chicken Archives - The Best Keto Recipes Low Carb Made Easy Fri, 19 Jan 2024 02:47:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 158091747 Creamy Chicken Marsala https://thebestketorecipes.com/creamy-chicken-marsala/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=8732 This Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe features tender, seasoned chicken in creamy marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This dinner is perfect for guests because it is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare! We all need a few recipes we can prepare in a pinch that are certain to impress. This one-pan chicken recipeContinue Reading

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This Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe features tender, seasoned chicken in creamy marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This dinner is perfect for guests because it is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare!

chicken marsala in a creamy mushroom wine sauce

We all need a few recipes we can prepare in a pinch that are certain to impress. This one-pan chicken recipe is a dish you will want to keep handy! This creamy Chicken Marsala recipe is very easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably keep on hand!

The only ingredient you may have to look for is the Marsala wine. As you may have guessed, the wine is an essential component of this recipe. Luckily, it is easy to find and is in basically all main stream grocery stores. Just remember you want a good dry marsala for rich, authentic flavor!

ingredients for chicken marsala

Ingredients

As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients needed to make this one-pan chicken marsala recipe. For the complete, printable recipe simply scroll to the recipe card below.

  • Chicken Breasts: you will want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. We will be slicing the chicken into nice, thin pieces that cook quickly and uniformly.
  • Herbs and Spices: Garlic powder, Salt, Black pepper, along with fresh thyme are used to season the chicken or to garnish the final dish.
  • Butter and Olive oil: this gives you the best of both worlds. Butter burns easily, but adds excellent flavor. By using a blend you create a rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Mushrooms and Garlic: fresh mushrooms and garlic will give you the best flavor.
  • Marsala wine: true to the dish’s origins you should stick to Marsala wine and not substitute this with a different ingredient.
  • Chicken Broth: I suggest a low sodium broth so you can control the salt level better.
  • Heavy cream: this is not signature to traditional chicken marsala. However, I love how the flavor pairs with the rich wine and sauteed mushrooms. If you prefer to leave this out that is an option.
  • Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce, it is optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Chicken Marsala

  1. In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. When the butter is melted, cook the thin, seasoned chicken breasts on each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside. 
  2. Add the mushrooms to the pan along with the garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown. 
  3. Add the marsala wine to the pan, scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan, and cook the wine over medium heat until the wine is reduced by half (about 4-5 minutes).
  4. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until well combined. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened. 
  5. Add the chicken back to the pan and toss in the sauce. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve!

Serve

Serve this chicken immediately and be sure to spoon lots of creamy sauce over the chicken. Some excellent side dish options include this Cauliflower Risotto, Garlic Butter Cauliflower Mash. You may also this simple salad, low carb biscuits or keto dinner rolls.

Storage and Reheating

Allow the Chicken Marsala to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store up to 4 days. To reheat place in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave.

To freeze transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can store this in the freezer for 3 months. Allow the dish to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala

  • Fresh Mushrooms: Start with fresh mushrooms. Look for mushrooms that are firm and free of blemishes. If mushrooms are old they will begin to soften and have blemishes and soft spots. When cooked old mushrooms do not hold their shape well and the flavor can be unpleasant.
  • Quality Wine: The wine’s flavor will greatly impact the taste of the sauce, so opt for a dry or semi-dry Marsala wine rather than a sweet one.
  • Uniform Chicken: For even cooking take a large chicken breast and slice it as if you are butterflying, but slice it all the way through. You will then have two thin chicken breasts. This ensures that the chicken cooks through without getting dry.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: To ensure proper browning, make sure the chicken and later the mushrooms have enough room to cook without overcrowding the pan.
  • Deglaze: Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Simmer and Reduce: Let the Marsala wine sauce simmer and reduce slightly before adding the chicken and mushrooms back to the pan. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
creamy chicken marsala in pan

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this without wine?

Chicken Marsala simply wouldn’t be the same without Marsala wine.

Will this work with another protein?

Yes, this is great with pork chops.

Do I have to use the heavy cream?

No, you can skip the heavy cream if you prefer.

Do I have to use the cornstarch?

The cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. You can also do this by adding 1/8th teaspoon xantham gum, or you can skip this step altogether. Personally, I have no issue with it from a carb standpoint, it adds about 1 additional net carb per serving and greatly improves the dish.

chicken marsala in skillet

One Pan Chicken Recipes

Yield: 4

Creamy Chicken Marsala

This Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe features tender, seasoned chicken in creamy marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This dinner is perfect for guests because it is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare!

This Creamy Chicken Marsala recipe features tender, seasoned chicken in creamy marsala wine and mushroom sauce. This dinner is perfect for guests because it is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup dry marsala wine
  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, see notes)
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

    1. Slice the chicken in half lengthwise, as if you are butterflying, but slice all the way through. Season the thin chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and set aside. 
    2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. When the butter is melted, cook the chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside. 
    3. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the pan. Saute for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown. 
    4. Add the marsala wine to the pan, scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan, and cook the wine over medium heat until the wine is reduced by half (about 4-5 minutes).
    5. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until well combined. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened. 
    6. Add the chicken back to the pan and toss in the sauce. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve!

Notes

The cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. You can also do this by adding 1/8th teaspoon xantham gum, or you can skip this step altogether.

Personally, I have no issue with it from a carb standpoint, it adds about 1 additional net carb per serving and greatly improves the dish.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 chicken breast + 1/2 cup sauce

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 390Total Fat: 26gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 361mgCarbohydrates: 7.5gNet Carbohydrates: 6.7gFiber: 0.8gSugar: 2gProtein: 26g

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Crock Pot Sun Dried Tomato Chicken https://thebestketorecipes.com/crock-pot-sun-dried-tomato-chicken/ Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:06:46 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=9850 This Crock Pot Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, creamy slow cooker chicken recipe that is packed full of flavor. It is a family-friendly meal that provides 8 servings in just a few simple steps! Tangy, sweet, smoky…these are just a few of the words used to describe the unique flavor of sun driedContinue Reading

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This Crock Pot Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, creamy slow cooker chicken recipe that is packed full of flavor. It is a family-friendly meal that provides 8 servings in just a few simple steps!

close up of cooked sun dried tomato chicken in a slow cooker

Tangy, sweet, smoky…these are just a few of the words used to describe the unique flavor of sun dried tomatoes. Personally, tangy is the first adjective to come to mind. While we may not all agree on the best way to describe its flavor, we can surely agree that this Italian, sun dried tomato flavor is distinctive and delicious. Especially when combined with chicken.

This creamy, crockpot chicken recipe is an incredibly simple, time-saving way to get the distinctive, mouthwatering flavor of sun dried tomato chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe only requires 10-15 minutes of prep time then you will simply let it cook in the crockpot.

This creamy chicken recipe provides 8 servings so it is a great choice as a weeknight meal for a larger family or even a small gathering. If you enjoy meal prep, make this high protein chicken recipe at the beginning of the week. Then, depending on the size of your family, you can stretch it into one or several meals later in the week. You can also freeze this recipe for up to 3 months.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

  • Easy. This recipe only requires a couple simple steps before cooking in the slow cooker. Since it is a slow cooker recipe, there is minimal clean up required!
  • Family-friendly. This recipe provides 8 servings so it is a great choice for a family dinner and you will still likely have some leftovers!
  • Meal-prep. This is a great meal prep choice that you can either prepare ahead of time and freeze or make at the beginning of the week and stretch into multiple meals.
crock pot sun dried tomato chicken in a black crock pot

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need to make this sun dried tomato chicken. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: If you prefer dark meat, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper to taste
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: the heart of this recipe that provides a sweet, tangy flavor
  • Butter: used to sauté the garlic
  • Garlic cloves, minced: Adds flavor to the Alfredo sauce
  • White wine or chicken broth: we recommend white wine but a high-quality chicken broth will also work
  • Heavy cream: This helps provide the creamy texture and balances the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: used to add flavor to your sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you will need a small sauce pan, cooking spray, and a slow cooker (4-quart or larger) for this recipe. You can follow our step-by-step instructions below for the best results. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the printable recipe card with all the ingredients and exact amounts.

