Chicken is a dinner hero, and when it’s keto-friendly, it’s even more of a game-changer. These 20 easy recipes are loaded with flavor, satisfy even the pickiest eaters, and keep your carb count in check.
Think crispy, juicy, and mouthwatering dishes that prove healthy doesn’t have to mean bland. No need to compromise on taste—these chicken dinners will have everyone asking for seconds, no guilt required.
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Holy flavor explosion! These juicy thighs sizzle in a pan with nothing but butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs. The skin crisps up like a dream while the meat stays tender enough to make you weep.
Cook them skin-side down first until golden brown (patience pays off here). Flip once, add more butter, and let that garlic work its magic. The natural fat in thighs makes them perfect keto fuel.
2. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Avocados
Hangry and need food stat? Grab those avocados languishing on your counter! Slice ’em in half, remove the pits, and stuff with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce.
The cool, creamy avocado perfectly balances the kick from the hot sauce. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and dinner’s ready in under 10 minutes.
3. Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken
Dishes? What dishes? This one-pan wonder features chicken thighs or breasts marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, then roasted alongside low-carb veggies like Brussels sprouts and bell peppers.
The citrus tenderizes the meat while infusing bright flavor throughout. Line your pan with parchment paper and you’ll barely need to clean up afterward – more time for Netflix!
4. Crack Chicken In The Slow Cooker
Addictive? You bet your bacon it is! Dump chicken breasts, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and crumbled bacon in your slow cooker. Come back hours later to the most ridiculous comfort food that happens to be perfectly keto.
The cream cheese melts into a velvety sauce while the chicken becomes fork-tender. Shred it right in the pot, stir, and watch as everyone in your household mysteriously appears in the kitchen, drawn by the irresistible aroma.
5. Chicken Crust Pizza
Pizza night lives on! Forget almond flour crusts – blend ground chicken with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then press into a thin circle on parchment paper. Bake until golden, then add your favorite low-carb toppings.
The chicken crust crisps up surprisingly well while packing massive protein. Top with sugar-free marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni for a classic flavor profile that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
6. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Restaurant-worthy dinner in 20 minutes flat! Pan-sear chicken breasts until golden, then simmer in a sauce of heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. The combination tastes like it took hours but comes together in one skillet.
The sauce reduces to a silky consistency that clings to each bite of chicken. Those sun-dried tomatoes pack intense flavor without the carbs of fresh ones.
7. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Casseroles aren’t just for carb-loaders! This spicy, cheesy masterpiece layers chopped chicken with cream cheese, crispy bacon, jalapeños, and a cheddar cheese topping. The oven transforms it into a bubbling dish of keto nirvana.
The heat level is customizable – leave the seeds in your jalapeños for fire or remove them for a milder kick. The cream cheese mellows the spice while keeping everything moist and decadent.
8. Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Buffalo Sauce
Game day gold that won’t wreck your macros! Air fryers transform wings into crispy perfection without flour or breadcrumbs. The circulating hot air renders the fat, creating that coveted crunch without deep frying.
Toss the cooked wings in melted butter mixed with Frank’s RedHot for classic buffalo flavor. The beauty is in the simplicity – just chicken, butter, and hot sauce, yet somehow it tastes like cheating on your diet.
9. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Fancy French flavor without the fussy rolling and breading! Layer chunks of chicken with ham slices and Swiss cheese, then pour over a creamy Dijon sauce. The oven works its magic, melting everything into a gooey, savory sensation.
Traditional Cordon Bleu requires breading, but this deconstructed version delivers all the flavor without the carbs. The tangy Dijon cuts through the richness, creating perfect balance.
10. Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Bowl
Missing Mexican food on keto? This bowl scratches that itch! Simmer shredded chicken in green enchilada sauce (check labels for hidden sugars) with diced green chilies and Mexican spices.
