Why Make This Recipe
Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that’s not only flavorful but also fits perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic diet. This recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a hearty meal without loading up on carbs. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce made with fresh tomatoes and basil, every bite is packed with taste. Plus, it comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
The use of fresh basil adds a special touch that elevates the dish, while the melted mozzarella cheese provides a satisfying creamy texture that everyone loves. If you’re looking for easy ways to enjoy delicious and healthy meals, this recipe is a keeper!
How to Make Keto Tomato Basil Chicken 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
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. This will help the chicken to brown nicely.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. You can check if they are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep warm. You want it to stay juicy while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and release their juices, which adds more flavor to the dish.
- After the tomatoes have cooked down, pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture until it simmers gently. The cream will help create a rich sauce.
- Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped basil to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce. Heat through for another minute so that the chicken can absorb some of the delicious flavors.
- Serve the dish hot. You can optionally garnish it with more fresh basil leaves or some grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
This Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is best served right away while it’s hot and fresh. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad to add some freshness. For extra texture, consider serving it alongside sautéed vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. If you desire a heartier option, you can serve it with cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles).
Feel free to sprinkle some additional herbs or grated cheese on top for a beautiful presentation. This dish is sure to impress your family and guests!
How to Store Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s warm. If you notice the sauce has thickened after cooling, you can add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to reach the desired consistency.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the dish. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. The chicken should maintain its quality in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up as mentioned earlier.
Tips to Make Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes and basil for the best flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute.
Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, or add some garlic powder for an extra kick of flavor.
Choose chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will also be delicious and remain juicy.
Cream alternatives: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and variety.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Cheese Swap: Instead of mozzarella, try using goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Pesto Version: Replace the fresh basil with store-bought or homemade pesto for an intense basil flavor and a different twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when you cook the tomatoes to spice things up.
- One-Pan Meal: You can add cooked or raw vegetables to the skillet during the tomato cooking step for a complete one-pan meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can add it to the sauce in the last step to warm it up. This will save you time, but make sure to reduce the cooking time.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Store individual portions in containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. Just remember to store it in freezer-safe containers. Reheat properly for the best texture and flavor.
4. What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they soften up nicely.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the main ingredient is chicken, you can substitute it with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking times to suit these proteins. The sauce will still work beautifully.
Enjoy your Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet! This simple yet delicious recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Print
Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb
Description
A flavorful low-carb dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato and basil sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 until hot but not smoking.
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it simmers.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped basil, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce, and heat through for another minute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: keto, chicken, basil, low-carb, quick dinner, one-pan meal