Keto Baked Chicken Breast – This low carb baked chicken breast is juicy, and packed with flavor made in less than 20 minutes for the quick weeknight dinner.
Why Keto Baked Chicken Breast?
Chicken breast is a staple in the keto diet because it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein. Baking the chicken allows you to maintain its juiciness while keeping the preparation simple. By infusing it with keto-friendly seasonings and healthy fats, you can elevate this basic dish into something special while sticking to your low-carb goals.
Health Benefits of Chicken Breast on Keto:
- High in Protein: Helps with muscle recovery and keeps you full longer.
- Low in Carbs: Perfect for staying in ketosis.
- Versatile: Takes on the flavors of whatever you season it with.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Baked Chicken Breast
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Overcooking is the main reason chicken breasts turn out dry. A thermometer ensures you cook it to the safe 165°F without overcooking.
- Pound Your Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, use a meat mallet to pound them out. This ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Marinate for More Flavor: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will add a depth of flavor that penetrates the meat.
- Finish with Broil: If you like a crispy outer layer, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just be careful not to leave it too long, or it may dry out.
Keto Baked Chicken Breast Variations
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few keto-friendly variations to change things up:
- Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Top the chicken with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour before baking for a crunchy, golden crust.
- Stuffed Chicken Breast: Butterfly the chicken and stuff it with spinach, cream cheese, and herbs for a keto-friendly stuffed chicken breast.
- Buffalo Chicken Bake: Toss the chicken in a keto-friendly buffalo sauce (made with hot sauce and butter) before baking for a spicy kick.
- Pesto Chicken: Smother your chicken breasts with homemade or store-bought keto pesto for a flavor-packed meal that’s still low in carbs.
How to Serve Keto Baked Chicken Breast
This chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of keto-friendly sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Zucchini Noodles: Toss them in olive oil and garlic for a quick, keto-approved side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus roasted with olive oil and garlic complement the chicken perfectly.
- Keto Salad: A fresh green salad with avocado, cucumbers, and a keto-friendly dressing is a refreshing side.
How to Store Keto Baked Chicken Breast
One of the great things about this recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
Storing:
- In the Fridge: Store your cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- In the Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water to the baking dish will help retain moisture.
- In the Microwave: You can microwave it, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying it out.
Recipe FAQs
Is chicken breast keto-friendly?
Yes! Chicken breast is an excellent keto-friendly option because it contains zero carbs and is high in protein. Just be sure to add healthy fats to your meal to balance your macros, as chicken breast is naturally lean.
How do I keep my baked chicken breast from drying out?
To avoid dry chicken breast, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F. Letting it rest after baking also helps retain the juices.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat. They are naturally higher in fat, making them a bit juicier, and are also keto-friendly. Just adjust the baking time as chicken thighs may need a few extra minutes.
What’s the best way to season chicken breast on a keto diet?
The best seasonings for keto baked chicken breast include spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. You can also add keto-friendly sauces like butter, pesto, or buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
Keto Baked Chicken Breast (Low Carb)
Keto Baked Chicken Breast - This low carb baked chicken breast is juicy, and packed with flavor made in less than 20 minutes for the quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 4 cups water
For Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brine the Chicken: Start by brining your chicken breasts in a mixture of 4 cups of water and 1/4 cup of sea salt. Just pop them into a large bowl and let them sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature (or up to 24 hours in the fridge if you want to prep ahead). This step locks in moisture!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) while you get the chicken ready.
- Season the Chicken: Drain the brine, rinse the chicken breasts, and pat them dry. Place them in a baking dish, making sure they aren't too crowded. Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Bake: Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Your goal is for the internal temperature to hit 160-165°F. If you’ve got a meat thermometer, this is the time to use it!
- Rest: Once the chicken is done, cover it with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring each bite is super juicy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 114Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 26mgSodium 7687mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 10g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Keto baked chicken breast is a simple yet versatile dish that belongs in every keto cook’s recipe rotation. With its minimal ingredients, ease of preparation, and endless variations, this recipe can suit any taste while keeping you on track with your low-carb goals. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this baked chicken breast recipe is sure to please.
So, next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious keto meal, give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out!
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