Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

Looking for a cozy, low-carb comfort food that delivers rich flavor without the carb crash? This Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce is your go-to weeknight winner. Juicy chicken tenderloins simmer in a velvety tomato basil cream sauce that’s both indulgent and keto-friendly. With minimal prep and pantry staples, this dish is not only satisfying but also perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or meal prep. And at just 3 net carbs per serving, you’ll be coming back for seconds without guilt.

A Skillet Full of Creamy, Low-Carb Goodness

This Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce is more than just another keto recipe — it’s a full-flavored, creamy meal that satisfies comfort food cravings while keeping carbs in check. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and heavy cream creates a decadent sauce that coats every piece of seared chicken. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb eater, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, creamy, savory, and satisfying.

What You’ll Need for This Keto Chicken Skillet Recipe

• Chicken tenderloins: Lean, fast-cooking protein that stays juicy and soaks up the sauce beautifully
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a rich, tangy depth to the cream sauce
• Fresh basil: Adds brightness and a signature Italian aroma
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and build flavor in the pan
• Butter: Enhances the richness of the sauce
• Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth
• Heavy whipping cream: The base of the creamy sauce, keeping it keto
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce slightly and deepens the savory notes
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce, adding umami and creaminess
• Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and thyme for balanced flavor
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer
• Bacon pieces (optional garnish): Adds crunch and a smoky finish

Simple Swaps and Ingredient Alternatives

• Chicken thighs: Juicier than tenderloins and great for slow cooking
• Coconut cream: A dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, with a subtle sweetness
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash: Perfect for soaking up leftover sauce if you’re missing pasta
• Vegetarian version: Use tofu or seitan and vegetable broth for a plant-based twist
• Mozzarella or cream cheese: Can be used instead of Parmesan for a milder, creamier texture

How to Make Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

1. Preheat and sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Build the sauce base: Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and add flavor: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Simmer the sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, fresh chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens.
5. Finish with cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Reunite the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously in sauce. Heat for a few more minutes until everything is warmed through.
7. Garnish and serve: Optionally, top with crispy bacon pieces before serving for added crunch and richness.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Skillet

• Don’t skip the deglaze: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are flavor gold. Deglazing brings them into the sauce.
• Use fresh basil: Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh basil infuses the sauce with vibrant flavor and aroma.
• Cook to temperature: Always check that chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F for safety.
• Thicken naturally: Simmer the sauce without a lid to let it reduce and thicken without needing any flour or thickeners.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream if needed.

Pairings and Delicious Keto Variations

• Serve with: Cauliflower mash, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach
• Low-carb pasta: Try shirataki noodles or spiralized zucchini to mop up the sauce
• Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes turns this into a spicy tomato basil cream sauce
• Make ahead: Prep the sauce separately and store for 3–4 days. Just reheat and add your protein of choice
• Bacon-lovers twist: Crisp chopped bacon in the pan before cooking chicken for a smoky flavor boost

Fresh, Flavorful, and Keto Year-Round

What makes this Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce especially versatile is its year-round appeal. In summer, fresh basil and tomatoes feel garden-fresh. In colder months, the creamy sauce offers cozy comfort. It’s also ideal for meal prepping—make a batch on Sunday, and enjoy creamy keto lunches all week. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle for health, weight loss, or just better energy, this skillet recipe brings variety, nutrition, and bold flavor to your table with ease.

Wrapping Up: A Creamy Keto Classic You’ll Make Again and Again

Whether you’re following a strict ketogenic lifestyle or just looking for a quick low-carb dinner, this Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce delivers big on flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction. The creamy, herbaceous sauce paired with perfectly seared chicken makes for a crave-worthy dish that feels restaurant-level, yet comes together in your own kitchen — all in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence. Keep it in your weekly rotation, serve it to guests, or prep it ahead — either way, this skillet meal is destined to become a staple.

Frequently Asked Questions Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins in this keto recipe?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well in this Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce, though you may want to slice them into thinner cutlets or pound them to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.

2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this creamy chicken skillet freezes well. Let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.

3. What’s a good dairy-free option for the cream sauce?
You can substitute coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk mixed with a thickener like xanthan gum. Just be aware that the flavor will change slightly, though it will still remain low-carb and creamy.

4. How many net carbs are in a serving?
This Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce contains just 3 net carbs per serving, making it a perfect fit for keto, low-carb, or even diabetic-friendly meal plans.

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