Delicious and Easy Low-Carb Chicken Recipes for the Atkins Diet

Embarking on a low-carb journey doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety, especially when it comes to chicken. Whether you're following the Atkins Diet for weight loss or simply seeking healthier meal options, chicken can be a versatile and satisfying staple. This article provides a range of low-carb chicken recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to impressive dishes perfect for entertaining.

The Benefits of Chicken on a Low-Carb Diet

Chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for those following a low-carb lifestyle. Protein helps you feel full and satisfied, which can aid in weight management. Additionally, chicken is a good source of essential nutrients like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6.

Budget-Friendly Options: Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

With grocery prices on the rise, finding affordable low-carb options is more important than ever. Rotisserie chicken offers a convenient and budget-friendly solution. An average rotisserie chicken yields about 4 cups of meat, making it perfect for multiple meals.

Low Carb Rotisserie Chicken Recipes: Soup and Salads

Rotisserie chicken is an affordable and convenient option for weekday lunches and dinners, especially if you’re up to your eyeballs in back-to-school prep. An average rotisserie chicken yields about 4 cups of meat, and these recipes each use about 2 cups, so hypothetically one rotisserie chicken could do double-duty for two recipes. Talk about budget friendly!

Apple Walnut Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Keep a batch of this crunchy-sweet chicken salad in the fridge, and you have lunch ready to go all week for school or work. Spoon the chicken salad into a romaine lettuce leaf or low carb tortilla for a delicious wrap. You can also make sandwiches with slices of low carb bread slathered with butter and layered with lettuce and tomato slices.

Read also: Delicious Atkins Chicken

Easy Italian Rotisserie Chicken Soup

You’ll love this weeknight chicken soup. It’s ready in 25 minutes and packed with veggies: celery, carrots, mushrooms, kale and tomatoes.

Mediterranean Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

All you need is 15 minutes to prepare this hearty dinner salad, which features chopped tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion and feta cheese tossed with an olive oil, tahini, red wine vinegar and oregano vinaigrette and layered on spring greens with shredded rotisserie chicken and drizzled with more vinaigrette.

Skillet Chicken Recipes

Skillet chicken recipes are perfect for quick and easy weeknight meals. They typically involve cooking chicken pieces in a skillet with various sauces, vegetables, and spices.

Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe features chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. It's simple to make and incredibly flavorful.

Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken

This one-pan dish combines chicken breasts with broccoli, grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, topped with cheese.

Read also: Understanding the Atkins Diet

Baked Chicken Recipes

Baking chicken is a healthy and convenient cooking method. It allows the chicken to cook evenly and retain its moisture.

Baked Lemon Chicken

This recipe uses lemon juice and herbs to create a bright and flavorful chicken dish.

Baked Balsamic Chicken

This elegant roast chicken is flavored with rosemary, wine, and balsamic vinegar.

Grilled Chicken Recipes

Grilling chicken adds a smoky flavor that's perfect for summer meals.

Grilled Chicken Guacamole

Simple ingredients turn a snack into a gourmet meal.

Read also: Delicious Atkins Dinners

Grilled Lime Chicken

This spicy lime chicken can be served in tacos or over rice with your favorite taco toppings.

Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Slow cookers are a great way to prepare chicken with minimal effort. They allow the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken

This recipe is similar to the Middle Eastern version and features chicken cooked in a creamy butter sauce.

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix-just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company.

Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Instant Pots are a convenient way to cook chicken quickly and easily.

French Garlic Chicken

An easy low carb chicken recipe that you can make made in the Instant Pot or Stovetop. It's a very simple French Garlic Chicken recipe that combines juicy chicken thighs with dijon mustard, garlic, and a mixture of spices to make a French-inspired dish that is as delicious as it looks.

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

A restaurant favorite made at home.

Chicken Vindaloo

Adjust the heat to fit your taste buds.

Pakistani Karahi Chicken

A quick Keto Instant Pot meal.

Specific Chicken Recipes

Creamy Garlic Chicken

This recipe features chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce.

Other Chicken Recipes

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Mexican cuisine made easy.

Rosemary Chicken with Mushrooms and Artichokes

Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone-especially my family!

Cashew Chicken

The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews.

Chicken Cakes

Here's a fabulous appetizer for your next party. Or serve these chicken cakes for dinner with a side of hot rice and your favorite vegetable.

Chicken Thighs with Peanut Butter Sauce

These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible.

Chicken Nuggets

I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches.

Chicken with Lettuce

We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings.

Chicken with Melted Cheese

Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make.

Poached Chicken

You can't beat poaching for chicken that is moist and tender.

