Keto Creamy Spinach and Herb Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Calories: 450 - Fat: 34g - Protein: 34g - Total Carbohydrates: 4g - Fiber: 1g - Net Carbs: 3g This meal is rich in healthy fats and protein. It's low in carbs, making it great for keto diets. You get a tasty dish that fills you up without the carbs. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For a nut-free choice, ensure your cheese is nut-free. You can swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan taste. If you want lower fat, use chicken thighs or skin-on chicken. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start with the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Make sure to coat both sides well. 2. Chop the fresh spinach. It should be in small pieces for easy mixing later. 3. Mince the garlic. This will add great flavor to the sauce. 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. 2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. 3. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. 4. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. 5. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well to combine with the garlic. 6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce thickens a bit. 7. Now, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. 8. Return the chicken to the skillet. Coat it with the creamy spinach sauce. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to heat everything through. 1. Plate the chicken on a nice dish. 2. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top. 3. For a fresh touch, garnish with basil leaves. They add great flavor and look nice! To cook chicken breasts just right, start with a good sear. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check for a golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the inside reaches 165°F. This way, your chicken stays juicy and tender. A rich cream sauce makes this dish shine. For a creamier texture, add more heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If you want an even thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Adding a splash of chicken broth can also enhance flavor and creaminess. Pair this chicken with keto-friendly sides for a full meal. Steamed broccoli or sautéed zucchini work great. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. For a heartier option, try cauliflower rice. These sides complement the creamy chicken and keep your meal low in carbs. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Be generous with the seasoning on your chicken breasts. A good seasoning will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give the dish a vibrant color and better texture compared to frozen spinach. Always opt for fresh when possible. Control the Heat: When making the cream sauce, keep the heat on low to prevent the cream from curdling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. Add Extra Herbs: For a more aromatic flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the sauce just before serving. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding more veggies. Some great options include: - Zucchini - Bell peppers - Mushrooms - Broccoli These vegetables add color and nutrition. Just chop and sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream. This will enhance the flavor and make your meal more filling. Cheese can change the taste of your dish. You can swap out Parmesan for: - Mozzarella - Cheddar - Cream cheese Each cheese will give a unique taste. For a creamier sauce, cream cheese works well. If you like a sharp flavor, try cheddar. Just remember, melt it well for the best texture. Spices can really boost the flavor of your chicken. Here are some ideas: - Paprika for a smoky taste - Red pepper flakes for heat - Cumin for a warm, earthy flavor Mix these spices into your seasoning for the chicken. You can also add them to the cream sauce. This will give your dish a new twist each time you make it. Enjoy experimenting! After you make the keto creamy spinach and herb chicken, let it cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken for best flavor. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap it well in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe bag. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat the chicken, place it in a skillet over low heat. You can also use the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce is too thick. Heat until warmed through. Enjoy it just as you did the first time! A ketogenic diet is low in carbs and high in fats. This diet helps your body burn fat for energy. You eat foods like meat, cheese, and low-carb veggies. Foods like bread and pasta are limited. This change can lead to weight loss and better health. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful. They also have more fat, which is good for keto. Just cook them the same way as breasts. Adjust cooking time if needed. Ensure they reach 165°F for safety. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also try cashew cream for a rich flavor. These changes keep the dish creamy and tasty without dairy. This blog post covered the key elements of preparing a tasty ketogenic chicken dish. We went through the ingredients you'll need, including possible substitutes. I shared easy steps to make cooking simple and fun. You learned tips for perfecting chicken breasts and how to enhance cream sauces. We explored variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep your meal fresh. With this knowledge, you can make a delicious meal that fits your diet. Enjoy cooking!$

Keto Creamy Spinach and Herb Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring spinach and herbs, perfect for a keto diet.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Keto

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
to taste Salt and black pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy spinach sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, herbs, keto, spinach