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Keto Cheesy Chicken Marinara 🍽️  

Published: · Updated: by · 2 Comments

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This Keto Chicken Marinara is a must-try recipe for all keto enthusiasts. It brings together the vibrant flavors of marinara sauce, juicy chicken, and burrata to take your tastebuds on a new adventure. It's super tasty and easy to make - perfect for busy weeknight dinners. And the cherry on top? It fits right in with your low-carb eating plan!

Cheesy Marinara Chicken on a plate on a black background with fresh basil leaves scattered around
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this chicken marinara recipe is simple and quick. You need 20 minutes to pan-sear the chicken, wilt the spinach, and top them with marinara and Burrata. And that's it! The classic Italian dish with a healthy keto twist is ready to serve!

Chef's note

A quick heads up! While marinara sauce isn't typically spicy, some store-bought versions can have a bit of a kick due to added spices or red pepper flakes. So, if your keto chicken marinara dish ends up being a bit too spicy for your liking, feel free to adjust it to your taste. Maybe create your own homemade tomato sauce, or even toss in some cream cheese to the marinara sauce. Make the recipe your own, and enjoy it!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🍽️ Ingredients for this keto chicken marinara recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this chicken marinara recipe:

  • 4 chicken cutlets, 1.5 pounds in total
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces of baby spinach
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed (sugar-free)
  • 4 ounces of burrata, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, torn

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Olive oil: Switch the olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil.
  • Garlic: If you're not a fan of fresh garlic, go for ⅛th teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
  • Baby spinach: You've got options here. Most dark, leafy greens work well in this dish. Why not try swapping the spinach for some kale or Swiss chard?
  • Burrata: Can't find Burrata cheese? Fresh mozzarella, creamy goat cheese, or ricotta cheese are all great stand-ins.
  • Basil: Don't worry if you can't find fresh basil. Replace it with fresh parsley or some dried Italian seasoning.

Additional ingredients

  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the tomatoes for a tangy, rich flavor that pairs well with chicken.
  • Parmesan cheese: Add a sprinkle of this salty, umami-packed cheese over the top before serving. Freshly grated is always best!
  • Mushrooms: Sautée some mushrooms in olive oil and garlic for an earthly flavor. 
  • Olives: Use black or green olives for a salty kick. Just slice them up and sprinkle on top.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto chicken marinara, you'll need the following tools:

  • 10" or larger cast iron skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Heat-resistant gloves or pot holders

Tools substitute options

  • 10" or larger cast iron skillet: If you don't have one, any large frying pan or non-stick skillet will do the job.
  • Meat thermometer: If you don't have one, slice into the thickest part of the chicken to check if it's cooked through. The meat should be white with no pink left.
  • Garlic press: A good knife can mince the garlic cloves well enough.
Cheesy Marinara Chicken on a plate on a black background with fresh basil leaves scattered around

How to make Keto Chicken Marinara: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Measure all ingredients using cups and spoons to ensure everything is ready before you start cooking. 
  2. Skin your garlic cloves and mince them using a garlic press or a microplane grater.
  3. Rinse your fresh baby spinach and pat it dry.
  4. Slice the Burrata into equal portions and tear your fresh basil.
  5. If you're using store-bought marinara sauce, warm it up in a small saucepan on low heat.

Cooking instructions

  1. Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a 10" or larger cast iron skillet, heat the ¼ cup of olive oil on medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for roughly 30 seconds.
  4. Place the cutlets next to each other on the skillet and fry each side for 3-4 minutes until it turns golden brown. The internal temperature of the meat should be about 165°F at this point.
  5. Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it on a plate.
  6. Use a spoon to gently spread some leftover olive oil and garlic on the chicken.
  7. The remaining olive oil and garlic should stay in the skillet.
  8. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter into the skillet.
  9. Put the spinach in batches allowing it to wilt before adding more.
  10. Transfer the wilted baby spinach to a serving tray and place the chicken on top.
  11. Top with warmed marinara sauce and the Burrata. Use basil and flaky sea salt for garnishing.
  12. Your keto chicken marinara is ready to be served!

Note: We have used Rao's sugar-free marinara sauce for this recipe. But you always have the option to make your marinara sauce at home using simple ingredients like fresh garlic cloves, tomatoes, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Chef's pro tip

Just a quick tip to keep your chicken nice and juicy - use your meat thermometer! You'll want to make sure the chicken hits an internal temp of 165°F. As soon as you see that magic number, take the chicken out of the skillet. Do this, and you'll have tender, perfectly cooked chicken every single time.

What to serve with keto chicken marinara?

You can serve this low-carb chicken marinara with multiple dishes. Here are some keto-friendly options you can pair it with:

  • Cauliflower rice: This low-carb alternative to traditional rice pairs perfectly with the recipe.
  • Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts: Both these options are low in carbs and provide a strong texture contrast to the dish.
  • Zucchini noodles (zoodles): Zoodles work particularly well, especially with the marinara sauce.
  • Greek salad: Adding a fresh Greek Salad made with feta cheese, olives, cucumber, and some olive oil dressing can make your meal all the more refreshing.

Nutritional facts

Amount per serving

  • Calories: 549
  • Calories from Fat: 351
  • Fat: 39g (60% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 10g (63% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 137mg (46% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 861mg (37% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 1043mg (30% Daily Value)
  • Carbohydrates: 7g (2% Daily Value)
  • Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
  • Sugar: 2g (2% Daily Value)
  • Protein: 44g (88% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin A: 7062IU (141% Daily Value)

Please note that nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

How to make it healthier

You can make this low-carb chicken marinara even healthier by following these tips:

  • Make it dairy-free: If you don't consume dairy, use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter. Also, substitute Burrata with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Reduce salt: Use less salt when seasoning the chicken. Opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce, or make your own with less salt.
  • Pick high-quality fats: Use extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Include more veggies: Toss in some non-starchy veggies like bell peppers or zucchini into the spinach.

Time-saving tips

  • If you're in a hurry, use pre-minced garlic.
  • A high-quality store-bought sauce (like Rao's) can save you a lot of time.
  • Instead of doing the cutting yourself, consider buying boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Seasoned chicken: Get your chicken breasts ready by seasoning them with salt and pepper. Keep them in the refrigerator until it's time to cook.
  • Prepare the marinara: If you're making the sauce yourself, do it beforehand and store it in the fridge.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

To keep your chicken marinara leftovers fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips:

  • Refrigeration: Place the leftover chicken and spinach in separate airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. For optimal freshness, consume the dish within 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Store the chicken and spinach in separate freezer-safe containers. Their freshness should remain intact for another 2-3 months. 

Reheating tips

When reheating your leftovers, follow these instructions for the best results:

  • Microwave: Place the desired portion of the dish on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring or flipping them in between.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, place the chicken and spinach into an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Now place the dish into the preheated oven and let it stay for about 10-15 minutes.

After heating the crispy chicken and the wilted spinach, top them with marinara sauce and Burrata for a fresh flavor.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Chicken Marinara is a great choice for a low-carb, protein-rich Italian dinner. It's not too tricky to prepare, and it brings together the hearty flavors of chicken and marinara sauce. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or you're planning to entertain guests, this dish serves up those classic Italian tastes right in your kitchen.

Why not give it a try? It's packed with wonderful flavors, fits well within your keto diet, and on top of it all, it's pretty straightforward to make. So sit back, and savor every delicious bite.

Frequently asked questions

You can! Thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

Toast some almond or coconut flour and use it to coat the chicken before cooking. Crumbly topping ingredients like these will add a crispy outer layer to the cutlets.

Certainly! Add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté or roast them alongside the spinach for added flavor and variety.

While the recipe calls for marinara sauce, you can get creative and use other low-carb sauces like pesto or a creamy alfredo sauce.

You can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, feta, or parmesan cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well.

Yes, but use it sparingly. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor compared to fresh herbs.

Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu cutlets. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the specific product you choose.

📖 Recipe

Keto Cheesy Marinara Chicken on a plate on a black background with fresh basil leaves scattered around

Keto Chicken Marinara

This Keto Cheesy Marinara Chicken with Garlic Wilted Spinach is an awesome low-carb Italian dinner.
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 30-minute
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 549kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken cutlets about 1.5 lbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 10 oz baby spinach
  • 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
  • 4 ounces burrata sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil torn
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • In a 10" or larger cast iron skillet, heat the ¼ cup of olive oil on medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for roughly 30 seconds.
  • Place the cutlets next to each other on the skillet and fry each side for 3-4 minutes until it turns golden brown. The internal temperature of the meat should be about 165°F at this point.
  • Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it on a plate.
  • Use a spoon to gently spread some leftover olive oil and garlic on the chicken.
  • The remaining olive oil and garlic should remain in the skillet.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter into the skillet.
  • Put the spinach in batches allowing it to wilt before adding more.
  • Transfer the wilted baby spinach to a serving tray and place the chicken on top.
  • Top with warmed marinara sauce and the burrata. And use basil and flaky sea salt for garnishing. Your keto chicken marinara is ready to be served!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Marinara
Amount Per Serving
Calories 549 Calories from Fat 351
% Daily Value*
Fat 39g60%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 137mg46%
Sodium 861mg37%
Potassium 1043mg30%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 44g88%
Vitamin A 7062IU141%
Vitamin C 24mg29%
Calcium 240mg24%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sylvia says

    What about a Homemade keto marinara recipe? Thanks

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      You can totally do that!

      Reply

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