Delicious and Easy Keto Chicken Dinner Recipes

The ketogenic diet, a low-carb, high-fat eating plan, encourages the body to enter ketosis, a metabolic state where fat is burned for energy. When preparing keto chicken recipes, prioritize healthy fats, quality proteins, and low-carb vegetables while avoiding added sugars and starchy sides. Chicken is a versatile protein choice for keto-friendly meals, working well baked, grilled, or in sauced dishes. This article provides a variety of keto chicken dinner recipes, incorporating user-provided information to deliver a comprehensive guide.

Understanding Keto-Friendly Foods

Before diving into the recipes, it's helpful to understand which foods are suitable for a keto diet. Focus on foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, avocados, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables. Avoid or limit foods like grains, sugar, fruit, starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn), and legumes.

Keto Chicken Recipes

Here are some delicious and easy keto chicken dinner recipes, perfect for weeknight meals or meal prepping.

1. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken

Bacon and ranch is a classic flavor combination. This chicken dinner is a weeknight staple for those who enjoy this pairing.

2. Keto Chicken Parmesan

This recipe offers a keto-friendly take on a classic comfort food dish.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

3. Harissa Grilled Chicken

Harissa, a flavorful pantry staple, adds a kick to this easy grilled chicken recipe. It involves creating a simple marinade for grilled chicken.

4. Garlicky Greek Chicken

This recipe provides a Greek-inspired flavor profile to your keto chicken dinner.

5. Chicken Curry

This chicken curry is rich, saucy, and perfectly spiced. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in under an hour. Pair it with cauliflower rice to complete the meal.

6. Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

This recipe combines the creamy goodness of chicken alfredo with the low-carb benefits of spaghetti squash.

7. Roast Chicken

A perfect centerpiece for any holiday dinner, this roast chicken recipe is simple. Season the bird with salt and pepper, then roast at high heat until the skin is bronzed and crisp and the flesh juicy.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

8. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet

This recipe brings the flavors of jalapeño poppers to a satisfying chicken skillet.

9. Creamy Balsamic Chicken

This recipe features chicken in a rich and flavorful creamy balsamic sauce.

10. Balsamic Basil Chicken

This balsamic basil chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. After marinating the chicken, everything comes together in one pan in less than 30 minutes.

11. California Grilled Chicken

This California-inspired dinner features seasoned grilled chicken topped with mozzarella, avocado, and tomato. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and fresh basil for a fresh dinner in under an hour.

12. Grilled Persian Chicken

This recipe offers a taste of Persian flavors with grilled chicken.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

13. High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

This one-pan wonder features a luscious creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavor.

14. Cajun-Stuffed Chicken

This recipe offers a flavorful and spicy twist with Cajun-stuffed chicken.

15. Marry Me Chicken

This chicken dinner is so good, it might lead to a proposal. Chicken breasts are seared until golden, before being baked with a simple cream sauce.

16. Coconut Zoodle Soup

This recipe provides a light and flavorful soup option with coconut milk and zoodles.

17. Greek Stuffed Chicken

This Greek stuffed chicken recipe includes feta, onion, and tomatoes, with zucchini and mozzarella for extra creaminess.

18. Bruschetta Grilled Chicken

This recipe combines the fresh flavors of bruschetta with grilled chicken.

19. Chicken Tikka Masala

This classic Indian dish is easy to make at home. Serve with cauliflower rice to complete your keto meal.

20. Keto Chicken Stir Fry

This keto chicken stir fry is made with lots of vegetables and prepared all in one pan, perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Oil
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Sugar snap peas
• Water chestnuts
• Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
• Sesame oil
• Red chili pepper flakes
• Cauliflower rice (or white rice, if not keto)

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the other tablespoon of oil. Cook chicken for approximately 3 minutes each side until golden brown and crisping up well. Remove from the heat with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add onions to the pan with a pinch of kosher salt and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and sugar snap peas, white parts of the green onions, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fork tender.
4. Mix together sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Add to the stir fry and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add the chicken back into the pan along with the sesame oil and red chili pepper flakes. Let the flavors all meld together for another 2 minutes or so and give everything a stir.
6. Taste for additional seasoning and serve alongside cauliflower or white rice.

21. One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken

This easy dinner is made in under 20 minutes and full of flavor. Chicken and asparagus are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, making it a healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Asparagus
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Sriracha
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
• Parsley and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a medium bowl and toss with the spices (salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper).
2. In a large skillet, melt over medium low heat half of the butter (1/4 cup) and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
3. Cook the chicken in the butter until all sides are golden brown being careful not to burn the butter. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet increase heat to medium high, add the remaining 1 teaspoon minced garlic then add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Add the remaining 1/4 cup butter, lemon juice, and sriracha.
5. Add the asparagus and cook to desired tenderness.
6. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir for another minute to reheat.
7. Garnish the chicken and asparagus with parsley and lemon slices.

