Easy Chicken and Walnut Recipes

By Andrea Cohen
Published 12/9/2025
In This Article
Easy Chicken and Walnut Recipes
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

When you’re looking for a meal that’s simple, flavorful, and healthy, chicken and walnut recipes are a winning choice. This duo may not be the first combination that comes to mind, but once you try it, you’ll see why chefs and dietitians love it. Chicken is rich in lean protein and has a mild flavor, while walnuts add crunch, richness, and a boost of healthy fats. Together, they create meals that are satisfying, versatile, and good for your heart.

Why Chicken and Walnuts Work So Well Together

Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins out there. It absorbs the flavors of herbs, spices, and sauces, making it the perfect base for countless meals. Walnuts, on the other hand, offer a slightly earthy taste that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet ingredients. When tossed into salads, sprinkled over roasted chicken, or blended into sauces, walnuts give a depth of flavor and texture that takes ordinary dishes to the next level.

From a nutrition standpoint, the pairing makes just as much sense. Chicken is a lean source of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health, along with fiber and antioxidants that benefit overall wellness. Put together, chicken and walnuts create a balanced meal that’s delicious and nutritious.

The Health Benefits of Chicken and Walnut Recipes

Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you combine these two ingredients into tasty meals:

  • Heart-healthy fats: Walnuts are one of the only tree nuts high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3. Research shows that ALA may help lower inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
  • Lean protein: Chicken breast provides high-quality protein without excess saturated fat, making it a smart choice for people managing weight or blood sugar.
  • Rich in nutrients: Walnuts contain magnesium, copper, and manganese, while chicken is an excellent source of niacin and vitamin B6. These nutrients play a role in energy production and metabolism.
  • Satiety and balance: Combining protein and healthy fats helps regulate appetite, keeping you fuller for longer compared to meals made with refined carbs alone.

Easy Chicken and Walnut Recipe Ideas

The chefs and dietitians at Health eCooks have created a variety of easy chicken and walnut recipes that can be used for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, and even entertaining. These dishes are designed to be flavorful without being complicated, so you can enjoy healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

  • Crispy Baked Chicken

    Heart Healthy Crispy Baked Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This recipe uses just four simple ingredients—skinless chicken, buttermilk, flour, and ground walnuts—to deliver juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy coating. It’s a delicious and easy low-sodium, heart-healthy dinner that’s family friendly.

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  • Chicken Salad with Grapes

    Chicken Salad with Grapes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This chicken salad recipe with grapes and walnuts features tender chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts in a creamy, light dressing for a quick dish that’s fresh and satisfying. This is a meal prep lunch favorite to have on rotation.

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  • Mediterranean Chicken Salad

    Mediterranean Chicken Salad
    Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing
    15 mins

    This high-protein chicken salad blends tender chicken, chickpeas, white beans, spinach, and crunchy walnuts with Mediterranean flavors for a no-mayo chicken and walnut salad recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

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  • Chicken Couscous Wrap

    Heart Healthy Chicken Couscous Wrap
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    In just 15 minutes, you can assemble a flavorful wrap that combines lean chicken, fiber-rich whole wheat couscous, chickpeas, olives, grapes, and walnuts, making it an easy, tasty, and heart-smart lunch.

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  • Thai Chicken Salad

    Thai Chicken Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This refreshing salad pairs grilled chicken with crisp vegetables, mandarin oranges, and chopped walnuts, all tossed in a tangy peanut-lime dressing. It’s simple to put together and is bursting with flavor in under 30 minutes.

    View Recipe

Tips for Cooking with Chicken and Walnuts

Here are a few tips for making your chicken and walnut recipes taste great:

  • Toast walnuts before adding them to recipes. A quick toast in a dry skillet or oven brings out their nutty flavor.
  • Pair with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to brighten the earthy walnut taste.
  • Don’t overcook chicken. Keep it juicy by baking, grilling, or stir-frying until it just reaches 165°F.
  • Balance flavors. Walnuts pair especially well with citrus, honey, mustard, or soy sauce, so don’t be afraid to experiment with marinades and dressings.

If you’re searching for meals that are simple to prepare, full of flavor, and good for you, chicken and walnut recipes are a perfect fit. They combine lean protein with heart-healthy fats, making every dish satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning meals for the week, adding walnuts to your favorite chicken dishes is an easy way to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.

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