There are endless ways to prepare chicken breast, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty dish or something light and healthy. Check out the best keto chicken breast recipes!
One of the things that can make keto easier is finding delicious recipes that fit into your new lifestyle. And what could be better than chicken?
All meats are keto, but we think that chicken breast is the best one because it’s lower in fat than pork or beef.
It’s also a good source of protein, and this incredible fat and protein ratio is also what makes it a core ingredient in many other diets, not just keto.
Besides, if you want to double down on your weight loss efforts and combine a keto diet with a mild exercise routine, chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which will help you maintain and build muscle.
To help you stick to your ketogenic diet, we’ve collected some of the best keto chicken breast recipes.
25 Delicious Keto Chicken Breast Recipes
We mentioned earlier that chicken breast is very versatile in how you can cook it. So to give you some ideas, we’ve collected 25 of the best keto chicken breast recipes.
1. Chicken Breast Casserole Recipes with Parmesan
One fan-favorite chicken breast recipe is the classic chicken Parmesan. This dish is usually made with breaded and fried chicken, but our keto-friendly chicken Parmesan recipe uses a low-carb crust that’s just as crispy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Tomato sauce
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Chicken breasts
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Dried oregano, parsley, and basil
We loved most about this particular recipe because, unlike many other chicken breast recipes, the meat will be juicy instead of dry, especially if you eat it as soon as it’s ready.
However, those of you that are lactose intolerant should probably stay clear of this recipe since it does contain two types of cheese. Sure enough, there are dairy-free mozzarella options, but we can’t say the same about Parmesan.
2. Easy Chicken Breast Recipes (Few Ingredients) with a Parmesan Crust
If you loved our previous cheesy recipe but are looking for something with a little more crunch, you’ll love these Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts.
As the name suggests, this recipe involves coating chicken breasts in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and almond flour, which gives the meat a crispy outer layer.
Ingredients:
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian herbs
- Egg
The most amazing thing about this recipe is that, despite the chicken being breaded, the recipe is 100% keto since there’s no actual bread in the breading.
3. Tuscan Creamy Chicken Breast Recipes
If juicy is what you’re after, then you’ll love this creamy Tuscan chicken recipe. It’s a variation of the classic chicken Alfredo, but without all the carbs. So if you’re missing pasta, this is the next best thing.
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Dried thyme
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Ground pepper
- Chicken breasts
- Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly chopped basil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- Chopped sundried tomatoes
The result is a dish that tastes as if it came straight from an Italian restaurant. And the best part is, it’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
4. Enchilada Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipes with Green Chile
If you loved all of the previous recipes but are looking for something with more greenery inside, then this keto green chile chicken enchiladas recipe is perfect for you.
The best part about this recipe is that, unlike most enchilada recipes, it’s not only low in carbs but also gluten-free. So if you’re sensitive to gluten or just want to avoid it altogether, this is the dish for you.
Ingredients:
- Green chiles and green chile sauce
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Chili powder
- Cheddar
- Zucchini
- Pepper
- Cumin
- Salt
And here’s a pro tip: If you want your enchiladas to be even more flavorful, you can always add some chopped cilantro to the filling.
This dish will turn out creamy and flavorful, the recipe itself is easy to follow, and even if you don’t manage to finish it all in one sitting, you’ll be glad to know that it can be frozen for later.
Besides, this dish is also a great way to get rid of any extra chicken leftovers.
5. Keto Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
If you don’t consider yourself very skilled in the art of pots and pans, this recipe is perfect for you. It’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to make and healthy and flavorful.
And since it’s a fajita recipe, you can be sure that there will be plenty of protein and veggies. So if you’re looking for a complete meal, can’t go wrong with keto sheet pan chicken fajitas.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (things will also do)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Bell peppers
- Chili powder
- Onion
- Cumin
In short, if you know how to use your oven and keep a steady watch over your food while it’s cooking, you can make this recipe.
The entire dish is ready in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those busy weekdays when you don’t have much time to spare.
And if you want to make things even easier on yourself, you can always cook the chicken and veggies in advance and then just reheat them when you’re ready to eat.
