Tired of bland, boring keto meals? Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that will make your taste buds sing and your macros cheer! We’re talking about the ultimate low-carb game-changer: delectable Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken wrapped around a creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed filling, all air-fried to golden perfection. It’s a handheld delight that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice an ounce of deliciousness. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite keto creation!

Why You’ll Love These Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets

These aren’t just any chicken pockets; they’re your ticket to a world of keto-friendly flavor and convenience! Here are four reasons why our Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets will become a staple in your kitchen:

Unbeatable Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a symphony of tastes – savory ground chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty ranch, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar. It’s a flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying and far from “diet food.”

Perfectly Keto & Low-Carb: With just 3g net carbs per serving, these pockets fit seamlessly into your ketogenic lifestyle, helping you stay on track without feeling deprived. They’re packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you full and energized.
Air Fryer Magic for Crispy Perfection: Forget soggy meals! Your air fryer transforms these pockets into beautifully golden brown, slightly crispy parcels of joy in minutes. It’s an easy, mess-free cooking method that yields fantastic results every time.

Simple & Quick to Prepare: From prep to plate in just 35 minutes, these Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets are ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. The straightforward steps make it accessible for even novice cooks.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your simple ingredients to create these irresistible Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets:

🐔 1 pound ground chicken
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🧀 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
🤠 3 teaspoons ranch seasoning
🥓 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
🍃 1/3 cup chopped green onions
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to craft your delicious Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well blended.
In a separate bowl, add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and the crumbled bacon. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.

Divide the seasoned ground chicken mixture into 4 equal portions and gently shape each into a ball.
Take one chicken ball and place it between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin into a thin, even circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Spoon a generous amount of the creamy cheese and bacon filling onto one half of the flattened chicken circle.

Carefully fold the other half of the chicken over the filling, creating a crescent shape. Pinch the edges firmly all around to seal the pocket, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
Repeat steps 4-6 for the remaining chicken balls and filling to create a total of 4 delicious Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets.
Carefully place your chicken pockets into the basket or tray of your air fryer. Leave a little space between each pocket if possible.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Make sure to flip the pockets gently halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-8 minute mark) to ensure they cook evenly and get beautifully golden brown.

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

These versatile Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets are fantastic on their own, but a little presentation can elevate your meal! Here are some ideas for serving:

As a Standalone Star: Their hearty and satisfying nature makes them a perfect light lunch or dinner. Simply plate them up and enjoy!

With a Fresh Green Side: Pair your pockets with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with avocado are excellent keto-friendly choices.
Dipping Delight: Offer a side of your favorite low-carb dipping sauce! Extra ranch dressing, a dollop of sour cream, or even a zesty avocado cream sauce would be incredible complements.
Breakfast for Dinner (or Anytime!): For a more substantial meal, serve your pockets alongside a couple of fried eggs or some extra crispy bacon.

Garnished to Perfection: A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley over the cooked pockets adds a pop of color and extra fresh flavor. A light dusting of paprika can also make them look even more appetizing.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids often love handheld foods! Serve them with a side of their favorite non-starchy veggies like cucumber sticks or bell pepper slices for a fun and nutritious meal.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Our Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets are excellent for meal prep and leftovers! Here’s how to store them to maintain their deliciousness:

Refrigeration: Once cooked, allow the pockets to cool completely to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing: For longer storage, cooked pockets can be frozen. Once cooled, wrap each pocket individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating from Refrigerator: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and the chicken is crispy again. You can also microwave them, but the air fryer will provide a better texture.

Reheating from Freezer: You can reheat frozen pockets directly in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, flipping halfway. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

FAQs Sections

Can I bake these Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets instead of air frying?
Yes, you can! Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
What if I don’t have ground chicken?
You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and chicken as a substitute. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I prepare the pockets ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets and store them raw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.
What other cheeses can I use in the filling?
Feel free to experiment! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar-jack blend would also be delicious and keep the pockets keto-friendly.
Are these good for meal prepping?
They are fantastic for meal prep! Cook a batch at the beginning of the week, store them, and enjoy quick, easy keto meals throughout your busy schedule.

How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The air fryer time usually ensures this.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, for extra nutrients and flavor! Finely diced bell peppers, spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or jalapeños (for a kick) would be great additions.
Why use plastic wrap to flatten the chicken?
The plastic wrap prevents the ground chicken from sticking to your hands or rolling pin, making it easier to flatten into an even circle without tearing.

What are net carbs and why are they important for keto?
Net carbs are total carbohydrates minus fiber and sugar alcohols. They are important for keto because they represent the carbohydrates that impact blood sugar, which is what keto dieters track.
Can I make these smaller for appetizers?
Definitely! Divide the chicken into 8 portions and the filling accordingly to make mini Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets. Adjust air frying time to about 10-12 minutes.

Keto Chicken Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuit Topping

A comforting and healthy low-carb chicken pot pie with a cheesy almond flour biscuit topping, perfect for a keto diet.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 391 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet
9×9-inch casserole dish

Ingredients

Pot Pie Filling

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 cup shredded or diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
0.5 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic minced
1.5 pounds chicken breast or boneless, skinless thighs cut into 1-inch pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.75 cup heavy cream
0.75 cup chicken broth
0.5 teaspoon xanthan gum for thickening

Cheddar Biscuit Topping

1.5 cups almond flour
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
0.25 teaspoon baking powder
4 large eggs
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the avocado oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them until they’re nice and soft, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
Toss in the chicken pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Continue cooking until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the xanthan gum. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer. This is your delicious, creamy pot pie filling!

While your filling is simmering, grab a large bowl and combine all the ingredients listed for the biscuit dough: almond flour, garlic powder, kosher salt, baking powder, eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined. This will be your healthy cheddar topping!
Give your pot pie filling a taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Transfer this creamy mixture into a 9×9-inch casserole dish. Now, take your biscuit dough and, using a scoop or spoon, dollop generous portions evenly over the top of the filling.
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is bubbly and the biscuit topping is beautifully golden brown. Carefully remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve up this comforting, healthy meal!

Notes

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 391 kcal, Total Carbs: 8 g (Net Carbs: 5 g), Fats: 29 g, Protein: 27 g. This Keto Chicken Pot Pie is a hearty and delicious low-carb alternative to the classic comfort food.

Keto Chicken & Cheese Pockets Easy Low Carb Recipe