Crispy Keto Spanakopita Recipe

Fluffy Greek-Inspired Keto Spanakopita Recipe for Beginners

Spinach and feta dance together in this mouthwatering keto spanakopita recipe that reimagines the classic Greek pastry.

Crispy, flaky layers of almond flour create a stunning low-carb alternative to traditional phyllo dough.

Every bite packs rich, herbal flavors without the carbohydrate overload.

The golden-brown edges promise a delectable crunch that belies its healthy profile.

Cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will devour this Mediterranean-inspired dish with pure delight.

Wholesome ingredients merge to craft a guilt-free appetizer that satisfies both keto dieters and food lovers alike.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and transform your next meal into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 5

Keto Spanakopita Ingredients Guide

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides structure and bulk to the dish, choose fresh, organic cuts for best flavor and texture.
  • Spinach: Nutrient-dense green that adds earthy flavor and vibrant color, select frozen spinach that's free from ice crystals and well-drained.
For Creamy Binding Elements:
  • Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Trio of cheeses that create rich, tangy creaminess, opt for full-fat versions for authentic keto experience and maximum flavor depth.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent kick, use fresh cloves for most robust taste.
  • Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and provides fresh undertone, use fresh lemons and zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith.
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates all other ingredients, choose fine-ground sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet and savory background note, select high-quality powder without additives.
  • Dried Parsley: Adds subtle herbal touch and visual appeal, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
For Cooking Medium:
  • Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Healthy fat for cooking that adds subtle flavor, choose cold-pressed, extra virgin varieties for best taste and nutritional profile.

Tools to Prepare Keto Spanakopita

  • Baking sheet: Essential for roasting chicken evenly and catching any drips.
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing spinach and cheese filling thoroughly.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for butterflying chicken breasts and creating precise cuts.
  • Paper towels: Crucial for draining and removing excess moisture from spinach.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like onion powder and salt.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying oil evenly on chicken breasts before baking.
  • Instant-read thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Instructions for Low-Carb Spanakopita

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen with an inviting 400°F heat setting. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Spinach Magic

Squeeze out every drop of liquid from the spinach using paper towels. The drier, the better for a perfect texture.

  • Flavor Fusion

Blend cream cheese, spinach, feta, parmesan, onion powder, and garlic into a creamy mixture that screams deliciousness.

  • Chicken Transformation

Gently create pockets in chicken breasts by slicing carefully without cutting completely through. Add a few diagonal cuts for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

  • Stuffing Sensation

Generously fill each chicken pocket with the spinach-cheese blend, making sure every bite will be packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

  • Seasoning Shower

Drizzle a light coat of oil over the stuffed chicken. Sprinkle salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and fresh lemon zest to elevate the flavor profile.

  • Golden Finale

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked. Finish with a quick broil to create a stunning golden-brown crust that’ll make mouths water.

Flavor Tweaks for Keto Spanakopita

  • Squeeze spinach super dry using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy chicken and ensure a perfect texture.
  • Swap feta with goat cheese or swap parmesan with pecorino for a different flavor profile that keeps the keto magic alive.
  • Add fresh dill, mint, or oregano to the filling for an authentic Greek-inspired twist that elevates the entire dish.
  • Sprinkle smoked paprika or red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture for a subtle kick that adds depth and excitement.
  • Replace chicken with salmon or turkey breast if you want to mix up your protein choice while maintaining the same delicious keto-friendly approach.

Best Ways to Serve Keto Spanakopita

  • Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this keto spanakopita chicken alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to complement the rich, cheesy filling.
  • Mediterranean Mealtime Magic: Pair the chicken with cauliflower rice or roasted zucchini noodles to keep the dish low-carb while adding delightful veggie textures.
  • Zesty Side Kick: Drizzle a homemade tzatziki sauce over the chicken to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy protein.
  • Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or oregano on top just before serving to boost the aromatic profile and add a pop of vibrant green color to the plate.

Storage Tips for Keto Spinach Pie

  • Smart Storage Solutions
  • Chill & Seal: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These keto spanakopita chicken breasts can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing taste or quality.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy exterior and prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture if needed.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple chicken breasts at once, creating convenient grab-and-go lunches or dinners for busy weekdays. Separate portions in individual containers for easy grab-and-reheat meals.
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Crispy Keto Spanakopita Recipe

Crispy Keto Spanakopita Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Greek-inspired keto spanakopita showcases crispy phyllo-like layers with spinach and feta filling. Creamy cheese and herbed greens create a low-carb Mediterranean delight you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (50 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tbsp plus ½ tsp (7 g) parmesan cheese
  • 1 package (10 oz/283 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) avocado oil or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (190°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an optimal cooking surface for the chicken.
  2. Filling Creation: Thoroughly drain spinach and combine with cream cheese, feta, parmesan, onion powder, and garlic in a mixing bowl, blending until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
  3. Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts by creating a deep horizontal pocket, then make diagonal shallow cuts to enhance seasoning absorption and ensure even cooking.
  4. Stuffing Process: Carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture, ensuring a compact and generous filling that reaches all corners of the pocket.
  5. Seasoning and Coating: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then generously sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and lemon zest to build layers of flavor.
  6. Roasting Method: Place stuffed chicken breasts on prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces, and roast for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Finishing Touch: Activate broiler for 3-5 minutes to create a golden-brown, crispy exterior that adds visual appeal and textural contrast to the keto-friendly dish.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain spinach to prevent watery filling and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Cheese Blending Technique: Mix cheeses smoothly for a uniform, creamy texture that binds the filling perfectly.
  • Chicken Preparation: Create even cuts and pockets to maximize flavor absorption and ensure consistent cooking.
  • Golden Brown Finish: Use broiling as the final step to develop a crispy, appetizing exterior without overcooking the chicken.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 382 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 92 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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