This roundup of easy keto chicken thigh recipes will make dinner a breeze and give you all kinds of low-carb meal inspiration!
Chicken thighs are tender, flavorful, and contain extra fat which makes them well-suited for a low-carb or keto diet. They are simple to prep and there are so many ways to enjoy them.
why you'll love these low carb chicken recipes
If you've ever found yourself staring aimlessly at a pack of chicken thighs and not feeling inspired to do anything with it- I hear ya. I've been there and I can definitely feel stuck in my low-carb dinner rotation.
But fortunately, there are so many ways to prepare keto chicken thighs and this specific cut of meat is pretty fool-proof! They retain moisture and they don't overcook as easily as chicken breasts.
Why keto chicken thigh recipes are a must if you follow a keto or low-carb lifestyle:
- chicken thighs are high in protein with a moderate amount of fat, which makes them keto-friendly when it comes to macronutrients
- they're tender and flavorful
- chicken thighs are budget-friendly
- the range of keto chicken thigh recipes are endless!
This roundup of keto chicken thigh recipes includes the best chicken dishes and flavors that run the gamut from simple soups to one-pan dinners to flavor-packed salads.
They are:
- simple to prepare and doable for any day of the week
- delicious recipes that range between 3g and 15g net carbs per serving
- nutritious, kid-friendly and recipes the entire family will love!
Click on any of the recipes below to view each separate post, including all of the instructions in the printable recipe card and nutritional information.
And, if you're hungry for more deliciousness, check out this list of 25 high-protein keto recipes!
15 delicious keto chicken thigh recipes
Keto Cashew Chicken (Gluten-free)
Keto cashew chicken is a simple and flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes! Juicy chicken thighs, onions, bell pepper, and crunchy cashews are coated in a delicious sauce. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb, Asian-inspired meal.
keto chicken soup {paleo, gf, dairy-free}
This keto chicken soup is rich, brothy goodness in a bowl! Mushrooms, fresh herbs and tender shredded chicken cook in a savory chicken broth and bring the flavor to this homemade chicken soup recipe. Coconut milk and lemon juice add a delicious twist.
You can prep this on the stovetop or let everything simmer in the Crock Pot for extra ease.
harissa chicken thighs with roasted vegetables {low-carb, gluten-free}
These keto baked chicken thighs seasoned with harissa and served with roasted vegetables is an easy and flavorful sheet pan chicken dinner! Spiced, crispy chicken thighs pair perfectly with a creamy lemon-cilantro Greek yogurt. It all cooks together on a baking sheet which makes for easy prep and clean-up.
chipotle air fryer chicken thighs (keto, gf)
Air fryer chicken thighs result in the crispiest, tastiest, keto chicken! These are seasoned with a chipotle spice blend and a "secret ingredient" for the crispiest air fryer chicken thighs with amazing flavor. The crispy skin is the best part and I'm sure you'll agree!
keto Cobb salad {gf + dairy-free}
Keto Cobb salad is made with the classic Cobb ingredients you love, and is topped with a creamy, savory, homemade ranch dressing. Tender chicken thighs are the best way to add protein and flavor to this delicious medley of fresh ingredients. This Cobb salad is perfect for a low carb diet, plus it's dairy-optional and simple to make.
low-carb chicken shawarma plate
This delicious and easy chicken thighs recipe features seasoned grilled chicken pieces served with roasted veggies, fresh cabbage and garlic tahini. It's a 30-minute meal you can cook all together on a baking sheet and it's sure to become a family favorite. This flavor-packed keto chicken thighs recipe is perfect for quick dinners and even weekly meal prep.
Filipino Chicken Adobo
The next time you have chicken thighs and a handful of simple ingredients like vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper and tamari (or soy sauce), try this flavorful Filipino chicken adobo!
With an under-30-minute cooking time, it's one of the easiest keto recipes ever and results in perfect chicken adobo that is marinated, pan-fried in olive oil or avocado oil until browned and served with a flavorful adobo sauce and garlic green beans.
Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
Tender chicken thighs simmer in a creamy sauce loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Keep it dairy-free with coconut cream or substitute heavy cream for a rich and indulgent sauce. This low-carb meal takes only 30 minutes to make and has all the right flavors!
keto bourbon chicken
Tender pieces of chicken cooked in a sweet and sticky bourbon sauce, this keto bourbon chicken recipe is delicious, low-carb comfort food! Serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed low-carb vegetables.
keto chicken tortilla soup
Tender shreds of chicken, crunchy keto tortilla strips and a flavorful chicken broth loaded with chili powder, onion powder and other spices, this keto chicken tortilla soup is a dinner win that requires one pot on the stove top.
Top it with all of your favorite taco fixings, including shredded cheese, sour cream, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
low-carb cold noodle salad with tahini dressing {gluten-free, dairy free}
This low-carb cold noodle salad is served with fresh, chopped vegetables and a creamy tahini dressing that adds a rich flavor to the dish. It's ready in under 30 minutes and is gluten-free, dairy free, and vegan-friendly.
low-carb Filipino pancit
This easy, low-carb pancit recipe is made with keto-friendly kelp noodles, tender chicken, and a savory mix of garlic and vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, you'll LOVE this quick and simple Filipino-inspired comfort food!
low-carb bruschetta chicken
Low-carb bruschetta chicken is a fresh and flavorful meal! Chicken thighs marinate in a mix of balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic (or garlic powder) and a blend of Italian seasoning. Bake or grill the chicken thighs, then top them with mozzarella (or even Parmesan cheese) plus a juicy tomato mixture infused with basil and balsamic.
This easy chicken recipe is especially delicious in the summer, prepared on the grill, and topped with in-season tomatoes. Don't forget a glass of chilled white wine.
low-carb green chicken enchiladas
Low-carb green chicken enchiladas are a delicious, cheesy and comforting meal. Make it entirely from scratch or cut down on the prep time and use store-bought sauce and keto tortillas. This low-carb chicken enchilada recipe will be requested again and again!
Creamy Paprika Chicken Thighs (Keto, Gluten-Free)
Caramelized onions and tender chicken thighs cook in a rich, paprika cream sauce. Pull this one-pan dinner together in a cast iron skillet. It's a quick and easy keto and gluten-free recipe that will not disappoint!
pro tips
Regardless of which keto chicken thigh recipe you go with, consider these tips:
- Choosing chicken thighs: Pay attention to whether the recipe calls for boneless/skinless chicken thighs or bone-in thighs with chicken skin. This will make a difference. For instance, my keto air fryer chicken thigh recipe requires skin on the chicken pieces and that's what makes them extra crispy.
- Difference in cook time: If you're ever substituting bone-in chicken thighs for boneless chicken thighs, you will likely need to increase the cooking time. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Most cost-friendly cuts: Bone-in chicken thighs are always more affordable than boneless/skinless chicken thighs.
- Preparing the chicken thighs: Many of these keto chicken thigh recipes require patting dry the chicken very well before cooking. Chicken already releases a lot of moisture as it cooks so removing as much water as possible will give you the best results.
- How to use leftovers: Don't be afraid to repurpose leftovers! For instance, you can make a low-carb quesadilla with leftover Filipino chicken adobo or cut up the chicken to make this Filipino pancit.
favorite keto chicken thigh recipes
Looking for new recipes and you're not sure where to start? Here are my favorites:
- Chipotle air fryer chicken thighs (also a reader fave!)
- Low-carb chicken shawarma plate
- Keto chicken tortilla soup (a really easy recipe- read this review on Pinterest)
frequently asked questions
- Are chicken thighs or breasts better for keto? Both will work well and are a great source of protein, but chicken breasts are a leaner cut of meat with about half of the fat per serving as chicken thighs. If your goal is to maintain a "classic keto" or even "modified keto" macronutrient ratio, chicken thighs are a better source of fat than chicken breasts.
- How many net carbs are in chicken thighs? Chicken thighs alone contain 0g carbohydrates and 0g sugar, so 0g net carbs. The carb count will change based on how you prep the chicken. For instance, all of my keto chicken thigh recipes range between 3g net carbs per serving and 15g net carbs per serving, based on the dish.
- Are boneless skinless chicken thighs healthy? Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a healthy source of protein and fat. To add more fat to the dish (especially if you're following a keto diet), make use of keto chicken thigh recipes that call for the skin-on pieces, like these harissa chicken thighs with roasted vegetables.
chicken thigh nutrition
Here is chicken thigh nutritional information, according to the USDA:
Serving size: 1 thigh without skin (about 116g)
- Total fat: 10g (2.6g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 157mg
- Sodium: 101mg
- Carbohydrates and sugar: 0g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
serve this with keto chicken thighs
Now that you have a variety of low-carb chicken thigh recipes all in one place, how about a few side ideas?
- Keto buttermilk biscuits
- Keto cornbread
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with sriracha
- Crispy air fryer broccoli
If you try any of these keto chicken recipes, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating under your favorite recipe and/or drop a comment below!
Have any questions about a specific recipe? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message on Instagram @stemandspoon. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!