Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient in the keto kitchen, perfect for savory lunches and dinners as well as sweet breakfasts and desserts. If you have cream cheese in your refrigerator, get creative with how you use it. Our compilation of keto cream cheese recipes is a great starting point for using this ingredient without sacrificing on flavor.
Savory Keto Cream Cheese Recipes for Lunch and Dinner
While breakfast may seem like an obvious outlet for excess cream cheese, there is more that you can do with this ingredient on hand. It stars in a number of savory lunch and dinner dishes that can pack a protein punch. Of course, cream cheese doesn’t necessarily have to be the star of the show. There are plenty of options for sides and appetizers that use cream cheese to please a crowd.
Keto Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
You are going to love this rich and luscious Keto Cream Cheese Chicken. Cream cheese is combined with sharp cheddar, punchy garlic, herbaceous basil, and salty sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious chicken stuffing that I can never get enough of. Feel free to use another creamy cheese to stuff the chicken. Marscapone, goat cheese, and Boursin are all excellent options.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Basil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
- Season the chicken to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cut a horizontal slit through the center of the chicken to form a pocket.
- Stuff the chicken with the cream cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks or wooden skewers.
Cooking Instructions:
Cooking time depends on the thickness and overall size, so ensure that you use an Instant Read thermometer to determine doneness. You should remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches 160 degrees. Allow it to rest, and it will continue to rise in temperature until it comes to the recommended 165 degrees. Don't skip using a toothpick or skewer to keep the filling in as you cook! You may need to shift it slightly when you flip to ensure even browning. I recommend only flipping once.
- Stove Top: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 10 minutes per side, or until the center of the chicken registers 160° F on an instant-read thermometer. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Brush the outside of the chicken with the oil. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the center of the chicken registers 160° F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Oven (Casserole Dish): Yes, you can make Keto Cream Cheese Chicken in a casserole dish. Brush or spray the top of the chicken with oil for a little browning. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes, until an Instant-Read thermometer reaches 160 degrees. Season the chicken and cut a horizontal slit to form a pocket. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:
- Make Ahead: Yes. You can stuff the chicken up to one day ahead of time and keep it in a covered container in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be kept for up to three days in the refrigerator. My preferred method of reheating is the oven.
Sweet Keto Cream Cheese Recipes
Breakfast might be the most obvious place to make use of cream cheese. It lends itself naturally to sweet foods such as warm frosted cinnamon rolls or fluffy pancakes. Perhaps the most common place where you will find keto cream cheese recipes is in the dessert category. These keto cream cheese dessert recipes are the perfect finishing touch to any lunch or dinner meal.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
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