Topped with a mixture of fresh spinach leaves and cream cheese then baked in the oven for 20 minutes, Keto baked chicken recipe is friendly enough to add your a low-carb diet and tasty enough to tantalize your taste buds.
If you are finding something delicious to treat yourself at weeknight meal, this Keto baked chicken will certainly be right up your street.
Keto Baked Chicken Thighs
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes20
minutes480
kcalTopped with a mixture of fresh spinach leaves and cream cheese then baked in the oven for 20 minutes, Keto baked chicken recipe is friendly enough to add your a low-carb diet and tasty enough to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (14-16 ounces), sliced in half
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 ounces fresh spinach leaves, chopped
3 ounces cream cheese
3/4 ounce (about 1/4 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 ounce (about 1/4 cup) dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degree F.
- Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread out the chicken pieces in a single layer on the parchment paper.
- Season the chicken with half of the salt and pepper. Flip them and season the other side with the remaining salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat up some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Pour cream cheese in a bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds, until very soft and easily mixed.
- In a large bowl, gather cooked spinach, softened cream cheese, and all other topping ingredients. Stir until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken pieces.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the oven; let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If the chicken is moist, you should pat them with paper towels before placing in the baking layer. And, you can butterfly the chicken breast, spread over the topping mixture then fold in half to keep it in.
Nutrition Facts
2 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories480
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
22g
29%
- Saturated Fat 12g 60%
- Cholesterol 183mg 61%
- Sodium 1310mg 57%
- Total Carbohydrate
9g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Total Sugars 3g
- Protein 57g 114%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
FAQ
Is Keto Baked Chicken suitable for a ketogenic diet?
Yes. This recipe uses chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and cheddar cheese, all of which are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will result in a juicier dish due to their higher fat content. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Are dried tomatoes keto-friendly in this recipe?
Dried tomatoes contain more carbs than fresh vegetables, but the small amount used in this recipe is generally acceptable for keto. You may reduce or omit them for stricter carb control.
Do I need to cook the spinach before baking the chicken?
Yes. Cooking the spinach first removes excess moisture and helps it blend smoothly with the cream cheese, preventing a watery topping.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the chicken with the topping ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?
Cream cheese is recommended for the creamy texture and keto-friendly fat content. Substituting it with low-fat dairy is not advised, as it may affect flavor and carb count.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The topping should be lightly golden and bubbly.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes. The baked chicken can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat until warmed through.
What side dishes pair well with Keto Baked Chicken?
This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice, roasted zucchini, sautéed green beans, or a fresh low-carb salad.
