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If you’re like me and totally run out of steam by, let’s say, Wednesday, then low carb chicken recipes for weeknights are what you need. I mean, who actually wants to deal with a kitchen mess after work? Not me (or anyone sane). You crave a meal that’s delicious, healthyish, and takes just one pan. Yup, especially a skillet dinner. Lucky for you (and me), I’ve found a way to make it stress-free and honestly tasty. If you want the details on keeping things light and still feeling full, you gotta check out this easy low carb breakdown that changed how I plan dinners. 
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s be real honest: Most “healthy” stuff is either way too complicated or, let’s say, lacking flavor. This little skillet chicken wonder? It’s honestly a five-star restaurant meal in like 30ish minutes—crazy, right? There’s barely any prep. Almost no cleanup (hallelujah).
You get juicy chicken, zesty seasoning, and that magical low carb feeling. My brother-in-law, who still thinks veggies are the enemy, actually wiped the pan clean. It works for picky eaters, and you’ll stay on track if you’re into low carb without feeling deprived. Every time I make this, family hovers in the kitchen—sniffing like dogs—before I even plate up. No joke.
Some nights, when you’re just scrolling and zoning out after work, this is the dish that’ll snap you out of cooking dread. Plus, leftovers? Maybe even better.
“I never knew low carb chicken recipes for weeknights could be this good. I’ve tried it twice, and my kids asked for seconds. Total winner in our house!” — Jamie, Boston

Easy and Delicious Low Carb Chicken Recipes for Weeknights
Key Recipe Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you really need (and what you can swap in a pinch). This dish keeps it simple.
You’ll need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (chicken thighs are juicier if you ask me, but breasts work too)
- Olive oil for the pan (any neutral oil is fine, honestly)
- Garlic, fresh or jarred, whatever you hunt down quickest
- Paprika and dried Italian herbs for big flavor
- Salt, black pepper
- Lemon juice—fresh if you have it, bottled if you’re tired
- Broccoli florets (or green beans, or zucchini, whatever veg sits in your fridge looking sad)
- A little grated parmesan for sprinkling (optional, but actually not, haha)
No need for expensive stuff—just use what’s already lurking in your pantry. Trust me, it’s forgiving.

Easy and Delicious Low Carb Chicken Recipes for Weeknights
Recommended Equipment/Tools
Okay, don’t get hung up on this part. You’re not opening a Michelin-star restaurant here.
All you honestly need is:
- A decent sized nonstick skillet (or cast iron, if you wanna show off)
- Tongs or a spatula
- A small bowl for mixing up the seasonings
- Cutting board and a sharp-ish knife
That’s wild, right? No fancy gadgets, no need for a blender or air fryer or whatever new thing just landed on TikTok. Plus, all those tools clean up in about three minutes flat. So smart.
How to make Skillet Chicken
First up: Pat your chicken dry. If it’s super thick, you can pound it a bit to even things out. Toss it in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Just go wild mixing it around—use your hands if you’re fine with getting a little messy.
Heat up your skillet over medium. Add a splash of oil. When it’s shimmering, lay in the chicken. Don’t fuss with it—let it get nice and golden before flipping. About 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on the cut.
During the last couple of minutes, toss your chopped veggies into the pan. Squeeze in a hit of lemon juice for zing. Lid on, let it steam a smidge. Once the veggies look bright and chicken is cooked through, sprinkle over some parmesan. Good grief, it smells like heaven.
Pull off the heat. Let it rest so the juices settle and you don’t end up with dry meat.
Recipe Tips and Suggestions
- Try using thighs for the ultimate flavor bomb, especially if your crew likes extra juicy chicken.
- Don’t skimp the lemon—makes everything pop!
- Use whatever greens you got. Even frozen veggies if you’re short on time, they totally work.
- Oh, and add red pepper flakes for a kick if your taste buds need a jumpstart.
If your chicken looks dry, throw in a splash of chicken broth to help things along. Nothing’s worse than rubbery chicken, right?
Serving Suggestions
Here are some casual combos that actually work:
- Pile the chicken and veggies over a bed of zoodles or cauliflower rice.
- Pair with a quick side salad—arugula with lemon and olive oil is my go-to.
- Leftover chicken is killer in a low carb wrap or tucked in a lettuce leaf.
Really, you can just grab a fork and dig in straight from the skillet (no shame, do it).
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose the Right Chicken | Opt for thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture. |
| Prep with Lemon | Using fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances flavors significantly. |
| Mix Up Your Veggies | Feel free to substitute whatever veggies you have on hand to keep it fresh. |
| Storing Leftovers | This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy meal prep. |
Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Sure, but make sure it’s thawed all the way for even cooking and better texture.
Q: What veggies work best?
A: Anything goes. I like broccoli or zucchini, but peppers, mushrooms, even spinach tossed in at the end, all work.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Slice into the thickest part. If it’s totally white, you’re good. If you see pink, cook a bit longer.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Totally. Stays good in the fridge for three days.
Q: Is this recipe gluten free?
A: Oh yes—no breading or flour needed.
Ready for Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Wins?
So—let’s wrap this up. Sometimes you just need low carb chicken recipes for weeknights that won’t make you want to give up and order takeout. This one-pan chicken setup is proof dinner can be simple and still feel like a little celebration. If you want to go deeper on this lifestyle, take a peek at even more smart tricks at Low Carb Chicken Dinner in a Skillet – Kylee Cooks, spice up your weekly plan with Keto Crack Chicken – The Big Man’s World , or find another all-in-one winner at Garlic Butter Chicken | The Girl Who Ate Everything. Cooking at home can be fun—give this a shot and see. You might surprise yourself (just like I did).
Print
Skillet Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious low carb chicken recipe cooked in one skillet, featuring juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables, ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic, fresh or jarred
- Paprika
- Dried Italian herbs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Broccoli florets (or green beans, or zucchini)
- Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Pat your chicken dry and pound it to even thickness if needed.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Once shimmering, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes without moving it.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
- During the last few minutes, add chopped veggies to the skillet and squeeze in lemon juice.
- Cover to steam the veggies and finish cooking the chicken.
- Once done, sprinkle parmesan on top and remove from heat.
- Let the chicken rest before serving.
Notes
This recipe is forgiving; use whatever veggies you have on hand. Adding red pepper flakes can give it a kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American