22. Keto Chicken Florentine

This easy-to-make, one-pan dinner recipe features seared chicken breasts and a rich, creamy spinach sauce.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Almond flour
• Butter
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Dry white wine
• Heavy cream
• Fresh spinach
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the almond flour to coat both sides.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove to a clean plate.
3. Return the pan to the stovetop on medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, the shallot, and the garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the wine and raise the heat. Reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Once reduced, stir in the heavy cream. Cook a few minutes to thicken.
6. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook down until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Nestle the pieces of chicken back into the pan to warm. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
8. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and parsley, if using. Serve immediately.

23. Keto Chicken Piccata

This is a low-carb, gluten-free adaptation of classic chicken piccata. Thin slices of dredged chicken are pan-fried, then topped with a zesty, lemony butter sauce.

24. Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken with Cauliflower

This is a delicious low carb, one pan meal with only 6 net carbs per serving.

25. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

This is a simple low carb, keto-friendly one-pan meal.

26. Crockpot Salsa Chicken

This ultra-creamy recipe uses just 3 ingredients. Use no-sugar salsa for a perfect lazy keto chicken dinner.

27. Instant Pot Chicken Tenders

Enjoy juicy, tender bites in 15 minutes. Customize with your favorite keto-friendly seasonings.

28. BBQ Chicken Foil Packets

Grill chicken and veggies tossed in sugar-free BBQ sauce. Skip the sweet potato for lower carbs.

29. Bruschetta Chicken

This fresh, zesty grilled chicken includes keto-friendly balsamic glaze or a sugar-free alternative.

30. Pizza Chicken Bake

Enjoy all the pizza flavor without the carbs, made with low-sugar marinara sauce.

31. Chicken Romesco

This smoky paprika roasted chicken is topped with vibrant red pepper and almond Romesco sauce.

32. Grilled Chicken Breast

Simple, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with fresh lime and cilantro, these are perfect to put at the center of any keto meal.

33. Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Tender thighs bursting with bold spices, olives, and lemon. Skip the chickpeas and serve with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.

34. Sheet Pan Chicken and Broccoli

This sweet and savory marinated chicken thighs roasted alongside crispy broccoli make for a fuss-free dinner.

35. Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Juicy, cheesy thighs filled with creamy spinach offer a decadent keto treat.

36. Chicken Zucchini Casserole

This simple, cheesy casserole is packed with zucchini and chicken for an easy keto meal.

37. Spinach Artichoke Casserole

Like the classic dip, but baked into a warm, hearty keto dinner.

38. Baked Ranch Chicken

This creamy, cheesy recipe is loaded with bacon. Use sugar-free ranch seasoning to keep it keto.

39. Caesar Chicken

Easy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Choose a keto-friendly Caesar dressing to stay low-carb.

40. Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts filled with melty cheese and savory ham are sure to satisfy the whole family.

41. Chicken Roll Ups

Italian-spiced chicken slices rolled with Boursin and mozzarella, baked to juicy perfection.

42. Loaded Scrambled Eggs

Veggies, bacon, and melty cheddar come together for a quick, hearty breakfast.

43. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Tender shredded chicken is ready in under 20 minutes. Brown the chicken first for extra flavor, or skip for faster prep.

44. Crack Chicken Soup

Loaded with cheese, bacon, and cream, this soup is a keto classic that’s super easy to make.

45. Keto Crack Chicken

This keto crack chicken recipe is a weeknight family staple. It features shredded chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce, all topped with melty cheese.

Ingredients:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast fillets
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Spice mix (onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and mustard powder)
• Bacon
• Olive oil
• Cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Pound the four chicken breasts until ¼ inch in thickness. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Add olive oil to the non-stick pan and place over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and keep the bacon grease in the pan. Add the butter and when hot, and the chicken breasts and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until golden.
4. Transfer the chicken breasts into the baking dish and pour the pan juices over them. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and spices until combined.
5. Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top, followed by the shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Cook the bacon on the ‘Sauté’ setting. Set it aside, melt the butter, and sear the chicken.
2. Once seared, pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the bacon and shredded cheese.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Cook the bacon and chicken in a skillet on the stovetop, then add the chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Top it with the cream cheese mixture and cook on ‘Low’ for 8 hours or ‘High’ for 4 hours.
3. Turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid, and shred the chicken with two forks.

Tips for Keto Chicken Recipes

• Choose the right cuts of chicken: Chicken breasts are lean and versatile, while chicken thighs offer more flavor and healthy fats.
• Use healthy fats: Incorporate olive oil, avocado oil, butter, and cheese into your recipes.
• Load up on low-carb veggies: Non-starchy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, zucchini, and cauliflower are great additions to keto chicken dinners.
• Be mindful of sauces and seasonings: Avoid added sugars and starches in sauces and seasonings. Opt for sugar-free options or make your own.
• Check nutrition information: Double-check the nutrition information and ingredient list on each recipe to make sure it fits into your specific dietary needs.

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