Creamy Garlic Herb Butter Chicken

Tender, golden chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety garlic-herb cream sauce with butter, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley. This easy one-pan dinner is full of flavor, high in protein, and naturally low in carbohydrates—perfect for a keto-friendly weeknight meal.

Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

20 minutes

Servings

2–4

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally into thin cutlets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the garlic butter base. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

4. Add the broth. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to concentrate the flavor.

5. Create the creamy sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Avoid boiling vigorously.

6. Return the chicken. Place the chicken cutlets and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes.

7. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite low-carb side dish.

Approximate nutrition

Per serving, assuming 4 servings:

• Calories: 330–380
• Protein: 30–35 g
• Fat: 22–27 g
• Total carbohydrates: 3–5 g
• Net carbohydrates: 3–5 g

Nutrition varies with chicken size and the brands of cream and broth used.

Keto and high-protein tips

• Keto-friendly: Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb when made with unsweetened heavy cream and broth without added sugar.
• High-protein: Yes, chicken breast provides a substantial amount of protein.
• For weight-conscious meals: Serve with steamed broccoli, sautéed zucchini, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad.
• For a thicker sauce: Simmer gently for a few extra minutes rather than adding flour or cornstarch.

Tip: For extra flavor, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce at the end, or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance its richness.