Low-Carb Oven-Fried Chicken with Butter and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A healthier take on fried chicken baked in the oven with a buttery garlic crust that’s both crispy and flavorful. This American-inspired chicken recipe (low carb, keto), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken drumsticks, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat and stir in 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup almond flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Dip each of the 8 chicken drumsticks into the melted garlic butter, then roll in the almond flour mixture until well coated.
  4. Step 4: Place the coated drumsticks on a baking rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to allow air circulation. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Carb Oven-Fried Chicken with Butter and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Low-Carb Oven-Fried Chicken with Butter and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Oven-Fried Chicken with Butter and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Low-Carb Oven-Fried Chicken with Butter and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Low-Carb Oven-Fried Chicken with Butter and Garlic low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, keto, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.