– **Title**: Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup spinach (fresh)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy sauce and allowing it to heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy!
This dish is rich, creamy, and perfectly aligned with a keto diet, showcasing vibrant flavors with the delightful combination of spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and quick-cooking option. If you prefer, chicken thighs can work too; they add more moisture and flavor.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a rich flavor. If you can’t find them, try using fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Just remember to adjust for moisture in your sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano can provide a similar taste. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free option too!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breasts?
Getting the chicken just right is key to this dish. Here are my tips:
- Start with chicken at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
- Preheat your skillet well. It should be hot enough to sear the chicken, creating a nice crust.
- Sear the chicken undisturbed for the first few minutes to get that golden color.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Following these steps will help you serve juicy and flavorful chicken!
How to Make Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This will give them lots of flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in the chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is nice and creamy.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and make sure it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes to heat it all through. The chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors!
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, you can garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken hot, paired with your favorite keto-friendly sides. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through than breasts, around 8-10 minutes per side depending on their size.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or need a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream or a blend of unsweetened almond milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly, so adjust seasonings to taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be careful not to overheat it on the stove to avoid separating the cream sauce. A gentle heat on low is best, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, you can definitely add more vegetables! Consider including mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini – just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the liquids. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the sauce’s consistency, so you can add a bit more broth or cream if needed.
