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    Home » Chicken Recipes » Keto Lemon Chicken

    Keto Lemon Chicken

    Published: Jan 7, 2021 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jul 2, 2021 · 1104 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.

    • 1435
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Photo of Keto Lemon Chicken on a white plate with text that says "Crazy-Good Keto Lemon Chicken" below it.

    You will swoon over the tangy lemon sauce in this Keto Lemon Chicken. With a hefty kick of pepper, the sauce delivers just the right amount of punch. It looks a touch fancy but comes together in a flash! Great for entertaining…or Tuesday night. Serve this Keto Lemon Pepper Chicken with a simple green salad for a complete meal!

    Photo of a piece of creamy Keto Lemon Chicken drizzled with lemon sauce and served over a bed of arugula.

    You Will Fall in Love with This Keto Lemon Chicken!

    I am so excited to be back here today to share this crazy-good Keto Lemon Chicken recipe!

    If your life has been as busy as mine lately, you are going to fall in love with this delicious recipe.

    It is one of those that you can throw together on a weeknight, but it is tasty enough to serve for a special occasion.

    You will fall in love with this creamy lemon sauce!  You can adjust the amount of lemon to your personal taste, just be aware that more lemon means more carbs. 

    For an extra punch of lemon flavor without the extra carbs, add in a touch of lemon extract. 

    I like to double the sauce recipe because it is fabulous drizzled on everything from cauliflower rice to eggs.

    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

    Yes - you sure can. Make sure you check out the Instant Pot Instructions down below, because they are different.

    Photo of Instant Pot Keto Lemon Chicken
    Keto Lemon Chicken cooked in the Instant Pot

    Can I use chicken thighs? What about skin on chicken?

    Absolutely - either white or dark meat chicken works. (Dark meat is considered more Keto-Friendly.) Skin on boneless chicken (if you can find it) will work beautifully here and render a crisp crust that can't be beat.

    What sides work with Lemon Chicken?

    • It doesn't get much easier (or tastier) than this Keto Asparagus.
    • Keto Brussels Sprouts are a tasty side that never gets old.
    • This Low Carb Green Salad is simple perfection!

    What do I need to make Keto Lemon Chicken?

    • Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • Almond flour
    • Parmesan cheese
    • Sea salt
    • Black pepper
    • Olive oil
    • White wine or chicken broth
    • Lemons
    • Heavy cream
    • Parsley oregano, or thyme

    Variations for this Recipe

    • For an even richer sauce, add in 2 tablespoons of grass fed butter.
    • To make Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken, at 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the pan when you deglaze it.
    • Add 3 tablespoons of rinsed and drained capers after the pan is deglazed.

    How to Make Keto Lemon Chicken

    Note: If you want to make this in your Instant Pot, check the recipe card below for full details on how.

    This section is step by step instructions for those of you who are visual. Please see below for the full recipe with measurements.

    Photo of pounded chicken breast, almond flour, Parmesan, seasonings, lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, and heavy cream.

    1 First, gather your ingredients. Slice each chicken breast horizontally. Place it in a plastic bag or under plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound to an even thickness.

    Photo of chicken that has been coated in a Parmesan/Almond flour mixture with small prep bowls containing lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, and heavy cream next to it.

    2 After that, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.

    Coat the chicken in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.

    Photo of chicken being cooked in a large skillet.

    3 After that, heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add oil.

    Add chicken to the pan, and cook about 7 minutes per side - until it is a deep golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and tent to cover.

    Photo of chicken in a creamy lemon sauce.

    4 Add wine or broth to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes.

    Finally, return the chicken to the pan to coat with the sauce. Serve with lemon slices.

    Photo of Keto Lemon Chicken in a large skillet garnished with parsley and lemons.

    If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:

    • Think you have to sacrifice on a low carb diet? This Keto Buffalo Chicken proves otherwise. All of the flavors you love without the carbs!
    • Looking for a simple chicken recipe that is great on its own and perfect for meal prep? You will fall in love with this juicy Keto Grilled Chicken!
    • It really doesn't get much better than this Keto Stuffed Chicken! Cheesy goodness at its best!
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    Square overhead photo of a saute pan with keto lemon chicken in it.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    Keto Lemon Chicken

    This Keto Lemon Chicken deserves to be a weekly habit! And with just 4 net carbs per serving, it is a habit that fits in with your low carb lifestyle!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time17 mins
    Total Time27 mins
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: lemony
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 490kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • ⅓ cup almond flour
    • ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil if making on the stovetop, olive oil works
    • 2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • Parsley oregano, or thyme - for garnish
    • ½ teaspoon lemon extract optional

    Instructions

    • Slice each chicken breast horizontally and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
    • In a shallow bowl, combine flour, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.

    Stovetop

    • Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add oil.
    • Add chicken to the pan and cook until a deep golden brown, about 7 minutes per side.
    • Remove from the pan and tent to cover.
    • Add wine or chicken broth to the skillet and deglaze the pan.
    • Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add lemon extract for a more vibrant lemony flavor.
    • Return the chicken to the pan to coat with the sauce.
    • Serve with lemon slices.

    Instant Pot

    • Set your Instant Pot to medium-saute and add the oil. (You may want to use a little extra oil - the instant pot tends to stick with almond flour.) Once the Instant Pot is preheated, add the chicken. Cook until lightly brown, about 1- 2 minutes per side.
    • Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot.
    • Add the wine or broth to the pot, and scrape the bottom to make sure all of the brown bits are up. Make sure you get everything up - otherwise you may deal with the dreaded burn message.
    • Hit cancel.
    • Add the lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Add the trivet to the pot.
    • Arrange the chicken on top of the trivet. Seal the pot and set to high pressure for 2 minutes.
    • Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, and then do an instant release.
    • Serve with lemon slices.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 891mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 981IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 1mg

    Other Low Carb Chicken Recipes to Try:

    • For an easy one pan meal, you have to check out this Keto Chicken and Mushrooms from Sugar Free Mom.
    • This Keto Bacon Ranch Smothered Chicken from That Low Carb Life is one the whole family will love! Because...bacon!
    • Keto Chicken Lasagna Cups from A Spicy Perspective are a recipe that you don't want to miss!
    « Keto Chocolate Mousse
    Keto Short Ribs »
    • 1435

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emman Damian

      July 26, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Keto Lemon Chicken sounds so easy to do! It looks very yummy too! I hope I can cook this on a weekend to my keto friends.

      Reply
    2. Bill Sweeney

      July 26, 2019 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like an awesome meal! I love that my family members who are keto-conscious can eat this and not feel guilty.

      Reply
    3. Sarah M

      July 27, 2019 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      First of all, I love the look of your website. Secondly, Keto Lemon chicken photos are flamboyant and compelling me to try this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Barbara

        January 02, 2022 at 11:18 pm

        Just made this for dinner! It was delicious. I upped the amount of lemon juice and added capers. Paired with green beans and chardonay- perfect! Easy to make too.

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          January 14, 2022 at 1:52 pm

          I am so glad you enjoyed it. I love the addition of capers.

          Reply
    4. Emily Fata

      July 27, 2019 at 2:51 pm

      This looks like a recipe my meat-eating friends might be interested in. I'll pass it along!

      Reply
    5. Heather

      July 27, 2019 at 4:22 pm

      I've been looking for a new keto recipe so this is great! I'm so excited to add this into my meal planning rotation.

      Reply
    6. Anna

      July 27, 2019 at 4:39 pm

      Mmm... Your photos look so delicious that I´m excited to try! Will cook the Lemon Chicken this weekend, Asparagus or Brussels Sprouts would be great sides!

      Reply
    7. Carolyn

      July 28, 2019 at 12:10 am

      I gotta remember this for later! I like lemon and this sounds extra delicious for dinner!

      Reply
    8. Subhashish Roy

      July 28, 2019 at 7:05 am

      I am just loving it by the looks. It must taste amazing. Am going to have this dish made at our home next weekend.

      Reply
    9. Sara | mshealthesteem.com

      July 28, 2019 at 8:44 pm

      This recipe looks awesome! Thank you so much for sharing it with us

      Reply
    10. Shannon Gurnee

      July 29, 2019 at 6:45 pm

      I've never made lemon chicken before, but I've been wanting to. This looks like a delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Cheryl

        October 02, 2022 at 10:14 pm

        5 stars
        This was amazing!! My husband and I loved it! Thank you!

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          October 06, 2022 at 5:24 pm

          I am so glad you both enjoyed it!

          Reply
    11. Barbara D

      November 09, 2019 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      I just tried this recipe tonight for birthday dinner for my daughter in law and it was delicious! She loved it and so did my 9 year old grandson!

