There’s something magical about a dish that’s both indulgent and perfectly aligned with your health goals. That’s exactly what this keto chicken breast recipe brings to the table—literally.
Think tender, juicy chicken with a golden, lightly crisped exterior, seasoned to perfection with a blend of garlic, paprika, and a hint of smoky cayenne. It’s simple, flavorful, and low-carb, making it the ideal weeknight dinner for anyone watching their macros.
The idea for this recipe came to me last summer during my carb-cutting phase. I wanted a dish that felt hearty but wouldn’t tip me into a carb coma. After some experimenting, this foolproof technique emerged: a quick sear followed by gentle baking to lock in all the juices.
Here’s why this dish is special: it pairs effortlessly with nearly anything, from a side of roasted vegetables to buttery keto naan bread link or even cottage cheese flatbread link. The best part? This recipe is trending among keto enthusiasts for a good reason—protein-rich chicken is a top choice for weight loss, and each serving packs fewer than 5 net carbs!
Cooking this dish fills the kitchen with a savory, garlicky aroma that makes you feel like a gourmet chef. So, grab your skillet, and let’s bring this recipe to life. When you do, I’d love to hear about your variations or creative sides—drop a comment below!
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe?
- It’s foolproof: Even on busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes without stress.
- Customizable for every craving: I’ve swapped spices and sauces to keep it exciting. Lemon zest? Yes. A drizzle of keto barbecue sauce? Absolutely.
- Perfect for meal prep: It’s delicious hot or cold, making it my favorite grab-and-go lunch option.
- Weight-loss friendly: With high protein and low carbs, it’s helped me stay on track without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone in my family—keto or not—loves it.
Keto Chicken Breasts Recipe
Equipment
- Non-stick pan
- 13 x 9-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk
- Meat pounder or mallet
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried dill
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ⅛ tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp onion powder
Chicken
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- 4 small chicken breasts
- 1 tsp oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Pound the four chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat to add diced bacon and cook until crispy.
- Remove the bacon but retain the grease in the pan.
- Melt butter in the same pan, then add the chicken breasts to roast each side properly.
- Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and pour the pan juices over them.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cream cheese with spices until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on each chicken breast and sprinkle half cooked bacon on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded for uniform cooking.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and spreading.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 242g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 40g |
Variations That Will Help You Customize Your Dish!
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Swap out the smoky paprika and cayenne for a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Coat the chicken with almond flour and Parmesan for a flavorful, crispy crust.
- Lemon-Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a splash of lemon juice and zest to the seasoning mix and baste the chicken with melted garlic butter before baking for a zesty twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño-Cheddar Chicken: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños over the chicken before baking for a cheesy, spicy kick.
- Asian-Inspired Teriyaki Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a keto-friendly teriyaki sauce (using coconut aminos and erythritol) before searing for a sweet-savory flavor profile.
