30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (2024)

Published: by Wendy Polisi Modified: · 1676 words. · About 9 minutes to read this article.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Keto Stuffed Chicken is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying meals you can put on your dinner table! With its juicy and cheese-filled center, this low-carb dish is perfect for both a casual dinner and a festive gathering. Spending hours in the kitchen preparing a keto-friendly meal may seem daunting. That's where this convenient spinach stuffed chicken recipe comes into play! With a bit of simple prep, you'll have these moist and cheese-packed chicken breasts ready to cook in a skillet or air fryer for a delightful evening feast.

30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (1)

Ingredients

30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (2)
  • Avocado oil: This oil is a favorite in many kitchens due to its high smoke point, perfect for sautéing and baking. It's commonly found in the oil section of your local supermarket. Olive oil or coconut oil are suitable substitutes if needed.
  • Onion: Onions provide a sweet, tangy undertone that complements the chicken and cheese beautifully. Any type of onions - white, yellow, or red - can be used based on your preference. If you don't have onions, you could add flavor with onion powder.
  • Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth of flavor to the stuffing. While fresh garlic is preferred, jarred minced garlic can also be used. Garlic powder could be used.
  • Spinach: Baby spinach offers a nutritious element to the stuffing and pairs well with the cheese. If baby spinach isn't readily available, regular fresh spinach or kale make good alternatives. You could also use frozen spinach.
  • Goat cheese: The rich, creamy texture of goat cheese enhances the filling. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, feta or cream cheese are excellent substitutes.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds a creamy flavor and desirable stretchiness to the filling. Other types of melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack could work as an alternative.
  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the dish, boneless skinless chicken breasts are easier to stuff, while thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful option.
  • Smoked paprika: This spice imparts a smoky flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste. If unavailable, regular paprika or a touch of chipotle powder could be used for a similar smoky effect. Chipotle powder has heat like cayenne pepper, so use in moderation.
  • Sea salt: An essential seasoning, sea salt brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Regular table salt can be used as a substitute, but adjust the quantity according to your taste.
  • Fresh ground black pepper: Adding a spicy kick to the chicken, it's always best to use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor, though pre-ground pepper works in a pinch.

Step by Step

For the full recipe for stuffed chicken breast with spinach, see the recipe card below.

30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (3)
30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (4)
30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (5)
30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (6)
30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (7)
30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (8)

Variations for Low Carb Stuffed Chicken

  • Use feta and Swiss in place of the goat cheese and mozzarella. Omit the spinach and instead use ½ cup olives, chopped.
  • Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add in 4 ounces of mushrooms, sautéed.
  • Omit the spinach and instead use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes.

More Ideas for Stuffed Chicken

  • Cheese - all types - cheddar, feta cheese, cream cheese, parmesan cheese
  • Olives
  • Spinach
  • Onion - sautéed or caramelized
  • Mushrooms
  • Artichokes
  • Roasted Red Peppers
  • Bacon
  • Broccoli (Broccoli cheese is a great combo!)
  • Tomatoes (just limit the amount to keep your stuffed chicken breast keto.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicken Keto Friendly?

Yes, chicken is an excellent source of protein and ideally suited for the Keto diet. Although dark meat chicken is generally considered better for keto due to its higher fat content, all chicken can be consumed on a keto diet. It is best to eat organic, free-range chicken if at all possible.

Can You Make Air Fryer Keto Stuffed Chicken?

Yes, depending on what type of Air Fryer you have you may be able to. However, you need to place the breasts on parchment paper to avoid spilling the filling. (This is more of a concern with some types of Air Fryers than others. Be sure to read your manual.) To cook, preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.

What is the Best Way to Store Chicken?

Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, towards the back to prevent any raw juices from dripping on foods below. While Cryovac packages last longer, once opened chicken should be used within 2 days. You can freeze chicken breasts for up to nine months, but you should expect to lose some moisture in the process.

Tips & Tricks

  • This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
  • If you prefer, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by cooking in a 350 degree oven. To do this, make sure that you use an oven-safe skillet and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Don't skip using a toothpick to secure the cheese mixture! They really do help the filling to stay in. (Likewise - don't forget to take them out before serving. Nothing says elegant like a friend or family member biting into wood.)
  • Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Meat thermometer

You May Also Like

  • Keto Chicken Parmesan is a crowd pleaser that works just as well for entertaining as it does a weeknight. It is surprisingly simple to put together.
  • If you are looking for a simple appetizer, it doesn't get much better than this Marinated Cheese.
  • Keto Lemon Chicken is a ridiculously flavorful dish with a punchy vibrant tang.
30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (9)

If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.

