Name: Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants (aubergines), cut into even 1/2 cm-thick slices; 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped; Bunch of fresh parsley, chopped; 17 ounces (approximately 480 grams) minced chicken (or turkey); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 tablespoons tomato puree mixed with 1 cup water; 1 cup red or white wine; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for cooking and brushing; 1 tablespoon cornflour; 1 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt (2% fat); 2 eggs, lightly whisked; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Generous pinch of ground nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 56 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that doesn’t weigh you down, this Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe is the perfect answer. It brings together tender layers of roasted eggplant and a flavorful chicken ragu, topped off with a luscious yet light yoghurt-based topping that’s sprinkled with nutmeg and parmesan for that subtle warmth and depth. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of savory spices, satisfying textures, and a fresh hint of parsley that makes this classic Greek dish shine—only lighter and packed with wholesome goodness. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious dinner that feels indulgent but stays true to healthy eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan sits on a wooden board with a cooked meat sauce inside, which is reddish-brown with small meat pieces and visible chopped onions mixed in. On top of the sauce, there is a pile of fresh green parsley leaves in the center. A wooden spoon with a light brown handle rests inside the pan on the sauce. Behind the pan is a metal baking tray holding several slices of grilled eggplant, each slice showing charred grill marks and pale yellow and purple colors. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple but essential, these ingredients work in harmony to create the rich flavors and textures that make this Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe truly special. From the creamy yoghurt topping to the spiced chicken ragu and tender eggplants, each element brings something unique to the table.

2 large eggplants/aubergines (cut into even 1/2 cm-thick slices): The star vegetable that roasts beautifully to soak up flavors and provide a soft, silky texture.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the eggplants and sautéing, it adds richness and a subtle fruity aroma.
1 onion (finely chopped): Builds the savory base of the ragu with gentle sweetness and body.
4 garlic cloves (crushed or chopped): Gives an irresistible aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: A warm, unexpected spice that adds depth and a touch of earthiness.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable Mediterranean herbal note classic in moussaka.
17 ounces minced chicken (or turkey): A lean, light protein that keeps this version of moussaka healthy but flavorful.
2 tablespoons tomato puree mixed with 1 cup water: Forms the rich body of the ragu with tang and moisture.
1 cup red or white wine: Adds acidity and complexity while helping to tenderize the meat.
Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and balance all elements.
Bunch of fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh counterpoint that brightens the savory sauce.
1 tablespoon cornflour: Thickens the yoghurt topping so it sets beautifully without heaviness.
1 1/4 cup Greek yoghurt (2% fat): The creamy, tangy topping that keeps the dish light and velvety.
2 eggs (lightly whisked): Bind the yoghurt topping to give it structure and richness.
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish to the topping that bakes to golden perfection.
A generous pinch of ground nutmeg: A warming spice that gives the topping a classic, comforting note.

How to Make Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. Lay your eggplant slices evenly on baking trays and lightly brush both sides with olive oil. Roasting them until soft and floppy brings out their natural sweetness and ensures they will meld beautifully into the layers of the dish. This step helps avoid any bitterness and gives the moussaka a tender foundation.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Chicken Ragu

While your eggplants cook, soften the finely chopped onion in a splash of olive oil over medium heat. When fragrant, toss in your garlic, cinnamon, and oregano, stirring gently to coax out their aromatic magic. Next, add the minced chicken, browning it as you break it apart with a wooden spoon for that perfect ragu texture. Pour in the tomato puree mixed with water alongside your choice of red or white wine. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken—around 20 to 30 minutes—until it’s rich and aromatic. Stir in freshly chopped parsley, then season to taste with salt and pepper to add bursts of freshness and balance.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dreamy Yoghurt Topping

In a medium bowl, blend the cornflour slowly into the Greek yoghurt until completely smooth and lump-free—this step is key to getting that silky, set topping. Next, whisk in your eggs well followed by the pinch of nutmeg. The nutmeg’s gentle warmth pairs exquisitely with the parmesan cheese you’ll sprinkle on top just before baking. This mixture will create a golden, bubbling crown on your moussaka, adding creamy texture without heaviness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Skinny Chicken Moussaka

Grab an 11 by 7-inch or slightly larger baking dish to assemble this beauty. Layer the bottom with roasted eggplant slices, then spread half of the chicken ragu sauce over them. Follow with another layer of eggplants, the remaining chicken layer, and one last layer of eggplants on top. Finally, pour the yoghurt topping evenly across the surface and smooth it out with a spatula. This layering creates a stunning mosaic that’s as inviting visually as it is flavor-wise.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your assembled moussaka for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. If it starts to brown too quickly, lightly cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning. The resting time after baking is crucial: allow the dish to sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing neat, giving you perfect portions of this delightful Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe.

How to Serve Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe

A rectangular glass baking dish shows a baked lasagna with a shiny, dark golden brown top layer of melted cheese that looks slightly crispy and browned in spots, covering the entire dish. One square portion has been removed from the bottom right corner, revealing the layers underneath: a deep red-brown layer of meat sauce mixed with cooked ground meat and small bits of herbs. The lasagna noodles form thin, light yellow layers above and below the meat sauce, visible at the edges of the sliced part. The dish is on a white marbled surface with a large metal spatula resting next to it, its handle pointing toward the bottom edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh parsley or a few oregano leaves makes an easy, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of green freshness against the warm, creamy layers. If you’re feeling indulgent, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over each serving complements the flavors beautifully and enhances the silkiness of the yoghurt topping.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple yet complementary: a crisp green salad tossed with lemon and olive oil pairs wonderfully, adding crunch and brightness. Alternatively, serve alongside roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables, like green beans or carrots, which balance the richness of the moussaka with their natural sweetness and snap.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also add a dollop of tzatziki or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra tangy note. Transparent glass dishes can showcase the beautiful layers, turning your Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe into not only a feast for the taste buds but also an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days, keeping those flavors mellow and delicious. Allow the moussaka to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Portion into airtight containers or wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen moussaka will keep for up to two months, making it a convenient, ready-to-bake dinner option for busy nights.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm individual portions gently in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 160°C oven covered with foil until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last few minutes to let it brown lightly again.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and keeps the dish lean and healthy while maintaining wonderful flavor in the ragu layer.

Is there a vegetarian version of Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe?

Yes, you can swap the minced chicken for a mix of lentils and mushrooms or use textured vegetable protein for a satisfying vegetarian take that still offers great texture and depth.

What can I use if I don’t have Greek yoghurt?

If you don’t have Greek yoghurt, try a thick plain yoghurt or even a combination of low-fat cottage cheese blended until smooth—just adjust the seasoning to keep that creamy tang.

Can I prepare any parts of this moussaka in advance?

Definitely! You can roast the eggplant slices and make the chicken ragu a day ahead, then assemble and bake the day you want to serve. This saves time and lets flavors develop beautifully.

How can I make the topping more traditional?

For a more classic touch, some use a béchamel sauce instead of the yoghurt topping. However, this yoghurt mixture keeps it lighter without sacrificing that creamy, rich finish.

Final Thoughts

This Skinny Chicken Moussaka Recipe is a true joy—comforting yet light, richly flavored but healthy, and beautifully textured. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen with fresh, simple ingredients that come together effortlessly. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and enjoy every delightful bite of this deliciously wholesome dish!