Best Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken (Easy Meal Prep)

Are you searching for a meal prep recipe that doesn’t just “fit” your keto lifestyle but actually makes you excited for lunch all week? Imagine tender, fall-apart chicken bathed in a luscious, buttery sauce, zinging with fresh lemon and aromatic garlic. This Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken is the answer. It’s a low-carb, high-flavor powerhouse that’s ridiculously easy to make in either an Instant Pot or slow cooker.

This isn’t just another bland chicken recipe. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a lifesaver for anyone committed to delicious, healthy meal prepping. We’re going to show you how to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, resulting in succulent chicken that melts in your mouth and a sauce so good you’ll want to drink it. Get ready to elevate your keto cooking game.

Ingredients

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant and satisfying dish.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This “set it and forget it” recipe is perfect for a busy schedule. Most of the time is completely hands-off.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes to 8 hours (depending on the method)
• Total Time: As little as 20 minutes with an Instant Pot!

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

First, prepare your flavor agents. Mince or thinly slice the garlic cloves. Using a microplane or zester, remove the bright yellow zest from the lemon, being careful to avoid the white pith underneath, which can be bitter. Then, juice the entire lemon. Set the garlic, zest, and juice aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot or the basin of your slow cooker. Sprinkle them generously on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This creates the first layer of savory flavor.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Scatter the fresh garlic, lemon zest, and cubed butter over the seasoned chicken. Pour the fresh lemon juice over the top. Finally, carefully pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken.
Tip: Pouring the broth around the edges helps prevent you from washing off the delicious seasoning you just applied to the chicken.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Cover your appliance and cook according to the method you’re using. The goal is tender, juicy chicken that shreds easily with a fork.

• Instant Pot (Boneless Thighs): Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes (or 10 minutes if frozen). For extra flavor, sear the chicken in the pot on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes per side before pressure cooking, and reduce the cook time to 6 minutes.
• Instant Pot (Bone-In Thighs): Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if frozen). If seared first, reduce the cook time to 8 minutes.
• Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is perfectly designed for a ketogenic diet, packed with healthy fats and protein while being very low in carbohydrates. Here is an estimated breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 218 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fat: 12 g

This dish is naturally gluten-free and loaded with flavor, making it a healthy choice for the whole family, not just those on a keto diet.

Healthier Alternatives

While this recipe is already incredibly healthy, you can make a few adjustments to suit your personal preferences.

• Dairy-Free: To make this recipe paleo or dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with ghee or a high-quality olive oil. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
• Leaner Protein: If you prefer white meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to adjust the cooking time down slightly (e.g., 6-7 minutes in the Instant Pot) to prevent them from drying out.
• Extra Veggies: For a one-pot meal, you can add low-carb vegetables like chopped zucchini or green beans to the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking, or stir them into the Instant Pot after pressure cooking and use the sauté function to soften them.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb sides.

• Cauliflower Rice: Serve the chicken and its delicious sauce over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up all the flavor.
• Zucchini Noodles: Toss the chicken with zucchini noodles for a light, pasta-like meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Creamy Mash: For ultimate comfort food, serve it alongside a creamy cauliflower mash.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices to brighten up the dish before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This recipe is simple, but a few details will ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Using Bottled Lemon Juice: The flavor of fresh lemon juice is essential for this recipe. Bottled juice often has a dull or slightly bitter taste that can’t compare. Solution: Always use a fresh lemon for both the zest and the juice.
• Forgetting to Scrape the Pot: If you sear the chicken first in an Instant Pot, deglazing is key. Solution: After searing, remove the chicken and pour in a little broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This “fond” is packed with flavor and prevents a “burn” notice.
• Quick Releasing the Pressure (Instant Pot): For the most tender chicken, patience is a virtue. Solution: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release. This lets the chicken rest and reabsorb moisture, making it extra juicy.

Storing Tips

This chicken is ideal for meal prep and stores wonderfully.

• Refrigerating: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s perfect for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Conclusion

This Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for delicious, stress-free, and healthy eating. Its bright, zesty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture will win over everyone at the table, whether they’re following a ketogenic diet or not. It’s the perfect dish to master for meal prep, ensuring you always have a satisfying and nourishing meal ready to go.

We are so excited for you to try this simple yet elegant recipe. Let us know in the comments how it turns out for you and what low-carb sides you paired it with! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy, delicious keto ideas.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thighs are recommended as their higher fat content keeps them juicy and tender, especially in a slow cooker. If using breasts, reduce the Instant Pot cooking time by a minute or two to avoid overcooking.

Q2. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

You can make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven. Season and sear the chicken in an oven-safe skillet. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a simmer, then either cover and cook on low on the stovetop for 20-25 minutes or transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Q3. How can I thicken the sauce?

The sauce is naturally thin and perfect for spooning over sides. If you prefer a thicker, creamier sauce, you can create a slurry with 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. After cooking, remove the chicken, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” or pour the sauce into a skillet, and whisk in the slurry, simmering until thickened. You can also add heavy cream for extra richness.

Q4. Is this recipe good for freezing?

Yes, it’s an excellent freezer meal! The ingredients hold up very well. Simply cool the cooked chicken and sauce completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic way to stock your freezer for busy days

Best Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken (Easy Meal Prep)

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Bright, garlicky, and unbelievably juicy, this Keto Lemon Garlic Chicken is your new meal-prep hero. You’ll toss chicken thighs with pantry spices, lemon, fresh garlic, and a knob of butter, then let the Instant Pot or slow cooker do the work. The result: tender, shreddable chicken with a silky lemon-garlic sauce—perfect over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. Low carb, high flavor, and weeknight easy.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 6–8 chicken thighs (boneless skinless or bone-in)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups rich chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
• Zest of 1 fresh lemon
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 1/4 cup unsalted grass-fed butter, cubed
• 1/2–1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley & lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep the aromatics
   Mince or thinly slice the garlic. Zest the lemon (avoid the white pith), then juice it. Set aside.

2. Season the chicken
   Place thighs in the Instant Pot insert or slow-cooker basin. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat.

3. Add flavor boosters
   Scatter fresh garlic, lemon zest, and butter over the chicken. Pour lemon juice on top, then pour the broth around the chicken (to avoid rinsing off seasonings).

4. Cook to perfection
   • Instant Pot — Boneless thighs: Manual HIGH pressure 8 minutes (10 minutes if frozen). Optional: Sear 2–3 minutes per side on Sauté first; then pressure-cook 6 minutes.
   • Instant Pot — Bone-in thighs: Manual HIGH pressure 10 minutes (15 minutes if frozen). If seared first, pressure-cook 8 minutes.
   • Slow Cooker: LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.

5. Finish & serve
   Let Instant Pot release pressure naturally 5 minutes, then quick release. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve with your favorite low-carb sides.

Notes

• Meal-prep smart: This makes 6 servings. Portion chicken with sauce into airtight containers; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• Sauce texture: For a thicker, glossy sauce, simmer the cooking liquid on Sauté (Instant Pot) or in a saucepan for 5–8 minutes to reduce; whisk in ⅛ tsp xanthan gum only if you prefer extra body.
• Fat level: For higher-fat keto macros, add 1–2 tbsp olive oil or an extra 2 tbsp butter. For dairy-free, swap butter with ghee or olive oil.
• Protein swap: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work; reduce pressure time to 6 minutes (Instant Pot) to avoid overcooking.
• Flavor add-ins (still keto): Capers, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a sprig of fresh thyme.
• Serving ideas: Cauliflower rice, roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini noodles, or a crisp arugula salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
• Calories: 218 kcal
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g