21 Low-Carb Dinners That Won’t Make You Cry For Bread

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21 Low-Carb Dinners That Won’t Make You Cry For Bread

Sometimes you want a good dinner without all the carbs that leave you feeling like you need a nap afterward. If you’re tired of meals that revolve around bread, pasta, or rice, these low-carb dinners are exactly what you need. We’re talking flavor-packed, easy-to-make dishes that won’t have you crying for a loaf of bread on the side. From quick air fryer meals to skillet favorites, these recipes prove that low-carb doesn’t mean low on taste.

A plate of blackened cod with rice and lime wedges.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Marinated Chicken Wings

Crispy oven baked marinated chicken wings on a plate.
Marinated Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These wings are salty, sticky, sweet, and savory all at once. Forget the breading and buffalo sauce; this recipe gives you all the flavor without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 30-minute dinner with spicy, sweet, and sticky gochujang sauce that pairs perfectly with rice. You get a takeout-inspired meal without feeling weighed down by carbs.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar stuffed turkey meatballs served with zoodles.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey meatballs stuffed with cheddar and Italian seasoning, cooked in marinara sauce. Perfect for a low-carb dinner that still feels hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the flavor of your favorite burger, but in a bowl. With a special homemade sauce, this burger bowl is a healthier option that lets you skip the bun without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Air Fryer Ribeye

Air fryer ribeye on a plate with potatoes and butter.
Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer comes out tender and juicy with simple seasonings in just minutes. A classic dinner that skips the bread but still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

Baked Sablefish

Honey lime sablefish with jalapeño corn salsa in a bowl with a fork.
Baked Sablefish. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sablefish with a honey lime glaze, topped with jalapeno corn salsa. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner that skips the carbs but still brings bold flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

No need to defrost the salmon—just cook it straight from the freezer in the air fryer with a maple mustard sauce. A great, quick dinner that’s easy to make when you’re short on time and carbs.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mahi mahi comes together quickly with homemade seasoning and a few minutes under the broiler. This low-maintenance dinner is perfect when you want something quick that won’t leave you reaching for a dinner roll.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped salmon gives you the richness of both ingredients in one easy meal. A decadent dinner that keeps things low-carb but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Beef Kafta

Beef Kafta on a plate with veggies.
Beef Kafta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This simple Middle Eastern dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with rice, salad, or hummus. It’s a hearty and satisfying dinner that won’t leave you longing for bread.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all on one pan. It’s a no-fuss, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, and you won’t miss the bread.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham, pineapple and Jarlsberg cheese garnished with green onion.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled chicken stuffed with ham, pineapple, and melted smoked cheese, glazed with teriyaki. You’ll love this sweet and savory combo that doesn’t need any extra bread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Air Fryer Scallops

Air fryer scallops with green beans and rice on a plate.
Air Fryer Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These scallops cook up fast in the air fryer, with a perfectly seared exterior and tender inside. Topped with a quick chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce, this is a great low-carb dinner that feels fancy without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Just a few pantry seasonings and a quick sear give this blackened cod its bold flavor. A great choice when you’re looking for a simple, no-bread-required dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Air fryer skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When grilling isn’t an option, the air fryer makes cooking skirt steak quick and easy. You’ll have a juicy steak on the table in no time, without missing the bread at all.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Baked chicken thighs with coconut lime sauce over white rice with mango.
Coconut Lime Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A tropical spin on baked chicken, served with coconut mango sticky rice. The crispy, tender chicken makes for a satisfying dinner without loading up on carbs.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Lime Baked Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Air fryer chicken leg quarters on a plate with broccoli and purple sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These chicken leg quarters roast up perfectly in under 25 minutes with crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a low-effort dinner that doesn’t need any bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

Grilled Stuffed Avocados

Steak stuffed grilled avocados on a metal plate.
Grilled Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These grilled avocados are filled with marinated steak, red peppers, corn, and scallions. A great, lighter dinner that doesn’t rely on carbs to be filling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Avocados

Reuben Strip Steak

Reuben strip steaks on a cutting board.
Reuben Strip Steak. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

All the classic elements of a reuben sandwich—Swiss, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut—piled onto a strip steak. A filling, no-bread-needed dinner when you want something indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Strip Steak

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan chicken skillet has fresh basil and a savory sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick, low-carb dinner that feels satisfying without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, this chicken recipe is anything but boring. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re skipping the bread but still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

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