This Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, making it smell wonderful while it cooks.
I love how quick this dish is to prepare. Just cook it all in one skillet and enjoy a healthy dinner without much cleanup. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, so no guilt here! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, providing a juicy texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil can be great substitutes with similar cooking properties.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a nice depth of flavor. If you can’t find them, try using fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. They won’t be as intense, but still delicious!
Heavy Cream: This creates a thick and creamy sauce. For a lighter version, you could substitute half and half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a great cheesy substitute.
How Do You Perfectly Cook Chicken Without Drying It Out?
To ensure your chicken stays juicy, proper cooking technique is crucial. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Chicken needs space to brown.
- Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side, and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F or 75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps retain its juices for a more tender result.
These steps will ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked every time!
Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the chicken, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. To be sure they are ready, you can use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F (75°C). Once they’re cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet (keeping those delicious flavors!), add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them together for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add Cream and Broth:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds flavor to your sauce!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. You want it creamy but not too thick.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up some of that yummy sauce.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of flavor. This adds brightness to the dish!
8. Serve Up:
Plate the chicken with plenty of that creamy tomato basil sauce poured over the top. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying keto meal!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, you can substitute with chicken thighs or even drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Just be mindful that the sauce may have a slightly different flavor profile.
What Should I Serve With This Dish?
This Tomato Basil Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. For a full keto meal, consider serving it over zoodles (zucchini noodles), cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad to keep it light and healthy!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can definitely prepare the sauce ahead of time! Cook the chicken and make the sauce, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
