Keto Chicken Skillet with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

A Personal Favorite: Where Comfort Meets Low-Carb Indulgence

There’s something unmistakably comforting about the aroma of tomato and basil filling your kitchen.

For me, it instantly takes me back to cozy evenings, windows open, a light breeze brushing through the curtains, and the promise of something incredibly satisfying simmering on the stove.

That’s exactly what this Keto Chicken Skillet with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce is all about—a heartwarming, full-bodied meal that manages to be indulgent without breaking your keto goals.

I’ve always adored the rich combination of tomatoes and basil.

It’s timeless, familiar, and bursting with flavor.

This time, I wanted to reimagine it in a creamy, low-carb format that still delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional Italian-inspired dish—without the carbs or guilt.

This skillet meal has become one of my go-to dinners, not only because of its lush flavor profile but also due to its simplicity and how well it fits into my busy weeknight schedule.

And yes, it takes less than 45 minutes from prep to plate.

Why This Keto Chicken Skillet Deserves a Spot in Your Meal Rotation

If you’re on a keto journey, you know how valuable it is to find meals that feel indulgent yet stay within your carb limits.

This dish is exactly that—a beautifully balanced keto-friendly option with only 3 net carbs per serving.

More than just a diet-friendly meal, it’s the kind of dinner that leaves you nourished, full, and entirely satisfied.

The sauce is a luxurious blend of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and savory Parmesan cheese.

Together, they create a velvety coating that hugs every bite of juicy, pan-seared chicken tenderloin.

You’ll find yourself craving this again and again.

Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this skillet recipe rises to every occasion.

The Sauce That Steals the Show: Tomato Basil Cream Magic

The real hero here is the tomato basil cream sauce.

It’s dreamy, rich, and infused with fresh herbs that awaken your senses.

After one spoonful, you’ll start thinking of all the other ways you can use it—maybe over roasted vegetables, meatballs, or even as a dip for cheesy cauliflower breadsticks.

That’s the beauty of making a sauce this flavorful.

It becomes more than just part of a single recipe—it becomes a staple.

When I first experimented with this sauce, it was part of a keto Caprese chicken salad.

The results were so good, I couldn’t stop thinking about that combination.

So I thought, what if I let the chicken simmer in the sauce this time?

Let it soak up all that creamy, herby, tomato-rich goodness?

Spoiler: It worked beautifully.

Easy, Elegant, and Made with Pantry Staples

I love that this meal feels fancy but uses ingredients I almost always have on hand.

Olive oil, butter, garlic, cream, and broth are pantry staples in any low-carb kitchen.

And if you keep sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan on hand, you’re just minutes away from something absolutely divine.

Plus, chicken tenderloins cook quickly and evenly.

They’re ideal for skillet recipes like this one, where speed and flavor matter equally.

Still, if you prefer using chicken breasts or thighs, just slice them thinly so they cook thoroughly without drying out.

Cooking tip: A good meat thermometer is your best friend.

Chicken should reach 165F to be safely cooked.

Pork lovers—this dish works beautifully with thin pork chops too.

Just remember that pork only needs to cook to 145F with a brief rest.

Serving Suggestions That Complement Without Complicating

One of the best things about this meal is how filling it is on its own.

That said, if you want to build out the plate a bit, I recommend pairing it with simple low-carb sides.

Try it with roasted asparagus, garlic sautéed spinach, or mashed cauliflower.

If you want something fun and a little indulgent, keto cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are incredible for dipping.

Or keep it light and snacky with keto antipasto skewers on the side.

Cooking With Heart: Why I Love My Cast Iron Skillet for This Recipe

There’s something about cast iron that just makes everything taste better.

Maybe it’s the way it distributes heat evenly, or the way it retains warmth even after you turn off the burner.

Either way, this tomato basil chicken absolutely sings when made in a cast iron skillet.

Plus, you can keep it warm in a low oven while you prep your sides or set the table.

The cast iron also gives the chicken a beautiful sear, locking in all the juices before it bathes in that creamy sauce.

And if you’re like me, you’ll start finding more uses for your skillet.

From keto dinner rolls to desserts like skillet chocolate chip cookies, the possibilities are endless.

How Fresh Basil Elevates the Dish

Fresh basil makes a big difference in the flavor and aroma of this meal.

As it simmers, the herbal oils release and blend with the acidity of the tomato and richness of the cream.

It smells so good, you’ll wish it cooked faster just so you can dig in.

If you only have dried basil, you can substitute it—but try fresh at least once.

You won’t regret it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate this delicious keto chicken skillet with tomato basil cream sauce, gather the following:

• Chicken tenderloins (or thin-sliced breasts/thighs)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Heavy whipping cream
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Bacon pieces for garnish (optional but delightful)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Net Carbs: 3g per serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

While the oil is heating, season your chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper.

Once the skillet is hot, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through.

You’re looking for that beautiful golden sear.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Begin the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.

Let it melt fully and begin to bubble slightly—this is your flavor base.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.

You want it to bloom, not burn.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth.

Use your spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.

This step adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Let the broth reduce slightly for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the heavy whipping cream.

Add the chopped fresh basil and Italian seasoning.

Season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.

Let this mixture simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

The sauce should begin to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Parmesan for Richness

Once the sauce has thickened a bit, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.

This is when the sauce transforms into something irresistibly creamy and luscious.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet

Gently nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Toss it gently to coat every piece in that silky sauce.

Let everything simmer together for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat.

If you’d like, sprinkle some crispy bacon pieces on top for extra texture and savory goodness.

Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with your favorite keto sides—or enjoy it on its own.

Final Thoughts: A Meal Worth Repeating

This keto chicken skillet is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a moment of joy on a plate.

It’s comfort food reimagined, where richness and simplicity meet, without ever compromising your health goals.

The creamy tomato basil sauce lingers long after the meal is done, not just in flavor, but in memory.

Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded why I started cooking keto in the first place.

For meals that satisfy the soul and still align with a lifestyle that makes me feel good.

I hope this becomes one of your go-to recipes too.

Here’s to flavorful food, shared moments, and keto dishes that never feel like a compromise.

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Creamy Keto Chicken Skillet with Tomato Basil Sauce

This rich, creamy tomato basil sauce takes this keto-friendly chicken skillet dinner to a whole new level. Comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s a go-to meal that’s ready in just 45 minutes.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Dinner
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Calories: 305 kcal per serving
• Keyword: Low Carb Chicken Skillet, Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Ingredients

1½ pounds of chicken tenderloins
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1¼ cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: crumbled bacon for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it begins to thicken.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to ensure each piece is fully coated in the creamy tomato basil sauce.

Serve immediately, with optional crumbled bacon sprinkled on top if desired.

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 305
• Net Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams

Please note that the nutritional details provided are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.