Stuck on what to cook with chicken tonight? We’ve got you covered with the best keto chicken recipes. Included are tips to make keto chicken that can be used for every single dish!
Chicken is easily the most versatile and delicious source of protein out there. It’s like a blank canvas for a variety of flavors, and can be cooked in a plethora of ways- Baked, grilled, fried, poached, steamed, and more. It’s also the most popular dinner option for most people.
As it contains ZERO carbs and is packed with protein and some fat (depending on which cut of chicken you choose), it’s a staple food source in any low carb diet. It’s family friendly, easy to cook, and can be as fancy or as simple as you like!
Not only am I sharing easy keto chicken recipes here, but I’ll also be sharing my simple marinade and chicken recipe that guarantees juicy and flavorful grilled or baked chicken every single time.
Perfect on its own or served with some low carb sides (we personally love keto mac and cheese), this chicken also works with all the chicken recipes included below!
What you’ll need to make this recipe
- Chicken– Breast, thigh, or drumsticks are the best cuts of chicken to use. They all cook around the same time and this marinade holds onto these cuts perfectly.
- Lime– Always use freshly squeezed lime juice- The flavor just doesn’t compare to the bottled stuff!
- Garlic– Freshly minced garlic is a must for any chicken marinade. It balances out all the other spices perfectly.
- Oregano– Just a pinch.
- Salt and pepper– To taste.
- Olive oil– A flavorful oil that finishes off the delicious marinade.
How do you make keto chicken?
Start by adding the chicken breast fillets into a ziplock bag. Next, in a small bowl, whisk all the other ingredients until combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken and use your hands to rub it into the chicken. Now, place the chicken in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for an hour (no longer than four hours!).
When ready to cook, you either grill it or bake it.
- To grill– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill grates with oil. Once hot, add your chicken and cook for 6 minutes then flipping and cooking for another 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- To bake– Preheat the oven to 230C/450F. Place the chicken into a foil lined baking dish. Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 12 minutes, before flipping and cooking for a further 12 minutes, or until the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear (or the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F).
What are the best cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Chicken breast
Easily the most versatile of all cuts of chicken, breast fillets are the leanest parts of the chicken. They are also the most expensive cuts, especially if you choose the skinless option. It has the least amount of calories and fat and the highest amount of protein per 100 gram/4 oz serving.
Chicken thigh
Easily the tastiest part of a chicken, chicken thigh fillets can come in a variety of ways- Skinless, bone-in, bone-out, or with skin. Its meat is darker than breast fillets, and, depending on size, can require extra cooking time. Thigh meat contains more fat than breasts (around 6 grams per 100 grams/4 oz) but also plenty of protein (20 grams!).
Wings
The most affordable part of a chicken, chicken wings is great to marinate and grill with all and any spices and flavors. Like chicken thigh fillets, wings have a higher fat content, making them extra juicy and tender.
Drumsticks
Another affordable and versatile part of the chicken, drumsticks come on the on and also have darker meat. They can be used in place of breast and thigh fillets, and cooking them with their skin on keeps them crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside.
What kind of chicken is best for keto?
While all chicken is keto friendly, It all depends on whether you prefer light meat or dark meat and what recipe you are making. Chicken breast fillets and chicken thighs are perhaps the most versatile and have a similar cooking time. They can also be used interchangeably in recipes.
Storing, freezing, and reheating tips
- To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Place cooled cooked chicken in a sealable container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Either microwave the chicken for 30 seconds or reheat on a lightly greased non-stick pan.
What to serve with grilled chicken
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Keto Chicken Recipes (5 Star rated!)
Ingredients
- 4 small skinless chicken breast fillets or chicken thighs/drumsticks * See notes
- 2 small limes juiced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a ziplock bag, add the four pieces of chicken and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients until combined. Pour over the chicken and using your hands, rub it into the meat until coated. Refrigerate the chicken for at least an hour, to marinate.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator bake or grill the chicken.
Grilled chicken
- Preheat the grill on medium/high heat and lightly grease the grill grates. Once hot, add the chicken and grill for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the chicken is cooked by checking the internal temperature and ensuring it has an internal temperature of 165F.
Baked chicken
- Preheat the oven to 230C/450F. Place marinated chicken in a lined baking dish and bake uncovered for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is cooked once the internal temperature reaches 165F and is no longer pink in the middle.
Notes
Nutrition
Chicken Parmesan
This keto chicken parmesan is a twist on the classic Italian dish. Seasoned and breaded chicken breast fillets are pan-fried, then covered with marinara sauce and cheese, and baked in the oven until the cheese is oozing and melted. Serve it over keto pasta or spaghetti for a complete low carb chicken meal.
Carbs per serving– 3 grams net carbs.
Chicken Salad
An easy and fresh low carb dish, nothing beats a classic chicken salad! the combination of keto mayonnaise, chopped grilled chicken, and crunchy celery pieces taste exactly like a Waldorf salad. It’s perfectly hearty and creamy!
Carbs per serving– 2 grams net carbs
Hunan Chicken
A popular American Chinese takeout dish, Hunan chicken is a sweet and spicy stir fry that is packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken pieces. Both breast fillets and thigh fillets can be used, and we swap out the traditional high carb and high sugar ingredients for zero carb ones!
Carbs per serving– 4 grams net carbs
Fried Chicken
Nothing beats some good old fried chicken. Not only is this low carb version just as good as traditional fried chicken, but this recipe also uses real keto bread crumbs to give it the extra crispy exterior. Serve it with some keto french fries and you’ll never miss KFC or other fast food again!
Carbs per serving– 2 grams net carbs
Enchiladas
Grilled chicken is chopped and added to low carb tortillas with some fajita vegetables, salsa, and then covered with plenty of cheese. It’s baked in the oven until the filling is sizzling and the cheese is golden and oozing!
Carbs per serving– 4 grams net carbs
Quesadillas
Like enchiladas, grilled chicken is stuffed between low carb tortillas, along with grilled onions, peppers, and cheese. You then grill it on on both sides then served it with some guacamole and sour cream. Grilled thigh fillets work well for this too.
Carbs per serving– 4 grams net carbs
Chicken patties
Did you know canned chicken is keto friendly? Most brands contain very few or no carbs whatsoever. They are great to use as a sandwich filler or made into delicious cheesy patties. Be sure to drain the excess moisture from the chicken before using it.
Carbs per serving– 1 carb net carbs
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