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Home » Keto Stuffed Chicken

Keto Stuffed Chicken

Published: Aug 19, 2019 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Dec 3, 2020 · 1508 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.

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Long pin with two images and the title Keto Stuffed Chicken in the center. The top image is a close up photo of the chicken and the bottom is two pieces of chicken in a cast iron skillet.

This Keto Stuffed Chicken is easily one of the best dinners I've made this year! Cheesy and decadent, this low carb dish works just as well for a weeknight meal as it does for entertaining. This is one that deserves to become a habit!

Photo of a piece of Keto Stuffed Chicken on a white plate with cheese and spinach oozing out the front next to a fork.
These cheesy Keto Stuffed Chicken is perfect to serve guests! No one will ever guess that it is part of your diet plan.

This post was originally published March 21, 2019. Updated on August 18, 2019.

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1 This Keto Stuffed Chicken is a Game Changer!
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3 Subscribe and Get My Best Comfort Food Recipes!

This Keto Stuffed Chicken is a Game Changer!

When I went vegetarian in my late 30's, I am not sure what I was most excited about.

Not "needing" animal protein, or all those carbs I felt like I now had a free license to eat.

What I found is that while I may love carbs, they most certainly do not love me back. I was hungry all the time, and found myself on more than one occasion hangry and staring into the pantry.

Most of the time I was too hungry to wait to make something. As a result, I'd end up grabbing one of the kids snacks.

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After that period in my life, I learned that while I may be able to take or leave animal protein, my body feels much better when I consume it in proper portions.

While most people love meat, I have always needed mine to have a little something extra in order to eat it. Cheese, a sauce - something other than just a chunk of meat.

In short, it has got to be yummy!

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    One of my favorite things about the Keto and low-carb lifestyle is that I can enjoy dishes like this Keto Stuffed Chicken. (Or something equally delicious, like this Balsamic Chicken.)

    This is not your boring chicken dinner - no dried out grilled breasts here!

    This is cheesy perfection that also happens to be an excellent way to sneak a little green in your - or your kids - diets. Stuffing meat may seem like a lot of work, however, it actually comes together very quickly.

    I like making this recipe early in the day when I have time because knowing I have dinner solved always makes me feel good. You can even put it together up to a day ahead of time, which makes it perfect for entertaining.

    How to Make Keto Stuffed Chicken

    Make stuffed chicken in less than 30 minutes!

    Photo of a piece of chicken breast that has been sliced down the center.

    1 Make a horizontal slit through the center of the chicken to form a pocket.

    Photo of onion being cooked in a skillet.

    2 After that, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 3 minutes. After that, add garlic, and cook one more minute.

    Photo of spinach being added to a pan of sautéed onion.

    3 Add the spinach to the pan, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the spinach to taste with salt and pepper. Allow to cool slightly, and chop.

    Spinach mixture and cheeses are being combined in a small white bowl.

    4 Once the spinach has cooled slightly, stir stir the cheeses together with it.

    Chicken is stuffed with the spinach and cheese mixture.

    5 Stuff the pockets in the chicken with the spinach mixture, using toothpicks to secure.

    The chicken is stuffed and has been sprinkled with seasonings.

    6 Combine the spices, and sprinkle over the chicken. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. (Larger pieces of chicken may take longer to cook through.) Remove the chicken when it is 160 degrees. Tent and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Variations for Low Carb Stuffed Chicken

    • Use feta and Swiss in place of the goat cheese and mozzarella. Omit the spinach and instead use 1/2 cup olives, chopped.
    • Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add in 4 ounces of mushrooms, sautéed.
    • Omit the spinach and instead use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes.

    Frequently Asked Questions for Keto Stuffed Chicken

    These are the questions that I get asked most commonly by readers about this recipe. If you have a question and don't see the answer here, feel free to leave a comment or email me.

    Is Chicken Keto Friendly?

    Yes, chicken is an excellent source of protein and ideally suited for the Keto diet. Although dark meat chicken is generally considered better for keto due to its higher fat content, all chicken can be consumed on a keto diet. It is best to eat organic, free-range chicken if at all possible.

    What Can You Stuff Chicken with on Keto?

    • Cheese - all types
    • Olives
    • Spinach
    • Onion - sautéed or caramelized
    • Mushrooms
    • Artichokes
    • Roasted Red Peppers
    • Bacon

    Can You Make Air Fryer Keto Stuffed Chicken?