30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (10)

Print Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Keto Stuffed Chicken

This Keto Stuffed Chicken is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying meals you can put on your dinner table! With its juicy and cheese-filled center, this low-carb dish is perfect for both a casual dinner and a festive gathering. Spending hours in the kitchen preparing a keto-friendly meal may seem daunting. That's where this convenient spinach stuffed chicken recipe comes into play! With a bit of simple prep, you'll have these moist and cheese-packed chicken breasts ready to cook in a skillet or air fryer for a delightful evening feast.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time13 minutes mins

Total Time28 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesy

Servings: 8

Calories: 226kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 5 ounces baby spinach chopped
  • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
  • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese grated
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cut a horizontal slit through the center of the chicken to form a pocket.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet to medium heat.

  • Next, add onion, and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook one minute more.

  • After that, add spinach, and sauté until wilted, about two minutes.

  • Season to taste with salt and pepper

  • Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir in cheeses.

  • Stuff the chicken pockets with the spinach and cheese mixture using toothpicks to secure.

  • In a small dish, mix together paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the chicken.

  • Heat the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.

  • Remove the chicken when it is 160 degrees. Tent and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Notes

Tips for Making this Recipe

  • This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
  • If you prefer, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by cooking for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. To do this, make sure that you use an oven-safe skillet.
  • Don't skip using a toothpick to secure the cheese mixture! They really do help the filling to stay in. (Likewise - don't forget to take them out before serving. Nothing says elegant like a friend or family member biting into wood.)

Variations for This Recipe

  • Use feta and Swiss in place of the goat cheese and mozzarella. Omit the spinach and instead use ½ cup olives, chopped.
  • Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add in 4 ounces of mushrooms, sautéed.
  • Omit the spinach and instead use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes.

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 536mg | Vitamin A: 2015IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1.3mg

« Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stacie

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (11)
    That's what I'm talking about! I cannot wait to make this! I love all that spinach in there.

    Reply

    • Wendy

      Thank you Stacie! I hope you enjoy it.

      Reply

      • Kameisha James

        This was awesome very fulfilling . Would love to share my pictures with you. Everyone loved it

        Reply

        • Wendy Polisi

          I am so glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to see you pictures!

          Reply

  2. Funke Olotu

    Darn.. looks so beautiful
    I’m so lazy with taking my time to cook but if I can I’ll teu this recipe

    Reply

    • Wendy

      Thank you!

      Reply

  3. Melanie Walsh

    I'm a vegetarian, but the only one in my immediate family. Finding yummy recipes my whole family will adore can be tricky. But this looks absolutely DIVINE! Plus, I will feel great feeding it to them since it's a healthy option.

    Reply

    • Wendy

      It is a great option! I used to be vegetarian and I understand just what you mean about finding healthy recipes for the family was always a challenge.

      Reply

  4. Jaye Shields

    This looks great and I am keto right now! I'm not a huge spinach fan but I could easily sub that or just omit it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Wendy

      You could! I've got some suggestions in the post.

      Reply

  5. Subhashish Roy

    Awesome preparation.Would love to have it tonight.Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Wendy

      Thank you!

      Reply

  6. kristin lesney

    We have been using more chicken, will have to give this a try. Literally filling!

    Reply

    • Wendy

      I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  7. Summer Shores

    I recently went keto and love this recipe idea! Going to make this for dinner.

    Reply

    • Wendy

      Let me know how it goes!

      Reply

  8. Porsha carr

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (12)
    My best friend is doing keto and stuck I’ll be sure to pass this yummy meal to her!

    Reply

    • Wendy

      Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

      Reply

  9. Beth Pierce

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (13)
    This looks so delicious and I love that it is keto friendly and won't set me back with my diet!

    Reply

  10. artchee

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (14)
    I like stuffed chicken. I'll try your version of keto stuffed chicken. :0)

    Reply

  11. Tiffany La Forge-Grau

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (15)
    I absolutely LOVE eating keto right now. I've been running low on new recipes though and this made me so happy!

    Reply

  12. Amy Desrosiers

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (16)
    Wow, this recipe looks so darn good! I love stuffed chicken recipes like this!

    Reply

  13. Emmanuel Damian

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (17)
    Keto stuffed chicken looks so good! I should try eating it soon. Yum Yum!

    Reply

  14. Belle

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (18)
    If i replace the breast with thighs do you think i will get the same results?

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      Yes, it will work. You may need to roll them and secure with more toothpicks, depending on the size of the thighs.

      Reply

  15. Robyne

    This looks so good, I can’t wait to try it. I’m on the hunt for new recipes so thank you for this one. Definitely looks like a keeper. Btw, what brand is your iron skillet? Love the handle...

