Hi there. If you are anything like me, you probably feel like the day just disappears sometimes. You finish work, the house is a bit messy, and suddenly everyone is asking what is for dinner. When you are trying to stay in ketosis, that moment can feel pretty stressful. Personally, I have had many nights where I almost gave up and ordered a pizza because I thought keto cooking had to be hard.
But guess what. It really does not have to be that way. I have found that chicken is pretty much the secret weapon for any easy keto meal plan. It is cheap, it fills you up, and it takes on whatever flavor you want. Today, I want to share some of my favorite keto chicken recipes for easy dinners that your whole family will actually enjoy.
Whether you are a pro at low carb living or just starting out, these meals are going to make your life a lot easier. Let’s dive in and look at some simple ways to get dinner on the table without the stress.
Why Chicken is Perfect for Your Keto Diet
Believe it or not, chicken is one of the best proteins you can choose. Most of us usually reach for chicken breasts, but on a keto diet, you might actually want to try chicken thighs. Personally, I love thighs because they have more fat, which helps keep you full. Plus, they are much harder to overcook, so they stay nice and juicy.
When we talk about keto, we are looking for high fats, moderate protein, and very low carbs. Chicken fits right in because it has zero carbs. The trick is all in how you cook it and what sauces you add. Trust me, once you master a few of these, you will never feel like you are missing out on “normal” food.
1. The Easiest Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This is my go to meal when I have almost no time. It uses one pan, which means you have less cleaning to do later. I think we can all agree that fewer dishes is always a win.
What You Need
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4 chicken thighs (skin on makes them extra crunchy)
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3 tablespoons of butter
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4 cloves of minced garlic
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A little bit of salt and pepper
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Fresh parsley if you want to be fancy
How to Make It
First, pat your chicken dry with a paper towel. This is a little secret to getting the skin really crispy. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a big pan over medium heat. Place the chicken skin side down and let it cook until it is golden brown.
Flip the chicken over and add your garlic to the pan. You want to cook it until the chicken is done all the way through. Pour that extra garlic butter right over the top before you serve it. Honestly, it is so good that you might forget it is healthy.
2. Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
If you want something that looks like it came from a restaurant but is actually simple, you should try this. It is one of those meals where you feel like a chef.
What You Need
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2 large chicken breasts
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2 ounces of cream cheese (make sure it is soft)
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A handful of fresh spinach
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Half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
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A little garlic powder
How to Make It
You want to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Do not cut all the way through. In a small bowl, mix your cream cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella, and garlic powder. Stuff that mixture into the chicken.
You can sear these in a pan or bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. The cheese melts inside and creates a delicious sauce. My kids actually love this one because it is so cheesy.
3. One Pan Keto Chicken Fajita Bowls
Who doesn’t love Mexican food night. Usually, the tortillas add a lot of carbs, but we are just going to skip those and focus on the good stuff.
What You Need
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1 pound of chicken breast strips
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2 bell peppers (any color you like)
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Half an onion
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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Taco seasoning (check the label for no added sugar)
How to Make It
Throw the chicken, sliced peppers, and onions onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle the oil and sprinkle the seasoning over everything. Use your hands to toss it all together so it is well coated.
Bake it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. I suggest serving this with a big scoop of sour cream and some avocado. It is colorful, healthy, and takes almost no effort to clean up.
4. Keto Buffalo Chicken Casserole
If you like a little bit of heat, this recipe is for you. Casseroles are great because you can make a big batch and eat the leftovers for lunch the next day.
What You Need
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3 cups of cooked shredded chicken
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Half a cup of buffalo wing sauce
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4 ounces of cream cheese
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1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
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A bit of ranch dressing for drizzling
How to Make It
Mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce and softened cream cheese. Spread it out in a baking dish and top it with the cheddar cheese. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Top it with a drizzle of ranch and maybe some green onions. This is a total crowd pleaser at parties too. Plus, it is very filling so you won’t be reaching for snacks later in the night.
Tips for Success with Keto Chicken Recipes
I know starting a new way of eating can feel like a lot of work. Here are a few tips to make these keto chicken recipes even easier for you.
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Buy in bulk. When chicken goes on sale, buy a lot and freeze it. You will save money and always have a base for dinner.
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Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to make sure your chicken is safe to eat but still juicy. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prep your veggies. If you cut your peppers and onions earlier in the week, your weeknight cooking will go much faster.
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Don’t fear the fat. Remember, on keto, fat is your friend. Do not be afraid to use butter or heavy cream in your sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat chicken skin on keto?
Yes, you definitely can. In fact, I recommend it. The skin has healthy fats that are great for a keto diet. It also adds a lot of flavor and a nice crunch to your meal.
Is rotisserie chicken okay for keto?
Actually, rotisserie chicken is a great “cheat code” for easy dinners. Just be careful and check if there is any sugar in the seasoning or glaze used by the store. Most of the time, it is a perfect low carb option.
What should I serve with these chicken dishes?
Since we are skipping potatoes and pasta, you might wonder what goes on the side. I usually go with roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a big green salad with plenty of olive oil dressing. Zucchini noodles are also a fun choice.
How do I keep my chicken from getting dry?
The secret is usually using chicken thighs instead of breasts. If you do use breasts, try not to overcook them. Cooking them in a sauce or stuffing them with cheese, like in the recipe above, also helps keep them moist.
Putting it All Together
At the end of the day, eating keto should not feel like a chore. These keto chicken recipes for easy dinners are designed to keep you on track while saving you time in the kitchen. I have found that when I have a plan, I am much less likely to make choices that don’t align with my goals.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of free time to make a meal that tastes amazing and keeps you in ketosis. Just grab some chicken, some butter, and a few spices, and you are halfway there.
I really believe that you can enjoy your food and still reach your health goals. It is all about finding those simple recipes that work for your life.