Easy Chicken Skillet Recipe (Secret Revealed)

This resource is part of our Top 8 Homemade Keto Meals for a Healthy Lifestyle series

Discover the Best Keto Meals for a Delicious Low Carb Diet

Life can be demanding, with a million things to tackle and finish. And then comes dinner time… what to cook? This one doesn't need Einstein's mind.

This one demands so much less. It can be adapted for whatever you have on hand, and yet every single time it will taste equally good.

Any veggies can accompany chicken in this creamy sauce. Any cut of chicken ends up great in this dish. It's all about the sauce.

Let's get into the article.

Is Pesto Chicken Skillet Keto?

The Pesto Chicken Skillet can be classified as a keto-friendly dish, depending on the particular ingredients and quantities used in the recipe.

Keto refers to the ketogenic diet, a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to induce the body into a state of ketosis, where it utilizes fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

To create a keto-friendly Pesto Chicken Skillet, you should ensure that the pesto sauce and other actual ingredients used are low in carbohydrates.

The traditional pesto sauce is made with simple ingredients such as basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, all of which are generally low in carbs.

However, some store-bought pesto sauces may contain added sugars or other high-carb ingredients, so it's essential to check the label or make your own keto-friendly version.

The overall cooking time is 30 minutes. Just note that chicken thighs may require additional time to cook.

To enhance the flavor, you can use white wine and Italian seasoning to create a delicious sauce for the juicy chicken.

Remember to monitor your overall daily carb intake to stay within the range suitable for a ketogenic diet, which typically involves consuming around 20-50 grams of net carbs per day.

Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any new diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.

Here's how to make Pesto Chicken Skillet:

Ingredient List For Pesto Chicken Skillet:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions For Pesto Chicken Skillet:

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken Breasts Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Take the fresh chicken breasts and ensure they are at room temperature. You can add salt and black pepper and seasonings like Salute seasoning and Poultry seasoning.

The salt helps to tenderize the chicken while the pepper adds a pleasant kick of heat to the dish. Allow the seasoned chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Heating the Olive Oil Now, let's move on to the cooking process. Select a large skillet, preferably one with a non-stick coating to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Pour a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil into the skillet, enough to cover the bottom with a thin, even layer. Use a medium-high heat setting on your stove to warm the olive oil to the perfect temperature.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Breasts Once the olive oil is heated to perfection, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet.

Hear that delightful sizzle as the chicken makes contact with the hot oil - that's the sound of a delicious quick meal in the making!

Allow the chicken breasts to cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. While frying, be sure to resist the temptation to move the chicken around, as it could hinder the proper browning process.

Step 4: Removing and Setting Aside the Chicken After the chicken breasts have reached the desired doneness and boast that irresistible golden color, carefully remove them from the skillet.

Place the succulent chicken aside on a clean plate, allowing it to rest while we work on the next stages of this mouthwatering dinner recipe.

Step 5: Sauteeing Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic, now, let's introduce some delightful aromatics and vibrant colors into the mix. Take a handful of fresh cherry tomchicken

atoes, known for their juicy and sweet flavor, and cut them in half to maximize their taste potential.

Next, mince some fresh garlic, releasing its captivating fragrance. Gently sauté the tomatoes and garlic over medium heat for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their natural juices, creating a delightful base for the sauce.

Step 6: Deglazing the Skillet with Chicken Broth Before we proceed, let's ensure we're getting all the delightful flavors from the bottom of the skillet.

Using a trusty wooden spoon, carefully scrape and loosen any browned bits or fond from the chicken and tomatoes, ensuring we capture every bit of savory goodness.

Step 7: Simmering the Chicken Broth Now, it's time to introduce a liquid component to our dish. Pour some rich and flavorful chicken broth into the skillet, letting it mingle with the sautéed tomatoes and garlic.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, giving it time to reduce slightly. This process intensifies the flavors of the broth, creating a delightful backdrop for our creamy pesto sauce.

Step 8: Introducing the Creamy Pesto Sauce With the skillet still over medium heat, gradually pour in

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet – One skillet.

the luscious heavy cream, and spoon in the tantalizing pesto sauce.

Lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a heavenly concoction.

Continue stirring diligently to ensure the sauce reaches a velvety consistency, perfectly coating the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Reuniting the Chicken with the Creamy Pesto Sauce, now comes the moment we've all been waiting for - the grand reunion of the perfectly cooked chicken breasts with the luxurious creamy pesto sauce!

Carefully place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the velvety sauce, ensuring every nook and cranny is infused with its delightful flavors.

Step 10: Sprinkling Grated Parmesan Cheese To take our dish to the next level of cheesy goodness, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and creamy pesto sauce.

This not only adds a delightful umami flavor but also creates a luscious, cheesy texture that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

Step 11: Adding Fresh Basil Leaves as a Garnish Let's not forget about the importance of presentation and adding that final touch of elegance.

Gather some fresh basil leaves and delicately arrange them as a garnish over the dish.

The vibrant green color of the basil leaves complements the overall aesthetics of the dish while also imparting a delightful herbal note to the flavors.

Step 12: Now it's time for the best part - enjoying the creamy pesto skillet! You can serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, whichever you prefer. If you want to save it for later just use covered container.

What To Serve Alongside Your Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon garlic chicken can be paired with a variety of side dishes. For a refreshing taste, consider serving it with a zucchini stir fry - lightly cooked to enhance its flavor and provide nutritional benefits.

If you're looking for something more substantial, garlic bread or fluffy coconut rice are both excellent choices.

Crispy roasted or baked potatoes would complement the garlic flavors of the dish.

Alternatively, you have the option to choose non-potato alternatives such as cauliflower casserole or creamed spinach.

For those seeking a flavorful meal, sautéed spinach pairs well with lemon garlic chicken.

Tips for Success

Feeling hungry? I sure am! However, hold off on cooking just yet. Take 7-8 minutes to check out these helpful tips first!

• Experiment with Vegetables: Stick to the veggies listed in the recipe, but feel free to use any you prefer or have on hand. Cauliflower, summer squash, cabbage, asparagus, leeks... the choice is yours! Pizza fan? Try this world class veggie pizza recipe in the comfort of your own home!
• Swap Proteins: Similarly, you can use chunks of steak, cubes of pork loin, ham, or even baked tofu instead of chicken.
• Add an Amazing Sauce: If you enjoy some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the skillet!
• Explore with Herbs: Try out various herbs like thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, sage, rosemary... anything that appeals to your taste buds.
• Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your skillet dish.

Always remember, keto-friendly eating involves reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing healthy fats and consuming moderate protein.

Adjust the recipe and portion sizes to suit your specific dietary needs and goals.

Enjoy your delicious Pesto Chicken Skillet, complemented by garlic bread and a customized seasoning mixture. And the best part? No additional cost involved!

Try this unreal Keto Chicken Parmesan Recipe