This creamy keto Tuscan chicken is a real treat! It’s made with tender chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich sauce. Plus, it’s low in carbs, making it a great choice for keto lovers!
When I make this dish, the kitchen smells amazing! It’s quick to whip up on busy nights, and it’s fancy enough to impress without pinching my wallet. I can’t resist serving it with a side of cauliflower rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and easy. If you’re looking for a change, you could use thighs for more flavor and juiciness. They won’t dry out as easily!
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish its creaminess. For a lighter option, you could replace it with half-and-half, but it may not be as rich. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding lactose.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Using tomatoes packed in oil adds great flavor. If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, you could use fresh cherry tomatoes and a bit of extra seasoning, but the flavor will be different. Rehydrated dried tomatoes also work well.
Baby Spinach: Baby spinach adds color and nutrients. If you don’t have it, kale or Swiss chard can stand in, just cut them into smaller pieces for easier cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a wonderful umami flavor. If you’re out of it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) are good alternatives that provide a similar taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but it’s key for this recipe. Start by seasoning the chicken well with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor right away.
- Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Too much heat can burn the outside before cooking through.
- Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Don’t move it too soon; this helps form a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes. It’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices from running out, keeping your chicken tender and juicy.
How to Make Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil for added flavor)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy keto Tuscan chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add great flavor as they cook!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together well to combine.
4. Add Flavors and Thicken:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a little.
5. Add Spinach:
Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender. This will add freshness to the dish!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Now it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet. Nestle it back into the creamy sauce, coating it well. Let it cook together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld nicely.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh basil on top for garnish. Serve your creamy keto Tuscan chicken hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, you can easily substitute them with chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time; simply add it at step 6 to coat in the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative, you can use full-fat coconut milk or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option. For dairy-free versions, unsweetened almond milk with a bit of xanthan gum can thicken the sauce nicely. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the chicken. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the desired consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, you can use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor without dairy. Just adjust seasoning as necessary for taste!
