10 Easy Keto Chicken Recipes for Quick Low-Carb Dinners
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The keto diet has gained immense popularity for promoting weight loss and improving overall health by encouraging a low-carb, high-fat eating regimen.
Chicken, with its high protein and low carbohydrate content, is an ideal ingredient for keto recipes.
Below are 10 keto chicken recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Each 10 Keto Chicken Recipes includes serving portions and the equipment needed.
Recipe 1: Keto Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
- Cook chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Slice chicken and return to the skillet, coating with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 2: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a good option)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing (sugar-free)
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Coat with hot sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let cool, then dice.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, celery, red onion, and blue cheese dressing.
- Add the diced chicken and toss until well combined. Serve immediately.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 3: Lemon Herb Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 4: Chicken Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let cool, then dice.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Mix until well combined. Serve immediately.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 5: Keto Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let cool, then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing.
- Add the sliced chicken and toss until well combined. Serve immediately.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 6: Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ranch dressing.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 7: Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and garlic.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 8: Keto BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Low-carb pizza crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the BBQ sauce over the low-carb pizza crust.
- Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 9: Keto Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 low-carb tortillas
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and a spoonful of enchilada sauce. Roll up and place in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with additional cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Recipe 10: Keto Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup mozzarella balls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let cool, then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
- Add the sliced chicken and toss until well combined. Serve immediately.
Serving Portion
Serves 4
Equipment Used
Summary: Keto Chicken Recipes
Why These Recipes Are Keto
These recipes are keto-friendly because they focus on high-quality proteins and healthy fats while keeping carbohydrates to a minimum.
The key ingredients like chicken, avocados, and cheeses are all low in carbs and high in essential nutrients, making them perfect for maintaining ketosis.
Benefits of These Keto Chicken Recipes
These keto chicken recipes offer numerous benefits, including:
- Weight Loss: By reducing carb intake and increasing fat consumption, these recipes help your body burn fat for energy, aiding in weight loss.
- Improved Energy Levels: The high-fat content provides sustained energy without the crashes associated with carb-heavy meals.
- Better Blood Sugar Control: Low-carb recipes help stabilize blood sugar levels, beneficial for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Nutrient-Dense Meals: These recipes are rich in vitamins and minerals essential for overall health.
Benefits of Specific Ingredients
- Chicken: High in protein and low in carbs, chicken is excellent for muscle maintenance and growth【Healthline】.
- Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados help keep you full and satisfied【Healthline】.
- Olive Oil: Contains monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help maintain ketosis【Harvard Health】.
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle repair【Healthline】.
FAQs
Is Chicken Breast or Thigh Better for Keto?
Both are great options, but chicken thighs have more fat, making them ideal for keto. The higher fat content helps you meet your daily fat intake goals, which is crucial for maintaining ketosis【Healthline】.
How Often Can I Eat Chicken on Keto?
As often as you like, as long as you balance your other macronutrients. Chicken is a versatile protein that can be included in multiple meals throughout the week. Just ensure you’re also getting enough fats and low-carb vegetables【WebMD】.
Can I Eat Fried Chicken on Keto?
Yes, but make sure to use keto-friendly breading like almond flour or pork rinds. Traditional breading is high in carbs, but these alternatives can give you a delicious, crispy coating without the extra carbs【Delish】.
What Other Proteins Can I Include in My Keto Diet?
Fatty fish, beef, pork, and eggs are all excellent choices. These proteins are rich in healthy fats and can help keep your meals varied and balanced. They also provide essential nutrients that complement those found in chicken【Harvard Health】.
How Do I Prevent Keto Flu?
Stay hydrated, ensure adequate electrolyte intake, and gradually reduce carbs to ease the transition. The keto flu can be a common side effect when starting the diet, but these steps can help minimize symptoms【Medical News Today】.
