There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. This Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken truly hits the mark, offering tender, succulent chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce. The vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and tender spinach add pops of flavor and beautiful color, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s one of those meals that feels special enough for company but is simple enough for a weeknight treat.
I find myself returning to this recipe again and again, especially when I crave something deeply flavorful without the carb overload. After enjoying this dish leftovers are always a welcome sight, and it reheats beautifully, ensuring deliciousness any time. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy evenings.
Why I Love This Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Seriously, this Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken is a go-to for so many reasons!
- Super Speedy: It’s ready in about 40 minutes, a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce, tangy tomatoes, and savory chicken just sing together.
- Impressive Yet Easy: It looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
- Keto-Friendly Delight: It satisfies those rich, comforting cravings without the carbs.
Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken Ingredients
The magic of this dish truly comes alive with its wonderful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating that signature Tuscan flavor we all love. Together, they transform simple chicken into something truly spectacular.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The star of our show, providing tender, juicy protein. Thighs offer more fat and moisture, perfect for richness.
- Olive Oil: Our base for searing, adding a lovely fruity note and helping achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Onion: Optional for strict keto, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed. Use sparingly or skip if needed.
- Garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch that sings in Italian-inspired dishes.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are flavor bombs of tangy, intense tomato goodness. Packed in oil, they add richness too.
- Fresh Spinach: It wilts down beautifully, adding vibrant color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy balance to the rich sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The foundation of our luscious sauce, providing ultimate creaminess and a velvety texture.
- Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nutty, salty kick that thickens the sauce and enhances the overall cheesy flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that brings classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to the party.
- Salt and Pepper: The universal flavor enhancers, crucial for bringing out the best in every bite.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a little warmth, these add a gentle, customizable heat.
You’ll find the exact amounts needed in the printable recipe card below. This combination is simply divine!
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Feel free to make these easy swaps.
- Herbs: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works just as well. A pinch of dried rosemary is also lovely.
- Tomatoes: If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, dry-packed ones will work. Just rehydrate them in warm water or broth for about 10 minutes before slicing and sautéing.
- Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, a touch of mascarpone cheese alongside the cream can be divine.
- Spice Level: Easily adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch and add more if you dare!
- Storage: This Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need much to make this fantastic dish!
- Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and simmering the sauce. A cast-iron skillet works wonders.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions and garlic.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient prep.
- Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken.
- Paper Towels: For drying the chicken.
How to Make Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
Let’s get this delicious low carb chicken dinner on your table! Follow these simple steps for amazing flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, pat your chicken dry. This is a key step! It helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust. Then, season it generously. Use salt, pepper, and that lovely Italian seasoning. Make sure it’s coated well.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want it nice and golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet; it will finish later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
Lower the heat to medium. Add your chopped onion, if you’re using it. Cook until it’s soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Stir them for another minute or two until they smell amazing. This builds a fantastic flavor base.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This is where so much flavor lives! Let it come to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now for the creamy part! Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes now. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir now and then until it starts to thicken slightly. It should be rich and luscious.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the simmering sauce. It will wilt down quickly, usually within 2 to 3 minutes. Watch it transform from a big bunch into tender, bright green ribbons.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Nestle the chicken pieces into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This reheats the chicken and coats it beautifully in that amazing sauce. Your Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken is ready to serve!
How to Store Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
Leftovers of this delightful Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken are a real gift. Store any cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days. While freezing is possible, the creamy sauce might change texture slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips for Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken Success
Here are a few easy tricks for the best Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken:
- Dry Chicken: Don’t skip patting the chicken dry. It’s crucial for searing.
- Quality Ingredients: Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for best results.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken releases juices if overcooked. Finish it in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth. Too thin? Simmer a bit longer.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
Serve this luscious Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken with these ideas:
- Cauliflower rice is a perfect keto base.
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles) soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus makes a great low-carb side.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken recipe that’s perfect for a low-carb meal. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional, for keto, use less or omit)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and sliced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Bring the sauce to a low simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and coat the chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Excellent with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto meal.
Notes
- For a stricter keto version, omit the onion or use a very small amount.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto meal.
