Keto recipes don’t have to be complicated or restrictive. With a few smart swaps, you can enjoy rich, flavorful meals that keep carbs low and satisfaction high. Whether you’re new to keto or just looking for fresh ideas, this guide walks you through a complete, one-pan keto dinner plus tips for success.
Think creamy, savory, and comforting—with clean ingredients you likely already have. You’ll get a go-to recipe, storage advice, health perks, pitfalls to avoid, and variations to keep things interesting.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto-friendly skillet meal brings together juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s balanced, filling, and keeps net carbs in check without feeling skimpy.
The fat from olive oil, butter, and cheese boosts flavor and satiety, while low-carb veggies add fiber and nutrients. Best of all, it cooks in one pan in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets (small pieces)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, brightens the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make It
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, onion, and garlic.
Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Cook the veggies: Add broccoli (and mushrooms, if using). Sauté 3–4 minutes, stirring often. If needed, splash in a little broth to help steam the broccoli.
- Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Stir in Parmesan and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and finish: Return chicken to the pan. Stir, taste, and adjust salt and pepper.
Add lemon juice if you like a brighter flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Top with chopped parsley. Serve as is, or over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly. If the sauce splits, whisk in a splash of cream to smooth it out.
- Meal prep tip: Keep cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles separate.
Reheat the main dish, then add fresh or quickly sautéed sides for best texture.
Health Benefits
- Supports ketosis: Low net carbs with higher fat can help your body shift to burning fat for fuel.
- Steady energy: Many people experience fewer blood sugar spikes and crashes when carbs are reduced.
- Protein for muscle: Chicken provides high-quality protein to support muscle repair and fullness.
- Micronutrients: Broccoli and mushrooms add fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants without piling on carbs.
- Satiety: Healthy fats and protein together can reduce cravings and keep you satisfied longer.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Hidden carbs: Watch for added sugars in broth, spice blends, and store-bought sauces. Choose low-sodium, no-sugar-added options.
- Overcooking: Chicken can dry out if cooked too long, and cream sauces can split over high heat. Keep the simmer gentle.
- Not salting properly: Under-seasoned sauces taste flat.
Salt gradually and taste as you go.
- Too few vegetables: Keto doesn’t mean skipping veggies. Use low-carb options for fiber and nutrients.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Early in keto, you may lose water and electrolytes. Consider salting food to taste and include potassium- and magnesium-rich foods.
Variations You Can Try
- Spinach and sun-dried tomato: Stir in a few cups of fresh spinach and 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) before simmering the sauce.
- Bacon and cheddar: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar and add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
- Cajun kick: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning.
Add a squeeze of lime at the end.
- Salmon skillet: Use salmon pieces instead of chicken. Sear skinless chunks, set aside, and add back at the very end to avoid overcooking.
- Dairy-light version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of some Parmesan for a dairy-reduced option.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth and bump up mushrooms and broccoli.
FAQ
What can I serve this with that’s still keto?
Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or simple sautéed greens work well.
You can also serve it over spaghetti squash for a hearty, low-carb base.
How many carbs are in this dish?
Exact carbs depend on your ingredients, but a typical serving lands around 6–9 net carbs when made as listed. Use a nutrition calculator with your brands for the most accurate count.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap Parmesan for dairy-free Parmesan or a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
Choose a dairy-free butter substitute or use all olive oil.
How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Let it simmer gently to reduce. Parmesan helps it thicken, too. If you need more body, whisk in a small amount of cream cheese or xanthan gum (a tiny pinch goes a long way).
Can I meal prep this for the week?
Absolutely.
Portion into containers and keep sides separate. Reheat gently and add fresh herbs right before serving to keep flavors bright.
What if I only have chicken breasts?
Breasts work fine. Cut into even pieces and watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
You can add a touch more butter for richness.
Is this spicy?
Not as written. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne with the seasonings.
In Conclusion
Keto recipes shine when they’re simple, flavorful, and satisfying. This creamy chicken skillet checks every box: quick to make, easy to customize, and friendly to your low-carb goals.
Keep quality ingredients on hand, taste as you cook, and don’t be afraid to switch up the veggies and seasonings. With a few smart habits, you’ll have a dependable keto dinner that feels special any night of the week.