      Reply
    12. Marc L. Filippone

      December 07, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      Made it tonight, it was quite a bit of prep and cleanup, but man, it was worth it!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 08, 2019 at 10:00 am

        So glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    13. Delilah

      May 30, 2020 at 11:35 pm

      I made it tonight and it's very delicious, a bit lemony so next time I will cut out the zest. I added chopped mushrooms, garlic and onions and tarragon. Over cauliflower rice, it's fabulous!

      Reply
    14. Callie Frey

      June 10, 2020 at 11:15 pm

      5 stars
      This was fantastic!!! I added capers. I'm contemplating doing it for a white fish.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        June 11, 2020 at 12:46 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it! The flavors would be great with fish as well.

        Reply
    15. Laura G

      January 03, 2021 at 2:56 am

      5 stars
      This is amazing! If you like lemon, you'll love this. Is there such a thing as too much lemon? I don't think so. The sauce is a keeper.
      I will have to check out your other recipes if this is the caliber of your content.
      Happy New Year!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        January 05, 2021 at 1:29 pm

        YAY! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Happy New Year to you too!

        Reply
    16. Mary Schreiber

      February 10, 2021 at 3:45 pm

      I can't wait to make this. I'm a new owner of an Instant Pot and having fun learning about it.
      If you want more lemon but fewer carbs, I suggest using True Lemon. It is a product from TrueCitrus.com,, who also makes True Lime, Grapefruit, Orange and some others. They crystallize the fruit, and each serving is <1 carb per serving (1/4 tsp). I use it in many drinks and recipes especially when I don't want to let some fruit go to waste. I'm going to use this to increase the flavor. It's great in drinks too!

      Reply
    17. Christa

      May 30, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe. Both keto and non-keto members of my household love this one. It's a keeper!
      Thank you!
      Ps. I make this with 1/2 cup of cream and 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Still very good.

      Reply
    18. CV

      August 11, 2021 at 7:41 pm

      Do you also have a recipe for Lemon Chicken for people who do not have an Instant Pot?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        August 11, 2021 at 7:50 pm

        This recipe has stovetop instructions too - in fact, that it how it was originally made and photographed.

        Reply
    19. Sally

      November 07, 2021 at 2:46 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! I made this for dinner tonight in the Instant Pot. I did not include the lemon zest and it was still very tasty. The chicken was very moist. This is a keeper recipe. The family loved it.

      Reply
    20. Wendy S

      December 08, 2021 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      VERY flavorful and yummy! I threw a bag of baby spinach into the sauce to cook at the end, and the lemon sauce paired perfectly with the spinach. Will definitely make again.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        January 14, 2022 at 1:53 pm

        So glad you liked it. Love, love the addition of spinach. I am so trying that.

        Reply
    21. Monique

      December 08, 2021 at 11:35 pm

      5 stars
      Haven't had lemon chicken in ages, but this is absolutely delicious and I will make it again and again! It is to die for!!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        January 14, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        I am so glad you liked it.

        Reply
    22. Belinda

      April 08, 2022 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      I was only looking up a keto lemon sauce and I came upon this lemon chicken recipe! IMy husband LOVED the lemon chicken (my son and I did too) and is still bragging about it this morning. It will be on our weekly menu for sure!
      Thank you! ❤️

      Reply
    23. Diane Price

      June 19, 2022 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars
      Best Keto Chicken Recipe!

      We made this tonight with roasted asparagus. Talk about wanting to lick the plate! This was wonderful, and also made a great sauce for the asaparagus. Will make again and again. Keto is so easy with recipes like this! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        June 21, 2022 at 6:31 pm

        So glad you all enjoyed it.

        Reply
    24. DIANA EISENBART

      October 18, 2022 at 11:15 pm

      All the recipes look great. I wondered do you have a cookbook, and how can I order one?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        October 24, 2022 at 12:37 pm

        Hi Diana, I have five cookbooks, two of which are low/carb and keto. You can get them on Amazon.

        Reply
    25. maryellen

      December 28, 2022 at 1:37 am

      soon as I saw lemon juice and half and half, I thought oh oh it will curdle, and it did

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 28, 2022 at 3:14 pm

        If you substitute half and half in the recipe, it will likely curdle. The recipe calls for heavy cream, which is about 40% milkfat. It is thicker than half and half, and the high fat content means it won't curdle when heated.

        Reply

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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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