Chicken Thigh with Spinach Mixture

What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation.

Tandoori Chicken

I spent time in India and love reminders of this vibrant culture, so this tandoori chicken makes me happy. Served with warmed naan bread and a cool tomato and cucumber salad, it's a whole meal.

Chicken in Cooking Juices

The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread.

Chicken and Veggie Dish

I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper.

Chicken with Capers

While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too.

Chicken Marinade

This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal.

Air Fryer Chicken

My husband bought an air fryer after seeing it on television. We use it at least twice a week now! The chicken recipes that we have tried are especially good because of how moist the chicken remains. We started a low-carb diet and did not want to use bread crumbs, so we tried almonds. It's become a favorite.

Greek-Inspired Chicken

This bright, Greek-inspired chicken has only five ingredients-it's a busy-day lifesaver! My husband and I prepare the dish often, and it’s a hit every time.

Tex-Mex Chicken

I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla chip cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla cups or any other savory, crispy cup you like. Enjoy the leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos.

Chicken with Caper, Tomato and Olive Flavors

The caper, tomato and olive flavors will whisk you away to the Greek isles. This easy skillet dish is perfect for hectic weeknights.

Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang.

Tips for Cooking Chicken on a Low-Carb Diet

• Choose the right cuts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to minimize fat and carbs.
• Use healthy fats: Cook chicken with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil for added flavor and healthy fats.
• Season generously: Use herbs, spices, and low-carb sauces to enhance the flavor of your chicken dishes.
• Avoid breading: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or parmesan cheese for a low-carb coating.
• Pair with low-carb sides: Serve chicken with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini.

Important Considerations for the Atkins Diet

The Atkins Diet is a weight loss program that focuses on controlling carbohydrate intake. It involves several phases, starting with a very low-carb induction phase and gradually increasing carb intake as you approach your goal weight.

• Consult your physician: Before beginning the Atkins Diet, consult your physician or other health care provider, as you would any other weight loss or weight maintenance program.
• Individual results may vary: Weight loss is influenced by exercise, lifestyle, dietary pattern, and calories consumed.
• Not for dialysis patients: The weight loss phases of the Atkins Diet should not be used by persons on dialysis.
• Browning the meat: Browning the meat in this naturally keto and low carb recipe seals in moisture, be sure not to overcook it or it will be dry.

Detailed Recipes

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds raw skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced or pressed fresh garlic
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup drained, oil packed sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two even cutlets. Season each side with salt and pepper.
2. In a large non-stick skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets, cooking until each side is browned and chicken is almost cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and cover with foil.
3. Add minced or pressed garlic to the skillet, reduce heat to medium low, and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to get up any bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until cream cheese is melted and sauce comes to a simmer, about 4 minutes. Add parmesan cheese and continue to stir until cheese is fully melted, another 2 minutes.
5. Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, cover and allow to simmer until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, 4-6 minutes more.

Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Creole seasoning
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Broccoli
• Grape tomatoes
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Half and half
• Shredded parmesan
• Mozzarella

Directions:

1. To a large skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium high heat.
2. Season chicken with creole seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add to pan and saute for about 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.
3. Add in broccoli and grape tomatoes and stir. Add in crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occassionally, for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in half and half. Top with shredded parmesan and mozzarella.

French Garlic Chicken Recipe (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Herbes de Provence
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Cream
• Salt
• Pepper

Marinade Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients for the marinade, using a wire whisk to emulsify the oil and vinegar together.
2. Add in chicken thighs and allow it to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. If you need to marinate for longer, put in the refrigerator.

Stovetop Directions:

1. When you are ready to cook, heat a heavy-bottomed pan. When it is hot, add the butter and allow it to melt.
2. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the chicken leaving behind as much of the marinade as you can. Do not discard the marinade.
4. Cook the chicken thighs so that they can lightly brown on one side, 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the marinade and 1/4 cup water.
6. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for 10 minutes, turning the thighs halfway through.
7. Using a meat thermometer, ensure an internal temperature of 165f.
8. Remove the chicken on to a plate and add 1/4 cup cream into the pot, mixing well with the liquid in the pot.
9. As soon as the sauce thickens, pour it onto the chicken thighs and serve.

Instant Pot Directions:

1. When you are ready to cook, turn your Instant Pot to Sauté and when it is hot, add the butter and allow it to melt.
2. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the chicken leaving behind as much of the marinade as you can. Do not discard the marinade.
4. Cook the chicken thighs so that they can lightly brown on one side, 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the marinade and 1/4 cup water.
6. Close the instant pot and set it to cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes.

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