Keto Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites – Low-Carb, Flavorful & Delicious
Looking for a simple, yet flavor-packed keto-friendly recipe that’s low in carbs and high in taste? These Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for something savory, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, all while staying in line with your ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. The combination of tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken makes for a deliciously satisfying meal that won’t disrupt your carb count. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, this recipe delivers all the flavors you crave—without the carbs!
With zero carbs per serving and packed with healthy fats and protein, these Keto Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a great addition to your keto meal plan. Enjoy them on their own, over a salad, or paired with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Overview:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Carbs per serving: 0g
Calories per serving: 200
Protein per serving: 26g
Fat per serving: 11g
Ingredients:
This recipe uses simple, whole ingredients that not only contribute to the flavor but also align with your low-carb, keto-friendly diet.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
1 lemon (juiced, plus zest for more flavor)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh herbs if preferred)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for a creamier texture)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Make sure the pieces are of uniform size to ensure they cook evenly. Place the chicken cubes into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. To enhance the citrusy flavor, add the zest of the lemon as well. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a little extra heat, add them to the marinade. Stir everything together to combine.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil) to the marinade. The healthy fat from the olive oil will not only help the chicken stay juicy but also make it more flavorful. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer if possible—up to 30 minutes) to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan for extra richness and flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to skip the butter and use just olive oil or avocado oil.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
Once the pan is hot and the butter has melted, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Let the chicken cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on all sides.
During cooking, spoon some of the leftover marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and infuse more flavor. If the chicken seems dry, add a little more oil or butter.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
For a creamier texture, once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat and add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to combine. The cream will thicken the sauce slightly and provide a luxurious, velvety coating for the chicken. This step is optional, but it adds richness to the dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken bites are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve these Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites immediately. They can be enjoyed as a snack, served on top of a salad, or paired with your favorite keto-friendly side dishes like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact brands and types of ingredients used.
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 480mg
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 26g
Net Carbs: 0g (Keto-Friendly)
Key Ingredient Breakdown:
Chicken Breast: A lean, high-protein meat that is naturally low in carbs and fat, making it an excellent choice for a keto diet. Chicken breast helps provide the necessary protein to maintain muscle mass, especially when following a low-carb regimen.
Olive Oil & Butter: Both olive oil and butter provide healthy fats, which are essential on a keto diet. Healthy fats not only help you feel satisfied but also provide energy for the body when carbohydrate intake is restricted. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, while butter adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
Garlic & Lemon: Garlic is an antioxidant-rich food that adds powerful flavor with no carbs. Combined with lemon, it enhances the chicken’s taste, providing fresh, bright, and aromatic notes without adding any significant calories or carbs.
Heavy Cream (Optional): Heavy cream adds a creamy texture to the dish and provides additional fat content, which is essential in a ketogenic meal plan. This optional ingredient can increase the richness and make the dish even more satisfying.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley is a great low-carb herb that is often used for garnishing. It also contains vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, which are beneficial for your immune system and overall health.
Why This Recipe Works for Keto:
Zero Carbs: With just 0g of carbs per serving, these Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites are a perfect option for those following a strict keto or low-carb lifestyle. The recipe avoids starchy ingredients, ensuring that it fits well within the guidelines of a ketogenic diet.
High in Protein and Healthy Fats: The combination of 26g of protein and 11g of healthy fats per serving makes this dish a balanced and satiating option for anyone on a keto diet. Protein helps with muscle preservation, while healthy fats keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Simple and Quick: This recipe is quick to make, with only about 25 minutes required from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a healthy and flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Whether you prefer a spicier kick with chili flakes or a more savory depth with rosemary or basil, this recipe can be adapted to your taste preferences.
Keto-Friendly Meal Prep: These chicken bites are also great for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for a quick keto meal during the week.
Serving Suggestions and Tips:
Serve with Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal. These low-carb options complement the chicken bites and help you stay on track with your keto goals.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for an extra kick. The spice will balance beautifully with the citrusy lemon and garlic.
Meal Prep: These chicken bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and are perfect for meal prepping. Reheat them in a pan or microwave, and they’ll be just as delicious the next day.
Add Cream for Extra Richness: If you’re craving a richer dish, consider adding a little more heavy cream or a touch of parmesan cheese to the pan at the end to create a creamy, garlicky sauce that will coat the chicken in a luxurious texture.
With this Keto Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites recipe, you can enjoy a low-carb, high-protein, and flavorful dish that perfectly fits into your keto lifestyle