Season the chicken

Spray the inside of a 4-quart crock pot with cooking spray. Then place the chicken in the bottom of the dish and top with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes. 

Make the Alfredo sauce

Melt the butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Add the white wine and allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half. This step takes about 5 minutes. Once the wine is reduced, add the heavy cream and parmesan and stir well. Allow the alfredo sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until it has thickened. 

Cook the chicken

Pour the sauce over the chicken and place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low up to 8 hours or on high up to 3 hours. (Remember, the cooking time in crock pots can vary tremendously. If your slow cooker runs high (brings things to a simmer on low) you will want to stick to a cooking time of no more than 5-6 hours.)

What to Serve with this Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

  • Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts– Only 7 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes are needed for this versatile, healthy recipe. 
  • Italian Baked Mushrooms– These mushrooms are smothered in a delicious butter, garlic, and herb sauce! This is the perfect easy, low-carb side dish recipe!
  • Keto Dinner Rolls– These dinner rolls are perfectly soft and fluffy, you would never guess they are low carb! This homemade bread recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner table and only takes 30 minutes.
  • Keto Three Cheese Biscuits– Each cheesy low carb biscuit is loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella and fresh basil for just 2 net carbs each!  
  • Parmesan Cauliflower– This delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower is tossed in a delicious garlic parmesan sauce and cooked to crispy perfection! Just 4 net carbs for a full cup of this buttery side dish.
  • Cauliflower Risotto– This delicious cauliflower rice risotto is made with parmesan, cream cheese and piled high with seasonings! This one pan meal is low carb, gluten free and ready in under 30 minutes!
crock pot sun dried tomato chicken on a brown and white plate

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This is a great meal prep recipe that you can prepare ahead of time whether you plan to store it for a few days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Here are our storage and reheating recommendations below.

Reheating: You can easily reheat this recipe in the microwave. Reheat for 45 seconds then in 15-second increments until heated to your desired level.

Refrigerator Storage: Allow to cool completely. Then you can store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezer Storage: First, allow it to cool completely. Then you should store it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken FAQ

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten free if prepared as described.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. After allowing to cool completely, store in a freezer safe container.

What should I serve with Tuscan chicken?

We’ve provided a list of low carb side dish suggestions above. Enjoy!

close up of cooked sun dried tomato chicken in a slow cooker

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

Yield: 8

Crock Pot Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

close up of cooked sun dried tomato chicken in a slow cooker

This Crock Pot Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, creamy slow cooker chicken recipe that is packed full of flavor. It is a family-friendly meal that provides 8 servings in just a few simple steps!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, paprika
  • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

    1. Spray the inside of a 4-quart crock pot with cooking spray.
    2. Place the chicken in the bottom of the dish and top with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes.
    3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Add the white wine and allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half. This step takes about 5 minutes.
    4. When the wine is reduced, add the heavy cream and parmesan and stir well. Allow the alfredo sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until it has thickened.
    5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low up to 8 hours or on high up to 3 hours. (Remember, the cooking time in crock pots can vary tremendously. If your slow cooker runs high (brings things to a simmer on low) you will want to stick to a cooking time of no more than 5-6 hours. )

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

4 ounces chicken breast + 1/4 cup cream sauce

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 429Total Fat: 19gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 279mgCarbohydrates: 3.7gNet Carbohydrates: 3.1gFiber: 0.6gProtein: 42g

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Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Fritters https://thebestketorecipes.com/jalapeno-cheddar-chicken-fritters/ Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=9869 Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite with our Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Fritters – a deliciously crispy and cheesy delight that is ready in a flash! Today, we’re diving into the realm of crispy, cheesy goodness with a recipe bound to tantalize your taste buds – Jalapeño and Cheddar Chicken Fritters. This recipe combinesContinue Reading

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Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite with our Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Fritters – a deliciously crispy and cheesy delight that is ready in a flash!

an overhead shot of cheesy chicken fritters

Today, we’re diving into the realm of crispy, cheesy goodness with a recipe bound to tantalize your taste buds – Jalapeño and Cheddar Chicken Fritters. This recipe combines the heat of jalapeños with the creamy richness of shredded cheddar cheese and a hint of richness from cumin and paprika. These fritters are a simple weeknight dinner or great for a grab-and-go lunch!

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and Convenient Meal: Cheesy chicken fritters offer a speedy solution for those busy days when time is of the essence. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, these fritters provide a delicious and satisfying meal without the need for extensive cooking or complicated ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Delight: For individuals following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, these cheesy chicken fritters are a fantastic choice. The combination of ground chicken, cheese, and seasonings not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with low-carb dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for those mindful of their carb intake.
  • Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy chicken fritters are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. These fritters cater to various culinary preferences, whether served as a delightful appetizer, a protein-packed main course, or tucked into a low-carb wrap or salad.
chicken fritters being dipped into sauce

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Fritters

As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients needed to make this recipe. For the complete, printable recipe, simply scroll to the printable recipe card below. To make this chicken recipe, you will need a mixing bowl, pan and spatula in addition to the ingredients listed below:

  • Ground Chicken: We are skipping the chicken breasts and chicken thighs for this meal and going for simple ground chicken. It is a great alternative to ground beef and is usually quite economical. you can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
  • Jalapenos: for this recipe, I use fresh, seeded jalapenos. If you prefer a milder pepper you can use green bell peppers. And just in case you don’t have access to fresh peppers you can use pickled jalapenos as well, just check out my note in the recipe card.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: sharp cheddar pairs so well with fresh jalapeno peppers. You can also use mozzarella cheese or Colby-jack if you wish.
  • Chopped Green Onions and Minced Garlic: this adds great flavor, but if you are out, finely chopped red onion works in a pinch.
  • Egg and Coconut Flour: This binder helps hold the fritters together.
  • Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and seasoned salt.

How to make Chicken Fritters

  1. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped jalapeños, green onions, minced garlic, and spices. Add the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, and coconut flour. Stir again until everything comes together, set the mixture aside for a few minutes to allow the coconut flour to absorb the moisture.
  2. Shape and Form: With your hands (make sure they’re clean!), form the mixture into small patties. I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup, an ice cream scoop also works well, but the size is up to you. Remember, you just want to keep this small and thin enough that the outside gets golden and crispy, while the inside is juicy and cooked through.
  3. Ready, Set, Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the fritters in the oil, ensuring they have enough space to crisp up. Fry each side until golden brown, usually about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Drain and Savor: As your fritters reach that perfect golden hue, transfer them from your large frying pan to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a moment – although we won’t blame you if you dive right in!
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Dish up your Jalapeño and Cheddar Chicken Fritters and get ready to impress. Whether as a savory appetizer or a main course, these fritters are sure to steal the show.

Serve

This is a versatile dish that pairs well with any side dish. You can serve it over a salad, with crispy veggie fries, or alongside your favorite air fryer vegetable. I really love to serve this with a dipping sauce like low carb ranch, this Jalapeno Ranch, or Taco Bell Copycat sauce. If you prefer a different flavor, a simple garlic aioli is a great option!

Storage and Reheating

Storing chicken fritters properly is crucial to maintaining their flavor and texture. Here’s a simple guide on how to store your tender Jalapeño and Cheddar Chicken Fritters:

  1. Refrigeration: Allow the chicken fritters to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. If you have a lot of fritters, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days.
  2. Freezing: If you want to store your chicken fritters longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Frozen chicken fritters can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chicken fritters, reheating is a breeze. If refrigerated, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For frozen fritters, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also reheat frozen fritters directly in the oven, but the cooking time may be longer.
a plate of chicken fritters with dipping sauce and chopped jalapenos

Tips for the Best Chicken Fritters

  • Finely Chop Ingredients: Ensure ingredients like jalapeños, green onions, and garlic are finely chopped. This helps distribute their flavors evenly throughout the fritters and prevents large chunks in the chicken mixture that might disrupt the texture.
  • Perfectly Sized Patties: Form uniform-sized patties to ensure even cooking. This also helps maintain a consistent texture across all the fritters. Aim for bite-sized portions for appetizers or slightly larger ones for a main course.
  • Avoid Crowding the Pan: Fry the fritters in batches, leaving enough space between each one. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and produce unevenly cooked fritters.
  • Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the cooked fritters on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps maintain their crispy exterior.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use almond flour?

