The Best Chicken Recipes for Keto and Low-Carb Diets

The Best Chicken Recipes for Keto and Low-Carb Diets

Chicken is the ideal protein for making diverse, tasty, and keto-friendly dishes. It’s high in lean protein, low in carbohydrates, and readily combined with healthy fats and veggies to help you keep to your low-carb or ketogenic diet. Whether you prefer creamy casseroles, crispy chicken thighs, or fast stir-fries, these recipes will fulfill your desires while keeping you in ketosis. Let’s look at some of the greatest chicken recipes for keto and low-carb diets.

Why Chicken Is Ideal for Keto and Low Carb Diets

Chicken is a mainstay for low-carb and keto aficionados, and for good reason.

• Low in Carbs: Because chicken is naturally carb-free, it is great for sticking to your keto carb restriction.
• Protein-rich: Aids in muscle development and maintenance while keeping you full.
• Versatile: Chicken goes nicely with practically any keto item, whether it’s grilled, roasted, or sautéed.
• Affordable: It’s an inexpensive way to add great protein into your meals.

With that stated, let’s get to the recipes!

1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is rich, creamy, and full of garlic flavor, making it ideal for a keto supper that feels decadent while being within your macros.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup spinach (optional for added nutrition)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook garlic in the same skillet until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
3. Combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian spice. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the spinach (if using) until wilted, then return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
5. Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to complete your keto dinner!

2. Keto Chicken Parmesan – Why You’ll Love It

This chicken parmesan is a keto spin on a traditional favorite that eliminates the breadcrumbs while maintaining all of the taste!

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken cutlets
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup sugarless marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius).
2. In a bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Dip each chicken cutlet in beaten eggs, then coat with almond flour mixture.
4. In a pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until brown.
5. Place the chicken in a baking dish, then cover with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

3. Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs – Why You Will Love It

Juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection and served with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce that is keto-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt & pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. In a medium-size pan, heat the olive oil. Fry the chicken thighs skin side down for 7-8 minutes until crispy, then flip and fry for an additional 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. Cook the butter and garlic in the pan until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and boil for 2 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and ladle the sauce on top. Serve with sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus.

4. Keto Chicken Stir-Fry – Why You Will Love It

This low-carb chicken stir-fry is quick, simple, and loaded with vegetables, making it ideal for weeknights when you need a nutritious supper quickly.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, cut into thin rounds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional as garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken strips are brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Place the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini in the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until tender and crisp.
3. Return the chicken to the pan and season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve alone or with cauliflower rice.

5. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wrappers – Why You Will Love It

Spicy, spicy, and low-carb, these buffalo chicken wraps are ideal for a fast lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works excellent!)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 head of romaine or butter lettuce (for wraps)
• 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (keto-friendly)
• Optional toppings: chopped celery, crumbled blue cheese

Directions:

1. In a pan, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted butter. Heat on medium-low until warmed through.
2. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto lettuce leaves.
3. Garnish with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and crumbled blue cheese. Wrap, and enjoy!

6. Keto Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese – Why You Will Love It

This low-carb dish blends delicate chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Tips for Perfect Keto Chicken Recipes

• Use Healthy Fats: Cook your chicken in olive oil, butter, or avocado oil to keep it keto-friendly.
• Add Flavor: Spices like paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning can elevate any dish.
• Pair with Low-Carb Sides: Think cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted veggies.
• Make It Ahead: Many of these recipes can be prepped ahead for quick meals during the week.

FAQs

Can I Meal Prep These Recipes?

Absolutely! Many of these dishes are perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What’s the Best Cut of Chicken for Keto Recipes?

Chicken thighs are great because they’re higher in fat, but chicken breasts also work if paired with healthy fats like cream or butter.

Are These Recipes Gluten-Free?

Yes, most of them are naturally gluten-free, or they can be made gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free soy sauce.

Wrapping It Up

With these keto-friendly chicken recipes, sticking to your low-carb lifestyle has never been easier—or more delicious. From creamy casseroles to zesty lettuce wraps, these dishes are perfect for satisfying cravings while staying on track. So grab your skillet, fire up the oven, or whip out the air fryer, and get cooking!

What’s your favorite keto chicken recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to bookmark this page for your next meal plan!