The ketogenic diet is about cutting carbs and embracing healthy fats and protein. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and, when paired with the right ingredients, makes for delicious, low-carb meals. Here are 15 keto-friendly chicken dishes that are satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Recipe 1: Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika.
- Sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add garlic and lemon slices, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Recipe 2: Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut a slit in each chicken breast to form a pocket.
- Mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff the mixture into the chicken pockets and secure with toothpicks.
- Heat oil in a skillet, sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Recipe 3: Keto Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup zucchini noodles
Instructions:
- Heat oil over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss in zucchini noodles and sliced chicken.
- Stir well and serve hot.
Recipe 4: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan in a bowl.
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat with flour mixture.
- Place in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe 5: Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken thighs in the mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until crispy and golden.
Recipe 6: Keto Buffalo Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 10 chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Bake wings for 35 minutes.
- Melt butter, mix with hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce and serve.
Recipe 7: Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Serve on lettuce wraps or eat as is.
Recipe 8: Keto Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat chicken in egg and almond flour.
- Pan-sear for 3 minutes per side.
- Place in a baking dish and top with marinara and cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Recipe 9: Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Mix chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form into meatballs and cook in butter until golden.
- Serve hot.
Recipe 10: Keto BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken in BBQ sauce and paprika.
- Thread onto skewers and grill for 8 minutes.
Recipe 11: Cheesy Chicken Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Pour cream over and top with cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Recipe 12: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a skillet and cook chicken.
- Add garlic and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 2 minutes and serve.
Recipe 13: Cajun Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss drumsticks in seasoning and oil.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
Recipe 14: Coconut Curry Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
Instructions:
- Cook chicken in a pan.
- Add coconut milk and curry powder.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
Recipe 15: Keto Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
Instructions:
- Simmer all ingredients for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Enjoy these easy keto chicken dishes and keep your low-carb journey delicious!
Conclusion
The ketogenic diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. These 15 keto-friendly chicken dishes prove that eating low-carb can be both delicious and satisfying. There’s a recipe here, whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or crispy. Incorporate these dishes into your meal planning, and you’ll stay on track with your keto goals while enjoying every bite. Happy cooking and happy keto eating!