This recipe uses one tablespoon of coconut flour as a binding agent. I have tested this recipe with coconut flour, almond flour, pork rind panko, and then using no binder at all. My suggestion is to use the coconut flour or use NO binder at all. The almond flour and pork rind panko versions weren’t as good, and the texture was lacking.

Is this chicken fritter recipe keto?

Yes, this recipe is low-carb, keto-friendly as well as gluten free. The complete nutrition information, including calories, carbs, fiber, and protein, is below the recipe.

Would other spices work in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any spices you enjoy, including dill, fresh herbs, black pepper, parmesan cheese, fresh basil or your favorite all-purpose blend.

a side angle of a serving plate of chicken fritters

Other Jalapeno Recipes

Yield: 4

Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Fritters

a plate of jalapeno chicken fritters

Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite with our Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Fritters – a deliciously crispy and cheesy delight ready in a flash!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapenos
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, paprika, seasoned salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour

Instructions

  1. Combine the ground chicken, chopped jalapenos, green onions, garlic, and spices in a mixing bowl. Once the mixture is combined, add the egg, shredded cheddar cheese, and coconut flour.
  2. Using a small ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pat out the chicken fritters. Pat the fritters a little thinner than you think they need to, as they will puff a bit as they cook.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, carefully add the fritters to the skillet. Ensure the fritters are not touching, and do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and the interior reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.
  4. When the fritters are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
  5. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

*If using pickled jalapenos instead of fresh, decrease the amount to 3 tablespoons.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

2 Fritters

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 324Total Fat: 21gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 584mgCarbohydrates: 3.5gNet Carbohydrates: 2.5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 29g

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Chicken and Waffles (keto + low carb) https://thebestketorecipes.com/chicken-and-waffles-keto-low-carb/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=9107 Chicken and Waffles are the ultimate comfort food! You can enjoy a plateful of crispy breaded chicken and light, fluffy waffles for fewer than 5 net carbs with this easy recipe! In the world of culinary delights, there are few combinations as beloved as chicken and waffles. This seemingly unlikely pairing of crispy, savory chickenContinue Reading

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Chicken and Waffles are the ultimate comfort food! You can enjoy a plateful of crispy breaded chicken and light, fluffy waffles for fewer than 5 net carbs with this easy recipe!

a plate f crispy breaded chicken sliced with a waffle

In the world of culinary delights, there are few combinations as beloved as chicken and waffles. This seemingly unlikely pairing of crispy, savory chicken with fluffy waffles has captured the hearts and taste buds of foodies everywhere. Typically, this is considered a Southern dish, but it has become so well loved I think it is a dish that transcends geographical boundaries. And now, thanks to a few simple changes it can also eclipse dietary boundaries! Let me show you exactly how to make perfect Chicken and Waffles that happen to be low carb, keto-friendly and gluten free!

What You’ll Need

As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. For the complete, printable recipe card scroll to the bottom of this post.

  • Chicken: I used chicken breasts, but you could use tenderloins to skip the slicing step. You could also use thighs if you prefer. 
  • Egg and Mayonnaise: This helps the breading stick and ensures the chicken stays nice and juicy. Eggs are also used in the waffle recipe.
  • Almond Flour and Parmesan: We use almond flour and parmesan for the breading on the chicken. The parmesan is essential and helps to make it nice and crispy. Almond flour is also used to make the low-carb waffles.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic salt. These are general all-purpose seasonings, and you could swap this out with a tasty blend you prefer more.
  • Butter: This is melted and brushed on the chicken to ensure the breading is crispy and delicious!
  • Shredded Cheese: an essential ingredient in the low carb waffle recipe.
plate of chicken and waffles

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need a few bowls, large baking sheet and of course a waffle maker! I use this mini waffle maker and cannot recommend it enough! Below you will find the step by step photos and directions to make this easy chicken dish. Remember, the printable recipe card is at the bottom of the post as well.

Bread the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray or line with aluminum foil. Combine the egg and mayonnaise in one shallow bowl and beat with a fork until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In another shallow bowl, combine the Keto Breading ingredients. Dip each sliced chicken tender into the egg mixture, then dredge in the breading. Make sure the tenders are entirely coated.

Bake the Chicken

These Crispy Oven Baked Keto Chicken Tenders are just what you've been craving! These delicious low carb, gluten free chicken tenders are about 1 net carb for two tenders! 

Once each tender is coated well, lay it on the cooking sheet and brush it with the melted butter. Bake 15 minutes, turn the tenders carefully using tongs, and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remember, the cook time will vary based on the size and thickness of your chicken.

Make the Waffles

While the chicken is in the oven make the waffles. Combine the eggs, shredded cheese, almond flour, and baking soda together. Carefully add the batter to the hot waffle maker, be sure not to overfill, a little goes a long way. The allow the waffles to cook 3-5 minutes (it will vary by machine) the waffles are done when steam is no longer emitting from the machine.

Serve

Serve the crispy chicken and fresh waffles while they are piping hot! If you are keeping low carb skip the traditional syrup and use a sugar free syrup. If you love a sweet and savory combo, serve this with a dash of hot sauce along with the syrup!

shot of sugar free maple syrup being poured on waffles with crispy chicken tenders

Storage and Reheating

  • Separate the chicken from the waffles. This will help prevent the waffles from becoming soggy.
  • Allow the chicken and waffles to cool to room temperature before storing them in separate airtight containers.
  • Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

To reheat chicken and waffles preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the waffles on a baking sheet and the chicken on another. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent it from overcooking or drying out. Heat in the oven until both the waffles and chicken are warmed through. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, but times may vary depending on your oven.

a plate of chicken and waffles

Variations

  1. Spicy Chicken and Waffles: Add a kick to your dish by seasoning the chicken with spices like cayenne pepper and serving it with a dash of hot sauce in the syrup.
  2. Chicken and Waffle Sliders: Mini waffles sandwiched with bite-sized pieces of fried chicken make for a fun and shareable version of this dish.
  3. Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings. You can add bacon, cheese, fried eggs, or even fruit to enhance the flavors.

Recipe FAQ

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally grain and gluten free and requires no additional adjustments.

What kind of syrup is keto-friendly?

There are two options that come to mind; the most well known may be this one, this is also a good option.

Can I use a different flour?

I do not recommend using an alternative flour for this recipe.

What kind of waffle maker should I use?

You can use any waffle maker, but the one you see pictured in this post is this model.

chicken and waffles on white plate

Other Comfort Food Recipes

  • Keto Shrimp and Grits: Does it get any more comforting than creamy, cheesy grits paired with spicy, perfectly cooked shrimp? No! Now, you can enjoy a true comfort food classic for just 5 net carbs per serving!
  • Broccoli Chicken Casserole: Broccoli Chicken Casserole is packed with shredded chicken, tender broccoli and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce!
  • Easy Mushroom Chicken Bake: Seasoned chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and baked until they are tender and juicy! 
  • Air Fryer Apples: Cinnamon spiced apples that are perfect over ice cream, oatmeal and more.
  • Shrimp Creole: Under 6 net carbs a serving, this flavor-packed low carb seafood dish will make your weekly rotation!

Yield: 6

Chicken and Waffles

shot of sugar free maple syrup being poured on waffles with crispy chicken tenders

Chicken and Waffles are the ultimate comfort food! You can enjoy a plateful of crispy breaded chicken and light, fluffy waffles for fewer than 5 net carbs with this easy recipe!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 12 strips
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons butter

For the Keto Breading

  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon EACH garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper

For the Keto Waffles

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

    For the Chicken

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
    2. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray, or line with aluminum foil.
    3. In one shallow bowl combine the egg and mayonnaise, beat with a fork until it is completely combined. Set aside.
    4. In another shallow bowl combine the Keto Breading ingredients. Dip each sliced chicken tender into the egg mixture, then dredge in the breading. Make sure the tenders are completely coated.
    5. Once each tender is coated well, lay it on the cooking sheet and brush it with the melted butter.
    6. Bake for 15 minutes, turn the tenders carefully using tongs, and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

For the Waffles

  1. Combine the eggs, shredded cheese, almond flour, and baking powder in a small bowl and mix well.
  2. Preheat a waffle maker according to the directions and lightly spray with cooking oil if needed.
  3. Spoon the batter into the waffle maker and cook 2-3 minutes until steam is no longer coming from the machine.
    This recipe makes 6 chaffles using the Dash Mini Waffle Maker.

