Cooking for high blood pressure can seem like a one-way road towards bland, unseasoned foods that may be healthy, but lack any sort of flavor or “tastiness.” Before you assume that a hypertension-friendly diet is flavor-free, take a beat; with the right ingredients and cooking techniques, a diet to keep high blood pressure in check can not only be a great one, but will leave you looking forward to your heart-healthy dishes on a daily basis.
Chicken is one of the most heart-healthy proteins you can have, and while you may think that your new diet to combat high blood pressure will include a lot of unseasoned boneless, skinless chicken breasts, think again. Cheesy stuffed chicken breasts, crispy chicken skin, and Cajun chicken pasta are just a few of the meals you can expect to enjoy on your new journey towards combating hypertension.
Contents
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Roasted Chicken Breast
- Smoky Paprika Chicken
- Garlic Herb Oven Roasted Chicken
- One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli
- Chicken, Barley and Butternut Squash Skillet
- Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Healthy Lemon Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
- Healthy Keto Chicken Salad
- Garlicky Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Mushrooms and Kale
- Zucchini Boats with Ground Chicken
- Chicken Parmesan Pasta
The first step towards preparing heart-healthy meals at home is lowering your sodium intake. Sodium most commonly comes in the form of salt that you add into your food by the pinch or by the tablespoon for added flavor, but it also comes from pantry staples, such as chicken broth and canned vegetables.
Thankfully, chicken is an excellent canvas for all sorts of seasonings and spices, from garlic, curry powder, and lemon pepper, to paprika, cinnamon, and dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil, none of which feature salt, but all of which provide delicious, savory notes.
Additionally, roasting, stewing, grilling, or braising your chicken removes the fat but locks in the flavor, meaning your flavors will deliciously develop and taste great without the addition of salt. Get creative with fun, delicious flavors in your kitchen with 15 of our favorite chicken recipes to tackle high blood pressure that go light on the salt (because who needs it?), but heavy on amazing taste.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
With just four steps and one pan, this easy honey garlic chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress the family and become a weekly favorite.
20 minutes 200 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
These cheesy stuffed chicken breasts are loaded with spinach, making this a delicious dish that’s packed with protein and potassium.
35 minutes 400 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts.
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun seasoning gives this creamy one pot dish exciting flavors without an unnecessary salt bomb.
35 minutes 480 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Garlic Roasted Chicken Breast
High heat gives these chicken breasts incredibly crispy skin and moist, tender meat.
40 minutes 280 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Garlic Roasted Chicken Breast.
Smoky Paprika Chicken
Succulent grilled chicken breasts are flavored with a paprika garlic seasoning mix that you’ll want to use on everything.
25 minutes 190 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Smoky Paprika Chicken.
Garlic Herb Oven Roasted Chicken
With garlic and fresh herbs, this heart-healthy chicken comes out crisp, juicy, and full of flavor.
50 minutes 500 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Garlic Herb Oven Roasted Chicken.
One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli
Why order takeout when you can make this tasty dish at home? Keep sodium and calories low in this healthy chicken and broccoli dish that makes for great leftovers the next day.
20 minutes 130 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: One Skillet Chicken and Broccoli.
Chicken, Barley and Butternut Squash Skillet
One skillet creates a balanced meal with protein, healthy grains, and nutrient-dense squash.
40 minutes 400 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Chicken, Barley, and Butternut Squash Skillet.
Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This heart-healthy casserole features lean ground meat, veggies, whole wheat tortillas and low-fat Greek yogurt for a healthy family dinner that’s ready in less than an hour.
40 minutes 420 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Layered Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
Healthy Lemon Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Roasted chicken and sweet potatoes in classic Greek flavors will make for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s also good for your health.
1h 00m 420 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Healthy Lemon Chicken and Sweet Potatoes.
Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts
Serve these juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with brown rice and steamed veggies for a wholesome and well-rounded weeknight meal.
30 minutes 240 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts.
Healthy Keto Chicken Salad
Punch up your work lunch game with this low carb and antioxidant-rich chicken salad.
30 minutes 580 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Healthy Keto Chicken Salad.
Garlicky Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Mushrooms and Kale
Swap out regular pasta for garlicky spaghetti squash in this protein and nutrient-dense dish that you’ll want to make for dinner every week.
1h 10m 200 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Garlicky Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Kale.
Zucchini Boats with Ground Chicken
These zucchini boats are great on their own for dinner, or can be made even heartier with a side of quinoa or brown rice on the side.
45 minutes 200 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Zucchini Boats with Ground Chicken.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
The Italian favorite gets a heart-healthy twist with whole wheat penne and no breading or frying.
6h 10m 150 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Chicken Parmesan Pasta.