Keto Baked Chicken Thighs

Containing almost zero carbohydrates, the following Keto Baked Chicken Things in Italian recipe is definitely friendly to Keto diet. It’s chicken thighs that are poured with melted butter, sprinkle with a tasty mixture of Italian cheese, herbs, onion powder, chili flakes and black pepper, then baked in the oven.

By doing so, it becomes a beloved keto chicken dish of low-carb eaters and a favorite food of chicken addicts. If you get interested in making it at home, follow the recipe for Italian Keto Baked Chicken Thighs as below.

Keto Baked Chicken Thighs

Recipe by Anna SmallingCourse: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

440

kcal

Containing almost zero carbohydrates, the following Keto Baked Chicken Things in Italian recipe is definitely friendly to Keto diet.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp onion powder

• black pepper

• 2 tbs unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

• red pepper chili flakes (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375F.
• In a large bowl, add in cheese, herbs, onion powder, chili flakes and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Take off the heat; let cool a couple minutes.
• Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the melted butter over the chicken thighs.
• Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
• Cover the baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until chicken has reached internal temperature of 165F.
• Remove the cover for last 10 minutes of baking time.
• Once cooked, remove from the oven, let cool and serve.

Notes

• As this Keto baked chicken things provides up to 440 calories per serving, you need to watch its intake if you are not on a Keto diet.

FAQ

Are Keto Baked Chicken Thighs suitable for a ketogenic diet?
Yes. This recipe contains almost zero carbohydrates and uses chicken thighs, butter, cheese, and herbs, making it ideal for a strict ketogenic diet.

Why are chicken thighs preferred over chicken breasts in this recipe?
Chicken thighs are higher in fat and remain juicier during baking, which aligns well with keto macros and enhances flavor.

What type of Italian cheese should be used?
Shredded Italian cheese blends such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, or an Italian mix work well. Choose full-fat cheese for best flavor and keto compliance.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes. Boneless thighs can be used, but cooking time may be reduced. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Is red pepper chili flakes required?
No. Chili flakes are optional and only add heat. They can be omitted for a milder flavor.

Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?
Yes. Covering the chicken for most of the cooking time helps retain moisture. Removing the cover at the end allows the cheese to brown slightly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can season and assemble the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3–4 days.

Can Keto Baked Chicken Thighs be frozen?
Yes. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Keto-friendly sides such as roasted broccoli, cauliflower mash, sautéed spinach, or a fresh green salad pair well with these Italian baked chicken thighs.