This Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a real treat! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil for a tasty dish that fits perfectly into your low-carb diet.
It’s simple to make and great for busy nights. I love serving it with a side of veggies or over cauliflower rice—both are super yummy! Plus, it’s one-pan, so less cleanup for me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a great alternative, adding extra richness.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, you might use fresh diced tomatoes; just simmer them longer to bring out their sweetness. I prefer the tangy flavor of oil-packed ones!
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the sauce creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a plant-based cream substitute, like coconut cream, though it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice depth. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can work well for a dairy-free option, bringing a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy, delicious sauce requires some special attention. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect texture:
- Start by sautéing garlic on medium heat, making sure it doesn’t burn; this keeps the sauce bright and flavorful.
- Add the heavy cream and broth while the skillet is still warm, allowing them to blend well without boiling.
- Stir frequently and allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken. The cheese should be added off the heat to prevent clumping.
- Return the chicken to the skillet to soak up those creamy flavors—it’s key for bringing everything together!
Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking the chicken and making the sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor. This step is essential for deliciously seasoned chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds or until you can smell its lovely aroma, being cautious not to let it burn.
4. Create the Sauce:
Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Then, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.
5. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and butter, mixing until they are melted and the sauce becomes nice and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them in the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken, cover the skillet, and let everything cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the chicken and sauce, adding a burst of freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish your dish with chopped parsley for an added touch of color. Serve hot alongside steamed low-carb vegetables or over cauliflower rice for a tasty and satisfying meal!
FAQ for Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as dark meat can take a little longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No worries! You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes in their place. Just make sure to simmer them a little longer to draw out their sweetness and flavor. You could also use tomato paste if you’re in a pinch, but reduce the amount to a couple of tablespoons to avoid overwhelming the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can be used for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
