbs, and lemon—so it’s easy on the wallet and big on taste. Pair with green beans, a side salad, or roasted potatoes. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches.

Garlic butter baked chicken breasts with herbs

15. Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole – One-Dish Wonder

All your favorite fajita flavors in a baked, family-friendly casserole. Tender chicken, peppers, onions, and plenty of cheese go into one dish for minimal cleanup. It’s ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for busy nights. Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or a crisp salad—leftovers make great burrito bowls.

Baked chicken fajita casserole with peppers and cheese

14. Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice – Cozy One-Pan Dinner

Juicy chicken bakes right on top of buttery rice, so the grains soak up all the savory drippings. Everything goes into the oven—no stovetop required—making this an easy, affordable meal. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with steamed veggies. It travels well for potlucks and reheats like a dream.

Baked chicken thighs over fluffy rice in a pan

13. Easy Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole – Family Classic

Old-school comfort food that’s perfect for busy families. Chicken and rice bake together in one casserole dish with a creamy sauce until everything is tender and bubbly. Use pantry staples and frozen veggies to keep costs low. Add cheddar on top for extra cozy vibes and serve with a side salad.

Creamy baked chicken and rice casserole

12. Simple Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs – Juicy Every Time

When you need a reliable main in a hurry, these seasoned, oven-roasted thighs deliver. The high-heat method yields crisped edges and succulent meat with minimal prep. Keep the spice mix basic or add your favorite blend. Serve with roasted vegetables or a bagged salad for a fast, affordable dinner.

Simple roasted chicken thighs on a sheet pan

11. Marry Me Chicken – Creamy Skillet-to-Oven Favorite

Boneless chicken simmers in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan—the internet-famous dish that wins over picky eaters. Start on the stovetop and finish in the oven, or bake entirely for hands-off cooking. Spoon over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to catch every drop of sauce.

Creamy baked marry me chicken with sun-dried tomatoes

10. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes – 30 Minutes

Comforting, filling, and naturally gluten-free. Toss chicken thighs and sweet potato cubes with warm spices and roast on one sheet pan until crisp at the edges and tender inside. Double the recipe to feed a crowd or stock lunches. Finish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Sheet pan chicken thighs with roasted sweet potatoes

These healthy baked chicken recipes are perfect when you want something wholesome yet easy to make. Each dish is oven-baked for minimal oil and maximum flavor, so you can enjoy comfort food without guilt.

9. Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken – Easy Sheet Pan Dinner

Salty prosciutto crisps up in the oven and keeps boneless chicken incredibly juicy. Add vegetables to the pan so everything roasts together—minimal dishes, maximum flavor. It looks fancy but takes only minutes to prep, making it a great choice for date night at home on a budget.

Prosciutto wrapped baked chicken with vegetables

8. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – Crowd-Pleaser

Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with pasta, chicken, and smoky bacon. This dump-and-bake casserole is the kind of weeknight comfort food that feeds a hungry family with minimal work. The ranch-spiked Alfredo sauce ties everything together. Serve with a green salad for balance and leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

Cheesy chicken bacon ranch pasta bake

7. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Extra Cheesy

This classic bake combines seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, and rice with a creamy base, then tops it with two cheeses and buttery crumbs. Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s the definition of a cozy, budget-friendly dinner and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Chicken broccoli rice casserole topped with cheese

6. Salsa Verde Baked Chicken – 5-Ingredient Winner

Jarred salsa verde and a sprinkle of cheese turn simple chicken breasts into a zesty, budget-friendly dinner. Bake until the sauce bubbles and the chicken is tender, then garnish with cilantro and lime. Serve over rice or with warm tortillas and a quick side of black beans.

Baked chicken breasts with salsa verde and cheese

5. Fajita-Inspired Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Peppers

All the bold fajita flavors with none of the stovetop mess. Toss chicken thighs, peppers, and onions with spices, spread on a sheet pan, and bake until charred at the edges. Pile into tortillas, bowl over rice, or serve with avocado and salsa for an easy, colorful dinner.

Baked chicken thighs with peppers and onions

4. Easy & Healthy BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

When you crave barbecue flavor without firing up the grill, this sheet pan dinner delivers. Chicken bakes with veggies in a tangy, sweet BBQ glaze until sticky and tender. Cleanup is a breeze, and the ingredient list stays wallet-friendly. Add extra sauce at the end for that finger-licking finish.

BBQ sheet pan chicken with vegetables

3. Spicy Baked Chicken Thighs & Ranch Potatoes

If you love juicy chicken and crispy potatoes, this 10-minute-prep bake is for you. A simple spice blend brings heat while ranch-seasoned potatoes roast to a golden crunch. Use chicken breasts if you prefer—just watch the cook time. Add a green veggie or coleslaw for a complete plate.

Spicy baked chicken with crispy ranch potatoes

2. Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Simple ingredients, big payoff. Chicken and sweet potatoes roast together with maple-mustard notes, then get a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch. It’s nutritious, filling, and ready fast—ideal for weeknights. Serve straight from the pan with a side of greens or your favorite slaw.

Maple mustard sheet pan chicken with sweet potatoes and pecans

1. One-Pan Chicken & Veggie Bake with Honey & Rosemary

Set-it-and-forget-it dinner that families love. Toss chicken and mixed vegetables with a honey-rosemary dressing and roast until caramelized at the edges. It’s flexible—use whatever veggies you have—and cleanup is minimal. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want wholesome food without the hassle.

Roasted chicken and vegetables with honey and rosemary

More Healthy Baked Chicken Recipe Inspiration

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these healthy baked chicken recipes prove that nutritious meals can be easy and full of flavor. Save this list and come back whenever you need quick dinner ideas.

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