Healthy | Paleo | Keto | Low-Carb | High-Protein | Dairy-Free
Are you ready for a juicy and tangy chicken dish that will make your taste buds sing? This Healthy Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnuts is naturally citrusy and aromatic, with a burst of flavour from fresh orange, lemon juice, and zest. The marinade is one of themost delicious chicken marinades, and it transforms the chicken into a tender and juicy delight. With just one bite, you’re going to fall in love with this lively chicken and crunchy walnut combo. I bet it’s going to be on your weekly meal plan as your new favourite.
What makes this dish even better? It’s not only delicious but also healthy. This recipe uses fresh, low-carb ingredients like citrus, walnuts, and chicken, making it perfect for anyone following aketo,paleo, orgluten freelifestyle. The balance of healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil, along with the lean protein from the chicken, makes this dish bothnutritious and satisfying.
This recipe works beautifully all year long. The fresh orange and lemon juice and zest give the chicken a refreshing and juicy flavour that’s perfect for any season. When you cook this dish, your kitchen fills with the most amazing citrus aroma that makes your mouth water. The combination of the flavourful marinadeand the crunchy walnuts is just irresistible.
And the best part? It’s super easy. You only need 10 minutes to prepare the marinade. Just cut somediamond shapesinto the chicken breasts, toss them in the marinade, and let them rest for 30 minutes to absorb all that flavour. After that, fry the chicken in a pan with the walnuts and serve with your favourite salad or side dish.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Every time I cook it, my kitchen smells so good and it always puts a smile on my face. The juicy and tender chicken with the crispy walnut crunch is such a perfect match. I love how simple it is, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. I really hope it becomes a favourite in your home too.
This recipe is alsodairy free,egg free, and made without sugar. It’s a great way to enjoy chicken that’s exciting and full of flavour without feeling heavy or complicated. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones, thiseasy chicken marinade recipeis one you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnuts
- Citrusy and Aromatic: Made with fresh orange and lemon juice and zest for a light, refreshing flavour
- Juicy and Tender: The marinade soaks into the chicken, keeping it moist and full of flavour
- Crunchy and Nutty: Toasted walnuts add the perfect contrast in texture
- Quick and Easy: Just 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes marinade, and a quick pan fry
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with protein, good fats and fresh ingredients
- Low Carb and High Protein: Great for keto, low carb or high protein diets
- Paleo, Gluten Free and Dairy Free: Works for many dietary lifestyles
- Can Be Made Nut Free: Simply skip the walnuts or swap with a seed like pumpkin
- No Sugar Added: Naturally sweet from citrus, no added sugars needed
- Comforting and Satisfying: A family-friendly meal that feels like comfort food
- Customizable: Adjust spices or sides easily to match your taste
- Aromatic and Fresh: Your kitchen will smell amazing while this cooks
- Perfect for Any Season: Light enough for summer, cozy enough for winter
Ingredients Needed to Make This Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnuts
- Chicken breasts:The main protein source, cut into diamond shapes to absorb the marinade better.
- Orange zest:Adds a bright, citrusy flavour and aroma to the chicken.
- Orange juice:Provides acidity and sweetness to the marinade, helping to tenderise the chicken.
- Lemon zest:Enhances the tanginess and freshness of the marinade.
- Lemon juice:Adds more acidity and flavour, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Turmeric:Adds a vibrant yellow colour, a mild earthy taste, and helps mask any unpleasant meat odours.
- Smoked paprika:Gives the chicken a smoky, mildly spicy touch.
- Red hot chilli powder:Adds heat to the dish.
- Rosemary:Provides a woody, herbal note to the marinade.
- Oregano:Complements rosemary and adds depth to the flavour.
- Olive oil:Helps emulsify the marinade and coat the chicken evenly.
- Black pepper:Enhances seasoning with a mild, peppery bite.
- Salt:Essential for bringing out all the flavours.
- Olive oil (for frying):Used to cook the chicken and walnuts.
- Walnuts:Add more protein along with a crunchy, nutty contrast to the tender, juicy chicken.
Substitution
If you don’t have walnuts, you can replace them with cashews or omit the nuts entirely to suit your preference or dietary needs.
Benefits of Eating Walnuts Every Day
Walnuts are not only delicious and crunchy, but they are also incredibly beneficial for your health. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can improve brain health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even help prevent cancer. Regularly eating walnuts may also lower the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These versatile nuts can easily be added to your diet. enjoy them on their own or mix them into various dishes, like this Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnutsrecipe. Additionally, walnuts are an excellent choice for high-protein diets, as they provide both protein and healthy fats.
How to Make This Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnuts
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, using a sharp knife, cut diamond shapes into the chicken. This helps the meat absorb the marinade, making it extra juicy and flavourful.
⇒ Need help with the cut? Check out my step-by-step guide on how to cut diamond shapes into chicken breast
- Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Combine everything well, making sure the chicken is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavours soak in.
- Cook the Chicken and Walnuts
Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken breasts (cut side down) in the pan and fry for about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, add the walnuts to the leftover marinade in the bowl and coat them well. Flip the chicken breasts, add the walnuts to the pan, and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the walnuts are crunchy. - Serve and Enjoy
Your chicken is now ready. The citrusy marinade pairs perfectly with the crunchy walnuts for aflavourful, satisfying meal. Serve with your favourite salad or side dish for a delicious and balanced plate.
More Dinner Ideas You’ll Love
- If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, try this One Pan Tuscan Chicken
- In the mood for bold and hearty? This steak sandwich is loaded with caramelized onion, melty mozzarella, and spicy sauce, a must-try next
What to Serve with This Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnuts
This zesty orange chicken with crispy walnuts is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and salads. Here are some suggestions:
- Salad and Fruit Bowl: Serve it with your favourite salad bowl for a light and refreshing meal. My salad bowl contains Moroccan-style couscous, Chinese cabbage, purple cabbage, carrot, avocado, and papaya. To maintain the chicken’s delicious flavour, I use a simple dressing made with just lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of rosemary.
- Mashed Potatoes
- Moroccan-Style Couscous
- Quinoa
- Roasted Veggies
Healthy Keto Citrus Chicken with Crunchy Walnuts | Easy Flavourful Dinner
Ingredients
- 3 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoon orange zest
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice (one orange)
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 2-3 tablespoon tablespoons fresh lemon juice (one lemon)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red hot chilli powder
- ⅓ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ⅓ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅓ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 50 g · walnuts or more
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Pat dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Score the Chicken:Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts across the surface of the chicken breast. Then, turn the chicken breast 90 degrees and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern. This helps the meat absorb the marinade, making it extra juicy and flavourful. For more details, see How to Cut Diamond Shapes into Chicken Breast.
- Marinate the Chicken:In a bowl, add the chicken and all the marinade ingredients (orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chilli powder, rosemary, oregano, turmeric, olive oil, black pepper, and salt). Mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil:Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts, cut side down, in the pan and fry for about 4 minutes.
- Add the Walnuts:While the chicken is cooking, add the walnuts to the leftover marinade in the bowl and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken:Flip the chicken breasts over and add the walnuts to the pan. Continue frying for another 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the walnuts are golden and crunchy.
- Serve:Serve immediately and enjoy your tangy, delicious Citrus Chicken with crunchy walnut!
