Lighten up your chicken sandwiches,including grilled chicken, chicken salad, and chicken-patty pockets, with these easy swaps, healthier additions, and cooking techniques.

This upgraded version of a classic grilled-chicken sandwich packs in a heart-healthy avocado spread and antioxidant-rich veggies.

Break your mayonnaise habit by slathering this fiery spread on a grilled chicken sandwich.

Low-fat yogurt is brimming with beneficial bacteria that aid digestion. Choose whole-wheat pita bread over refined-white versions for additional fiber.

Add more flavor to your grilled chicken sandwich by adding radicchio, Parmesan, and lemon zest.

The escarole in this hearty sandwich adds folate and a layer of flavor. Since the chicken needs to marinate for at least two hours, this meal takes a bit of planning but is well worth it.

Instead of mayo, this recipe uses nonfat yogurt and Dijon mustard as a creamy base for shredded chicken, Granny Smith apple cubes, fennel, celery, and herbs.

Chicken provides a great source of protein, while tapenade adds healthy fats. Artichoke hearts and tomato bring fiber to the table, and the whole-wheat wrap offers a better carb choice than a white wrap.

Upgrade your chicken salad with better-for-you ingredients that are filled with flavor.

Fill seven-grain bread with chicken, avocado, feta, olives, and mache for a satisfying lunch.

Wrap chicken in lavash (a good alternative to a flour tortilla, which often has some trans fats) and fill with heart-protective mango. The chicken and the mango dressing can be made one day ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator.

Make these chicken-patty pockets in just 25 minutes. If you or your little helpers don't like spicy food, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the patties to a quarter teaspoon.

Good-quality standbys -- rotisserie chicken, prepared salsa, and frozen corn -- are the time-saving secrets of these homemade burritos.