Name: Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds Chicken Tenderloins; Salt and Pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning; 1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 65 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously comforting yet low-carb dinner, this Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken tenderloins perfectly seared and bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with fresh basil and the deep, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a gorgeous combination of textures and flavors that comes together quickly without any fuss, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but keeps you firmly on track with your keto lifestyle, which makes it feel like a win-win every time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small clear glass bowls and a white bowl with a red rim arranged on a white marbled surface. The white bowl with a red rim is filled with raw, light pink chicken pieces. Nearby are nine smaller glass bowls or measuring cups, each holding different ingredients: a clear bowl with a small yellow block of butter, a light blue measuring cup with light yellow oil, a clear bowl with chopped garlic, a clear bowl with green chopped herbs, a larger clear cup with creamy white milk, a clear bowl with red sun-dried tomatoes, a clear bowl with white grated cheese, a clear bowl with yellow oil, and a small silver measuring spoon with green seasoning. A white and black checkered cloth is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and richness that complement one another beautifully. From vibrant sun-dried tomatoes to aromatic fresh basil, everything plays a key role in taking this dish from basic to unforgettable.

Chicken Tenderloins: Use 1 1/2 pounds for juicy, quick-cooking meat that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped: Just a 1/4 cup adds a sweet and tart punch with chewy texture.
Chopped Basil: 1/4 cup of fresh basil brings a fragrant herbal freshness that brightens the sauce.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons for searing and infusing a rich Mediterranean flavor.
Butter: Two tablespoons to create a silky base for the sauce and add depth.
Minced Garlic: Two teaspoons give the dish its irresistible garlicky aroma.
Heavy Whipping Cream: A generous 1 1/4 cups provide creaminess that embodies indulgence while keeping carbs low.
Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup to deglaze the pan and add subtle savory notes.
Parmesan Cheese, grated: 1/4 cup adds salty, nutty umami that enriches the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Half a teaspoon to bring a balanced blend of herbs and enhance overall flavor.

How to Make Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot pan. Sear each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, usually about 3-4 minutes per side. Removing the chicken at this point ensures it stays juicy without overcooking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

With the chicken resting, lower the heat to medium and add two tablespoons of butter to the still-hot skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step wakes up the skillet with garlicky goodness that will infuse the sauce with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Sauce Ingredients

Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, gently scraping up those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom — those crumbs are pure gold for flavor. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chopped basil, and half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, becoming rich and velvety.

Step 4: Finish and Combine

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, giving the sauce a lovely savory umami boost. Finally, return the seared chicken tenderloins to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the beautiful tomato basil cream sauce. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, allowing the chicken to soak up that creamy goodness before serving.

How to Serve Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

In a deep gray speckled pan with wooden handles, there are about nine golden brown chicken pieces in a creamy light tan sauce. The sauce has bits of browned bacon and small green herb leaves scattered on top. The chicken pieces are arranged close together, some laying flat and others slightly tilted, showing a crispy texture on top. The pan is sitting on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth partly under it, and a small clear glass bowl with white cheese crumbles is beside the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or a little extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a glossy finish. These simple touches make your plate look like it came from a cozy gourmet bistro.

Side Dishes

This Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus for a bit of crunch and freshness. You could also serve it alongside cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the meal keto-friendly while adding texture variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the creamy chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini tossed with a little butter and garlic. Or try serving individual portions right in small cast iron skillets to keep the meal warm and impress guests with rustic charm. The bright colors and creamy sauce always invite a second helping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken further after resting—no worries, just gently reheat and stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, especially without the basil mixed in. Cool the skillet completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. You can add a little chicken broth or cream to refresh the texture. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as the sauce tends to separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well too; just slice them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender in this recipe.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

They add a wonderful tangy sweetness and chewy texture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with a small amount of diced roasted red peppers or omit entirely, keeping in mind the flavor will shift slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free keto diet?

The heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese make it a dairy-heavy dish, so for dairy-free adaptations, you’d need to replace those with keto-approved alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or topping the dish with sliced jalapeños can give it a nice, spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about the way the rich tomato basil cream sauce hugs every piece of tender chicken in this skillet meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade yet special, perfect for both everyday dinners and those moments when you want to treat yourself. I truly encourage you to give this Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe a try because it brings that perfect blend of ease, bold flavor, and keto-friendly goodness to your table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Keto Chicken Skillet With Tomato Basil Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need