Serve over cauliflower rice and top with a mountain of fixings – avocado, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños. The combination delivers all the enchilada flavor without tortillas sneaking in unwanted carbs.
11. Pesto Chicken With Zucchini Noodles
Pasta night gets a keto makeover! Sauté chicken breast strips until golden, then toss with spiralized zucchini and basil pesto. The entire dish comes together in one pan in under 15 minutes – faster than delivery pizza!
Store-bought pesto works in a pinch, but check labels for hidden sugars and oils. Better yet, make your own with basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil blended to perfection.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast
Bacon makes everything better – it’s basically a scientific fact. Butterfly chicken breasts and stuff with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and cheddar before wrapping each in bacon strips. Secure with toothpicks and bake until the bacon crisps.
The bacon bastes the chicken as it cooks, keeping everything juicy. Meanwhile, the filling melts into a creamy pocket of goodness that bursts with flavor when you cut into it.
13. Thai Coconut Curry Chicken
Your taste buds just bought tickets to Bangkok! Simmer chicken pieces in coconut milk with red curry paste, fish sauce, and a splash of lime. The result? A creamy, aromatic pot of keto-friendly bliss that’ll make you forget about takeout.
Add colorful low-carb veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and a handful of bean sprouts at the end. The coconut milk creates a rich base without flour or cornstarch thickeners that would add unwanted carbs.
14. Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps
Caesar salad gets a handheld makeover! Grill chicken breasts seasoned with simple salt and pepper, then slice thin. Wrap in large romaine lettuce leaves with shaved parmesan, crispy bacon bits, and a drizzle of keto Caesar dressing.
The cool, crisp lettuce against warm chicken creates textural magic. These wraps work equally well for lunch or dinner and require zero reheating – perfect for summer days when you can’t bear to turn on the oven.
15. Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats
Pasta cravings, meet your match! Roast spaghetti squash halves until the flesh shreds into pasta-like strands. While that’s happening, make a quick alfredo with chicken, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan.
Scrape the squash strands with a fork, but leave them in the shell. Pour the alfredo mixture over top, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. The squash boats double as both your bowl and your low-carb pasta substitute.
16. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
Transport yourself to a seaside taverna! Marinate chicken breasts in lemon, olive oil, garlic, and oregano before grilling to juicy perfection. Slice and arrange over greens with cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
The bright, sunny flavors need minimal dressing – just a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar lets the Mediterranean ingredients shine. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and crisp vegetables.
17. Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Bake
Comfort food alert! Combine chopped chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a cheesy sauce made from heavy cream, cheddar, and cream cheese. The oven transforms it into a bubbling casserole that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
The broccoli soaks up the cheesy goodness while providing fiber and nutrients. Sprinkle with crushed pork rinds mixed with melted butter for a crispy, bread-crumb-like topping that stays keto-compliant.
18. Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
Fajita night without the carb crash! Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Fill with a mixture of sautéed chicken strips, onions, and spices, then top with monterey jack cheese before baking until the peppers soften.
Top with all your favorite Mexican garnishes – sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The presentation is Instagram-worthy, but the taste will have you too busy eating to post!
19. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Italian night reinvented! Mix ground chicken with parmesan cheese, almond flour, Italian herbs, and egg to form tender meatballs. Bake until golden, then top with sugar-free marinara and more cheese before returning to the oven for melty perfection.
Serve over zucchini noodles or alongside a Caesar salad. These freeze beautifully – make a double batch and stash half for emergency dinner situations when cooking from scratch feels impossible!
20. Butter Chicken With Cauliflower Rice
Indian takeout who? This homemade butter chicken rivals any restaurant version but keeps carbs in check. Simmer chicken thighs in a sauce of butter, cream, tomato paste, and aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and fenugreek.
The sauce becomes velvety smooth and rich, perfect for spooning over riced cauliflower. Unlike many restaurant versions that add sugar or thickeners, this keto adaptation focuses on authentic flavors without the carb additions.