5 Delicious Keto Chicken Recipes

There are countless ways to enjoy chicken on the ketogenic diet. The great thing about chicken is that it's versatile and can be paired with just about any low-carb vegetable or sauce for a tasty result. Whether you prefer chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, there’s an option for you here. These five easy chicken recipes are perfect for anyone following the ketogenic diet – check them out and get hungry!

Chicken with Keto-Friendly Veggies

This keto chicken dish is packed with delicious vegetables like zucchini and asparagus, providing vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber (1). The creamy avocado sauce drapes over the chicken and vegetables, making this dish stand out (2). It’s excellent for meal prep, allowing you to take a portion for lunch daily.

Ingredients:

• Six chicken breasts halved and pounded thin
• Two zucchinis, sliced
• One bunch of asparagus, cut into pieces
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• One avocado
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
3. Lay the zucchini and asparagus on top, and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are cooked and the zucchinis are soft.
5. While cooking, mash the avocado with a fork and mix in the olive oil.
6. Drizzle the avocado sauce over the baked chicken and vegetables and serve.

Chicken with Avocado and Salsa

This chicken dish tastes just like tacos – but without the tortillas! The chicken is mixed with salsa, creamy avocado, and a sprinkling of cheese. It’s straightforward and can be served with zucchini noodles for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients:

• Four chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 cup salsa
• Two avocados
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Put the chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with the salsa.
3. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
4. While the chicken cooks, mash the avocado with a fork and stir in the cilantro, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove the chicken from the oven and top with the avocado mixture and shredded cheese.
6. Place under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
7. Serve with zucchini noodles or salad.

Chicken and Cauliflower Mash

This creamy chicken and cauliflower mash makes an excellent keto-friendly meal (3). It’s easy to make and a great way to get more vegetables into your diet. This recipe is ideal for using up any leftover chicken in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

• Four chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Put the cauliflower florets and chicken stock in a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft.
3. While the cauliflower is cooking, place the diced chicken and butter in a pan over low heat and stir until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove from the heat and place the cooked chicken and cauliflower in a food processor with the cream.
5. Pulse until smooth and serve.

Keto Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is perfect when you’re under the weather or want a low-carb, healthy, comforting meal (4). It's excellent to prepare it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• One onion, diced
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• Three carrots, chopped
• Three celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chicken, carrots, celery, garlic powder, and oregano.
4. Pour in the chicken stock and water, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

This recipe transforms classic spaghetti and meatballs into a delicious low-carb meal. The chicken is flavorful, topped with an easy homemade parmesan sauce, and served with zucchini noodles.

Ingredients:

• Four chicken breasts cut into cubes
• 1 cup almond flour
• Two eggs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Zucchini noodles to serve

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the breading with the almond flour, parmesan cheese, butter, and eggs.
3. Dip the chicken pieces in the breading and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
5. While the chicken is cooking, make the zucchini noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.
6. Serve the chicken with the sauce over the zucchini noodles.

Keto Chicken Satay with Zucchini Noodles

This delicious twist on a classic recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It's an excellent way for your kids to eat more low-carb foods.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Zucchini noodles to serve

Instructions:

1. Mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, and some water to make the sauce.
2. Place the cubed chicken in a baking dish and pour the peanut sauce.
3. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
4. Serve with zucchini noodles.

Related Studies:

1. This study details the various nutrients in zucchini and their health benefits, making it relevant to the claim about the health benefits of zucchini and asparagus.
2. This study explores how avocados can benefit metabolic health, particularly in low-carb diets, making it relevant to the claim about the health benefits of avocados in a keto diet.
3. This study provides an overview of the nutritional profile of cauliflower and its benefits for those on low-carb diets, making it relevant to the claim about the nutritional benefits of cauliflower for low-carb diets.
4. This study investigates the potential benefits of chicken soup in alleviating symptoms of the common cold, making it relevant to the claim about the health benefits of chicken soup for colds and flu.

To Finish it Up

These five easy chicken recipes are perfect for anyone following the ketogenic diet. They’re delicious, easy to make, and packed with protein and vitamins to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Whether you prefer chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, there’s an option. These recipes will keep you satisfied while sticking to your keto diet, and they’re perfect for a quick and healthy dinner on a busy day.

FAQs

1. What makes these chicken recipes suitable for the ketogenic diet?

These recipes are low in carbs but high in healthy fats and proteins, making them perfect for the keto diet.

2. Can I substitute other cuts of chicken for chicken breasts?

You can use thighs, drumsticks, or any preferred chicken cuts. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These recipes are perfect for making ahead and storing for easy, keto-friendly meals throughout the week.

4. Can I substitute vegetables in these recipes?

 Feel free to substitute with other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. Are these recipes family-friendly?

Yes, they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family, even those who do not follow a keto diet.