10+ Kale and Chicken Recipes for Healthy, Delicious Meals
Kale and chicken come together as a fantastic duo in the kitchen. These ingredients not only provide a delicious flavor combination, but they also pack in nutrients that are great for your health.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or a hearty meal for guests, there are plenty of recipes to explore.
Incorporating kale and chicken into your meals can bring variety to your diet while keeping it healthy. With a range of cooking methods and styles, you can enjoy these ingredients in stir-fries, sautés, and casseroles.
Let’s dive into some tasty ways to prepare kale and chicken that are simple and satisfying.
1) Chicken and Kale Sauté with Parmesan
This Chicken and Kale Sauté with Parmesan is both simple and delicious. You’ll enjoy the combination of tender chicken and nutrient-rich kale. It takes just a little time to make, making it a great option for a busy weeknight.
Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through.
Next, toss in the chopped kale and sauté until it’s wilted. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
2) Creamy Coconut Kale Chicken
This recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and healthy kale for a delicious meal. The coconut milk adds a rich flavor, making it a comforting dish. With just a few steps, you can enjoy this tasty meal any night of the week.
Start by cooking the chicken until golden brown. Then, add kale and let it wilt slightly.
Pour in the coconut milk and let it simmer until everything is combined and heated through.
You’ll love how the flavors come together in this dish. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the kale and cook until wilted.
- Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
3) Dijon Chicken Skillet with Kale
This Dijon Chicken Skillet with Kale is a simple and tasty dish. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and it makes a complete meal in one pan. The chicken turns out juicy, and the kale adds a nice crunch.
Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. Then, mix in some Dijon mustard for flavor along with fresh kale. This combination is not only healthy but also delicious.
You can serve this with rice or quinoa for an extra filling meal. Enjoy the rich taste of the sauce and the goodness of the greens.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and add chopped kale.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes until kale is wilted.
4) One-Pot Creamed Kale Chicken
One-Pot Creamed Kale Chicken is a simple and delicious dish. You can enjoy the flavors of tender chicken and nutritious kale all in one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
To make it, start by sautéing shallots and garlic in a bit of olive oil. Then, add boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until golden brown.
Next, stir in fresh kale and heavy cream. Let everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the kale is wilted. This dish is creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of kale, chopped
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in kale and pour in heavy cream.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
5) Quick Kale and Chicken Stir-Fry
This quick kale and chicken stir-fry is a delicious meal that you can whip up in no time. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Start by sautéing skinless, boneless chicken in a hot skillet. Use medium heat to ensure even cooking.
After about 5-7 minutes, add in fresh kale and sliced mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
You can also add bell peppers or onions for more flavor. A splash of soy sauce or lemon juice can enhance the dish even further. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or breast)
- 8 ounces kale
- 6 ounces fresh mushrooms (white, crimini, or shiitake)
- 1 bell pepper (optional)
- Soy sauce or lemon juice (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until done.
- Stir in kale and mushrooms, cooking until kale wilts.
- Add optional bell pepper and season with soy sauce or lemon juice.
- Serve warm over rice or noodles.
6) Tuscan Chicken with Potatoes and Kale
Tuscan Chicken with Potatoes and Kale is a delicious and comforting dish. This recipe combines juicy chicken with tender potatoes and nutritious kale, all cooked together for a flavorful meal.
You can easily prepare this in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The chicken is seasoned perfectly, and the creamy sauce adds richness to the dish.
This meal is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. You’ll enjoy the combination of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in this Tuscan-inspired recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup cream
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides.
- Add the diced potatoes, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
- Pour in the cream and stir to combine.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
7) Lemon Pepper Kale Chicken
Lemon Pepper Kale Chicken is a refreshing and healthy dish. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with the bold flavors of lemon and pepper, along with the nutrition of kale. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Then, add fresh kale and cook until it’s wilted. The lemon juice adds a bright touch. You can serve this dish with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until golden, then remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add kale and cook until wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix in lemon juice and zest.
- Sprinkle with black pepper and serve.
8) Skillet Chicken with Kale and Carrots
Skillet chicken with kale and carrots is a simple and delicious dish. You can enjoy tender chicken seared to a golden brown, paired with the earthy taste of kale and the sweetness of carrots. It makes for a healthy and colorful meal.
To start, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your seasoned chicken and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
Once the chicken is done, toss in chopped carrots and fresh kale. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a tasty one-pan meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.
- Add garlic, carrots, and kale to the skillet.
- Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
9) Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Kale
This Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Kale is a quick and tasty dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add in mushrooms and garlic to create a delicious sauce. Finally, mix in fresh kale and let it wilt slightly.
Serve this dish over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
10) Chicken Thighs with Flat-Leaf Kale
This dish is simple and delicious. You start with juicy chicken thighs that pair nicely with tender flat-leaf kale. The flavors blend well together, creating a heartwarming meal.
To prepare, season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then, sear them in a pan until they turn golden brown. After that, add the chopped kale and let it cook until it wilts.
The dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy it with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bunch flat-leaf kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder
Cooking Instructions:
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Sear chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden.
- Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy your meal!