Notes

Chicken Air Fryer Instructions:
Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Place the chicken tenders (without the melted butter) and lightly spray with cooking oil. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for 2-3 more minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1 waffle + 2 chicken tenders

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 460Total Fat: 24gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 501mgCarbohydrates: 5.3gNet Carbohydrates: 4.6gFiber: 0.7gSugar: 1gProtein: 40g

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Santa Fe Chicken https://thebestketorecipes.com/santa-fe-chicken/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=7871 This Santa Fe Chicken is a one-pan recipe packed with your favorite southwestern flavors. Juicy seasoned chicken is paired with peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce! Juicy and Tender Southwestern Chicken I love southwestern food. There’s something so special about the way the seasonings and chilies pair together. And chicken is easilyContinue Reading

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This Santa Fe Chicken is a one-pan recipe packed with your favorite southwestern flavors. Juicy seasoned chicken is paired with peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce!

A plate of Santa Fe Chicken on top of cauliflower rice, topped with scallions, with a fork

Juicy and Tender Southwestern Chicken

I love southwestern food. There’s something so special about the way the seasonings and chilies pair together. And chicken is easily my favorite protein when making southwestern dishes. So it probably goes without saying that I love this Santa Fe chicken recipe. The meat is perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with spices. Cheese, cream cheese, and cream make the dish rich and decadent, while green chilies and chili powder give it a nice kick. There’s just so much flavor in this dish.

It’s also very easy to make. This Santa Fe chicken recipe uses ingredients that you’re likely to already have on hand and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s an easy dish to make whenever you’re craving restaurant-quality chicken at home.

This Santa Fe Chicken is a one-pan recipe packed with your favorite southwestern flavors. Juicy seasoned chicken is paired with peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Recipe

Whether you need a fun and fancy meal on the weekends or some quick protein on a weekday, this is a great dish to make. Here’s why I know you’ll love making it … and eating it!

  • So easy. Despite being jam-packed with flavor, this is a really easy recipe to make. It only takes 25 minutes, and it’s a simple recipe to follow. You can easily make this Santa Fe chicken recipe after work and not feel stressed.
  • Low carb. If you’re looking for a tasty protein-packed dinner, this recipe is for you. It’s loaded with protein from the chicken breasts, and each serving has only 6.7 net carbs. Anyone on a low-carb diet needs to try making this dish. 
  • Decadent. This keto chicken may be high in protein and low in carbs, but it’s still super decadent. It has just enough cheese, cream cheese, and cream to be incredibly rich. It tastes so creamy, but you’ll still feel good after eating it. 
Overhead view of the ingredients needed for Santa Fe chicken: a plate of chicken breasts, a bowl of olive oil, a bowl of salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, a bowl of onions, a bowl of green bell peppers, a bowl of red bell peppers, a bowl of cream cheese, a bowl of Ro-tel, a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a pyrex of heavy cream, and a pyrex of chicken broth

Southwest Chicken Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this tender, juicy, and spicy chicken. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.

  • Olive oil – You could also use another neutral oil such as avocado oil if you prefer
  • Chicken breasts – Small boneless, skinless breasts work best for this recipe. If you prefer using boneless skinless chicken thighs, that would work, too.
  • Spices: for this recipe, you will need cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Onion, Peppers, Ro-tel – I use a yellow onion for this recipe, but white and red onions will also work. This is best with both red and green bell peppers, but other combinations will work. Make sure to drain the can of Ro-tel (or your favorite brand of canned tomatoes with green chilies).
  • Heavy cream: no subs here! Regular milk or almond milk will not give you the same results.
  • Chicken broth: vegetable broth can be substituted if needed. You can easily make your own Chicken Stock for a super flavorful ingredient that costs you barely anything at all.
  • Cream cheese: full-fat cream cheese melts best. Allow it to come to room temperature before melting for the smoothest texture.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: For best results, shred your own cheese, but pre-shredded works fine too. 

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken

Here’s how to make this quick and easy keto chicken recipe. All you need is a skillet, spatula, and spoon.

Season & cook chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the spice blend (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Once well mixed, sprinkle this all over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well covered for flavor in every bite.

Place a large skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil. Once shimmering, place the meat in the pan and sear until nicely browned. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, then flip and repeat. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the veggies

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then add bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

Make the sauce

Add the drained tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir until cream cheese is completely melted.

Make it cheesy

Add part of the cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts. Once smooth, place the chicken back in the skillet and top them with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Finish cooking

Put the lid on the skillet and simmer over low heat until chicken is cooked all the way through. This should take approximately 6-8 minutes. I recommend using a meat thermometer and removing from the heat once the chicken reaches 165 degrees F in the center.

Serve

This southwestern chicken is wonderful to eat all on its own, but I love to serve it on top of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. It’s also great when served with a veggie side dish. Here are a few of my favorites.

Store

Leftover Santa Fe chicken can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure chicken is completely cooled before refrigerating or freezing. Keep scrolling for freezing and reheating instructions.

This Santa Fe Chicken is a one-pan recipe packed with your favorite southwestern flavors. Juicy seasoned chicken is paired with peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce!

Freeze

You can definitely freeze this low-carb chicken recipe. Make sure it is cooled completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to defrost or thaw the chicken entirely before reheating it (preferably over night in the fridge).

Reheat

This dish is best rewarmed in an oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it, but I recommend using 50% for 1 minute intervals until warmed throughout. This helps prevent any exploding chicken making a mess in your microwave!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST one pan chicken

If you’re going to make this keto chicken, then make sure to try out some of these tips.  

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth. I like to use a low-sodium stock when making this recipe. There are a lot of salty ingredients in this dish, and it can get too salty if the broth is also packed with sodium. If you use a low-sodium broth, then you can more easily control the amount of salt in the recipe. Once the sauce is done, taste it and add more salt if necessary. You could make your own Chicken Stock as well!
  • Check the temperature. I always use an instant-read thermometer when cooking chicken. That way I can stop cooking the meat as soon as it reaches 165F. Using a thermometer is more accurate than using cooking time, and will help you make sure that the chicken breasts aren’t overcooked at all. 
  • Garnish. This recipe is amazing when topped with chopped scallions, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños. But you can add any of your go-to toppings, including fresh jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, and hot sauce. This chicken dish is a lot better when topped with fun garnishes, so make sure to add your favorites.
This Santa Fe Chicken is a one-pan recipe packed with your favorite southwestern flavors. Juicy seasoned chicken is paired with peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce!

More Easy Keto Chicken Dinners

I never get tired of eating chicken. If you’re like me, then you’ve got to try some of my other favorite keto chicken dishes.

Yield: 4 servings

Santa Fe Chicken

A plate of Santa Fe Chicken on top of cauliflower rice, topped with scallions, with a fork

This Santa Fe chicken recipe is juicy, tender, and has a perfect kick of spice. It's rich and flavorful, and only takes 25 minutes to make.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 small chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon EACH chili powder, garlic powder. salt, black pepper
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Ro-tel (tomatoes with green chilies), drained
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Cilantro, green onions, and pickled jalapeños (optional garnishes)

Instructions

  1. Combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides of the chicken.
  4. Sear the chicken in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned, then remove and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  6. Add the Ro-tel, heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir until the cream cheese melts entirely.
  7. Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese is melted.
  8. Put the chicken back in the skillet, and cover with the remaining cheese.
  9. Place a lid on the skillet and simmer over low heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or in the freezer for 3 months.
  • Reheat in a 350F oven for 10 minutes.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 chicken breast + 1/4 cup sauce

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 417Total Fat: 27.5gCholesterol: 134.8mgSodium: 957.5mgCarbohydrates: 7.9gNet Carbohydrates: 6.7gFiber: 1.2gSugar: 2.2gProtein: 34.5g

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Chicken Cacciatore Recipe https://thebestketorecipes.com/chicken-cacciatore-recipe/ Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=8588 This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe features tender, fall off the bone chicken in a rich, savory sauce. This classic Italian dish may seem intimidating but it is made in just one pan and is much easier than it seems! Chicken Cacciatore is a classic dish that most people recognize, but probably one that isn’t made often.Continue Reading

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This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe features tender, fall off the bone chicken in a rich, savory sauce. This classic Italian dish may seem intimidating but it is made in just one pan and is much easier than it seems!

chicken thighs in chicken cacciatore sauce in a skillet

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic dish that most people recognize, but probably one that isn’t made often. This dish is known for its multitude of ingredients and slow simmer, so it often seems unattainable for a weeknight meal. Luckily, I’ve created a dish that has all the flavor but takes a fraction of the time and ingredients. This is a nice shortcut recipe that still provides you with a rich, decadent sauce and super tender chicken.

