Recipe Card
Hook – Quick Description:
Juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce — a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner ready in 30 minutes!
Servings & Timing:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Badges:
🥓 Keto / Low-Carb
🥩 High-Protein
🌾 Gluten-Free
Ingredients (Checklist Style):
Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Salt & black pepper
Instructions (Concise & Numbered):
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat oil/butter in skillet; sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Deglaze with chicken broth, simmer 1–2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream (and Parmesan if using), simmer until sauce thickens.
Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce.
Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
Additional Notes:
Thighs stay juicier than breasts but both work well.
Sauce thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth if reheating.
Delicious with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or sautéed spinach.
Brief Introduction
This Keto Creamy Garlic Chicken is pure comfort food — without the carbs. It’s a one-pan dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor in under 30 minutes. The creamy garlic sauce clings to tender chicken, making it a family favorite that fits perfectly into low-carb and gluten-free lifestyles.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Preparing & Cooking the Chicken
Pat chicken dry, season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet.
Sear chicken on medium-high until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Add minced garlic to skillet; sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
Stir in heavy cream (and Parmesan if desired).
Simmer gently until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Bringing It Together
Return chicken to skillet.
Spoon sauce over chicken, let simmer 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tip: For extra richness, add 1–2 tbsp cream cheese into the sauce.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Chicken: Breasts for leaner option, thighs for juicier texture.
Heavy Cream: Full-fat keeps it keto; coconut cream works for dairy-free.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; roasted garlic adds a sweeter, mellow flavor.
Parmesan: Optional, but adds salty umami and creaminess.
Broth: Chicken broth is classic; vegetable broth also works.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Herb Upgrade: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for depth.
Mushroom Twist: Sauté mushrooms with garlic before adding cream.
Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted broccoli, cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a crisp side salad.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container.
Freezing: Sauce may separate slightly but can be frozen up to 2 months. Reheat gently.
Reheating: Warm on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.
Make-Ahead: Cook chicken and sauce separately; combine and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per serving of 4)
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 3g (net)
Fat: 28g
🥩 High-Protein | 🥓 Keto | 🌾 Gluten-Free
FAQs
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: It’s lighter but may not thicken as well. For keto, heavy cream is best.
Q: Can I bake this instead of cooking on stovetop?
A: Yes — sear chicken, pour sauce over, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Q: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
A: Keep heat on medium-low once cream is added and avoid boiling.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes — portion with veggies or cauliflower rice in containers for quick keto lunches.
Personal Story (Optional)
I first made this creamy garlic chicken on a busy weeknight when I wanted comfort food without breaking keto. The rich sauce and juicy chicken quickly became a staple — it’s one of those recipes that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes.
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