Put that poultry to work! These low-carb chicken recipes are healthy, filling and delicious. Find ideas for roasts, skillet meals and more. (We even have a recipe for chicken nuggets!)
39 Low-Carb Chicken Recipes
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken
I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken breast in a Crockpot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
1/39
2/39
Grilled Chicken Guacamole with Cherry Tomatoes
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Watching your carb intake? Then you’ve got to try this grilled chicken guacamole. Simple ingredients turn a snack into a gourmet meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 142 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
3/39
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
4/39
Mediterranean Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/39
Deviled Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish when I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 246 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/39
Chicken Cakes with Avocado Mango Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous appetizer for your next party. Or serve these chicken cakes for dinner with a side of hot rice and your favorite vegetable. —Rachael Nodes, La Barge, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake with 2 teaspoons sauce: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/39
Thai Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup sauce (calculated without rice): 261 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
8/39
Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia. Looking for variations? Try this easy keto chicken nuggets recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
9/39
Chicken Taco Salad
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
10/39
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Thighs in Wine Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe for its incredible flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does, too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas.—Heike Annucci, Hudson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
11/39
Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/39
Poached Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't beat poaching for chicken that is moist and tender. Once it's cooled, store extra in the freezer for quick meals.—James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 192 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
13/39
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/39
Lemon Basil Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For Sunday dinner or any time, this tender, fragrant chicken is special. —;Marguerite Marshall, Carencro, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 282 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
15/39
How to Grill Chicken Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/39
Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
17/39
Baked Chicken and Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/39
Spicy Shredded Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but not the high calorie count that often comes with it. This easy dish is healthy, delicious and a definite crowd pleaser! I like to serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans and salsa. For an equally awesome dish, you can substitute beef or pork for the chicken. —Heather Walker, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
19/39
Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker butter chicken recipe is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had in Malaysia. I spent several years there eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. Butter chicken was one of my favorite dishes while I was there! —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 242 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
20/39
Chicken Marsala
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite dishes to order in restaurants, so I created a version that I could make in a flash on a weeknight at home. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 493 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 40g protein.
21/39
Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One night I looked in the refrigerator and pondered what I could make with chicken, cheese, mushrooms and pesto. This pretty dish was the result. Add Italian bread and a fruit salad for a complete meal! —Melissa Nordmann, Mobile, AL
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
22/39
Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Letting everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps, topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins, and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 72 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
23/39
Enchilada Chicken
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy southwestern flavors and this six-ingredient recipe never gets boring. The chicken sizzles in the skillet before getting baked and comes out tender and juicy every time. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 265 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
24/39
Baked Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups onion sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken (skin removed) with 2 tablespoons sauce: 182 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
25/39
Tandoori Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent time in India and love reminders of this vibrant culture, so this tandoori chicken makes me happy. Served with warmed naan bread and a cool tomato and cucumber salad, it's a whole meal. —Claire Elston, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 193 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/39
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
27/39
Chicken Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
28/39
Skillet Chicken with Olives
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without capers): 237 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
29/39
Grilled Basil Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 231 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
30/39
Baked Lemon Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this baked lemon chicken recipe many years ago when my children were toddlers. I've changed it a little over the years to make it my own. Everyone in my family just loves it! —Aida Babbel, Bowen Island, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 312 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
31/39
Air-Fryer Almond Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband bought an air fryer after seeing it on television. We use it at least twice a week now! The chicken recipes that we have tried are especially good because of how moist the chicken remains. We started a low-carb diet and did not want to use bread crumbs, so we tried almonds. It's become a favorite. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 353 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
32/39
Lemon Feta Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright, Greek-inspired chicken has only five ingredients—it's a busy-day lifesaver! My husband and I prepare the dish often, and it’s a hit every time. —Ann Cain, Morrill, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 143 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
33/39
Spicy Lime Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been turning this spicy lime chicken into tacos for years, but it was my son Austin who put it on cooked rice with all his favorite taco toppings. A family favorite was created out of leftovers! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
34/39
Cilantro & Lime Chicken with Scoops
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
16 servings (4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla chip cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla cups or any other savory, crispy cup you like. Enjoy the leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup chicken mixture: 97 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
35/39
Feta Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up eating chicken because my father was the manager at a poultry facility, but this is the one dish that never gets boring. —Cheryl Lundquist, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 198 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
36/39
Grecian Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The caper, tomato and olive flavors will whisk you away to the Greek isles. This easy skillet dish is perfect for hectic weeknights. —Jan Marler, Murchison, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
37/39
Slow-Cooker Lemon Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 336 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 56g protein.
38/39
Chicken Dijon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken dish is extremely fast and economical. It makes a nice sauce that works well over brown rice or wide noodles. If you want extra sauce for leftovers, double the recipe. —Irene Boffo, Fountain Hills, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 295 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
39/39
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
