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Keto Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken - A Comforting, Low-Carb Skillet Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds) or chicken cutlets
  • Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (optional), Italian seasoning
  • Cooking fat: Olive oil (use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar if packed in oil) and butter
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup, sliced (packed in oil preferred)
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low-sodium)
  • Heavy cream: 3/4 to 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
  • Spinach: 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Fresh basil: A small handful, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Lemon: 1/2 lemon for finishing (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If the breasts are thick, slice into cutlets for even cooking.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add another teaspoon of oil if needed. Stir in minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze and build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add cream and spices: Stir in heavy cream and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken. Keep heat medium or lower to avoid curdling.
  6. Melt in Parmesan: Whisk in Parmesan until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. The sauce should be rich, glossy, and pourable.
  7. Wilt the greens: Add spinach and stir until just wilted, about 30–60 seconds.
  8. Return the chicken: Nestle chicken back into the skillet with any accumulated juices. Simmer 2–4 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
  9. Finish and serve: Stir in chopped basil and a small squeeze of lemon for brightness. Serve hot with your favorite low-carb side.