Low Carb Chicken Breast Recipe

Our low-carb chicken breast recipe is a healthy, low-carb meal that’s easy to prepare and absolutely full of flavor. Made with juicy boneless chicken breasts and fresh zucchini, this recipe is packed with protein and has relatively few carbs and calories. All you need to do is chop the veggies and chicken, season them, and bake! Plus, you can use this recipe to meal prep for lunches or easy dinners for weeks to come.

Eating well doesn’t have to be boring, and it definitely doesn’t have to be complicated! This pan-seared salmon comes together in a snap! For a family night in, give these sweet potato nachos a try. And if you really want to turn up the dial on flavor, try these buffalo chicken zucchini boats.

What You’ll Love About this Recipe:

• Really yummy flavor – The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, freshly chopped vegetables, and zesty arrabbiata sauce is full of flavor.
• Low-carb option – This recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle or looking to reduce their carb intake.
• Quick and easy – With simple preparation steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this tasty meal ready to enjoy in no time.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Succulent chicken breasts form the heart of this dish. For a change of pace, you can substitute chicken thighs or lean turkey breast.
• Zucchini: If zucchini is not available, try yellow squash or eggplant as substitutes.
• Yellow bell pepper: Add a pop of color and a subtly tangy taste with yellow bell pepper. Swap it with orange bell pepper for a similar flavor profile.
• Green bell pepper: If you’d like, extra yellow, red or orange bell peppers can be used instead for some extra sweetness.
• Onion: Use a white onion to add depth and aroma to the dish. Red onion or shallots can be used instead for a slightly different taste.
• Garlic: Elevate the flavors with minced garlic. For a milder option, you can use garlic powder or roasted garlic.
• Italian seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own mix by blending oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Spicy arrabbiata sauce or marinara: Opt for the fiery heat of arrabbiata sauce or the classic flavors of marinara. Both work beautifully in this recipe. If you prefer a milder taste, choose a mild marinara sauce.

How to Make

What to Serve With Low-Carb Chicken

If you’re sticking to a low-carb diet, these sides will complement this chicken dish very well:

Veggie noodles: Serve the chicken and veggies over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or spaghetti squash for a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

Cauliflower rice: Transform cauliflower florets into rice-like grains using a food processor or grater. Light and fluffy, it complements the chicken perfectly and the sauce tastes great on top.

Mixed green salad: For a light lunch or dinner, serve the chicken with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, or your favorite low-carb dressing.

If you aren’t concerned about keeping your meal low-carb, this chicken is delicious served over fettuccini or mashed potatoes. It can also be served with traditional white or brown rice.

How to make this for Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezer meals. There are 2 ways you can meal prep with this recipe.

1. Cook First. If you prefer, you can cook this meal, then portion it into freezer-safe containers for freezing, or air-tight, microwaveable containers for sending to school or work. Store in the fridge until ready to reheat.
2. Prep and Cook Later. You can also prep this meal in an uncooked state and cook individual portions later. Divide the veggies up between multiple individual serving containers. Top with chopped chicken and sauce. Cover and freeze until ready to bake. When you’re ready to eat, pull the desired amount out of the freezer and bake as directed.

Pro Tip: Write the bake time and temperature on the top of each container for easy cooking later.

This recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you want to make plenty of servings for later.

Tips and Recipe Notes

• Halve the chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner pieces. This might help them cook more evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the casserole dish/ Arrange the chicken and vegetables in a single layer and your dish will cook more evenly.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts before you remove this from the oven. It should reach 165 for safe consumption. Use a thermometer if you have one. If not, try to cut a small incision in the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should appear white throughout and the juices should be clear.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together and the juices redistribute. This will give you more tender and flavorful chicken.

FAQs

How to Store Leftovers

In the fridge – Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

In the freezer – If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in a saucepan or skillet. You might need to add a touch more sauce or even a bit of broth when you reheat.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! However, it’s essential to check the specific ingredients you use, especially the arrabbiata or marinara sauce. Look for gluten-free versions or homemade sauces that are certified gluten-free. Always read the labels to verify that all ingredients are gluten-free. This recipe is also naturally dairy-free.

More Favorite Recipes

• Easiest Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen
• Greek Chicken and Rice Bowls
• Shrimp Orzo Pasta

If you make this recipe or any of my others, we would love to hear your thoughts. You can find us on Facebook and Pinterest!

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