Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful low carb chicken recipe is a true crowd-placer. Perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks, it comes together quickly, making dinner delicious and stress-free.
Studies show that a high-protein, low-carb diet supports satiety and weight management. Enjoy a high-protein, keto-friendly dinner that feels indulgent but fits your lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons, from its incredible taste to its simplicity:
- Rich Flavor Profile: This dish boasts a savory, cheesy, and creamy taste that doesn’t feel like a diet meal.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite low-carb vegetables to suit your palate.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Get a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Bake it in the oven, or adapt for a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.
- High Protein & Satisfying: Stay full and energized thanks to the generous protein content in this low carb chicken dish.
- Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: Perfectly fits your dietary needs without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal. This low carb chicken dish relies on fresh, wholesome components for maximum flavor.
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt these ingredients to fit what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite shredded cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
- Ranch Seasoning: For a quicker option, use one packet of store-bought ranch seasoning instead of individual spices.
- Fats: Olive oil or avocado oil work well for searing if you prefer not to use bacon grease.
- Garnish: Fresh green onions or chives add a lovely pop of color and flavor when serving.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this straightforward recipe.
- 13×9 inch baking dish
- Large non-stick skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat tenderizer or rolling pin
Instructions
Creating this delicious low carb chicken is simple with our step-by-step guide. Follow these directions for a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
- Prep Chicken and Dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish and set it aside. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Pound and Season Chicken: Place the four small chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound them until they are about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for even flavor.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving the bacon grease in the pan. This grease adds incredible flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Add the butter to the hot bacon grease in the skillet. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and lightly seared. This step builds flavor and helps the chicken cook through.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining pan juices from the skillet over the chicken.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and dried dill. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Top and Bake: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the cooked crispy bacon on top, followed by the shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C/165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The USDA recommends all poultry reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure food safety.
Remove from the oven and serve your delicious low carb chicken immediately.
Optional: Slow Cooker Method
For a hands-off approach, adapt this low carb chicken for your slow cooker. Place chicken breasts in the cooker. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and spices, spreading over the chicken. Top with shredded cheese and bacon. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until chicken shreds easily.
Optional: Instant Pot Method
Enjoy this creamy low carb chicken even faster with an Instant Pot. Sear chicken on sauté mode. Remove chicken, then deglaze the pot. Add chicken back, top with cream cheese mixture, and then cheese and bacon. Cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes, with a 5-minute natural release.
Pro Tips for Perfect Low Carb Chicken
Achieve the best results with these simple tips for your low carb chicken.
- Even Searing: Ensure your chicken gets a nice golden crust by not overcrowding the pan and using medium-high heat.
- Thinner Sauce: If you prefer a thinner cream cheese sauce, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water.
- Pound Chicken: Pounding chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s extra crispy; it adds a fantastic texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Always use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that spreads easily.
- Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving brightens the dish and adds a touch of elegance.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile low carb chicken recipe offers many options for serving, storing, and customizing.
Serving Suggestions
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Zoodles: Pair with spiralized zucchini noodles for a light and fresh accompaniment.
- Green Salad: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover low carb chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures optimal freshness.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
- Microwave: For single servings, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Variations
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture for a fiery kick.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets before baking.
- Different Protein: This creamy topping works wonderfully with pork chops or turkey cutlets as well.
- Mexican Twist: Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, add a spoonful of salsa, a dash of taco seasoning, and cotija cheese.
Low Carb Chicken Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional breakdown helps you stay on track with your dietary goals. Here’s an estimated nutrition summary for one serving of this delicious low carb chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390-420 |
| Total Fat | 28-32g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-18g |
| Cholesterol | 100-110mg |
| Sodium | 450-500mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3-5g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
| Net Carbs | 2-3g |
| Protein | 30-35g |
Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates, providing a more accurate count for low-carb and keto diets. This makes tracking your macros easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Carb Chicken
Find quick answers to common questions about this delightful low carb chicken recipe.
- What makes this chicken recipe low carb? This recipe uses ingredients naturally low in carbohydrates, such as chicken, cream cheese, bacon, and spices, avoiding high-carb fillers. It’s perfect for keto diets.
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent, flavorful substitute; just ensure they are cooked through.
- Can I make this dairy-free? While cream cheese and shredded cheese are central, you could try dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives, though results may vary.
- How can I thicken the cream cheese sauce? If the sauce seems too thin, let it reduce slightly on the stovetop after baking or add a tiny amount of xanthan gum.
- Can I prep ingredients ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the bacon and mix the cream cheese with spices a day in advance to save time. This makes preparing the low carb chicken even quicker.
Conclusion
This easy low carb chicken recipe truly delivers on flavor, convenience, and dietary alignment. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that fits a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Give this versatile dish a try tonight and discover why it’s a family favorite. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so please share your comments and ratings below!
Easy Low Carb Chicken Recipe: Quick & Delicious Keto Chicken Dinner
Equipment
- Oven
- 13x9-inch baking dish
- Non-stick pan
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oil (e.g., olive oil)
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 6 ounces shredded cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Pound the chicken breasts to ¼ inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Cooking
- In a non-stick pan, cook chopped bacon until crispy; remove bacon but keep the grease. Add butter to the pan, then sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the baking dish, pouring the pan juices over them.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese with onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, celery salt, and dried dill.
- Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with the cooked bacon and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.