30-Minute Keto Stuffed Chicken – Low Carb & Gluten Free

Date Published: June 30, 2023 by Wendy Polisi Last Modified: June 30, 2023 · 1676 words. · Approximately 9 minutes to read this article.

This Keto Stuffed Chicken is sure to be one of the most fulfilling meals you can serve! Boasting a juicy and cheesy interior, this low-carb dish is equally suitable for a laid-back dinner or a festive occasion. Preparing a keto-friendly meal might feel intimidating, but this easy spinach stuffed chicken recipe makes it manageable. With just a bit of straightforward prep, your tender, cheese-stuffed chicken breasts will be ready for the skillet or air fryer, ensuring a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil: This oil has become popular in many homes due to its high smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing and baking. You can find it in the oil aisle at your local supermarket, or substitute with olive or coconut oil if necessary.
• Onion: Onions add a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the chicken and cheese wonderfully. Any onion variety – white, yellow, or red works well based on your liking. If you don’t have fresh onions, onion powder can also add flavor.
• Garlic: Adding garlic contributes significant depth to the stuffing. Fresh garlic is preferable, but jarred minced garlic or garlic powder can be substitutes if needed.
• Spinach: Baby spinach enriches the stuffing with nutrients and pairs excellently with cheese. If baby spinach isn’t available, feel free to use regular fresh spinach or kale, or even frozen spinach.
• Goat cheese: The creamy richness of goat cheese elevates the filling. Alternatively, feta or cream cheese can work perfectly well.
• Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy essence and ideal stretchiness to the stuffing. Other melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack can also be used.
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: The main ingredient, boneless skinless chicken breasts are easier to stuff, while thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
• Smoked paprika: This spice adds a smoky essence to the chicken, enhancing its flavor profile. If unavailable, regular paprika or a hint of chipotle powder can be good alternatives, though use chipotle powder sparingly as it can be spicy like cayenne.
• Sea salt: A crucial seasoning, sea salt enhances the flavors of other ingredients. Regular table salt can serve as a substitute, just modify the quantity to suit your taste.
• Fresh ground black pepper: For a spicy flavor boost, freshly ground pepper is optimal, but pre-ground will work in a pinch.

Step by Step

For the complete recipe for spinach stuffed chicken breast, refer to the recipe card below.

Variations for Low Carb Stuffed Chicken

• Substitute feta and Swiss cheese for the goat cheese and mozzarella. Skip the spinach and instead incorporate ½ cup of chopped olives.
• Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add 4 ounces of sautéed mushrooms.
• Leave out the spinach entirely and use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes instead.

Additional Ideas for Stuffed Chicken

• Cheese – a variety of types – cheddar, feta, cream cheese, parmesan
• Olives
• Spinach
• Onion – either sautéed or caramelized
• Mushrooms
• Artichokes
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Bacon
• Broccoli (Pairing broccoli with cheese is a fantastic combination!)
• Tomatoes (just limit the amount to keep your stuffed chicken keto-friendly.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicken Keto Friendly?

Absolutely! Chicken serves as an excellent protein source and is perfectly aligned with the Keto diet. Although dark meat is often favored for keto due to its higher fat content, all chicken can be enjoyed on a keto diet. Whenever feasible, opt for organic, free-range chicken.

Can You Prepare Air Fryer Keto Stuffed Chicken?

Yes, depending on the type of Air Fryer you possess, it may be possible. However, be sure to place the chicken breasts on parchment paper to avoid any filling spillage. (This can vary with certain Air Fryer models, so consult your manual.) To cook, preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.

What’s the Optimal Way to Store Chicken?

Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, positioning it toward the back to prevent raw juices from contaminating foods below. Although Cryovac packaging extends shelf life, once opened, chicken should be consumed within 2 days. Chicken breasts can be frozen for up to nine months, though some moisture loss may occur.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

• This recipe can be prepped in advance and cooked at the time of serving.
• Alternatively, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by baking them in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes in an oven-safe skillet.
• Do use toothpicks to secure the cheese mixture inside the chicken! They genuinely help keep the filling intact. (And remember to remove them before serving—nothing charming about having someone bite into wood.)

• Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Meat thermometer

You May Also Like

• Keto Chicken Parmesan is a surefire favorite that works just as well for entertaining as it does for a quick weeknight meal. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
• If you’re in need of a simple appetizer, check out this Marinated Cheese for a delicious option.
• Keto Lemon Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish with a powerful, zesty kick.