    Yes, depending on what type of Air Fryer you have you may be able to. However, you need to place the breasts on parchment paper to avoid spilling the filling. (This is more of a concern with some types of Air Fryers than others. Be sure to read your manual.) To cook, preheat the Air Fryer to 380 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.

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    Do I Really Need a Digtal Thermometer?

    I know - it seems like just one more thing. But a good quality digital thermometer will quickly become your BFF in the kitchen, preventing you from serving over or under cooked meat. I have tried many and this is the one that I like best.

    What is the Best Way to Store Chicken?

    Store chicken on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, towards the back to prevent any raw juices from dripping on foods below. While Cryovac packages last longer, once opened chicken should be used within 2 days. You can freeze chicken breasts for up to nine months, but you should expect to lose some moisture in the process.

    Tips for Making this Recipe

    • This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
    • If you prefer, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by cooking for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. To do this, make sure that you use an oven-safe skillet.
    • Don't skip using a toothpick to secure the cheese mixture! They really do help the filling to stay in. (Likewise - don't forget to take them out before serving. Nothing says elegant like a friend or family member biting into wood.)

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      If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:

      • Keto Chicken Parmesan is a crowd pleaser that works just as well for entertaining as it does a weeknight. It is surprisingly simple to put together.
      • If you are looking for a simple appetizer, it doesn't get much better than this Marinated Cheese.
      • Keto Lemon Chicken is a ridiculously flavorful dish with a punchy vibrant tang.
      Photo of two pieces of Keto Stuffed Chicken in a cast iron skillet against a white background.
      This Keto Stuffed Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and cooked just before serving.

      Low Carb Stuffed Chicken

      This Spinach and Cheese Keto Stuffed Chicken Breast is one of my favorite meaty mains. This is one of those recipes that is fun to play with, using whatever meats and cheeses that you have on hand.

      If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
      Photo of two pieces of Keto Stuffed Chicken in a cast iron skillet against a white background.
      Print Recipe
      5 from 9 votes

      Keto Stuffed Chicken

      No more boring chicken dinners! You are going to love this easy, cheesy Keto Stuffed chicken.  Dinner is solved in less than 30 minutes!
      Prep Time15 mins
      Cook Time13 mins
      Total Time28 mins
      Course: Main Course
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: cheesy
      Servings: 8
      Calories: 226kcal
      Author: Wendy Polisi
      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

      Equipment

      • Instant-Read Thermometer
      • Mixing Bowls
      • Knife
      • Skillet or Air Fryer

      Ingredients

      • 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
      • 1/4 cup chopped onion
      • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
      • 5 ounces baby spinach chopped
      • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
      • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese grated
      • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
      • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
      • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
      • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

      Instructions

      • Cut a horizontal slit through the center of the chicken to form a pocket.
      • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet to medium heat.
      • Next, add onion, and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook one minute more.
      • After that, add spinach, and sauté until wilted, about two minutes.
      • Season to taste with salt and pepper
      • Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool slightly. Stir in cheeses.
      • Stuff the chicken pockets with the spinach and cheese mixture using toothpicks to secure.
      • In a small dish, mix together paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the chicken.
      • Heat the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
      • Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
      • Remove the chicken when it is 160 degrees. Tent and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

      Notes

      Tips for Making this Recipe

      • This recipe can be prepped ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
      • If you prefer, you can brown the stuffed breasts in a skillet and finish by cooking for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. To do this, make sure that you use an oven-safe skillet.
      • Don't skip using a toothpick to secure the cheese mixture! They really do help the filling to stay in. (Likewise - don't forget to take them out before serving. Nothing says elegant like a friend or family member biting into wood.)

      Variations for This Recipe

      • Use feta and Swiss in place of the goat cheese and mozzarella. Omit the spinach and instead use 1/2 cup olives, chopped.
      • Reduce the spinach to 2 ounces and add in 4 ounces of mushrooms, sautéed.
      • Omit the spinach and instead use 6 ounces of chopped marinated artichokes.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 536mg | Vitamin A: 2015IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1.3mg

      Other Great Chicken Recipes to Try:

      • Herb Stuffed from The Stay at Home Chef
      • Buffalo Stuffed from The Salty Marshmallow
      Previous Post: « Air Fryer Chicken with No Breading
      Next Post: Keto Eggplant Lasagna »

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Stacie

        March 14, 2019 at 6:39 pm

        5 stars
        That's what I'm talking about! I cannot wait to make this! I love all that spinach in there.

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:47 pm

          Thank you Stacie! I hope you enjoy it.

          Reply
          • Kameisha James

            August 24, 2020 at 11:26 pm

            This was awesome very fulfilling . Would love to share my pictures with you. Everyone loved it

            Reply
            • Wendy Polisi

              August 25, 2020 at 4:56 pm

              I am so glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to see you pictures!

              Reply
      2. Funke Olotu

        March 14, 2019 at 7:15 pm

        Darn.. looks so beautiful
        I’m so lazy with taking my time to cook but if I can I’ll teu this recipe

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:46 pm

          Thank you!

          Reply
      3. Melanie Walsh

        March 14, 2019 at 8:53 pm

        I'm a vegetarian, but the only one in my immediate family. Finding yummy recipes my whole family will adore can be tricky. But this looks absolutely DIVINE! Plus, I will feel great feeding it to them since it's a healthy option.

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:46 pm

          It is a great option! I used to be vegetarian and I understand just what you mean about finding healthy recipes for the family was always a challenge.

          Reply
      4. Jaye Shields

        March 14, 2019 at 10:21 pm

        This looks great and I am keto right now! I'm not a huge spinach fan but I could easily sub that or just omit it. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:45 pm

          You could! I've got some suggestions in the post.

          Reply
      5. Subhashish Roy

        March 15, 2019 at 3:46 am

        Awesome preparation.Would love to have it tonight.Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:45 pm

          Thank you!

          Reply
      6. kristin lesney

        March 15, 2019 at 5:30 am

        We have been using more chicken, will have to give this a try. Literally filling!

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:44 pm

          I hope you enjoy it!

          Reply
      7. Summer Shores

        March 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm

        I recently went keto and love this recipe idea! Going to make this for dinner.

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:44 pm

          Let me know how it goes!

          Reply
      8. Porsha carr

        March 15, 2019 at 1:50 pm

        5 stars
        My best friend is doing keto and stuck I’ll be sure to pass this yummy meal to her!

        Reply
        • Wendy

          March 15, 2019 at 2:44 pm

          Thanks so much! I appreciate it.

          Reply
      9. Beth Pierce

        March 15, 2019 at 4:49 pm

        5 stars
        This looks so delicious and I love that it is keto friendly and won't set me back with my diet!

        Reply
      10. artchee

        March 15, 2019 at 7:52 pm

        5 stars
        I like stuffed chicken. I'll try your version of keto stuffed chicken. :0)

        Reply
      11. Tiffany La Forge-Grau

        March 15, 2019 at 10:34 pm

        5 stars
        I absolutely LOVE eating keto right now. I've been running low on new recipes though and this made me so happy!

        Reply
      12. Amy Desrosiers

        March 15, 2019 at 11:47 pm

        5 stars
        Wow, this recipe looks so darn good! I love stuffed chicken recipes like this!

        Reply
      13. Emmanuel Damian

        March 17, 2019 at 12:48 pm

        5 stars
        Keto stuffed chicken looks so good! I should try eating it soon. Yum Yum!

        Reply
      14. Belle

        September 01, 2019 at 6:20 pm

        5 stars
        If i replace the breast with thighs do you think i will get the same results?

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          September 01, 2019 at 6:27 pm

          Yes, it will work. You may need to roll them and secure with more toothpicks, depending on the size of the thighs.

          Reply
      15. Robyne

        June 27, 2020 at 4:44 pm

        This looks so good, I can’t wait to try it. I’m on the hunt for new recipes so thank you for this one. Definitely looks like a keeper. Btw, what brand is your iron skillet? Love the handle...

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          June 29, 2020 at 6:12 pm

          It is a Finex. They are pretty expensive - I got it for a sponsored post on my other website years ago.

          Reply
      16. Pat Quinsey

        July 09, 2020 at 4:33 pm

        5 stars
        This is delicious! I had made it before but didn't have the goat cheese in it. Brilliant idea!!! So good. I make it for company when I want them to be impressed. You nailed it!

        Reply
        • Wendy Polisi

          July 09, 2020 at 4:48 pm

          I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.

          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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