6. Keto Coconut Curry Chicken – Simple Chicken Breast Recipes for Dinner
So far, all of the recipes that we’ve presented are extraordinarily delicious and tender. Still, if you’re more partial to Asian cuisine, this keto coconut curry chicken recipe is in a league of its own.
As for the ingredients, you won’t have all of them lying around your kitchen, particularly the spices, so you will need to go do some grocery shopping.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts of thighs
- Homemade curry powder
- Coconut or vegetable oil
- Garam masala
- Tomato paste
- Coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro
- Onions
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt
Ingredients (homemade curry mix):
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper to taste
However, in case you’ve never tried anything similar before, it’s best if you first test the spices to see if you have any allergies before you start making this dish.
It tastes amazing, looks exotic, and is one of those chicken breast dinner recipes that are so good that you’ll find yourself making it every week. Not to mention, it’s also incredibly easy to make. You can have the entire thing ready in under 30 minutes.
7. Keto Chicken Salad – Healthy Chicken Breast Recipe
When using chicken breasts for cooking, you don’t have to test your cooking skills too hard, and you can even get away with something simple, like a classic salad.
However, unlike a Caesar salad where you have 6 types of vegetables and only a bit of chicken, this keto chicken salad is all about the flavor.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cooked chicken breast
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Finely chopped red onion
- Finely chopped celery
- Crumbled bacon
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh chives
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh dill
- Salt
We liked this salad because it can be an amazing excuse to reuse whatever leftover chicken you have in the fridge, especially since it’ll be shredded and nobody could tell the difference anyway.
This salad will probably become a core food in whatever diets you’ll be on from now on, especially since it still gives you the chance to feel the taste of tender chicken and crunchy bacon. It’s one of the best healthy chicken breast recipes.
8. Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipes with Cheese and Spinach
Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s also one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. So, naturally, combining it with chicken breast is a great way to make a delicious and healthy meal.
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is perfect for those looking for an alternative to the classic spinach and feta stuffed chicken breasts.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Spinach
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Salt
Think of this dish as something similar to a Hot Pocket, only this time the crust is made up of juicy chicken breast, while the creamy filling is the perfect combination of cheese and spinach.
We tried this little recipe for ourselves and had a hard time deciding whether it tasted better than it looked or the other way around.
If this dish sounds like something you’d like to try, go to Natasha’s Kitchen to check out the full recipe.
9. Healthy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes
When it comes to baking chicken in the oven, people either love it or hate it, depending on how it will turn out.
You see, chicken breast is notorious for drying up fairly easily, and the fact that it’s extremely lean and there’s no fat to give as much flavor as other parts of the chicken doesn’t help either.
Well, you won’t have to worry about that with this recipe.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Butter or olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
As you can probably imagine, all you have to do is season the chicken and marinate it in your favorite spices. Then, bake it in the oven until it’s cooked through.
You need to keep in mind that chicken breast tends to cook faster than other parts of the chicken, so make sure to keep an eye on it and take it out of the oven as soon as it’s done cooking.
Does this recipe make you want to try it for yourself? Then go ahead and check out the full recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
10. Juicy Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes
Besides roasting in an oven, the healthiest cooking method is arguably grilling.
It’s a great way to cook chicken breast since it doesn’t require any oil or butter, and it also helps to give the meat a bit of flavor.
If you’re looking for a skinless, boneless chicken breast recipe that’s healthy, juicy, and flavorful, then this is for you.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Paprika
- Water
- Salt
You have to season the chicken with the spices, then grill it over high heat until it’s cooked through.
Make sure to brush the chicken with olive oil before you grill it, and also, be sure to keep an eye on it and flip the meat over a few times to cook it evenly.
If you’re looking for more tips on grilling chicken breast, then be sure to check out the full recipe at Simply Recipes.
It’s simple and fast, and the lack of exotic spices allows you to fully enjoy the chicken taste without masking it with other flavors.
11. Chicken Breast Recipe for Grill
If you love grilling, you’ll love this second grilled chicken breast recipe that we found for you.
