Enjoy a rich and creamy low-carb meal that comes together in under an hour. This chicken skillet combines sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a sophisticated flavor profile. It is a practical choice for a quick weeknight dinner that remains satisfyingly filling.
List of ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins – cut to even sizes for uniform cooking.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes – chopped into small pieces.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil – finely chopped.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – used for searing the meat.
- 2 tbsp butter – adds richness to the cream sauce.
- 2 tsp minced garlic – fresh garlic provides the best aroma.
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream – the base for the creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth – used to deglaze the pan.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese – grated for thickness and saltiness.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning – adds a classic herb blend.
- Turkey bacon pieces – optional for a smoky garnish.
- Salt and pepper – used to taste for seasoning.
step-by-step instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then sear evenly on both sides until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the butter to the same skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the liquid: Let the mixture simmer gently over medium heat until the sauce reduces and thickens.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Garnish with turkey bacon pieces if desired.
Professional Searing Techniques
Achieving the Maillard Reaction
To get a golden-brown crust on the chicken, ensure the olive oil is shimmering before adding the meat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as too many pieces will drop the temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
Managing Heat Levels
Use medium-high heat for the initial sear to lock in juices. Once the chicken is removed, lowering the heat to medium is essential to prevent the butter and garlic from burning.
Checking Internal Temperature
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165F. This ensures the meat is safe to eat while preventing overcooking, which can make tenderloins dry.
Optimal Pan Selection
Using a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron provides superior heat retention and a more consistent sear. It is also an excellent choice if you need to keep the meal warm in a low-temperature oven before serving.
Stainless Steel Advantages
Stainless steel is ideal for creating ‘fond,’ the brown bits that stick to the pan. These bits provide deep, savory flavor when deglazed with chicken broth.
Non-Stick Considerations
Non-stick pans are easier to clean and prevent sticking during the sauce-thickening stage. However, they do not produce the same level of browning as cast iron or stainless steel.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Alternative Chicken Cuts
You can replace tenderloins with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If using breasts, slice them thin to ensure they cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
Dairy-Free Cream Options
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy whipping cream with full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream. Be mindful that these may slightly alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
Cheese Alternatives
If you cannot use parmesan, try a hard goat cheese or a microbial-rennet based Pecorino. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar salty, cheesy flavor.
Herb Variations
While fresh basil is preferred, you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable. Add dried herbs earlier in the simmering process to allow them to rehydrate and release flavor.
Expanding the Dish
Adding Leafy Greens
Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach during the final simmering stage. The heat of the sauce will wilt the spinach quickly, adding nutrients and color to the meal.
Incorporating Mushrooms
Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the garlic. This adds an earthy depth and a meatier texture to the overall dish.
Adding a Zesty Note
Squeeze a small amount of fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and parmesan.
Side Dish Pairings
Low-Carb Vegetable Bases
Serve the chicken over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or steamed cauliflower florets. These options absorb the cream sauce well while keeping the meal keto-friendly.
Creamy Mash Alternatives
Pair the skillet with a side of garlic mashed cauliflower. The smoothness of the mash complements the texture of the tomato basil sauce.
Fresh Salad Pairings
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the rich sauce. The bitterness of the arugula balances the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage and Preservation
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing the lid to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing Instructions
While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing. If freezing, do so for no more than two months and thaw slowly in the refrigerator.
Container Choice
Glass containers are recommended for storing cream sauces. They do not absorb odors and allow you to see the contents clearly when organizing your fridge.
Reheating Strategies
Stovetop Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a small skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to help the sauce emulsify again.
Microwave Method
Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This prevents the cream from overheating in spots and curdling.
Preventing Sauce Separation
Avoid high heat during reheating, as this can cause the fats in the cream and cheese to separate. Keep the temperature low and stir constantly.
Meal Prep Advice
Ingredient Prepping
Chop the basil, mince the garlic, and slice the sun-dried tomatoes in advance. Store them in small containers to reduce active cooking time to 30 minutes.
Batch Cooking
This recipe can be doubled for larger families. Use a larger skillet or sear the chicken in batches to maintain high heat for the sear.
Timing the Garnish
Cook the turkey bacon pieces separately and store them in a jar. Sprinkle them on top just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Troubleshooting the Sauce
Fixing a Thin Sauce
If the sauce is too thin after simmering, allow it to cook for another 3-5 minutes without a lid. Alternatively, stir in an extra tablespoon of parmesan cheese to thicken it instantly.
Managing a Thick Sauce
If the sauce becomes too thick or pasty, stir in a tablespoon of chicken broth or water. Do this gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Avoiding Curdled Cream
Ensure the skillet is not boiling violently when you add the cream. Simmering gently over medium heat prevents the dairy from breaking or curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use breasts, but it is best to slice them into thin strips or medallions. This ensures they cook through quickly and do not become tough.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use diced fresh Roma tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste. Note that fresh tomatoes will add more moisture, so you may need to simmer the sauce longer.
Can I use a different cooking oil?
Any oil with a high smoke point will work, such as avocado oil or light olive oil. Avoid using extra-virgin olive oil for high-heat searing as it may smoke.
Is the butter necessary for the sauce?
Butter is used for flavor and to help sauté the garlic. You can substitute it with an equal amount of olive oil, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
How do I store the fresh basil to keep it from wilting?
Store fresh basil stems in a glass of water at room temperature, similar to a bouquet of flowers. Avoid putting basil in the refrigerator, as the cold can turn the leaves black.
Print
Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
The full-bodies tomato basil cream sauce will make this keto chicken skillet meal your favorite dinner so far! Ready in 45 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Chicken Tenderloins
- 1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Basil
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Smoked turkey bacon pieces (for optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Step: Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, and sear evenly in the skillet on both sides until cooked through. Remove, and set aside.
- Step: Add the butter to the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium.
- Step: Stir in the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds.
- Step: Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet.
- Step: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chopped basil and Italian seasoning as well as salt and pepper to taste.
- Step: Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Step: Stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Step: Return the chicken to the skillet, and toss to coat well.
- Step: Serve garnished with smoked turkey bacon pieces if desired.
Notes
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg