This Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a quick, tasty meal packed with juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s low-carb and bursting with flavor!
I love how simple this dish is—all in one skillet! It makes weeknight dinners so easy. Plus, the smell of basil cooking is like a warm hug for your kitchen! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here as they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for their rich flavor. If unavailable, you can use diced fresh tomatoes, but add them earlier in the cooking process to allow them to soften.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives this dish a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute it with full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half to keep it keto-friendly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory depth. Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) can be great substitutes.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but there are a few simple tips to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful. First, choose uniform chicken breast sizes for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Here’s how you can do this:
- Start cooking over medium-high heat to sear the chicken for a nice golden crust.
- Flip the chicken only once to keep juices inside; avoid poking or cutting into it.
- If unsure about doneness, cut into the thickest part to check—it should be white all the way through.
With these techniques, your chicken will turn out delicious every time!
Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious keto chicken dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty, wholesome meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make It Creamy:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which will help to create a lovely, creamy sauce.
5. Add Flavor:
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and marry the flavors.
7. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Right before serving, stir in the fresh chopped basil. This adds a fresh burst of flavor that completes the dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Your Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is now ready to enjoy—serve it hot and relish in the goodness!
This creamy skillet chicken beautifully captures the flavors of fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes, making it perfect for any keto meal plan!
FAQ for Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for best results, and keep an eye on cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
What are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with This Chicken?
This chicken pairs nicely with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple side salad. For a low-carb option, roasted non-starchy vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great accompaniments.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to replicate the cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
