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Keto Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken - A Cozy, Low-Carb Skillet Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness or sliced into cutlets)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and oregano)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • 3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes (unsweetened) or tomato passata
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium), as needed to thin the sauce
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for texture)
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra gloss)
  • Lemon wedge, for finishing (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This helps with browning and ensures the meat is flavorful.
  2. Sear for flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Build the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce sharpness. Pour in heavy cream and whisk to combine, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Add cheese: Sprinkle in Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, simmer gently to reduce.
  6. Fresh touch: Fold in cherry tomatoes (if using) and half the basil. Simmer 1–2 minutes until just softened.
  7. Finish the dish: Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the pieces. Simmer on low 2–3 minutes to marry flavors. Swirl in butter for a glossy finish, and add a tiny squeeze of lemon if you like brightness.
  8. Taste and adjust: Season with more salt and pepper as needed. Scatter remaining basil on top before serving.
  9. Serve with low-carb sides: Great over zucchini noodles, sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.