Keto Creamy Garlic Chicken (Serves 4)

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  (chicken thighs can be substituted for more fat and tenderness)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 6–8 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (use full-fat cream instead for extra richness)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure good browning.

2. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. It does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.

6. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

3. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.

2. Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

3. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

4. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions (Keto-Friendly)

• Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice

• Zucchini noodles

• Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans

• Sautéed spinach in butter

Tips and Variations

• For extra thickness, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce.

• Add mushrooms or spinach for more texture without increasing carbs significantly.

• For dairy-free keto, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream (flavor will change slightly).

• Chicken thighs provide higher fat content and remain juicier than breasts.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Fat: ~40 g

• Protein: ~35 g

• Net Carbs: ~4–5 g