10 Low Carb Heart Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes

A low-carb diet can have several benefits for heart health. Here’s why a low-carb approach is often considered beneficial for cardiovascular well-being:

1. Helps Manage Weight: Low-carb diets can be effective for weight management, which is crucial for heart health. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. By reducing carbohydrate intake, individuals may experience improved weight control, leading to a reduced risk of obesity-related heart conditions.
2. Improves Blood Sugar Control: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which raises blood sugar levels. Consistently high blood sugar levels can contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes—risk factors for heart disease. By reducing carbohydrate intake, particularly refined sugars and processed grains, a low-carb diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Supports Healthy Blood Lipid Profile: Low-carb diets often promote a healthier blood lipid profile. Research suggests that reducing carbohydrate intake, especially refined carbohydrates and added sugars, can help raise levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol and lower levels of harmful triglycerides. Maintaining a favorable lipid profile is essential for cardiovascular health.
4. Reduces Inflammation: Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the development of heart disease. High-carbohydrate diets, particularly those rich in refined sugars and processed grains, can contribute to inflammation in the body. By adopting a low-carb diet, individuals may lower their intake of inflammatory foods, potentially reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.
5. May Lower Blood Pressure: Some studies indicate that low-carb diets may help lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. By reducing carbohydrate intake and promoting weight loss, individuals may experience a positive impact on blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart.
6. Promotes Heart-Healthy Food Choices: Following a low-carb diet encourages the consumption of nutrient-dense, heart-healthy foods. These typically include lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of low-glycemic fruits. Such dietary patterns can provide essential nutrients while minimizing intake of processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, which are detrimental to heart health.

It’s important to note that individual needs and preferences may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

While a low-carb approach can offer potential benefits for heart health, it’s essential to focus on overall dietary quality, regular physical activity, stress management, and other lifestyle factors for comprehensive cardiovascular well-being.

Here are 10 Low Carb Heart Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat both sides of the chicken with the Parmesan mixture.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

Dijon Mustard Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and spread the mustard mixture evenly over each piece.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the mustard coating has formed a golden crust.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Balsamic Glazed Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey (if using), dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over them, coating each piece.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened and caramelized.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g

Pesto Stuffed Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup low-carb pesto sauce
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting a slit horizontally, but not all the way through.
3. Stuff each pocket with a spoonful of low-carb pesto sauce and a slice of mozzarella cheese.
4. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Greek Yogurt Herb Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and spread the Greek yogurt mixture evenly over each piece.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the yogurt coating is lightly browned.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lime juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.
4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the spices have formed a crust.
5. Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

Tomato Basil Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each piece with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle the chopped basil over the tomatoes.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, tomatoes, and basil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

Almond Crusted Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup almonds, crushed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed almonds, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat both sides of the chicken with the almond mixture.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the almond crust is crispy and golden.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

Asian Ginger Baked Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the grated ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the ginger mixture over them, coating each piece.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and infused with the Asian flavors.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

Please note that the nutrition information provided is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Gypsyplate offers more healthy keto chicken recipes.

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