Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet (Keto & One-Pan)

Sarah Smith
Jan 11
2 min read

Golden-brown chicken in creamy garlic sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Rich, appetizing presentation on a warm-toned background.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is rich, savory, and irresistibly cozy, with tender chicken simmered in a silky garlic cream sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy. Made in one pan, it delivers classic comfort flavors while staying keto-friendly and low carb — perfect for nights when you want something warm and satisfying with minimal cleanup.

If you love creamy, protein-forward dinners, this skillet fits beautifully into your rotation alongside bold options like Keto Beef & Broccoli (Better Than Takeout) or sweet-and-spicy bowls such as the Hot Honey Chicken Keto Bowl. It also pairs well with lighter meals like the Avocado Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bowl, making it easy to balance rich dinners with simple, high-protein options throughout the week.

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

Is creamy garlic chicken keto-friendly? Yes. This recipe uses heavy cream and Parmesan instead of flour or starch, keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli can be added during the final simmer.

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.