Chicken has long been a staple for fitness enthusiasts around the globe. Lean protein helps in muscle building and recovery while being versatile enough to fit into various delicious recipes.
For those looking to spice up their protein intake without compromising nutrition, we’ve got you covered. These eight cubed chicken recipes are not only mouthwatering but also packed with nutritional benefits to fuel your fitness journey.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Cubes
A simple, flavorful, and perfect for fitness meals. With these cubed chicken recipes, you can enjoy lean protein with a vitamin C kick from lemon juice, supporting immunity and collagen synthesis.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
After marinating, skewer the chicken cubes and grill them for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked. Once done, serve the grilled chicken with a side of mixed greens.
2. Crispy Chicken Feet and Fried Potatoes Recipe
Indulge in bold flavors with crispy chicken feet and fried potatoes recipe. Crispy chicken feet and golden-brown fried potatoes create a hearty, adventurous meal. Chicken feet are collagen-rich, and potatoes offer vitamin C and potassium.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken feet, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
To prepare the dish, start by marinating chicken feet in soy sauce and garlic powder for an hour. Once marinated, fry the chicken feet in hot oil until they become crispy, then set them aside.
In the same oil, fry potatoes until they turn golden brown. Finally, toss the chicken feet with the fried potatoes and serve the dish immediately.
3. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
A balanced blend of sweet and savory, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is a fast and fabulous dish filled with vibrant veggies and protein-rich chicken. Loaded with protein and fiber, this dish is a great way to incorporate antioxidants found in colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
To prepare the dish, start by heating sesame oil in a wok or large pan. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is browned.
Next, add the vegetables and teriyaki sauce, cooking until the veggies are tender-crisp. Finally, garnish the dish with sesame seeds and serve it with brown rice.
4. BBQ Chicken Salad
For those craving something smoky and refreshing, this BBQ Chicken Salad mixes flavors and textures for a nutritious powerhouse meal. This salad offers a great mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, the black beans add an excellent source of iron and extra protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Mixed lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup sweet corn
- Ranch dressing, to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
To make this BBQ chicken salad, start by grilling chicken cubes until they are cooked, then basting them with BBQ sauce. In a bowl, assemble a mixture of lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
Top the salad with the BBQ chicken, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Finally, give it a good toss.
5. Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Cubes
Sweet, tangy, and baked, these Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Cubes are a treat that will meet any craving while still being diet-friendly. A lean protein option coupled with the antimicrobial properties of honey and the zest of mustard for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
To make this delicious dish, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken cubes with this flavorful mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Serve the chicken on a bed of quinoa or rice for a satisfying meal.
6. Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a perfect protein-packed snack or meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The lemon juice provides vitamin C, while the chicken serves as an excellent source of lean protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
Mix lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Marinate chicken cubes in this mixture for 30 minutes.
Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Serve with Greek yogurt dip.
7. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Upgrade your chicken salad with this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and ideal for a high-protein sandwich or a light meal.
Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess while reducing fat. This salad combines lean meat with heart-healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed and cooked
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced apple
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Whole grain bread for serving
Instructions:
Mix Greek yogurt, celery, apple, raisins, cranberries, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add cooked chicken cubes and stir until coated. Serve on whole-grain bread or over fresh salad greens.
8. Pesto Chicken Pasta
Combine cubed chicken with nutrient-rich pesto and whole wheat pasta for a delicious and beneficial dish that aids workout recovery. The pasta provides energy with complex carbs, and the chicken adds protein, creating a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz (200g) whole wheat pasta
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the pasta as instructed on the package. While the pasta cooks, sauté chicken cubes until done.
Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot. Combine with pesto, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Try These Cubed Chicken Recipes Today!
Each of these cubed chicken recipes offers a unique flavor profile and many fitness benefits. From classic grilled dishes to innovative culinary fusions like crispy chicken feet, there’s something for every palate. Remember, maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein is key for muscle growth and health. Try out these delicious and healthy chicken recipes to support your fitness goals and treat your taste buds in the process.
