Chicken is a versatile and adaptable protein option for those on a keto diet. It is a budget-friendly meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways and paired with different flavour profiles. Chicken is keto-approved as it contains zero carbs and is a good source of lean protein. For those on a keto diet, it is recommended to opt for dark meat chicken as it contains more fat and iron. For example, one roasted chicken thigh with the skin on has 10 grams of fat, according to the USDA.
What You'll Learn
Chicken is keto-approved
Chicken is a versatile and keto-approved food. With zero carbs, it is a good source of lean protein. For those on a keto diet, opting for dark meat can provide more fat and iron. For example, a roasted chicken thigh with the skin on contains 10 grams of fat, according to the USDA.
Chicken is also a budget-friendly option, as it is usually cheaper to buy the whole breast, including bones and skin, than skinless and boneless breasts. Additionally, the skin adds flavour and healthy fats. Chicken thighs are a good alternative, as they are less likely to dry out and are easy to cook.
Chicken is a blank canvas that goes well with almost any flavour profile, making it a great option for family meals. It can be adapted to suit a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Greek, and Asian. For those on a keto diet, chicken can be served with low-carb vegetables and innovative sauces, such as peanut, salsa verde, and garlic cream. It can also be served with cauliflower rice or zoodles, which are zucchini noodles.
There are numerous keto-friendly chicken recipes available, such as keto pesto chicken casserole, keto no-noodle chicken soup, keto Asian chicken with peanut coleslaw, and keto avocado Alfredo with chicken. Chicken is a versatile and healthy option for those following a keto diet.
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Chicken is versatile and budget-friendly
Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly option for those on a keto diet. It is a blank canvas that can be adapted to almost any flavour profile, making it a great choice for family meals.
Chicken is also one of the more affordable meats, especially when buying the whole breast, bones and skin included. This option is usually cheaper than buying skinless and boneless breasts, and it adds flavour and healthy fats to your meal. Chicken thighs are another good option, as they are easy to cook and less likely to dry out. They can be cooked with the skin on for extra flavour and fat.
For a quick and easy meal, a rotisserie chicken can be enjoyed as is or used in lettuce wraps and salads. The bones can also be used to make a collagen-rich bone broth, which is great for keto diets.
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of low-carb vegetables and sauces, such as peanut, salsa verde, and garlic cream. It can be served with cauliflower rice or zoodles for a filling and keto-friendly meal.
With its adaptability, affordability, and health benefits, chicken is a great option for those on a keto diet who are looking for a versatile and budget-friendly protein source.
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Chicken wing recipes
Chicken wings are a great option for a keto diet as they are naturally low in carbs and have a good amount of fat. Here are some keto-friendly chicken wing recipes:
Keto Buffalo Wings
This classic recipe involves baking the wings and tossing them in a low-carb buffalo sauce.
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Butter
- Hot sauce
- Garlic
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
Keto Chicken Wings
This recipe uses a combination of mayo, oil, and spices to create a delicious, low-carb coating for the wings.
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Mayo
- Oil
- Dried parsley
- Low-carb sweetener
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder
Keto Garlic Parmesan Wings
These wings are coated in a buttery garlic parmesan sauce and baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- Baking powder
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Parmesan
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Salt
Keto Asian Chicken Wings
Coated in a naturally sugar-free Asian-style sauce, these wings are a delicious and healthy option.
Crispy Chicken Wings with Garlic Yogurt Dip
A keto-friendly version of crispy chicken wings served with a garlic yogurt dip.
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Chicken thigh recipes
Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be adapted to suit a keto diet. Chicken thighs, in particular, are a great option as they are less likely to dry out than chicken breasts. Here are some delicious keto chicken thigh recipes to try:
Crispy Baked Keto Chicken Thighs
This recipe uses a unique ingredient—baking powder—to help make the skin extra crispy. The chicken thighs are seasoned with a simple blend of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and onion powder. The baking powder and seasonings are mixed together and used to coat the chicken thighs before baking. The two-stage cooking process starts at a lower temperature to render the fat, and then the oven temperature is increased to crisp up the skin.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
This is a simple one-pan meal that bakes chicken thighs with low-carb vegetables. The chicken is seasoned with a spice rub made from cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne, which is brushed over the thighs. The vegetables can include cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, and bacon can be added for a delicious smoky flavour. The whole dish is baked together, making it an easy and convenient weeknight meal.
Keto Smothered Chicken Thighs
This recipe starts with pan-frying crispy, bone-in chicken thighs before topping them with a creamy sauce made with bacon, mushrooms, and green onions. The chicken is seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cooked in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. After removing the chicken, a creamy sauce is made by whisking together chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, which is then seasoned and poured over the chicken.
Other Keto Chicken Thigh Recipes
There are plenty of other keto chicken thigh recipes to explore, including:
- Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Keto Chicken Fajita Bowl
- Lemon-Baked Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash
- Thai Chicken with Satay Sauce and Broccoli
- Keto Chicken BLT Salad
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Chicken breast recipes
Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be adapted to suit a keto diet. Here are some keto-friendly chicken breast recipes to get you started:
Keto Crack Chicken
This recipe combines chicken, bacon, two kinds of cheese, and ranch seasoning to create a creamy, comforting, and addictive dish. It can be made in an oven, slow cooker, or instant pot. The key ingredients include chicken breast fillets, butter, garlic powder, cream cheese, onion powder, dried dill, bacon, olive oil, and shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The chicken is seasoned, pan-fried, and then baked with the cream cheese filling and toppings.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herb Cream Cheese
This recipe involves stuffing chicken breasts with herb cream cheese and cooking them in an air fryer. The herb cream cheese can be made by mixing together cream cheese, garlic, and herbs of your choice such as chives, parsley, or basil. The chicken is then coated in parmesan cheese and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown.
Keto Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
A one-pan, 5-net-carb keto chicken recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. The key ingredients include chicken breast, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, butter, onion, jalapeños, heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. The chicken is seasoned, seared, and then simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Keto Pesto Chicken Casserole
A tasty and comforting casserole dish that combines chicken with pesto, feta cheese, and olives. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal and can be adapted to include other ingredients such as vegetables or different types of cheese.
Keto No-Noodle Chicken Soup
A warming and nourishing soup made with healing bone broth, chicken, and healthy cabbage. This recipe is ideal for cold weather or when you're feeling under the weather. It's a simple and comforting dish that can be easily adapted with additional vegetables or spices.
Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of keto-friendly recipes. These recipes provide a range of options for different cooking methods, flavors, and levels of complexity.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken is keto-approved because it contains zero carbs. Opt for dark meat for more fat and iron. For example, one roasted chicken thigh with the skin on has 10 grams of fat, according to the USDA.
Here are some keto chicken recipes:
- Keto pesto chicken casserole
- Keto no-noodle chicken soup
- Keto Asian chicken with peanut coleslaw
- Keto Caprese chicken
- Keto avocado Alfredo with chicken
Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein option that goes well with almost any flavor profile. It is also a good source of healthy fats and iron.