Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet (Keto & One-Pan)
- Sarah Smith
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 27
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet (Keto & One-Pan) is rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying — with tender chicken simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce that feels indulgent while staying low-carb. It’s the kind of easy one-pan keto chicken recipe that delivers big flavor without a sink full of dishes.
If you love cozy skillet dinners like this, you’ll also enjoy Keto Beef & Broccoli (Better Than Takeout), the sweet-savory balance of the Hot Honey Chicken Keto Bowl, or other simple reader favorites, such as Marry Me Chicken, which features a similar creamy sauce with bold Italian flavor. These creamy, protein-forward dinners make weeknights feel effortless while keeping things comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This
Creamy garlic sauce without flour or starch
Keto-friendly and low-carb
Made in one pan
Ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: ~430
Protein: ~38g
Fat: ~30g
Carbs: ~5g
Fiber: ~1g
Sugar: ~2g
Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped parsley
Instructions
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy.
Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired and serve hot.
Notes & Tips
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work especially well in creamy sauces.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of Parmesan.
Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make this creamy garlic chicken ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this one-pan keto chicken recipe and often stay even juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken on keto?
This creamy garlic chicken skillet pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or zucchini noodles. If you’re not strictly low-carb, it’s also delicious over mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up the garlic cream sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is the kind of one-pan dinner that feels special without being complicated. Rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, it’s an easy keto-friendly recipe you’ll reach for when you want classic comfort with minimal effort — a true weeknight staple.
More Cozy One-Pot & Skillet Meals
If you enjoy easy, creamy skillet dinners, here are a few more cozy one-pan favorites to try next:
These recipes keep cleanup simple while delivering big, satisfying flavors — perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
