Why Make This Recipe
Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, creating a meal that is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures elevates this dish, making it a wonderful choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it can be made in just one skillet, which means easy cleanup!
How to Make Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Creating this flavorful dish is simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below to get your Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet on the table in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Heat Olive Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This step is important as it provides the necessary heat to cook the chicken properly and gives it a lovely golden color.
Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through.
Set Aside Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Cook Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes or until they become softened. The heat will bring out their natural sweetness.
Stir in Cream: After the tomatoes have cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that complements the chicken nicely.
Add Cheese and Basil: Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped basil to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. The basil adds a fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and cream.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, making sure to coat it well with the creamy sauce. Allow everything to heat through for a minute.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is heated and well combined, serve your Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet hot. Enjoy this delightful low-carb dinner!
How to Serve Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
This dish is versatile and can be served in several ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Serve over Zoodles: For an extra low-carb option, serve the chicken on a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles). This adds more veggies to your meal and keeps it light.
- Pair with a Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich chicken dish, providing a nice balance.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is another great alternative that keeps the meal keto-friendly while adding some texture.
- Crusty Low-Carb Bread: For those who want a bit of bread, consider low-carb bread alternatives. They can be a great way to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy:
- Refrigerate: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will last for around 3-4 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
- Slice Chicken Thinly: For quicker cooking, consider slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can, avoid dried basil.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the cream reduce a bit longer before adding the cheese.
- Add Garlic: For an extra flavor boost, you can sauté minced garlic along with the tomatoes.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat when cooking the chicken to avoid burning. Adjust as necessary to ensure even cooking.
Variation
There are many ways to change up this recipe to suit your tastes:
- Add Spinach or Kale: For added nutrients, toss in some fresh spinach or kale when you add the cream. They will wilt down and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Use Different Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the tomatoes.
- Swap the Protein: This recipe is not limited to chicken. You can use shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk. Just ensure that the cheese is also dairy-free if you want to maintain a completely dairy-free dish.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure chicken is fully cooked is to check with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it’s safe to eat. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure there is no pink meat remaining.
What can I do if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use diced regular tomatoes. Just be sure to drain some of the excess liquid to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance by chopping the tomatoes, garlic (if using), and basil. You can also marinate the chicken with spices a few hours before cooking to enhance its flavor.
Enjoy making your Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet! This nourishing and flavorful dish is sure to impress, bringing a taste of Italy right to your dinner table while keeping it low-carb. Happy cooking!
Print
Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A delicious and healthy keto-friendly meal with chicken, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all made in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, covered with foil.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped basil, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce and heating through for 1 minute.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Serve over zoodles or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg