The post 34 Keto Chicken Thigh Recipes Packed with Flavor! appeared first on Keto Summit.
In my book, chicken thighs are totally unsung heroes. Not only are they often tastier and juicier than their more popular counterparts, the chicken breast, but theyre often way cheaper at the grocery store.
But chicken thighs may be ready for a comeback.
Ive put together a list of my favorite chicken thigh recipes to show you just how many ways you can use this fantastic ingredient in all kinds of Keto-friendly dishes.
From delicious Indian-inspired tandoori style main courses to succulent slow-cooker chicken soups, these recipes showcase just how many fantastic ways you can use chicken thighs in your cooking. Forget the chicken breast, the thigh is the way to go!
Here are just a few of the Keto Chicken Thigh Recipes weve included:
- Keto Chicken, Mushroom and Kale Casserole
- Chicken Paprika with Sour Cream Gravy (Contains Dairy)
- Tandoori Style Chicken Thighs (Contains Dairy)
- Low Carb Instant Pot Chicken Salsa Queso Soup (Contains Dairy)
- 3-Ingredient Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs
- AIP Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
- Keto Paleo Cashew Chicken Curry
- Paleo White Chicken Chili
If you click or tap any of the links above, it will instantly take you to the recipe below. Or download the entire list by clicking on the green button below.
Keto Chicken Thighs Oven
Keto Chicken, Mushroom and Kale Casserole
Keto Summit
Ingredients: avocado oil, chicken thighs, onion, garlic, fresh rosemary, white button mushrooms, kale, salt, ground black pepper.
This casserole does not have the creamy sauce you might expect, but it is packed with flavor and can be described as keto comfort food! This is also a budget-friendly recipe as it uses chicken thighs which are very tasty but can be sourced much cheaper than breast meat. If you are not a fan of rosemary you could try using thyme or tarragon instead.
Chicken Paprika with Sour Cream Gravy (Contains Dairy)
I Breathe Im Hungry
Photo Credit: Mellissa from I Breathe Im Hungry
Ingredients: chicken thighs, Hungarian paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, sour cream.
Paprika is a good source of vitamin A which can support the immune system, so it is helpful on the keto diet. Besides that, it tastes amazing in dishes like this one! The chicken thighs take on a rich color and flavor and the smooth and rich gravy sets off the whole dish perfectly. This is a gluten-free recipe that will be enjoyed by even the non-keto people in the family.
Tandoori Style Chicken Thighs (Contains Dairy)
I Breathe Im Hungry
Photo Credit: Mellissa from I Breathe Im Hungry
Ingredients: plain yogurt, hot curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, stevia or Splenda, chicken thighs.
Curry flavors go down really well in our house, and these delicious keto tandoori thighs were declared a favorite. They are spicy and have a lovely crispy skin, but the meat stays moist and so tasty. Thigh meat has a lot more flavor than breast meat as it is close to the bone, and they can be a bit cheaper too, so this meal is budget-friendly too.
Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Contains Dairy)
Low Carb Yum
Photo Credit: Lisa from Low Carb Yum
Ingredients: spaghetti squash, butter, coconut flour, chicken stock or broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper, chicken thighs, broccoli or vegetable of choice, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese.
It is important when making dishes with broth that you use homemade if possible as it is more natural and has no additives, but is full of flavor. So next time you have roast chicken, simply boil up the bones and save the broth for dishes like this. This low carb casserole is super-tasty with its cheesy, creamy sauce and chunks of chicken, but you could add in different vegetables or even try using sausage instead of chicken.
Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs (Contains Dairy)
Ketogasm
Photo Credit: Tasha from Ketogasm
Ingredients: chicken thighs, dried basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, sea salt, pepper, olive oil.
In this gluten-free and low carb recipe, you are placing the herbs and parmesan under the skin, allowing them to infuse the meat with their amazing flavors! The skin is crispy, but the meat stays juicy and tender and absolutely packed with taste. With less than half a gram of carbohydrate per serving, these would be a great keto lunch served with a fresh salad.
Baked Cinnamon Chicken Low Carb Chicken Thighs with Mint & Coconut
Ketogasm
Photo Credit: Tasha from Ketogasm
Ingredients: chicken thighs, ground cinnamon, fresh mint leaves, dried basil, sea salt, coconut milk, chicken broth.
If you have never tried chicken with cinnamon, I recommend you try these amazing chicken thighs! The cinnamon gives the meat a wonderful depth of flavor and is paired with mint and basil to give you the right level of aromatics too. If you need to cut the carbohydrates, even more, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but you will definitely miss out on the crispy outside!
Spinach Stuffed Chicken (Contains Dairy)
Ditch the Carbs
Photo Credit: Libby from Ditch The Carbs
Ingredients: chicken thighs, cream cheese, bacon, spinach, grated parmesan.
Here is another great recipe that is so quick and easy to prepare that it would make a fantastic low carb and gluten-free midweek dinner. I prefer to pre-cook the bacon so that it adds a crispy note to the texture, but it is up to you. Although this recipe shows chicken breasts, you can use thighs and simply put the stuffing under the skin. I like to serve these with some cauliflower mash.
Lemon and Rosemary Chicken
Ditch the Carbs
Photo Credit: Libby from Ditch The Carbs
Ingredients: chicken thighs, lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic.
Lemon and rosemary go so well together and in this great keto recipe, they give the meat so much flavor! This is a simple recipe but it is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free and absolutely packed with taste. These thighs are great warm, but just as good left to cool and served next day with a fresh green salad. They are also portable and make great travel food for long journeys.
AIP Paleo Mediterranean Chicken
The Health Nut Mama
Photo Credit: The Health Nut Mama
Ingredients: chicken thighs, extra-virgin olive oil, onion, garlic, kalamata olives, capers, artichoke hearts, oregano, sea salt.
This paleo and keto-friendly dish has the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean because of the olives and capers and is a great way to serve shredded chicken, even leftover chicken from another meal. You can add more vegetables if you want the casserole to feed more people, and I recommend you add some fresh basil for a lovely fresh hint.
Keto Chicken Thighs Crockpot
Asian Keto Crockpot Chicken Thighs
Keto Summit
Ingredients: chicken thighs, onion, tamari sauce, water, garlic, salt, pepper, green onion, sesame seeds.
While youll recognize the delicious scent of this chicken after its six-hour simmer, its not exactly the same as the stuff you get in the fun little takeout pails. This recipe is flour-free and sugar free, but definitely not short on flavor. Gluten-free tamari sauce is the Keto worlds answer to soy sauce the same taste with fewer carbs. The chopped green onion and sesame seeds offer the perfect topping to this tasty takeout makeover.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken with Tarragon and Kale
Healing Family Eats
Photo Credit: Healing Family Eats
Ingredients: chicken thighs, lard, leek, garlic, pumpkin pure, dried tarragon, bone broth, lacinato kale, sea salt.
Tarragon and chicken have long been known as a great partnership, and this lovely dish has the benefit of the cruciferous vegetable, kale, that is a great source of fiber. This is quite a simple dish but it is filling and very tasty, and would make a comforting dinner for any day, either on its own or served over some cauliflower rice. If you dont have an Instant Pot, this recipe also gives you stove-top instructions too.
Paleo Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken (Contains Dairy)
Sweet Potatoes and Social Change
Photo Credit: Sweet Potatoes & Social Change
Ingredients: chicken thighs, salsa or pico de gallo, salad greens, shredded cheese.
Slow-cooking can be so useful as the pot does the work while you do other things! The chicken comes out tender and juicy and tastes so good even though this is a simple low carb and gluten-free recipe. Once the chicken thighs are cooked, the meat can be shredded and piled on top of a lovely green salad or they can be eaten as they are.
Low Carb Instant Pot Chicken Salsa Queso Soup (Contains Dairy)
Beauty and The Foodie
Photo Credit: Stacey from Beauty and the Foodie
Ingredients: chicken thighs, chunky salsa, chicken broth, sea salt, garlic powder, ground chipotle powder, ground black pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, dried parsley, cream cheese, Jack cheese.
In this recipe for creamy keto soup, you are in charge of how mild or spicy you like things, and it can depend on the type of salsa you use. This is a keto-friendly, gluten-free dish that is hearty and warming and can be made quickly in an Instant Pot, or slow-cooked during the day so it is ready when you come home. If you tolerate dairy but cant find queso cheese, you can use a mild feta instead.
Slow Cooker Garlic Chipotle Lime Chicken
Beauty and The Foodie
Photo Credit: Stacey from Beauty and the Foodie
Ingredients: chicken thighs, tomato sauce, olive oil or avocado oil, garlic, mild green chilies, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, fresh cilantro or flat-leaf Italian parsley, Swerve, ground chipotle powder, sea salt, black pepper.
This keto chicken dish has a wonderful combination of fresh flavors and can be made as mild or as spicy as you like! You have fresh tastes of lime and the cider vinegar to complement the tender chicken and you can even use chicken thighs, fresh or frozen, to make this a more budget-friendly dish. For a satisfying main, serve this chicken with cauliflower rice, a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Asian Chicken and Broccoli Soup
Cavegirl Cuisine
Photo Credit: Michelle from Cavegirl Cuisine
Ingredients: chicken stock, chicken thighs, yellow onion, button mushrooms, garlic, broccoli, coconut aminos, red chili flakes, ground ginger, sea salt, black pepper.
Like many chicken soups, this one is warming and satisfying but very easy to eat! This is a slow cooker recipe that gets its Asian influence from the ginger, garlic and coconut aminos and this is a great keto gluten-free dish. If you have had a busy day, it would be perfect to have for a delicious dinner. If you like your soup spicy you can always increase the number of chili flakes you use.
Paleo Crock Pot Chicken Soup
Cook Eat Paleo
Photo Credit: Lisa from Cook Eat Paleo
Ingredients: onion, celery stalks, carrots, apple cider vinegar, herbes de Provence, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, sea salt, ground pepper, filtered water.
Ideal for Paleo-friendly comfort food on a chilly day, this traditional recipe is a great way to use up leftover meat. The cider vinegar gives this dish a lovely fresh taste, and you can add all your favorite herbs, or experiment with a few new ones! If you prefer to make a richer soup, you can substitute homemade chicken broth for some of the water.
Keto Crispy Chicken Thighs
3-Ingredient Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs
Keto Summit
Ingredients: chicken thighs, olive oil or avocado oil, salt.
Spring is here so all thoughts can turn to eating chicken thighs, barbecued meat and all things summery! As you know, most coatings for chicken involve some form of breadcrumbs, which are not Keto or AIP-friendly, so using this low carb recipe could be the answer! It simply uses the skin on the thighs as a crispy coating that you can enjoy with a fresh, green salad for a delicious lunch.
Crispy Lebanese Chicken
Grazed and Enthused
Photo Credit: Grazed & Enthused
Ingredients: chicken thigh, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, dried oregano flakes, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric powder.
This ketogenic recipe is for chicken with the traditional flavors of Lebanese cuisine garlic, lemon and herbs like oregano. I think the flavors in this dish give it a taste of Spring, but it would be perfect for dinner at any time of year. This dish is great served over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables. Remember to save the bones from the chicken thighs as you can use them to make bone broth.
Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Savory Lotus
Photo Credit: Katja from Savory Lotus
Ingredients: chicken thighs, butter, ghee or fat of choice, salt, garlic, fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme), black pepper.
This is such an easy recipe that even the most inexperienced cooks can make it! The chicken thighs are flavored with just a few simple ingredients, then you just sit back and wait for them to cook. You can serve these with cauli mash, with a fresh, green salad, or let them cool and use them in lunchboxes for a great protein source.
Crispy Chicken Thigh And Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner
The Castaway Kitchen
Ingredients: cremini mushrooms, broccolini, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, butter or ghee, chicken thighs, sea salt, garlic, fresh rosemary.
As I am quite a lazy cook I just love one-pan meals, so this one features regularly in our house! This is a grain and gluten-free recipe that gives you all the flavors and nutrients you will need. You can even make it your own by using different vegetables or spicing up the chicken with chili flakes. If you are following the autoimmune protocol, all you have to do is avoid using the bell peppers to make this meal AIP-compliant.
Crispy Curry Chicken Thighs
Beka N Eggs
Ingredients: chicken thighs, coconut milk, British curry powder, tandoori masala, avocado oil, salt.
Curry powder is such a great ingredient to use in a marinade as it is a combination of Indian spices that can infuse the chicken with amazing flavor, so this dish is best prepped the night before. As you are heating the pan to quite a high temperature it is best not to use olive oil, but any other oil will do. These crispy thighs are gluten and dairy-free and would make a great protein source to serve with cauli rice or vegetables.
No Mess Crispy Chicken Thighs
Low Carb with Jennifer
Ingredients: chicken thighs, baking powder, Kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder.
In this great keto-friendly recipe you are using baking powder to add extra crispiness to the skin on the chicken thighs, and it definitely makes all the difference! This is a straightforward recipe, but the results are amazing and the crispy thighs can become a family favorite. The same cooking method also works with chicken legs and this recipe can be budget-friendly as you can use frozen thighs.
Crispy Chipotle Chicken Thighs
Ruled Me
Ingredients: chicken thighs, olive oil, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper.
Although you are using chipotle powder in this gluten-free keto recipe, it does not have to be super-spicy, so this would be a family-friendly meal. You have the flavors of cumin and coriander and a bit of smokiness from the paprika, which is a good source of vitamin A. Once you have removed the bones from the thighs they can be stored in the freezer until you have enough to make bone broth.
Crispy Chicken Thigh with Rosemary Butter
Keto Connect
Ingredients: chicken thighs, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pink salt, black pepper, butter, coconut oil/ghee.
Chicken thighs are one of the best meats you can use on a keto diet as they are really low in carbohydrates, but have quite a high-fat content because of the skin. The skin can be lovely and crispy and tastes amazing with the rosemary seasoning. These thighs taste good freshly cooked, but the flavor intensifies if you leave them to cool and they make great meat to serve with a fresh salad.
The Best, Easy Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Wholesome Yum
Ingredients: chicken thighs, ghee or avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper.
Sometimes the simple recipes are the best and this one is so easy that even teenagers can make these! All you need to do is season with some garlic and paprika, or whatever spices you prefer, then cook them in the oven for a keto-compliant and delicious meal for lunch or dinner. If you want to make these completely dairy-free, simply replace the ghee with avocado oil.
Other Keto Chicken Thigh Recipes
AIP Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Healing Autoimmune
Ingredients: olive oil, chicken thighs, onion, garlic, white button mushrooms, carrots, rosemary, salt.
This AIP and keto-compliant casserole use ingredients that most of you will have already in your larder, so no need for a visit to the store. Chicken and mushrooms are a classic combination and they make this a hearty and filling meal, yet keeping the carbohydrates to a minimum. You can serve this over cauliflower or sweet potato mash (though please note the latter is higher in carbs).
Chicken Adobo
A Girl Worth Saving
Photo Credit: Kelly from A Girl Worth Saving
Ingredients: garlic, chicken thighs, water, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, whole peppercorns, black pepper.
If you have never heard of adobo, it is a dish of meat cooked in stock which is flavored with garlic, soy, and vinegar and it has its roots in Spanish cuisine. This is a fantastic way to cook chicken as it guarantees the meat will be tender and juicy and full of flavor. If you cant use soy, you can replace it with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy, or coconut aminos, so you dont have to miss out on this amazing dish.
Easy Coconut Chicken
A Girl Worth Saving
Photo Credit: Kelly from A Girl Worth Saving
Ingredients: coconut oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, chicken thighs, black pepper, sea salt, water, coconut milk.
If ever there was the perfect keto meal it must be this one! The coconut chicken uses coconut oil which has been shown to burn body fat really easily, so this dish can help maintain the correct state of ketosis. As well as being healthy, this dish is rich and flavorful and has a tangy flavor from the cider vinegar and it really brings out the flavor of the thigh meat.
Keto Paleo Cashew Chicken Curry
The Nourished Caveman
Photo Credit: Vivica from The Nourished Caveman
Ingredients: coconut oil, chicken thighs, sea salt, coconut milk, green curry paste, raw cashews.
Cashews are one of those ingredients that just work in a curry and they add a richness to the sauce. This keto and paleo recipe is reminiscent of Thai curries, with just the right amount of heat to make this a family-friendly dish. You can have this ready to eat in quite a short time and it tastes absolutely fantastic served on a bed of cauliflower rice.
Keto Cream of Chicken Soup with Bacon (Contains Dairy)
Low Carb Yum
Photo Credit: Lisa from Low Carb Yum
Ingredients: bacon, butter, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, water, coconut milk or almond milk, heavy cream, chicken bone broth, celery, chicken thighs, salt, pepper, fresh parsley.
It is quite common on the keto diet to miss the creamy soups and sauces you were used to, so thats where recipes like this one can come in handy! This amazing creamy soup is comfort food in a bowl and can be served as a main or an appetizer. Soup can also be a good way to get kids eating healthy as they dont seem to notice the veggies so much! On cold days I like to sprinkle extra bacon bits on top for a protein boost!
Plus, mushrooms have health benefits you might not know about.Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends shiitake mushrooms in particular. These meaty and flavorful mushrooms contain a substance called eritadenine, which encourages body tissues to absorb cholesterol and lower the amount circulating in the blood. Shiitakes also have antiviral and anticancer effects.
Herbed Chicken and Mushrooms
Peace, Love and Low Carb
Photo Credit: Kyndra from Peace Love and Low Carb
Ingredients: chicken thighs, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, olive oil, cremini mushrooms, garlic, chicken stock, Dijon mustard.
This Keto-friendly, low carb recipe uses chicken thighs instead of breast meat and this makes the dish cheaper, tastier and so delicious. The crispy skin is so good, especially once it is rubbed with the herbs and seasonings and baked in the oven. If you find the mushroom sauce is a bit thin, simply boil it to reduce it a bit and this will also intensify the flavor.
Garlic & Herb Chicken Nuggets
Grazed and Enthused
Photo Credit: Grazed & Enthused
Ingredients: chicken thigh, dried oregano, dried basil, granulated garlic, sea salt or garlic salt, coconut flour, coconut oil.
If you have ever looked at the ingredients in store-bought chicken nuggets, you were probably shocked and decided to ban them from the house as I did. Luckily, we have some wonderful recipes like this one for a healthier alternative that even the kiddies will love! These delicious nuggets are flavored with garlic and herbs and make a great lunchtime dish or as finger foods for a party.
Autoimmune Paleo Pesto Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
Empowered Sustenance
Photo Credit: Empowered Sustenance
Ingredients: spaghetti squash, chicken thighs, coconut oil, basil, arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt.
The pesto used in this recipe is totally nut-free, making this a lovely family meal to serve if there is anyone with nut allergies. The pesto is the star of the meal with all the flavors of the herbs and the aromatics from the fresh basil and garlic. Serve this over chicken thighs for a budget-friendly meal, or use chicken breast if you would rather. If you dont like arugula, spinach makes a great alternative.
Paleo White Chicken Chili
Empowered Sustenance
Photo Credit: Empowered Sustenance
Ingredients: coconut oil, onion, celery sticks, garlic, jalapeo peppers, chicken thighs, ground cumin, chili powder, coriander, dried oregano, sea salt, ground black pepper, bone broth or chicken broth, green chili, full-fat coconut milk.
This recipe gives you a totally different slant on chili as it is creamy in texture but still packed with flavor. This would be a great idea for using up leftover chicken from a roast dinner or you could use cheaper cuts like thighs to keep the cost down and keep it low carb. Top with a little-chopped cilantro for extra freshness and dont forget the avocado slices for a smooth addition to this wonderful creamy dish.
The post 34 Keto Chicken Thigh Recipes Packed with Flavor! appeared first on Keto Summit.