Sometimes, after a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated meal that drags on forever. That’s exactly when this low calorie chicken fillet comes in handy — straightforward, flavorful, and done before you know it. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little win, especially when your stomach rumbles but your energy doesn’t.

I remember the evening I first made this — I was juggling emails and dinner plans, distracted by a half-finished text on my phone that I kept meaning to send but never did. The kitchen smelled like fresh lemon and oregano, and despite my scattered attention, the chicken sizzled perfectly in the pan. There was something comforting about the simplicity: a few ingredients, a quick marinade, and that satisfying sear. I didn’t get everything done that night, but the meal was a small success, juicy and bright, a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Bright and refreshing thanks to the lemon and fresh herbs, making it feel light without skimping on flavor.
Quick to make — it fits well into busy schedules, but it’s not a grab-and-go meal; it deserves a moment to rest and soak in the flavors.
Healthy and low calorie, though it’s not a diet food that feels like a chore — it’s just real food done well.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, no extra fat, just clean and juicy chicken.

If you’re worried it might be dry or bland, don’t be. The marinade and resting time really make a difference, and if you keep an eye on the cooking time, it turns out tender every time.

Low Calorie Chicken Fillet

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A simple and healthy low calorie chicken fillet recipe that is perfect for a light meal. This dish is seasoned with herbs and lemon for fresh flavor and cooked to juicy perfection without added fat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2

Ingredients

Scale

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets (about 150g each)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Place the chicken fillets on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Brush both sides of the chicken fillets evenly with the marinade and let them sit for 5 minutes at room temperature.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken fillets to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes on one side without moving them.
Flip the chicken fillets and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3 minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken fillets before serving.

Cooking this dish doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets — a good skillet and a little patience are all that’s needed. Try serving it alongside a light salad or some steamed veggies for an easy, balanced dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of a simple yogurt sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a nice kick, though I haven’t tested all of these variations extensively. Sometimes I swap oregano for thyme or rosemary, depending on what’s on hand, and it still works pretty well.

For leftovers, storing the chicken fillet in an airtight container keeps it juicy for a couple of days, and reheating gently helps maintain texture. I usually pop it in a skillet over low heat, but a quick microwave zap works if you’re in a rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead? You can, but they might take a little longer to cook and have a different texture.

Is olive oil necessary? It helps the marinade but you could try a light spray if you want to cut calories even more.

Can I prepare this ahead of time? Marinating for just five minutes works great, but you can also prep it earlier in the day if you like.

Ready to make dinner a little easier and a lot tastier? Give this low calorie chicken fillet a try tonight — it might just become your go-to quick meal.