This Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick dinner!
You’ll love how everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. I enjoy pairing it with a side salad, but honestly, I could just eat it all by itself! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking, but you can use thighs for extra flavor. Thighs can be more forgiving if you cook them a bit over time.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tangy flavor. If fresh tomatoes are on hand, you can chop them instead, though the flavor will be different. Just cook them longer to get that richness.
Heavy Cream: It’s key for a rich sauce. For a lighter option, you can use coconut cream or half-and-half, but remember this will change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese gives a nice depth to the sauce. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well for a cheesy flavor.
Fresh Basil: Use fresh for the best taste, but if you only have dried, use about a teaspoon. Fresh herbs always win, though!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium-high heat to get that golden crust. If the pan is too hot, the outside can burn before the inside cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should be 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
Following these tips ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful! Enjoy your skillet dish! 🌟
Easy Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and effortless dinner option. Altogether, you’ll need about 30 minutes to whip up this delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant—careful not to let it burn!
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, mixing everything together nicely.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; it should start to bubble lightly.
6. Stir in Cheesy Goodness:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens up a bit.
7. Reintroduce the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
8. Finish with Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving to add wonderful aroma and flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Beautifully plate your dish, garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet!
This easy dish pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a complete and satisfying keto meal. Enjoy your tasty creation! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs or even pork chops for this recipe. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through than breasts.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking to keep this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind this will alter the taste and texture slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Chopped olives can also add a nice flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as fresh tomatoes will need a bit longer to break down.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
