Introduction
Weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore, especially when you’re trying to stick to a low carb lifestyle. However, with some creativity and the right recipes, you can whip up delicious meals that are both satisfying and healthy. Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can be transformed into countless dishes, making it a staple in low carb cooking.
In this article, we will explore ten easy weeknight low carb chicken breast recipes that are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, spicy, or filled with fresh vegetables, there’s a recipe here for you. Let’s dive in!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add the broccoli and bell peppers to the skillet.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetables.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
1. Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken recipe is a comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Using cream cheese and garlic, you can create a luscious sauce that coats the chicken and keeps it moist. Pair it with sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for a complete low carb meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a pan, melt the cream cheese over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring until combined.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
- Cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
2. Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry
If you love a bit of heat, this spicy chicken stir-fry will become a favorite. It’s quick to prepare and loaded with colorful vegetables. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili paste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and chili paste, stirring to coat everything.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
3. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Grilling is a fantastic way to infuse flavor into chicken without adding carbs. This lemon herb grilled chicken is zesty and refreshing, perfect for summer nights or any evening when you want to dine al fresco.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Let it rest before slicing and serving.
4. Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole
This casserole is a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice keeps the dish low carb while still being filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cauliflower rice, heavy cream, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
5. Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wraps
Enjoy all the flavors of fajitas without the carbs by wrapping them in lettuce leaves. These chicken fajita lettuce wraps are quick to make and perfect for a light dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Butter lettuce leaves for wrapping
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook chicken with fajita seasoning until browned.
- Add bell peppers and onion; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Serve chicken mixture in lettuce leaves.
- Add your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa.
6. Baked Pesto Chicken
Pesto is a fantastic way to add flavor to chicken without extra carbs. This baked pesto chicken is simple yet elegant, making it a great choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread pesto over each chicken breast in a baking dish.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Chicken Caprese Skewers
These chicken Caprese skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. They’re perfect for grilling or baking and make for a great appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
8. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
For a twist on traditional chicken breast, try using thighs for added juiciness. This teriyaki chicken thighs recipe is sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup low carb teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
9. Chicken Alfredo with Zoodles
For a low carb version of fettuccine Alfredo, try using zucchini noodles (zoodles). This dish is creamy and satisfying, making it a perfect comfort food alternative.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until browned.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until combined.
- Add zoodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
10. Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. This chicken and spinach stuffed pepper recipe is nutritious and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine chicken, spinach, cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff each pepper half with the mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm with additional cheese if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these chicken recipes truly low carb?
Yes, all the recipes featured are designed to be low in carbohydrates, using ingredients that align with a low carb diet.
2. How can I store leftover chicken dishes?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. Can I substitute chicken breast with other proteins?
Absolutely! Most of these recipes can be adapted using turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
4. What sides pair well with these chicken recipes?
Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or a fresh salad make excellent low carb side dishes to complement your chicken meals.
With these easy weeknight low carb chicken breast recipes, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals that fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Experiment with these flavors and find your new favorites! Happy cooking!