Why You’ll Love It

  • One Pot: this impressive, hearty dish is made in just one pot. This means aside from a cutting board and knife there really isn’t much mess to clean up!
  • Versatile: as written, I tried to get as close to a traditional cacciatore while still keeping the recipe easy. However, this is a very forgiving dish you can alter. This will work with other cuts of chicken and different vegetables.
  • Make Ahead: since one of the best things about this dish is how the flavors meld together this is a great dish to make ahead of time. The flavor only gets deeper and richer as it sits!

Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore

As always, this is an overview of what you’ll need for this chicken recipe. For exact measurements, scroll down for the printable recipe card.

  • Chicken Thighs: Specifically bone in, skin on thighs with excess fat trimmed. I recommend cooking these with the skin on, then discarding the skin before serving. This may seem counterintuitive but the skin protects the meat from overcooking and ensures each bite is super juicy.
  • Vegetables and Herbs: Fresh onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and parsley are used in this recipe. As well as canned tomatoes to add depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Red Wine and Chicken Broth: for the wine choose a nice dry red wine such as a Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Spices: salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes are used in this recipe.
  • Black Olives: these are a signature component of classic chicken cacciatore. If you don’t love olives I would still use them in the recipe and simply remove them before serving. The salty, briny flavor really does add a lot to the sauce.

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore

In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need a Dutch oven or large deep skillet to make this recipe. I have documented each step of the process so you can make perfect, savory chicken and sauce!

Brown the Chicken

seared chicken thighs

The first step is to properly prepare the star of the show, the chicken. After you trim off any fat pat the chicken dry. This is important because if the surface of the chicken is wet and it hits a hot skillet it actually works to steam the chicken instead of browning it. Once the chicken is dry brown it in a hot skillet or Dutch oven for 5-7 minutes. Remember, this step is not meant to cook the chicken through, this step is great for adding flavor to the overall dish. Once the chicken is browned remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

sautéed vegetables in pan

This dish has so many amazing fresh vegetables. Before adding all of the other ingredients we will sauté the fresh ingredients to bring out maximum flavor. Add the onions, peppers and cook until they begin to soften. Add in the mushrooms, garlic, and thyme until the mushrooms are soft.

Add Wine and Broth

broth and tomatoes in cacciatore sauce

Next, slowly pour in the red wine as you scrape up and bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing the pan and helps to get up any bits of flavor in the bottom of the pan and nicely incorporates them in the sauce. Next, add the broth to the skillet along with the canned tomatoes and spices.

Add the Chicken and Cook

thighs added to cacciatore sauce

Add the chicken to the sauce and spoon a bit of the sauce over the chicken to really maximize the flavor it soaks up. Bring the sauce to a boil and once it has boiled for about 2 minutes reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce 30-35 minutes. This step, the low, slow and gentle simmer is what creates perfectly tender, fall off the bone chicken.

Add Olives and Thicken

Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the skillet. Set the chicken aside. Add the olives to the skillet and stir. Simmer the sauce about 10 minutes uncovered until it has thickened. While the chicken has been removed from the sauce carefully remove the skin and add back to the sauce once thickened.

Serve

Before serving spoon sauce over the chicken, or add the chicken to a deep serving platter and pour the sauce directly over the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy! Some amazing side dish options include:

chicken cacciatore on pan

Storage

This dish will keep up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. If possible, keep the thighs submerged in the veggies and sauce for maximum flavor retention. You can easily reheat chicken cacciatore in the microwave or oven, or you can do it in a skillet on the stove. The key is warming it slowly so that the chicken doesn’t overcook or dry out.

Freezer

This is a great freezer friendly meal. Simply allow the dish to cool completely and portion the veggies, sauce, and chicken into individual portions in freezer-safe containers, then enjoy within 3 months for the best texture. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Recipe FAQ

Is this dish spicy?

No, this is not a spicy dish. There is a very small amount of red pepper flakes in this dish, but if you are sensitive you can simply skip this ingredient.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, bone in chicken will provide the most flavor but you can use any cut you wish. Remember the cooking time may be different so rely on an instead read meat thermometer.

Can I skip the wine?

You can use additional both in place of the wine. However, the wine does add the best, most authentic flavor.

close up of chicken cacciatore

Other Italian Dishes

Yield: 6

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

chicken thighs in chicken cacciatore sauce in a skillet

This Chicken Cacciatore Recipe features tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken in a rich, savory sauce. This classic Italian dish may seem intimidating but it is made in just one pan and is much easier than it seems!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell peppers, cut into strips
  • 1 green bell peppers, cut into strips
  • 10 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup pitted black olives, cut in half
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

    1. Pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt on both sides. Heat olive oil in a 6-quart large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    2. Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, cooking for 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate for later. The chicken will NOT be cooked through at this point.
    3. Once the chicken has been removed add the onion, and peppers and cook for
      8 minutes until softened. Mix in the garlic, thyme, and mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
    4. Next, deglaze the pan with the red wine over medium-high heat, cooking for
      3-5 minutes until partially evaporated. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt. Place the chicken pieces on top of the mixture and spoon some of the liquid on top of each piece of chicken.
    5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer, covered, for about 35
      minutes. The chicken should become super soft and be fully cooked through, reaching at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
    6. Uncover the pan. Remove the chicken from the pan with tongs or a slotted spoon and place onto a large plate and set aside. Remove the skin from the chicken.
    7. Mix the olives into the sauce in the pan. Simmer the sauce in the pan over medium-low heat, uncovered, for 15 minutes until thickened.
    8. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with parsley.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1 thigh + 1/2 cup vegetables and sauce

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 472Total Fat: 11.8gCholesterol: 231mgSodium: 1126mgCarbohydrates: 9.9gNet Carbohydrates: 7.4gFiber: 2.5gSugar: 4.8gProtein: 74g

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Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies https://thebestketorecipes.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-and-veggies/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=8580 Our new favorite weeknight meal is this Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies! This dish is made in one pan and is full of bright, bold flavors that everyone loves! Lemon chicken is a refreshing dish that combines tender bites of chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon. Boneless chicken breasts are marinated in lemonContinue Reading

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Our new favorite weeknight meal is this Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies! This dish is made in one pan and is full of bright, bold flavors that everyone loves!

lemon chicken and broccoli with cauliflower in a pan with a spoon

Lemon chicken is a refreshing dish that combines tender bites of chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon. Boneless chicken breasts are marinated in lemon juice and flavorful seasonings, then cooked to perfection. My variation of lemon chicken includes fresh cauliflower and broccoli which balances well with the savory and succulent chicken.

The dish can be served as a complete meal since it includes protein and vegetables. Alternatively, it pairs well alongside a variety of side dishes such as rice, zoodles, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Overall, this lemon chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant taste of lemons while highlighting the tender and juicy qualities of chicken. You will love how quick, easy, and refreshing this dish is!

ingredients for lemon chicken

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken

This is a quick overview of the ingredients you will need for this dish. I’ve also provided some suggestions for alternative ingredients if you need to make substitutions. To make this simple chicken dish you will need:

  • Chicken Breast: other cuts of chicken such as chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work.
  • Vegetables: you will need broccoli, cauliflower, and fresh garlic. If you prefer to use only broccoli or cauliflower instead of mixing the two that will also work.
  • Oil: any neutral oil such as olive oil or avocado oil works in this recipe.
  • Lemon: you will need fresh lemon juice, bottled can work in a pinch.
  • Spices: lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley
  • White Wine: a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, if you prefer not to use wine chicken or vegetable broth will also work.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken

This recipe is super easy to make, but it does have a few different steps. There is marinating and browning the chicken, then seasoning and cooking the vegetables, then adding everything together. To make this super easy to follow I’ve documented the entire process so you can see each step. To make this chicken and broccoli you will need to follow the steps below:

Marinate the Chicken

lemon pepper chicken seasoned in a bowl

Cut the chicken into small bite sized 1 inch cubes. Add the chicken to a bowl with part of the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix everything together & let sit for 15 minutes to marinade. You want to be sure those spices are spread evenly over the chicken so each bite is loaded with flavor!

Season and Cook the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss broccoli and cauliflower with lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned broccoli & cauliflower. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes until veggies begin to soften. Uncover and continue to cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl or plate and set aside. Sprinkle with lemon juice.

Brown the Chicken

cooked lemon chicken

Keep the now-empty pan on the stove (no need to clean it). Pour the wine into the pan and use your mixing spoon to scrape off any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. This method is called deglzing the pan. Next, add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 15-18 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and registers about 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Combine

Push the cooked chicken pieces to one side of the pan, and add the vegetables back to the other side of the pan. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low for 5 minutes, to rewarm the veggies.

Serve

Serve this chicken and vegetable dish immediately while warm. Garnish with fresh parsley and dig in! I serve this as a complete meal. However, if you’d like to stretch the dish further it works quite well with some of these side dishes:

  • Low Carb Red Lobster Biscuits: just 2 net carbs each and will help you get your carb fix if you are following a keto or low carb diet.
  • Wedge Salad: everyone loves a cool, crisp salad and it pairs so well with these flavors.
  • Cucumber Salad: this dish also uses fresh lemon and herbs making it a perfect complement to the chicken.
  • Cacio e Pepe Zoodles: a great way to add more veggies to this meal!
lemon pepper chicken and vegetables in pan with lemon slices

Storage

Before storing the chicken allow it to cool completely. Next, store in an airtight container up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing as the cauliflower and broccoli will have altered textures that may be unpleasant. 

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 30-second increments at 50% power (which prevents the chicken from drying out). To reheat the entire dish, return to a skillet, cover, and warm on medium-low until heated throughout (stir occasionally to prevent sticking). You may want to add a splash of white wine to the skillet to add a bit of moisture and flavor to the dish.

Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken

  • Choose fresh lemons: Opt for juicy and ripe lemons to get the most vibrant flavor. Squeeze the lemons just before using them to retain their freshness.
  • Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in lemon juice and other seasonings will infuse it with flavor and help tenderize the meat.
  • Uniform size: be sure to get the chicken and broccoli as close to the same size as possible so everything cooks through in a timely manner.
lemon pepper chicken and broccoli

Recipe FAQ

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, other vegetables that pair well with these flavors are green beans, zucchini, and asparagus.

Will a different protein work?

Sure, shrimp is a great option for this recipe.

Do I have to use the wine?

No, chicken broth or vegetable broth will also work.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

Bottled lemon will work in a pinch.

One Pan Chicken Recipes

  • One Pan Jalapeno Chicken: the perfect cheesy comfort food with just 5 net carbs per serving!
  • Easy Butter Chicken: This recipe is perfect for beginners and includes step-by-step photos!
  • Pesto Chicken Bake: This easy dish has just 2.5 net carbs per serving, making it a low carb, keto-friendly dinner that is impressive enough for guests! 
  • Creamy Garlic Chicken: Seasoned, pan-seared chicken is cooked in a rich, creamy, garlic sauce you will love!
  • Crock Pot Crack Chicken: This easy chicken recipe is loaded with ranch, bacon, and cheese, making it perfect for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more!
Yield: 6

Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies

lemon pepper chicken and broccoli

Our new favorite weeknight meal is this Lemon Pepper Chicken and Veggies! This dish is made in one pan and is full of bright, bold flavors that everyone loves!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” cubes
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, (1 medium head broccoli)
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets, (1 small head cauliflower)
  • 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1⁄4 cup lemon juice, divided
  • 3 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon EACH onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
  • 3⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1⁄4 cup white wine

Instructions

    1. Place chicken cubes in a medium bowl and add 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Mix everything together and let sit for 15 minutes to marinade.
    2. In a large bowl, toss broccoli and cauliflower with 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
    3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned broccoli and cauliflower. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes until veggies begin to soften. Uncover and continue to cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
    4. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl or plate and set aside. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
    5. Keep the now-empty pan on the stove (no need to clean it). Deglaze the pan with the wine and use the mixing spoon to scrape off any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan.
    6. Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 15-18 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and registers about 165°F.
    7. Push the cooked chicken pieces to one side of the pan, and add the vegetables back to the other side of the pan. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low for minutes, to rewarm the veggies. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley as garnish.

Notes

You can marinate the chicken the night before and place it in the fridge. Take it out of the
fridge 10 minutes before cooking!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

About 1 1/2 cups

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 324Total Fat: 13gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 542mgCarbohydrates: 10.2gNet Carbohydrates: 6.7gFiber: 3.5gSugar: 3.3gProtein: 40g

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Chicken Lazone https://thebestketorecipes.com/chicken-lazone/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=8204 This Chicken Lazone recipe is a Cajun classic. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce that has just the right amount of heat! This recipe is packed with delicious flavor and incredible texture. Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a weeknight meal, this is a great dish that is ready in lessContinue Reading

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This Chicken Lazone recipe is a Cajun classic. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce that has just the right amount of heat! This recipe is packed with delicious flavor and incredible texture. Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a weeknight meal, this is a great dish that is ready in less than 30 minutes!

chicken lazone in cast iron pan

Chicken Lazone is a recipe rooted in Louisiana cuisine. Cajun recipes are known for their bold flavors and this recipe is no different. Chicken Lazone blends chicken, cajun seasoning, and a heavy cream sauce to create a heavenly flavor combination. This may sound like a dish that requires considerable time and effort, but it is ready in less than 30 minutes!

This Chicken Lazone recipe is only 2.7 net carbs per serving. You can combine it with a low carb side to create a keto-friendly meal or pair it with pasta or rice for a delicious, well-rounded meal. This would be a great recipe to impress house guests and it’s convenience will make it a new household staple!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Amazing flavor. This recipe has an incredible, bold flavor that Cajun recipes are known for.
  • Quick to Prepare. You can have this recipe ready in less than 30 minutes.
  • Unique. This dish is not well known outside of Louisiana and would be great when hosting guests.
  • Low Carb. This recipe only has 3.6 carbs per serving!

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken

As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients needed for this chicken lazone recipe. For the complete, printable recipe scroll to the recipe card below. 

  • Chicken Breasts: this recipe uses 2 large chicken breast cut into 4 thinner breasts. This ensures they cook quickly and that the chicken is perfectly cooked in the sauce.
  • Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano
  • Olive oil: or another neutral oil such as avocado oil.
  • Butter: butter is added to the sauce to create a texture and thickness similar to an Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy cream: the star of the show that makes an ultra rich sauce, do not substitute any other ingredients.

How to Make Chicken Lazone

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you will need a mixing bowl and skillet. To make the best chicken lazone follow the instructions below:

Season and Sear the Chicken

First, place the large chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice through the chicken as if you are butterflying, but cut all the way through. Next, combine the spices in a small bowl, and sprinkle each side of the chicken breast with the spices. Be sure to season the chicken on each side for the best results.

Next, heat a large skillet to medium heat. Next, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. 

Make the Cream Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Next, add the butter and allow the mixture to slowly come to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not cook the heavy cream too quickly or at too high of a temperature. You want to be gentle with the sauce to prevent it from burning or curdling.

Add Chicken to Sauce

After the sauce has simmered softly for 3-4 minutes add the chicken back to the skillet and cover. Next, cook the chicken over medium-low for 6-10 minutes. At this point, the sauce should be thickened somewhat similar to Alfredo sauce. The dish is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. 

