Keto Chicken and Spinach – If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes—low-carb, keto-friendly, protein-packed, and bursting with flavor. This low carb chicken and spinach recipe is everything you could want for a satisfying, nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-friendly: Low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and packed with protein.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: Tons of ways to make it your own with variations and add-ons.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Chicken and Spinach
- Don’t overcook the chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add some heat: If you like your meals with a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.
- Choose full-fat dairy: Stick to full-fat heavy cream and cheese to keep the dish keto and creamy. Low-fat substitutes won’t yield the same rich flavor and texture.
- Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will result in more tender, flavorful meat.
Variations to Try
Pesto Chicken and Spinach: Add a tablespoon of keto-friendly pesto to the sauce for a fresh, herby twist.
Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the spinach for an earthy, umami flavor.
Cream Cheese Boost: For an extra creamy sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Tomato Spin: Toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to add a tangy bite that pairs beautifully with the cream and spinach.
Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even turkey cutlets for a fun variation that keeps it keto-friendly.
How to Serve Keto Chicken and Spinach
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with other low-carb sides for a more complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Cauliflower rice: A classic keto side that soaks up all that creamy sauce.
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles): Light and fresh, zoodles make a great base for this creamy chicken dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.
- Shirataki noodles: These low-carb noodles make a great pasta substitute, adding heartiness without extra carbs.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Chicken and Spinach
Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months, although the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the cream.
Recipe FAQs
Is chicken and spinach keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Chicken is a great source of protein with no carbs, while spinach is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making this recipe a perfect fit for a keto diet.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The coconut milk will give the sauce a slightly sweeter, more tropical flavor but still keep it keto.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Keto Chicken and Spinach
Keto Chicken and Spinach - If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes—low-carb, keto-friendly, protein-packed, and bursting with flavor. This low carb chicken and spinach recipe is everything you could want for a satisfying, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 24 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 oz softened cream cheese
- 8 oz fresh spinach
Instructions
- Make sure everything is measured and ready to go.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, - season with salt and pepper, and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter, diced onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts down.
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, allowing them to heat through in the sauce.
- Plate it up and enjoy this creamy, satisfying dish!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 727Total Fat: 56gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 316mgSodium: 985mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 50g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken and Spinach recipe is a game-changer for anyone on the keto diet or just looking for a quick, nutritious meal. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored!
Check out my other delicious keto recipes:
