12 Low Carb Chicken Dinner Ideas Under 550 Calories
Low carb dinner ideas are perfect for those looking to manage their weight or follow a specific diet. Chicken is a great protein source that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it easy to create delicious and healthy meals. Chicken works especially well for low carb meals because it pairs easily with vegetables, healthy fats, and a variety of seasonings. These types of dinners can help you stay satisfied while keeping your meals simple and balanced.
These low carb chicken dinner ideas are not only delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients and can be made in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these recipes have got you covered.
Garlic Butter Chicken Approx. 320 calories | 35g protein
Garlic butter chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick dinner. It’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet. The garlic and butter add a rich and creamy flavor to the chicken, making it a special treat. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons of butter
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Approx. 420 calories | 30g protein
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a decadent and delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The creamy sauce is made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, making it high in fat but low in carbs. This dish is best served for dinner, and its rich flavor makes it a great option for a night out with friends. The chicken is also packed with protein, making it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of heavy cream
* 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the cream simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
Chicken Alfredo Zoodles Approx. 400 calories | 25g protein
Chicken Alfredo zoodles is a low carb twist on the classic pasta dish. The zoodles are made from zucchinis, making them low in carbs and high in nutrients. The dish is also packed with protein from the chicken, making it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. This dish is best served for dinner, and its creamy sauce makes it a great option for a special occasion.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of zoodles
* 1 cup of heavy cream
* 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the zoodles and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
6. Pour the cream sauce over the zoodles and stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cream sauce over the top.
Check Out: Budget Gluten-Free Aldi Dinners
Baked Ranch Chicken Approx. 360 calories | 30g protein
Baked ranch chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick dinner. The ranch seasoning adds a rich and creamy flavor to the chicken, making it a special treat. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The chicken is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 packet of ranch seasoning
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the ranch mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Lemon Herb Chicken Approx. 280 calories | 35g protein
Lemon herb chicken is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer dinner. The lemon and herbs add a bright and citrusy flavor to the chicken, making it a special treat. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The chicken is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 lemons, juiced
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the lemon mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Chicken Fajita Bowl Approx. 400 calories | 30g protein
Chicken fajita bowl is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken and vegetables are cooked in a skillet, making them tender and flavorful. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The dish is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of sliced bell peppers
* 1 cup of sliced onions
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of fajita seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the vegetables over the top.
Chicken Stir Fry Approx. 320 calories | 25g protein
Chicken stir fry is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken and vegetables are cooked in a skillet, making them tender and flavorful. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The dish is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of sliced vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the vegetables to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the vegetables over the top.
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Approx. 360 calories | 35g protein
Spinach stuffed chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The spinach and feta cheese add a rich and creamy flavor to the chicken, making it a special treat. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The chicken is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of fresh spinach
* 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the spinach, feta cheese, and olive oil.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach mixture and close the incision.
5. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Chicken Caesar Bowl Approx. 400 calories | 30g protein
Chicken Caesar bowl is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken and vegetables are cooked in a skillet, making them tender and flavorful. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The dish is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of sliced romaine lettuce
* 1 cup of sliced parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of Caesar dressing
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the romaine lettuce and parmesan cheese to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the lettuce is slightly wilted.
5. Stir in the Caesar dressing and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the vegetables over the top.
Buffalo Chicken Bake Approx. 360 calories | 30g protein
Buffalo chicken bake is a spicy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken is cooked in a spicy buffalo sauce, making it tender and flavorful. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The chicken is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of buffalo sauce
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the buffalo sauce mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Chicken Avocado Salad Approx. 320 calories | 25g protein
Chicken avocado salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light dinner. The chicken and avocado are mixed together with a tangy dressing, making it a special treat. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The dish is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 ripe avocado, diced
* 1 cup of mixed greens
* 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or oven until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
3. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add to the bowl.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chicken Broccoli Skillet Approx. 280 calories | 30g protein
Chicken broccoli skillet is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken and broccoli are cooked in a skillet, making them tender and flavorful. This dish is best served for dinner, and its high protein content makes it a great option for post-workout meals. The dish is also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low carb diet.
Ingredients
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup of broccoli florets
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the broccoli over the top.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