This recipe is more complicated than the last one, but it’s still quite simple and easy to follow.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Garlic cloves
- Dried thyme
- Lemon zest
- Salt
Like the previous recipe, you’ll need to marinate the chicken in the spices before grilling it.
However, this time you’ll need to let it sit for as much as possible (the longer, the better), and if you want it to be extra tender, you could give it a few hits from your meat tenderizer!
If you’re looking for more tips on grilling chicken breast, then be sure to check out Once Upon a Chef since they seem to be onto something.
12. Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Fried chicken more or less everyone’s a guilty pleasure, but the problem is that it’s not exactly that healthy, even if it is technically keto.
Using an air fryer changes everything, as it uses very little oil to cook the chicken, making it a healthier option.
This is one of those air fryer chicken breast recipes that are also keto and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Salt
Once you have all the ingredients, you need to season the chicken and cook it in the air fryer until it’s cooked through.
The great thing about using an air fryer is that the chicken will still turn out juicy even if you don’t marinate it. However, the downside will be that it will only stay that way for a limited time, so cooking in bulk is not a good idea.
For more details on making this recipe, be sure to check out the full instructions at Gal on a Mission.
13. Classic Fried Chicken Breast Recipe
If air fryer chicken breast tastes good, but you don’t think it hits the mark, you could always try to make fried chicken breast in the typical frying pan.
However, typical fried chicken is usually made using flour, which is considered a big no-no on the keto diet. So, how do you make fried chicken without using flour?
We adapted this delicious recipe from Well Plated to make it as keto as possible by substituting the wheat flour for psyllium husk powder – a healthier and keto-friendly option.
Ingredients:
- Flour substitute
- Chicken Breast
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Canola oil
- Cayenne
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Lemon
Like with the air fryer recipe, you’ll need to season the chicken with the spices before dredging it in the flour mixture. However, this time you’ll need to use eggs and milk to create a batter, which will give the chicken a crispy coating when fried.
Once you’ve coated the chicken in the batter, you need to heat some oil in a frying pan and cook the chicken until it’s cooked through.
14. Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe
Having a chicken in the oven has become a Hallmark of American family dinners, and there’s a good reason for that. It is fairly simple to make, but it’s also a very healthy option, especially if you go for the skinless, boneless chicken breast.
This recipe from Recipe Tin Eats is oven-roasted chicken breast and makes for a great keto meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Finely chopped parsley
The seasoning and the oven’s temperature play a key role in ensuring that the chicken comes out moist and succulent, so don’t skimp on either.
Once you’ve prepped the chicken, all you need to do is roast it in the oven until it’s cooked through. And that’s it!
As for what you can pair this chicken with, you could always try some creamy mashed cauliflower to substitute for the classic mashed potatoes.
15. Easy Chicken Breast Recipe
Not everyone has a lot of time to spare for cooking, and some may not have a lot of supplies at their disposal all the time, which can greatly limit their cooking options.
However, this easy chicken breast recipe from All Recipes only requires three ingredients and can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Butter or margarine
- Salt
You’ll need to brush the chicken with some butter or margarine and then sprinkle it with salt. After that, you need to bake it in the oven until it’s cooked through. And that’s it!
It may not have that crunchy coating that the other recipes have, but it’s still a very moist and flavorful chicken breast, and as far as macronutrients are concerned, they’re perfect if you’re a gymgoer you’re used to cooking in bulk.
16. Roasted Split Chicken Breast Recipe
One of the biggest challenges when cooking chicken breast (regardless of the cooking method) is cooking the meat evenly.
This is because chicken breast comes in the form of a thick slab of meat, and it’s easy to undercook the middle part while the edges get all crispy and dry.
This is where splitting the chicken breast in half comes in, allowing for a more even cook.
This recipe from Spend with Pennies shows you how to do just that and how to roast the chicken to come out succulent and moist.
Ingredients:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Split chicken breasts
Once you’ve split the chicken breasts in half, you need to season them with salt and pepper (and some rosemary if you’re using it) before drizzling them with olive oil.
After that, all you need to do is roast them in the oven until they’re cooked through. And that’s it!
Pair this chicken with easy oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, and you’ve got yourself a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.!
17. Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe
The instant pot was all the rage when it came out, and people were using it for cooking all sorts of things, from stews to cakes.
Jo Cooks shows one of the quickest instant pot chicken breast recipes.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Chicken broth or water
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Pepper
- Salt
Preparing this chicken is a two-step process since you first have to sear it, and only then can you cook it in the instant pot. If you don’t do this, you’ll end up with chicken soup but without the juice.
18. Breaded Chicken Breast Recipe
Breaded chicken, regardless of the exact recipe, is always a hit. It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it’s just all-around delicious.
This recipe is a keto version of Spend with Pennies’ classic breaded chicken breast recipe, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for something simple yet tasty.
Ingredients:
- Keto cornbread crumbs
- Chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cooking spray
- Parsley flakes
- Dried basil
- Eggs
- Flour
The breading will keep the chicken nice and moist, while the cornbread crumbs give it a bit of a crunch. More so, you can serve it together with some tasty oven-baked cauliflower, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and healthy meal.
It’s definitely one of the best breaded chicken breast recipes. The original called for Panko and seasoned breadcrumbs, but we replaced them with a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
19. Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipes
If you’re not in a hurry and think that food should be delicious and have a delicate texture, slow-cooking is the way.
This recipe from The Cookie Rookie shows you how to cook chicken breast in a crockpot, resulting in some of the most tender and juicy chicken you’ll ever have. If you’re looking for crockpot recipes with chicken breast, this is the one to try.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried thyme
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Salt
Once you’ve seasoned the chicken breast and submerged it in chicken broth inside the crockpot, a combination of high temperatures, pressure, and several hours will do its thing and deliver some fork-tender chicken.
And since the crockpot does all the work, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare the side dishes. We recommend pairing it with oven-baked asparagus for a complete and well-rounded meal.
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes
If you prefer chicken breast slow cooker recipes to add to your ketogenic diet, consider this one from The Recipe Rebel.
It’s similar to the one before but adapted for a slow cooker. So if you don’t have a crockpot, using a slow cooker is the next best thing.
Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Low sodium chicken broth
- Butter or margarine
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
The great thing about using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it. You don’t have to wait for the chicken to be cooked through, which usually takes around 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Besides, if your slow cooker has a keep-warm function, you can prepare this chicken in the morning and have it ready, all savory and fresh, for dinner so everyone can enjoy it.
21. Keto Chicken Breast Recipes with Garlic and Butter
Many people think that chicken breast is pretty bland, and the truth is that it can be. But that’s only if you don’t know how to properly cook and season it.
This recipe from Gimme Delicious is a great example of that. It’s a garlic butter chicken recipe that takes only 15 minutes to make, and it’s delicious.
Ingredients:
- Garlic
- Butter
- Cilantro
- Chicken breasts
How you cut your chicken breast can make or break the dish. If you’re cutting it into small strips, it will cook faster and be more flavorful.
But if you want to keep it whole, you should consider butterflying it, which means cutting it horizontally almost all the way through, so it opens up like a book. Doing this will help the chicken breast cook evenly.
This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic and the butter, and the chicken breast comes out juicy and tender, so anyone that will taste it will be impressed with your cooking skills.
22. Moo Goo Gai Pan – Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipes
If you love Asian food but find Indian-style chicken too spicy for your color palette, you could try going for a Chinese variation called Moo Goo Gai Pan.
This is a traditional dish usually made with chicken thighs. But this recipe from Tip Buzz uses chicken breast, and it’s just as tasty.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Sliced bamboo shoots
- Sliced mushrooms
- Water chestnuts
- Chicken stock
- Egg whites
- Cornstarch
- Rice vinegar
- Vegetable oil
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Minced ginger
- Sesame oil
- Snow peas
- Carrots
- Sugar
Traditionally, this dish is served with rice. But since this is a keto-only recipe, you can have it with cauliflower rice instead.
It’s a great way to get your Chinese food fixed without worrying about the carbs. And the best part is that it’s really easy to make, so you can have a healthy and delicious meal ready in no time. It’s one of the best thin chicken breast recipes.
23. Chicken Piccata – Quick Chicken Breast Recipes
You can’t call yourself a master of the frying pan if you haven’t yet mastered the art of pulling off a juicy piece of chicken breast, and what better way to start it than with some chicken piccata?
This is a really simple recipe that you can find on the Food Network website, and it only takes 30 minutes to make. However, we recommend that you use a flour alternative for the dredging.
Ingredients:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Brined capers, rinsed
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- A flour substitute
- Fresh lemon juice
- Unsalted butter
- Chicken stock
- Sea salt
It tastes amazing, although some may find all that butter and oil to be a bit too greasy for their taste. But if you’re on the keto diet, you already know that fat is your friend, so there’s nothing to worry about here.
24. DIY KFC Original Recipe Chicken Breast
They say that imitation is the biggest form of flattery, and that’s the case with this recipe from Dinner Then Dessert. Sure enough, we tweaked one of the ingredients to make it completely keto, but the credit for the recipe is all theirs!
This is a homemade version of KFC’s original recipe chicken, and it tastes just as good as the real thing, if not better.
Ingredients:
- Dried basil leaves
- Dried oregano leaves
- Ground white pepper
- Ground black pepper
- Dried thyme leaves
- Flour substitute
- Chicken breast
- Dried mustard
- Ground ginger
- Vegetable oil
- Buttermilk
- Celery salt
- Garlic salt
- Paprika
- Eggs
- Salt
The original recipe requires MSG, but Dinner then Dessert decided to leave it out because it’s unnecessary, and it’s not good for you either.
This recipe is pretty much spot on, and we’re sure you’ll love it just as much as we do.
If you want to make the serving even more delicious, you can also prepare keto cheese sauce on the side to use as a kind of dip (trust us, it’s better than the tortilla cheese dip).
25. Chicken Pot Pie – Leftover Chicken Breast Recipes
Leftover chicken is always a good thing because you have less cooking to do. But sometimes, eating the same thing repeatedly can get a bit boring.
We’re glad that Pillsbury has this recipe for chicken pot pie. However, we did tweak it up a little so that it can be completely keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cooked chicken breast
- Frozen vegetable mix
- Butter or margarine
- Flour substitute
- Chopped onion
- Chicken broth
- Pepper
- Salt
- Milk
The biggest challenge for the pot pie is the crust since that’s basically what determines if the dish is keto or not. Fortunately, we wrote an entire article on making a keto pie crust with almond flour, so you can use that to help you with your pot pie.
As for the chicken itself, you’ll be giving it a second chance at filling your stomachs, and you’ll also be saving money since you’re reusing old ingredients instead of buying new ones.
FAQ
Discover more helpful details about chicken breast recipes:
Is chicken breast keto?
Yes, chicken breast is keto. It’s actually versatile since you can use it in many keto dishes, from salads to main courses.
Is chicken breast good on keto?
Yes. Since chicken breast is the leanest part of the chicken, it’s one of the best meats for keto. It’s low in fat and calories and a good source of protein – essential for maintaining muscle mass.
Is chicken thigh or breast better for keto?
The chicken thigh and breast are just as good for keto – one has protein and fat, and the other has mostly protein. But chicken thighs are superior because they have more fat, filling your caloric needs without using any side dishes.
Can I eat buffalo chicken on keto?
It mostly depends on the recipe. For example, if the wings are only covered in buffalo sauce, the dish is 100% keto-friendly. Besides, chicken wings are naturally high in fat, so many find them tastier than chicken breast.
Is Popeye’s chicken breast keto-friendly?
The only real problem with Popeye’s chicken is that most chicken is breaded – unsuitable for a keto diet. But you can find keto-friendlier dishes such as blackened tenders with green beans as a side dish.
Can you eat boneless skinless chicken breast on keto?
Yes, although many would argue that it’s best to keep the skin on since it’s fattier.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve reached the end of our list, and all this chicken talk has probably made you hungry. Don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal.
It’s probably a good thing because it means that our job here is done, and you can go ahead and start cooking some of these delicious recipes.
So take your time, follow the instructions in the guides, and enjoy your meal.