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. To reheat you can use the oven, microwave, or air fryer:

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the leftovers in an oven safe dish covered with foil. Warm for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and warm for another 5 minutes.
  • Microwave: Place the leftovers on a plate and warm in 30 second increments until heated through.
  • Air Fryer: Place the chicken in a lined air fryer and heat at 350 degrees for 4 minutes or until warmed through.

Freezer Instructions

Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container, pressing out as much air as possible. Enjoy within 3 months for the best taste and texture. To reheat frozen leftovers allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat covered at 300 degrees in an oven safe baking dish.

chicken lazone in cast iron skillet

What to Serve With Chicken Lazone

  • Keto Three Cheese Biscuits: These biscuits are perfectly soft and fluffy! Each low carb biscuit is loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella and fresh basil for just 2 net carbs each!  
  • Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: These are made in one pan and perfect for entertaining! This easy vegetable side dish is low carb and keto-friendly! 
  • Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: Your new go-to side dish! This easy potato recipe is ready in only 15 minutes and is packed with fresh herb flavor!
  • Keto Dinner Rolls: You would never guess they are low carb! This homemade bread recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner table and only takes 30 minutes.

Tips for the Best Chicken Lazone

  • Do not cook the heavy cream too quickly or at too high of a temperature. You want to be gentle with the sauce to prevent it from burning or curdling. (I know it has already been mentioned but this is very important)
  • Do not use an alternative to heavy cream such as regular milk or almond milk.
  • Be sure to sear the chicken until it is golden brown for the best taste.
  • Allow the sauce to thicken for a creamy, indulgent sauce.

Recipe FAQ

Is this recipe keto friendly?

Yes, this recipe has only 2.7 net carbs per serving

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, see freezer instructions above.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free and low carb.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, this recipe will work well with other cuts of chicken such as chicken thighs. It is also excellent with pork chops, salmon, or shrimp.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It is best to thaw the chicken before cooking.

This Chicken Lazone recipe is a Cajun classic. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce that has just the right amount of heat! This recipe is packed with delicious flavor and incredible texture. Whether you're cooking for guests or preparing a weeknight meal this is great dish that is ready in less than 30 minutes!

One Pan Chicken Recipes

Yield: 4

Chicken Lazone

chicken lazone in cast iron pan

This Chicken Lazone recipe is a Cajun classic. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce that has just the right amount of heat! This recipe is packed with delicious flavor and incredible texture. Whether you're cooking for guests or preparing a weeknight meal this is great dish that is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut lengthwise to make 4 thinner breasts
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Instructions

    1. Combine the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle each side of the chicken breast with the spices.
    2. Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter is melted add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
    3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the butter and allow the mixture to slowly come to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
    4. When the sauce has simmered softly for 3-4 minutes add the chicken back to the skillet and cover.
    5. Cook the chicken over medium-low for 6-10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Notes

Do not cook the heavy cream too quickly or at too high of a temperature. You want to
be gentle with the sauce to prevent it from burning or curdling.

Use a meat thermometer and once the chicken has reached a temperature of 165 degrees F remove this dish from heat.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 chicken breast and 1/4 cup cream sauce

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 25.3gCholesterol: 119.7mgSodium: 279.9mgCarbohydrates: 3.6gNet Carbohydrates: 2.7gFiber: 0.9gSugar: 1.3gProtein: 20.8g

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Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps https://thebestketorecipes.com/buffalo-chicken-lettuce-wraps/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=8217 These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch or dinner! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time. Keto Lettuce Wraps with Buffalo Chicken This delicious Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to meal! It tastes as good asContinue Reading

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These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch or dinner! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time.

These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time.

Keto Lettuce Wraps with Buffalo Chicken

This delicious Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to meal! It tastes as good as a basket full of your favorite wings slathered in sauce, but it’s actually a perfectly healthy meal prep recipe you can feel good eating. You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd, and it’s a great lunchtime potluck recipe!

You can quickly make these on a busy weeknight for dinner, and they make great leftover lunches! Whether you choose to warm up the chicken or eat it cold, this is a healthy meal that satisfies all your salty, spicy food cravings.

buffalo chicken lettuce wrap ingredients

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. For exact measurements, keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card.

  • Ground chicken – You can often find ground chicken on sale, so this can be an excellent inexpensive meal! The texture keeps buffalo chicken salad nice and juicy instead of dried out. Feel free to swap with ground turkey if you prefer.
  • Celery, Carrots – These pair perfectly with the ranch and buffalo sauce! This also helps stretch the chicken further, makes the dish more filling, and adds loads of nutrients to the meal.
  • Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet – Such an easy way of seasoning! It also has thickening ingredients that help keep the sauce creamy and rich. Feel free to use a store brand version if you like that better.
  • Chicken broth or water, Cream cheese, Buffalo sauce – These create a deliciously flavorful sauce! Homemade chicken stock adds more flavor than water, but water will work in a pinch. Softened, room temperature cream cheese melts into a smoother consistency, so remember to take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
  • Bleu cheese crumbles – The perfect cheese to pair with buffalo sauce! The tangy flavor cuts through the sauce and works well with the ranch seasoning, too.
  • Butter lettuce – This is a natural choice for lettuce cups because they already form the perfect size cup for filling! There’s a good crunch and mild flavor that goes with everything as well.
  • Optional garnish: Green onions, celery, shredded carrots, additional ranch dressing

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These easy chicken lettuce wraps are simple to throw together. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making this chicken meal prep recipe.

Brown the chicken & sauté veggies

Heat a large, greased skillet to medium heat. Brown the ground chicken, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Drain off any grease, then add in the celery and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Season & simmer

Add the ranch seasoning packet to the skillet and stir in the broth or water. Continue stirring until seasonings are well incorporated. Cook for 4-5 minutes while the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally to prevent things from sticking.

Add creamy sauce

In a small bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and buffalo sauce, stirring until smooth. If it’s difficult to stir out the clumps, microwave in 15-second increments to help soften and smooth it out. Pour this buffalo sauce mixture into the skillet and toss to coat. Spoon into lettuce wraps and top with bleu cheese as well as green onions, shredded carrots, and extra ranch.

Serve

These tasty Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are great with crunchy keto chips (or these Ranch Zucchini Chips to add a little more nutrition). Sides you can eat with your hands always win when pairing with lettuce wraps… Think Keto Fries, Crispy Green Bean Fries, or Baked Zucchini Fries for easy low-carb recipes you can dip. If you like ranch but want more spice, try this Jalapeno Ranch Dip instead!

More great low-carb sides you could pair with lettuce wraps:

These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch or dinner! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time.

Storing & Reheating

This recipe is best stored in the fridge in an airtight container WITHOUT the lettuce wraps. When kept separate, the buffalo chicken filling can last up to 4 days. If you store them together, the moisture in the filling will ruin the lettuce wraps within a day. To keep lettuce fresh, store with a few paper towels to soak up moisture that could wilt the leaves.

To reheat, transfer the chicken filling to a microwave-safe dish and heat on 50% power for 45-60 second increments, stirring between each blast. This helps ensure the center gets hot without overheating the cream cheese mixture. If you don’t have a microwave, simply transfer back to the skillet and heat (covered with lid) on low, stirring occasionally.

Can you freeze lettuce wraps?

The crisp butter lettuce leaves cannot survive the freezing and defrosting process, so it’s not recommended to freeze these. However, you could freeze the chicken filling. Simply scoop into a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 3 months for the best flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and give a good stir before reheating. Sometimes the texture of cream cheese can change a bit after freezing/thawing, so make sure to stir well.

If you love these chicken lettuce wraps, you’ll love these other keto wrap ideas:

  • Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps – These are very similar but with a delicious mix of Asian inspired flavors! So easy to make ahead of time and great scooped onto celery and cucumbers slices, too!
  • Turkey Wrap – This one is super easy and no cooking necessary! Instead of wrapping everything up in lettuce, a tasty cheese wrap holds everything together.
  • Thai Chicken Collard Wrap – Blanched collard greens make durable burrito-style wraps that are super healthy! This is a big favorite in our house, and the dipping sauce is unbelievable.
  • Chicken Bacon Wrap – If you enjoy keto tortillas, this TikTok-inspired recipe will work great for you! This creative wrap is folded and seared in a skillet for a delicious twist.
  • Keto Italian Lettuce Wrap – This is another no-cook wrap, but it works best with super crunchy lettuce like Iceberg or Romaine!
These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch or dinner! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time.