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      It is a Finex. They are pretty expensive - I got it for a sponsored post on my other website years ago.

      Reply

  16. Pat Quinsey

    30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (19)
    This is delicious! I had made it before but didn't have the goat cheese in it. Brilliant idea!!! So good. I make it for company when I want them to be impressed. You nailed it!

    Reply

    • Wendy Polisi

      I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken - Low Carb & Gluten Free - Kicking Carbs (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs are in chicken keto? ›

Meat and poultry are considered staple foods on the keto diet. Fresh meat and poultry contain no carbs and are rich in B vitamins and several important minerals. They're also a great source of high quality protein, which may help preserve muscle mass during a very low carb diet ( 18 , 19 , 20).

How many carbs should I eat on keto? ›

The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

Which food would not be allowed on the keto diet? ›

Here Are The Foods You Can't Eat On Keto:
  • On a ketogenic diet, you should avoid high-carb foods like grains, sugars, and some fruits. ...
  • - Grains: Rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, quinoa, buckwheat, etc.
  • - Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, yams, corn, cassava, artichoke, etc.
Apr 3, 2023

Does chicken break ketosis? ›

Chicken. Animal proteins are a staple on a ketogenic diet, because of their high protein and zero carbohydrates content. Chicken is an easy addition and 100g, just under half a chicken breast, contains 29g of protein and 3g of fat.

How many carbs does it take to kick you out of ketosis? ›

Eating more than 50 grams of carbs may disrupt ketosis.

Some people can eat more and still stay in ketosis, whereas others may need to restrict their carb intake more in order to stay in ketosis.

What do 50 grams of carbs look like on keto? ›

What does 50 g net carbs look like? Depending on the foods a person consumes, 50 g net carbs can vary. For example, with low carb foods, around 1,000 g of broccoli, raspberries, or Brazil nuts are roughly 50 g net carbs. However, with high carb foods, 200 g of cashews or 100 g of lentils are about 50 g net carbs.

Can you lose weight on 50 carbs a day? ›

You may lose weight faster on 50 g of carbs a day or less, but it depends on what else you're eating, how many calories you're consuming, how active you are, and many other factors. In addition, eating slightly more carbs may lead to lower but more sustainable weight loss.

What happens if you go over 20 carbs on keto? ›

Consuming too many carbs can kick your body out of ketosis — and it takes several days to 1 week to get back into it. In the meantime, your weight loss may be disrupted.

What happens if you eat no carbs for a week? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness. It's not clear what kind of possible long-term health risks a low-carb diet may pose.

What foods can you eat unlimited amounts of on keto? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

What can I replace rice with on keto? ›

6 Keto-Friendly and Low Carb Rice Substitutes
  • Cauliflower Rice. 0.9 grams net carbs and 0.9 grams protein per 50 grams cooked serving. ...
  • Shirataki Rice. 0.6 grams net carbs and 0 grams protein per 50 grams cooked serving. ...
  • Mushroom Rice. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Wild Rice. ...
  • Quinoa.

What foods are surprisingly not keto? ›

It is best if you aim to consume around 12-15g net carbs from vegetables per day, and here are the keto diet foods to avoid:
  • Potatoes.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Baked potatoes.
  • Yams.
  • Peas.
  • Corn.
  • Artichoke.
  • Parsnips.

Is rotisserie chicken good for keto? ›

Yes, rotisserie chicken is keto-friendly. It's a carb-free option and a great source of protein (20-25 grams of protein per portion size). But you need to be careful about the part of the whole chicken you eat since some options have a high-fat content (mostly from saturated fats).

Can I eat unlimited chicken on keto? ›

However, if you want your chicken to have more flavor, then chicken thighs are considered the best kind of meat. Can you eat as much chicken as you want on keto? If you've decided to get started on a ketogenic lifestyle, you should be aware that you can't eat an unlimited quantity of meat on the keto diet.

Can too much chicken kick you out of ketosis? ›

If you fall short on your fat intake while eating higher amounts of protein, you may find that you are no longer in ketosis. That said, in the same way that some people can up their carbohydrate intake and stay in ketosis, some people can tolerate more protein than others.

How much chicken can I eat on keto per day? ›

"With a keto diet, the breakdown is approximately 75 percent fat, 20 percent protein and 5 percent carbohydrates." For example, a woman who weighs 150 pounds and is moderately active is recommended to eat 25 grams of carbs (think one medium sized apple!), 86 grams of protein (a little over three 3 oz chicken breasts) ...

Is too much chicken bad on keto? ›

Meat and poultry are popular with people on the keto diet because they're high in fat and very low in carbs. However, scientists have found links between eating too much meat on a regular basis and health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and excess weight.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6390

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.