When you’re craving something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this low calorie chicken dinner fits right in. The combination of grilled chicken breast, crisp steamed vegetables, and a fresh lemon herb sauce strikes a balance between comfort and lightness. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down, especially when the week has been full of heavy takeout or rushed lunches.

I remember the first time I made this—it was one of those days when everything felt a bit off, and I almost skipped cooking altogether. But somehow, the sizzle of the grill and the bright aroma of lemon and herbs changed the mood. The chicken browned perfectly, though I admit I got distracted halfway through and had to check a few times to make sure it didn’t overcook. The veggies steamed just right, tender yet still with that satisfying snap. Sitting down to eat felt like a small win in a chaotic day.

The flavors are fresh without being fussy, making it approachable for even the busiest cooks.
This meal isn’t complicated — and that’s kind of the point; it’s straightforward and nourishing.
It’s low calorie but surprisingly filling, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
Prep and cook time together stay under 40 minutes, which helps on weeknights when time is tight.

If you’re worried about grilling indoors or don’t have a grill pan handy, I usually just cook the chicken on a regular skillet and it works fine. The lemon herb sauce is forgiving and can be adjusted easily if you want it tangier or milder.

Low Calorie Chicken Dinner

Print Recipe

A healthy and flavorful low calorie chicken dinner featuring grilled chicken breast with steamed vegetables and a light lemon herb sauce. Perfect for a nutritious meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the chicken breasts evenly with the olive oil mixture on both sides.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
While the chicken is grilling, steam the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, and low sodium chicken broth.
Heat the sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly reduced.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3 minutes.
Serve each chicken breast with a portion of steamed vegetables and drizzle the lemon herb sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

For equipment, you don’t need anything fancy—just a grill or a good pan and a steamer basket or something to steam the vegetables. I like serving this with a simple side of brown rice or quinoa when I want a bit more substance. Sometimes I swap out the vegetables for whatever’s in the fridge, though I haven’t tested all of those combinations. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan can change up the flavor if you want to get a little creative.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat nicely without drying out.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon? Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh really brightens the sauce.

Can I use different vegetables? Yes, though steaming times may vary. Just keep an eye so they stay crisp-tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and mustard don’t contain additives.

Give this low calorie chicken dinner a try when the week gets busy but you still want to feel good about what you’re eating. It’s simple, colorful, and easy to love. Save it, try it, and come back for more ideas soon.