Keto and Easy Malibu chicken

By deiv3 on September 1, 2024

Introduction

Malibu Chicken is a classic dish known for its flavorful and comforting combination of chicken, ham, and cheese, often served with a side of creamy sauce. While traditional recipes typically involve breadcrumbs and flour, making them high in carbs, you can easily adapt this dish to fit a ketogenic diet by making a few simple substitutions.

Keto Malibu Chicken features juicy chicken breasts topped with savory ham and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. This version skips the breadcrumbs and flour, using almond flour instead for a crispy texture without the carbs. The result is a dish that's just as satisfying as the original, with all the rich flavors and a delightful crunch, making it perfect for a keto-friendly dinner.

This dish is not only low in carbs but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its delicious combination of ingredients, Keto Malibu Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your low-carb recipe collection.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of cooked ham (preferably sugar-free)
4 slices of Swiss cheese or provolone cheese
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for greasing)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or melted butter.
Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Coat the Chicken: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it with the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
Add Ham and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the ham is heated through, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips:

Serving Suggestions: Keto Malibu Chicken pairs well with a variety of low-carb side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or cauliflower rice.
Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

This Keto Malibu Chicken recipe offers a delicious and low-carb twist on a classic favorite, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare and enjoy.