Healthy Chicken with Cucumber Salad & Air-Fried Potatoes
This balanced dinner is one of my favorite easy weeknight meals—protein-packed chicken, crisp cucumber salad, and golden air-fried potatoes that feel like a treat. Simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for the pan)
For the Potatoes
• 3–4 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp fresh thyme
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• (Optional) ¼ tsp paprika
For the Cucumber Salad
• 4–5 Persian cucumbers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
1. Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with oil and the spice blend.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Air Fry the Potatoes
1. Toss diced potatoes in oil and seasoning.
2. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crispy and golden.
3. Make the Cucumber Salad
1. Combine cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
3. Toss well and serve cold.
Why You’ll Love This Meal
Quick and easy: 30–40 minutes from start to finish
• High in protein and loaded with healthy fats and fiber
• Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free if you skip the butter
• Great for clean eating or light weeknight meals
• This dinner is great for meal prep—store each component separately in airtight containers.
• The cucumber salad gets even better as it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving - makes 2 large servings)
• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 4g
Optional: Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or hummus for extra creaminess and protein.
Make It Your Own
• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein
• Use sweet potatoes instead of gold potatoes for a lower glycemic option
• Add feta or avocado to the cucumber salad for extra richness
• Drizzle with tahini or Greek yogurt sauce for added flavor