Are you on the hunt for the best keto chicken recipe to satisfy your cravings while keeping your carb intake in check? Look no further—this best-ever keto chicken recipe is the answer! Featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs, this dish is seasoned to perfection with a robust blend of spices. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it’s also packed with flavor, making it a staple for anyone pursuing a keto or low-carb diet. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this classic homemade dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Recipe:
- Keto-friendly and low-carb: Perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Quick cooking: Ready in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile: Can be served with a variety of sides to keep your meals interesting.
- Simple ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients for the Best Keto Chicken:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How to Make Keto Chicken – Step by Step:
Prepping the Chicken
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the chicken turns crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, create your spice blend by mixing olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is key to enhancing the flavor of your chicken.
Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure they are skin-side up to absorb all the flavors and get that perfect crispy skin.
Preparing for Oven Baking
Step 4: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the chicken thighs in a single layer. This ensures even cooking.
Step 5: Put the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Final Touches
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting helps the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve while warm for the best flavor.
Best Ever Keto Chicken Recipe – Easy and Delicious Pro Tips for Making the Best Keto Chicken:
- Can I make keto chicken ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even deeper flavor.
- What is the secret to the best keto chicken? The key is using chicken thighs for richness and baking them at a high temperature to achieve crispy skin.
- If you do not have smoked paprika, normal paprika or chili powder is a great alternative.
- Trying different herb garnishes like thyme or rosemary can significantly change and enhance flavors.
Best Ways to Serve Keto Chicken:
The best way to serve keto chicken is with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for more ideas, you might like to pair it with [roasted Brussels sprouts](RELATED RECIPE LINK) or a creamy coleslaw. Additionally, a crisp, cold sparkling water or a glass of dry wine complements the meal beautifully.
Nutritional Information for Keto Chicken:
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 2g
- Proteins: 20g
- Fats: 26g
This low-carb chicken dish is perfect for keto lovers looking to manage their macronutrients without sacrificing taste.
Storage & Leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months for lasting freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes, ensuring it’s thoroughly warmed.
4 FAQs for Keto Chicken:
- Can I freeze keto chicken? Absolutely, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of smoked paprika in keto chicken? You can use regular paprika or chili powder for a similar flavor profile.
- How can I make keto chicken more spicy? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to up the spice level.
- Is keto chicken suitable for meal prep? Yes, it holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for week-long meal prep.
Related Recipes for Keto Chicken:
Best Ever Keto Chicken Recipes
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A delicious and simple recipe for keto-friendly chicken thighs that are juicy and flavorful, perfect for healthy eating.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the oil and spice mixture.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Keto, Chicken, Low Carb, Healthy, Easy Recipes