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Creamy Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Creamy Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Creamy Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is your answer to a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful low-carb meal. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor throughout the dish.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, salt
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic
  4. Pour in the 1/4 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen any browned bits left from searing the chicken. These bits are packed with flavor and will contribute significantly to the sauce.
    1/4 cup chicken broth
  5. Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
    1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  6. Add the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  7. Continue to simmer the chicken in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
    salt
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. This dish is wonderful served on its own or with your favorite keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or sautéed green beans.
    fresh parsley

Notes

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.