Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful, Low-Carb Delight
Are you on the lookout for a delicious and healthy meal that fits perfectly within your Keto diet plan? If so, then let me introduce you to a recipe that is both flavorful and incredibly satisfying—Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken! This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of garlic, olive oil, lemon, and a blend of Greek-inspired herbs, all wrapped up in a juicy, tender chicken breast. It's low in carbs, high in protein, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to the Greek islands with every bite.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a special dinner, this dish is versatile and easy to whip up. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple, quick, and wholesome dinner on their Keto journey. So, let’s dive into the details of this deliciously garlicky Greek chicken recipe that will keep you on track with your low-carb lifestyle!
Why You'll Love This Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken Recipe
Not only does this Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken taste amazing, but it also fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step cooking process, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! You can serve it with your favorite Keto-friendly sides, like a Greek salad, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables, to make it a complete, filling meal.
Ingredients for Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken
This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (for maximum flavour)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (because we’re going all-in on the garlicky goodness!)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (for that quintessential Greek flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional but adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (this adds a refreshing, citrusy note)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adds brightness to the marinade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of optional red pepper flakes for added spiciness
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by making the marinade for your chicken. In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour after sealing the bag or covering the dish. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
Pro Tip: Marinating the chicken overnight will give it even more flavor, but even 30 minutes of marinating will do wonders!
3. Cook the Chicken:
It's time to grill your chicken after it has marinated! Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan.
Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). If you have thicker breasts, you may need to cook them for an extra minute or two on each side.
4. Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making the chicken tender and moist.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Slice the chicken breasts and serve them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side like a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information and Macros per Serving
This Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken recipe makes about 4 servings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 1g
Note: These macros are based on using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the recommended ingredients in the recipe. If you change the portion sizes or ingredients, the nutritional values may vary.
Serving Size
Each serving is one chicken breast. If you want to add a side dish (which I highly recommend!), just be mindful of the additional carbs and calories in your sides.
Additional Tips for Perfect Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken
Make it extra tender: If you want your chicken breasts to be extra juicy, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness before marinating. They will stay wet and cook more evenly as a result.
Use chicken thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The flavor will be richer, and they tend to stay juicier.
Storage: This recipe is great for meal prep! Any leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to three months.
Grilling option: For a smoky, grilled version, you can cook the marinated chicken breasts on the grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.
Adjusting seasoning: If you like your chicken spicier, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Common FAQs About Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken
Q1: Can I make this dish without garlic? If you're not a fan of garlic, you can leave it out, but keep in mind that garlic is one of the key flavors in this recipe. You could substitute it with shallots or a small amount of onion powder for a different but still flavorful alternative.
Q2: Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes! If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can absolutely use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. Just remember to modify the cooking time appropriately. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes! The chicken can be marinated overnight and cooked the following day. It’s a great option for meal prep or preparing a dish ahead of time.
More Keto Recipe Ideas
If you enjoyed this Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken, here are three more recipes you might want to try:
Keto Chicken Alfredo: A creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a comforting, low-carb dinner. It’s rich, indulgent, and so easy to make!
Keto Greek Salad: Pair your chicken with a refreshing Greek salad, featuring cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect complement to the garlicky flavors in the chicken.
Keto Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: If you're looking for a low-carb pasta alternative, try zucchini noodles tossed in a homemade basil pesto sauce. It's fresh, flavorful, and makes a great side dish!
Ending
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Keto Garlicky Greek Chicken as much as I did! It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and keeps you on track with your low-carb lifestyle. Remember, healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or bland—it can be packed with taste and excitement, just like this recipe!
If you try it out, let me know what you think in the comments below or tag me in your social media posts. I’d love to hear how it turned out! And don’t forget to check out the other Keto-friendly recipes I’ve linked above for more tasty meal inspiration. Happy cooking!
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