Jump to Recipe

Easy! This delicious 30-minute low-carb chicken is your new favorite go-to dish for a busy weeknight. So effortless, all the cooking is done in one pan!

Chicken in a skillet with creamy sauce

This creamy low-carb chicken is juicy, flavorful and tender in each bite. On weekdays we try to stick to low-carb meals, but that doesn’t mean we sacrifice flavor or make a dish the whole family won’t love. In fact, carb-free and keto-friendly meals can feel like a cheat meal without any of the guilt. Low-carb lasagna stuffed peppers are a great example!

Looking for more gluten-free, low-carb, & keto recipes? Peruse our roundup of 10 Crazy Easy Low-Carb Recipes.

How to Make Low-Carb Chicken in 30 Minutes

Preparing this easy low-carb chicken only requires 6 ingredients and an oven-safe skillet.

  • Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic parsley salt and brown them on both sides in a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Remove them from skillet and set them aside.
  • Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Into the same skillet, add the heavy whipping cream, parmesan and pressed garlic. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  • Add the Chicken Back In: Next, add the chicken back into the sauce and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake the Chicken: Pop the chicken into the oven and bake it at 360℉ for 15 minutes.

Cooking Tip: If you don’t want to use an oven for the last 15 minutes of cooking, you can cover the chicken with a lid and cook it on the stove top.

One plate with raw seasoned chicken, another plate with cooked chicken
Skillet sauce nd chicken in a skillet

Pro Tips for the Tastiest Low-Carb Chicken

A couple of foolproof tips will help you make the creamiest, full-flavored low-carb chicken possible.

  • Brown the chicken over medium heat. To ensure you don’t burn or overcook the chicken before baking it, brown it quickly over medium heat just until both sides turn a golden brown color. All you’re looking to do in this step is add a bit of texture and bring out the taste.
  • Cook everything in the same pan. Whatever you do, don’t toss out the chicken drippings that develop from the browning process! These bits add so much flavor the creamy sauce.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to gauge doneness. If you’re unsure if your chicken is fully-cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached to 165℉ degrees. Make sure to stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast for the most accurate reading!

Like it extra creamy? Add a 1/4 cup of cream cheese softened at room temperature.

Different Variations

Looking to make this low-carb chicken your own? Find a couple of ideas to inspire you here.

  • Vegetables and Chicken – Adding broccoli like in our creamy chicken and broccoli recipe, or even spinach, tomatoes, asparagus etc will make the dish full of color and extra fiber
  • Make Cheesy Crust – Sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese on top before placing the chicken in the oven
  • Mix in Bacon Crisps – When is adding bacon ever a bad choice? Pop some pan-fried bacon bits right into the mix for an extra pop of flavor
  • Cream of Mushroom – Add mushrooms to create that cream of mushroom type of flavor you know and love from Thanksgiving-style green bean casseroles

Serving Low-Carb Chicken

Low-carb chicken is wonderful served atop veggies like riced cauliflower or broccoli. You can also drizzle that creamy gravy over roasted asparagus and serve the chicken on the side. If you are going to indulge in some carbs, serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a steaming pile of white rice.

Storing Low-Carb Chicken

If you have some leftovers to stow away, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces tend to curdle and separate upon thawing. Stick to only making what you can eat within a week!

Reheating Tip: Reheat this dish by popping it back in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop or covering it with foil in the oven. You can also zap it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

FAQ

Is a low-carb chicken dish also good for a keto diet?

Most of the time a low-carb chicken is perfectly suitable for a keto diet. Just make sure that you read the recipe closely and that it matches up with your dietary restrictions.

Are chicken breasts low in carbs?

Yes, chicken breasts are naturally low in carbs. In fact, with the skin off they contain zero grams of carbs and are super high in protein.

Is heavy cream low in carbs?

Heavy whipping cream is high in fat and low in carbs, making it perfect for low-carb and keto diets. From sauces to soups, it’s a go-to ingredient for those looking to cut out processed grains.

Other Low-Carb Chicken Recipes

Recipe

Creamy chicken in a skillet

30-Minute Low-Carb Chicken

Print Pin
Servings
6 Servings
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
This tasty 30-minute low-carb chicken is creamy, cheesy, and just right. It’s so decadent, you’ll forget that you're skipping carbs and staying on track!

Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 3 garlic cloves pressed
  • garlic parsley salt to taste
  • oil for cooking
US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare all the ingredients and preheat oven to 360℉.
    Chicken, cheese, garlic and cream on a counter
  • Season the chicken breasts with garlic parsley salt on both sides. Preheat a well oiled, oven-safe skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
    One plate with raw seasoned chicken, another plate with cooked chicken
  • In the same skillet, whisk the heavy whipping cream, shredded parmesan cheese, and pressed garlic together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the chicken back into the pan, and top it with shredded mozzarella.
    Skillet sauce nd chicken in a skillet
  • Place the skillet in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165℉. Serve immediately and enjoy!
    Pan with chicken and creamy sauce
Nutrition Facts
30-Minute Low-Carb Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 Calories from Fat 333
% Daily Value*
Fat 37g57%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 194mg65%
Sodium 354mg15%
Potassium 498mg14%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 1328IU27%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 206mg21%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted October 23, 2020

About Author

Avatar photo

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.