The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a popular eating plan that focuses on consuming high amounts of fat, moderate amounts of protein, and very few carbohydrates. This dietary approach shifts the body's primary fuel source from glucose to ketones, a state known as ketosis. Chicken is a versatile and readily available protein source, making it a staple in many keto-friendly meals. This article explores a variety of lazy keto chicken recipes, emphasizing ease of preparation and delicious flavor profiles, perfect for those seeking quick, low-carb dinner options.
Why Chicken is Ideal for Keto
Chicken is a lean protein that fits perfectly into the keto diet's macronutrient ratios. It is relatively inexpensive, simple to prepare, and tastes fantastic. Chicken is packed with nutrition, being a great source of potassium, selenium, and B6 vitamins. Whether you prefer chicken breasts or thighs, there are numerous ways to prepare keto chicken recipes to suit your taste.
Essential Ingredients and Keto-Friendly Choices
When cooking keto chicken recipes, it's key to focus on healthy fats, quality proteins, and low-carb veggies, while avoiding added sugars and starchy sides. Here’s a quick list of foods to eat and foods to avoid while on a keto diet:
Foods to Eat:
- Chicken (breasts, thighs, wings)
- Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut oil)
- Low-carb vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli)
- Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar)
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds)
- Sugar-free sauces and dressings
Foods to Avoid:
- Sugary sauces and marinades
- Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn)
- Grains (rice, pasta, bread)
- Most fruits (except berries in moderation)
- Legumes (beans, lentils)
Lazy Keto Chicken Recipe Ideas
These chicken recipe ideas contain less than 15g of net carbs and generally have a higher fat content and plenty of protein.
1. Creamy Keto Mushroom Chicken
This keto chicken recipe with creamy mushroom sauce is a favorite for dinner. It features chicken thighs cooked to a golden-brown crust and smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce.
Read also: Low-Carb Crock-Pot Meals
Ingredients:
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Diced onions
- Minced garlic
- Mushrooms
- Heavy cream
- Freshly chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Cook diced onions and minced garlic in butter until browned.
- Fry chicken thighs until cooked through and golden brown.
- Set chicken aside and cook mushrooms until they reduce in size and start browning.
- Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the mushrooms and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped green onions.
Serve with CREAMY KETO CAULIFLOWER MASH, LOW CARB KETO CAULIFLOWER RICE to complete your perfect keto mushroom chicken dish.
2. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy chicken broccoli casserole is an easy 30-minute keto meal. It’s simple to throw together, even on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Broccoli florets
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella)
- Cream cheese
- Ranch seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and grease a baking dish.
- Cook chicken and broccoli.
- Mix cream cheese and ranch seasoning.
- Assemble ingredients in the baking dish.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Low Carb Veggies
These easy Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are baked together with low carb veggies. Juicy and succulent, this keto dinner recipe comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Low carb veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, onions)
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and spices
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil and spices.
- Spread evenly on the sheet pan.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
4. Baked Buffalo Chicken
This Baked Buffalo Chicken is a crowd pleaser. You get tender, juicy meat and crispy skin without the hassle of deep frying. And with only 5 basic ingredients, it's an easy keto meal for the whole fam.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven.
- Mix buffalo wing sauce with melted butter and garlic powder.
- Coat chicken pieces with the sauce.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and crispy.
5. Crispy Keto Chicken Wings
These keto chicken wings are a fan favorite for a reason! You will be licking your fingers and asking for more.
Read also: Rock Your Keto Diet
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Baking powder
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Garlic
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss chicken wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake until crispy.
- Melt butter with garlic and toss with the baked wings.
6. Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Spinach Stuffed Chicken is the perfect keto-friendly dinner. Each serving has 3.2g net carbs and a whopping 47g of protein, making it a satisfying weeknight meal that's both healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Spinach
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven.
- Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through.
7. Chicken Dijon
Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs come alive in this classic Chicken Dijon recipe. With a rich, creamy sauce, this one-pan meal comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Dijon mustard
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken thighs in butter until golden brown.
- Add garlic and Dijon mustard to the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens.
8. Chicken Enchilada Soup
This Chicken Enchilada Soup is hearty, creamy, and so satisfying. Chockfull of chicken and spices, it's one of my favorite keto instant pot recipes. Slow cooker instructions included too!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese
- Enchilada sauce
- Spices (chili powder, cumin)
- Shredded cheese
Instructions (Instant Pot):
- Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and spices to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure.
- Shred chicken and stir in cream cheese.
- Top with shredded cheese before serving.
9. Keto Chicken Marsala
This Keto Chicken Marsala is a classic recipe with a healthy twist. You can't beat this golden pan-seared chicken topped with succulent mushrooms in a rich, velvety sauce.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Mushrooms
- Marsala wine
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken breasts in butter until golden brown.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic in the same pan.
- Add Marsala wine and chicken broth and simmer until reduced.
- Stir in heavy cream and pour over chicken.
10. Buffalo Chicken Soup
Rich and delicious, this keto-friendly buffalo chicken soup will warm you right down to your toes! A low carb soup recipe you don't want to miss.
Read also: Lazy Keto Meal Planning
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Cream cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, and buffalo wing sauce in a pot.
- Cook until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken and stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing.
- Top with shredded cheese before serving.
11. Easy Pizza Chicken
This Easy Pizza Chicken is like your favorite pizza without all the carbs. It's an easy one pan meal that takes only 5 ingredients and 35 minutes to make, start to finish.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Low-sugar marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
12. Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Make creamy mushroom chicken in no time in your Instant Pot! So easy and quick, this mouthwatering low carb meal will become an instant family favorite. Oven instructions included too!
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Mushrooms
- Cream cheese
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions (Instant Pot):
- Sauté chicken thighs in the Instant Pot.
- Add mushrooms, chicken broth, and garlic.
- Cook on high pressure.
- Stir in cream cheese before serving.
13. Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
This Thai Peanut Chicken is ridiculously easy and ridiculously delicious. Tender chicken thighs in a creamy, flavorful sauce, all cooked together in one pot. Serve over cauliflower rice for a healthy low carb dinner!
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Peanut butter
- Coconut aminos
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions (Slow Cooker):
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken and serve over cauliflower rice.
14. Keto Chicken Pot Pie
Keto chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Low-carb vegetables (celery, carrots, onions)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Almond flour
- Butter
- Baking powder
Instructions:
- Prepare a creamy chicken and vegetable filling.
- Make a low-carb biscuit topping with almond flour, butter, and baking powder.
- Assemble the pot pie and bake until golden brown.
15. Curried Chicken Salad
Add flavor to your summer meals with this easy Curried Chicken Salad.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Mayonnaise
- Curry powder
- Celery
- Onion
- Almonds
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well and chill before serving.
16. Chicken Adobo
This Chicken Adobo recipe is a dinnertime flavor explosion! With juicy, succulent chicken thighs in a tangy, zesty sauce, it will become an instant family favorite.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Black peppercorns
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
17. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Tomato Basil Chicken is easy and quick to prepare, and bursting with fresh flavor. Seven simple ingredients and less than 40 minutes is all it takes to make this fabulous keto dinner recipe.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Fresh tomatoes
- Basil
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add tomatoes and basil and simmer until softened.
- Sear chicken breasts in the same pan.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens.
18. Keto White Chicken Chili
This keto white chicken chili is thick, creamy, and unbelievably satisfying. It's delicious low carb chili recipe that my whole family loves, and yours will too. Guaranteed!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese
- Green chilies
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions:
- Cook chicken breasts in chicken broth.
- Shred chicken and return to the pot.
- Add cream cheese, green chilies, onion, garlic, and cumin.
- Simmer until flavors meld.
- Top with Monterey Jack cheese before serving.
19. Jalapeño Popper Chicken
This creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken is an easy and flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Cream cheese
- Jalapeños
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven.
- Butterfly chicken breasts and fill with a mixture of cream cheese, jalapeños, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through.
20. Keto Chicken Tenders
These Keto Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Drizzled with a luscious sugar free hot honey sauce, they rival anything from a restaurant!
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders
- Almond flour
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Spices (garlic powder, paprika)
- Sugar-free hot honey sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare an egg wash and a breading mixture of almond flour, parmesan cheese, and spices.
- Dip chicken tenders in egg wash and then dredge in the breading mixture.
- Bake or fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle with sugar-free hot honey sauce.
21. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These sheet pan keto chicken fajitas come together in 35 minutes, start to finish. It's a one pan meal bursting with bold flavor.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Fajita seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Slice chicken, bell peppers, and onions.
- Toss with fajita seasoning and olive oil.
- Spread evenly on the sheet pan.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
22. Keto Chicken Fritters
These easy Chicken Fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Made with keto-friendly ingredients, they come together quickly for a delicious low carb meal or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Almond flour
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Spices
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Form into fritters.
- Fry until golden brown.
23. Chipotle Lime Chicken
Succulent and flavorful, this Chipotle Lime Chicken makes your tastebuds sing.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Spices
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices.
- Grill or bake until chicken is cooked through.
24. Brown Butter Chicken
This Brown Butter Chicken tastes like a gourmet meal but takes only 20 minutes to prepare. It's an easy keto recipe that wows everyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet until browned.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken breasts in the brown butter until cooked through.
- Add lemon juice and garlic to the pan.
25. Greek-Style Chicken Lemon Soup
This Keto Chicken Soup recipe is a healthy take on the classic Greek Avoglemono soup.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Chicken
- Lemon juice
- Eggs
- Cauliflower rice
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth to a simmer.
- Whisk eggs and lemon juice together.
- Temper the egg mixture with hot broth.
- Add chicken and cauliflower rice to the soup.
- Simmer until heated through.
26. Keto Chicken Stir Fry
This keto chicken stir fry is made with lots of vegetables and prepared all in one pan. It's perfect for meal prep or as a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Sugar snap peas
- Water chestnuts
- Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- Sesame oil
- Red chili pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Mix chicken thighs with oil.
- Cook chicken until golden brown.
- Add onions and cook until softened.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and sugar snap peas and cook until tender.
- Mix together sauce ingredients and add to the stir fry.
- Add chicken back into the pan along with sesame oil and red chili pepper flakes.
27. Low Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken
French Garlic Chicken is an easy low carb chicken recipe that you can make made in the Instant Pot or Stovetop.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Dijon mustard
- Herbes de Provence
- Salt and pepper
Instructions (Stovetop):
- Heat butter in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned on one side.
- Add marinade and water.
- Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes, turning the thighs halfway through.
- Remove the chicken and add cream, mixing well with the liquid in the pot.
- Pour sauce onto the chicken thighs and serve.
28. 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:
- Chicken breasts
- Bacon
- Cream cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Shredded cheese
Instructions (Oven Method):
- Preheat the oven and grease a baking dish.
- Pound the chicken breasts until ¼ inch in thickness and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Sear the chicken breasts and transfer them into the baking dish.
- Pour the pan juices over them and evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top, followed by the shredded cheese.
- Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
29. Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This Lazy Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole is delicious and super easy to make without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Marinara sauce (low-carb)
- Zucchini
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and grease a casserole dish.
- Cook and shred chicken breasts.
- Spiralize zucchini into noodles and sauté in butter.
- Place shredded chicken breasts in the dish.
- Pour marinara sauce on top, followed by parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Italian seasoning.
- Bake until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Serve the parmesan chicken on zucchini noodles.
Additional Quick & Easy Keto Chicken Recipes
- Crockpot Salsa Chicken: Use no-sugar salsa for a perfect lazy keto chicken dinner.
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders: Customize with your favorite keto-friendly seasonings.
- BBQ Chicken Foil Packets: Skip the sweet potato for lower carbs.
- Bruschetta Chicken: Made with keto-friendly balsamic glaze or a sugar-free alternative.
- Pizza Chicken Bake: All the pizza flavor without the carbs-made with low-sugar marinara sauce.
- Chicken Romesco: Topped with vibrant red pepper and almond Romesco sauce.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Simple, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with fresh lime and cilantro.
- California Grilled Chicken: Swap honey for keto syrup to keep it low-carb.
- Moroccan Chicken Thighs: Skip the chickpeas and serve with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
- Sheet Pan Chicken and Broccoli: For a fuss-free dinner.
- Stuffed Chicken Thighs: For a decadent keto treat.
- Chicken Zucchini Casserole: Simple, cheesy, and packed with zucchini and chicken for an easy keto meal.
- Spinach Artichoke Casserole: Like the classic dip, but baked into a warm, hearty keto dinner the kids will devour.
- Baked Ranch Chicken: Use sugar-free ranch seasoning to keep it keto.
- Caesar Chicken: Choose a keto-friendly Caesar dressing to stay low-carb.
- Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken: A dish sure to satisfy the whole family.
- Chicken Roll Ups: Baked to juicy perfection.
- Loaded Scrambled Eggs: For a quick, hearty breakfast.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: Brown the chicken first for extra flavor, or skip for faster prep.
- Crack Chicken Soup: A keto cult classic that’s super easy to make.
Tips for Keto Chicken Success
- Marinate Your Chicken: Marinating chicken can add flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Don't Overcook: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature without drying out.
- Use Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, and butter to meet your keto macronutrient goals.
- Get Creative with Spices: Experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor to your chicken dishes.
- Pair with Low-Carb Sides: Serve your keto chicken with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a leafy green salad.
- Meal Prep: Cook chicken in advance for easy meal prepping.