Keto Chicken Marinara : This low carb chicken marinara recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, a rich marinara sauce, and creamy mozzarella—all without the carbs!
What is Keto Chicken Marinara?
Keto Chicken Marinara is a low-carb version of traditional Chicken Marinara, a popular Italian-American dish. Normally, Chicken Marinara is made with breaded chicken, a carb-heavy marinara sauce, and pasta on the side. But this keto-friendly version swaps out the high-carb ingredients for a satisfying, low-carb meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Chicken Marinara
- Pound the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them out to ensure even cooking. This prevents dry or undercooked spots.
- Use fresh mozzarella: For an extra gooey and rich texture, opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded.
- Add red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce before baking.
- Meal prep tip: This dish stores well! Make a large batch, and you’ll have a keto-friendly meal ready to go throughout the week.
Keto Chicken Marinara Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations of Keto Chicken Marinara:
Spicy Marinara: Mix a teaspoon of chili flakes into the sauce to give your Chicken Marinara a spicy kick.
Chicken Parmesan style: Before cooking, coat the chicken in almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy, keto-friendly “breading.”
Add veggies: Sneak in extra nutrients by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet before adding the sauce.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Marinara
Keto Chicken Marinara is a versatile dish that pairs well with many low-carb sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles): These spiralized vegetables make a perfect pasta alternative, soaking up the delicious marinara sauce without the carbs.
- Cauliflower rice: A simple and nutritious side that complements the rich flavors of the chicken and marinara.
- Keto garlic bread: Made with almond flour or a fathead dough base, keto garlic bread is a comforting side that completes the meal.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent counterbalance to the rich cheese and sauce.
How to Store Keto Chicken Marinara
If you’re meal prepping or have leftovers, Keto Chicken Marinara stores well in the fridge and freezer:
Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer
To freeze, transfer the cooked and cooled Chicken Marinara to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until heated thoroughly.
Recipe FAQs
Is marinara sauce keto-friendly?
Not all marinara sauces are keto-friendly. Many store-bought varieties contain added sugars, which increase the carb count. Look for sauces with no sugar added and fewer than 5g of net carbs per serving. Better yet, make your own using crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs take a little longer to cook than breasts.
How can I thicken my marinara sauce?
If your marinara sauce is too thin, simmer it on low heat until it thickens. You can also add a little Parmesan cheese or a small amount of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Keto Chicken Marinara
Keto Chicken Marinara : This low carb chicken marinara recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, a rich marinara sauce, and creamy mozzarella—all without the carbs!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (about 6 small pieces)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For Topping:
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups keto marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly sliced)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and lightly coat both sides with almond flour.
- Coat the Chicken: Whisk eggs in one bowl. In another, mix the leftover almond flour with parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each chicken piece in the eggs, let excess drip off, then coat in the almond-parmesan mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium. Fry chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then set on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Bake and Top: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place fried chicken on the sheet, top with marinara sauce, mozzarella slices, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Finish: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 45g
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
Keto Chicken Marinara is the perfect low-carb meal for anyone craving Italian comfort food while staying within their keto macros. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious, cheesy chicken dish on the table in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a family-friendly dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your keto meal rotation.
So, grab your skillet and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