Lettuce Wraps FAQs

What’s the best lettuce for lettuce wraps?

This depends on your personal preference and the type of wrap you want. To hold this buffalo chicken salad, butter lettuce is perfect because it’s already the correct shape! If you want a more hotdog-style meal, romaine lettuce is great. When you want to roll up fillings as if the lettuce was a tortilla, blanched collard greens are perfect.

How do you make wraps keto?

Most wraps can be made keto by simply swapping out a tortilla with a low-carb substitute like lettuce, cheese, homemade Zucchini Tortillas, or even keto-friendly store-bought tortillas. Make sure to leave out high-carb foods like beans, hummus, or sugar-filled dressings, and you should be good to go!

Is buffalo sauce keto?

Yes, MOST brands of buffalo sauce are low in carbs and don’t include added sugars! Double check the label, but this is one flavor you can generally trust to lower in carbs (versus traditional barbecue sauce that does include added sugar).

Yield: 4 servings (2 wraps each)

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time.

These easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps make the best low-carb lunch or dinner! This super flavorful recipe is naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, healthy, and easy to make ahead of time.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 (1 ounce) Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet
  • 1/3 cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup bleu cheese crumbles
  • 1 large head of butter lettuce
  • Garnish with chopped green onions, celery, shredded carrots, and
  • additional Ranch dressing if desired

Instructions

  1. Heat a large, greased skillet to medium heat. Brown the ground
    chicken and drain off any grease.
  2. Add the celery and carrots and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the Ranch seasoning and water, stir well to incorporate the seasonings. Allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until the liquid has evaporated.
  4. 4. In a small bowl combine the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce and stir until smooth. (You may need to microwave the mixture in 15-second increments until the mixture is smooth)
  5. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture into the skillet and toss to coat.
  6. Serve the buffalo chicken mixture in butter lettuce wraps and sprinkle with the Bleu cheese crumbles. Garnish with chopped green onions, celery, shredded carrots, and additional ranch if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

2 wraps

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245Total Fat: 16.1gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 227.2mgCarbohydrates: 3.2gNet Carbohydrates: 2.4gFiber: 0.8gSugar: 1.8gProtein: 22.4g

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Keto Slow Cooker Zesty Ranch Chicken https://thebestketorecipes.com/keto-slow-cooker-zesty-ranch-chicken/ https://thebestketorecipes.com/keto-slow-cooker-zesty-ranch-chicken/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://thebestketorecipes.com/?p=1635 This keto slow cooker zesty ranch chicken recipe is juicy, spicy, and as easy as it gets. It takes 5 minutes of prep work, and the slow cooker does the rest!  Easy Keto Chicken in the Slow Cooker I’m a big fan of using my slow cooker. Especially during the middle of the week. AContinue Reading

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This keto slow cooker zesty ranch chicken recipe is juicy, spicy, and as easy as it gets. It takes 5 minutes of prep work, and the slow cooker does the rest! 

Shredded ranch chicken in a slow cooker with pepperoncini peppers, and a fork

Easy Keto Chicken in the Slow Cooker

I’m a big fan of using my slow cooker. Especially during the middle of the week. A slow cooker is practically a cheat code for getting rich and flavorful meals on weekdays. This keto slow cooker zesty ranch chicken is the perfect example. It takes less than 5 minutes to get the recipe started, and then the slow cooker does the rest. At the end of the day, you’ll have a perfect keto chicken dinner with basically no work.

The chicken in this recipe is so juicy and tender. You can’t beat the texture of meat that slowly cooks for 8 hours. There’s a kick of spice from pepperoncini peppers and there’s the creamy, decadent flavor of ranch. I like to put this chicken in tacos and sandwiches, or on top of salads. But you can put it on pretty much anything! 

This keto slow cooker zesty ranch chicken recipe is juicy, spicy, and as easy as it gets. It takes 5 minutes of prep work, and the slow cooker does the rest! 

Why You’ll Love This Juicy Ranch Chicken

This is one of my favorite weekday meals. Here’s why I know you’ll love it.

  • So easy. Recipes don’t get easier than this one. It only has 5 ingredients in it. And the only thing you have to do is put those ingredients in your slow cooker and turn it on. What could be easier? 
  • Versatile. There are endless amounts of foods you could put this zesty ranch chicken on. It goes great in tacos, sandwiches, wraps, sliders, and burritos, or on salads, rice, and pasta. Whatever you’re making, this keto chicken is sure to go with it. 
  • Saves well. Because this chicken is made in the slow cooker, you can double or triple the recipe without adding any extra work, if your slow cooker is large enough. It saves really well in the fridge or freezer, so I love to make a large batch to have whenever I need an easy meal.

Ingredients Needed

Here are all of the ingredients that you’ll need to make this juicy slow cooker chicken. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.

  • Chicken breasts – Use skinless, boneless breasts for this recipe. They can be fresh or frozen. 
  • Butter – You’ll want to use unsalted butter.
  • Cream cheese – I use full fat cream cheese when making this dish. 
  • Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
  • Pepperoncini peppers

How to Make Keto Slow Cooker Zesty Ranch Chicken

Here’s how to make this super simple, mouthwatering chicken dish. As you’re about to see, it’s so easy!

  • Add the ingredients. Place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Cook. Turn your slow cooker on to low, and cook for 8 hours.
  • Shred. Shred the chicken and pepperoncini peppers, and serve. 

Tips for Success

Here are some tricks and tips to use when making this keto chicken.

  • Check the seasonings. You might notice that this recipe doesn’t have any salt in it. There should be enough salt in the cream cheese, ranch, and pepperoncini peppers to season the chicken. However, the salt level can change depending on your ingredients. After shredding the chicken, give it a taste, and add more salt if needed.
  • Shred with forks. The easiest way to shred slow cooker chicken is by using 2 forks. Press the forks into the chicken with the back of the forks pressed against each other. Pull the forks away from each other to shred the chicken. 
  • Adjust the spice level. I really love the pepperoncini peppers in this recipe. They give the chicken a little kick. Plus, the vinegar balances out the cream cheese and ranch. If you don’t like spice, you can get rid of the peppers and the recipe will still work just fine. And if you’re a fan of heat, add more pepperoncinis! 
Overhead view of two slow cooker chicken tacos on a plate with a salad

What to Serve With Keto Chicken

You can serve this slow cooker chicken in anything, on anything, or with anything. I love to use it as the meat in a Chicken Salad, or in a Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Wrap. Zesty ranch chicken works wonderfully in Mexican food, so I recommend using it in Quesadillas, or in a Keto Taco Salad.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover keto slow cooker zesty ranch chicken will last in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can eat it all week long. Store it in an airtight container, and reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it’s warm. 

Can This Recipe Be Frozen? 

You can definitely freeze this keto chicken recipe. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer, and it will last for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or defrost fully before reheating. 

More Easy Keto Slow Cooker Meals

Slow cookers make it so much easier to have high-quality meals during the week. Here are a few of my other favorite easy keto dinners in the slow cooker.

Yield: 6

Keto Slow Cooker Zesty Ranch Chicken

Keto Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken! This dish is so easy and perfect for busy weeknights!

This keto slow cooker zesty ranch chicken is juicy, spicy, and rich. And best of all, it requires basically no work!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 (1 ounce) package Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
  • 8-10 jarred pepperoncini peppers

Instructions

  1. Place all the ingredients in a small slow cooker (I use a 2 quart and it fits perfectly).
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours.
  3. Stir and shred the chicken and peppers when ready to serve.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days, or in the freezer for 4 months.
  • Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until hot.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

About 3/4 cup chicken

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 9.8gCholesterol: 102.1mgSodium: 163.7mgCarbohydrates: 1gNet Carbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: .5gProtein: 26.4g

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