Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken: A Simple, Satisfying Dinner

Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping a delicious dinner will magically appear? You want something comforting and hearty, but you also don’t want to spend an hour cleaning up pans or derail your healthy eating goals. What if I told you the answer is a single skillet and less than 30 minutes? This Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken is my family’s go-to for a reason. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is packed with good-for-you ingredients, and it’s so incredibly simple to pull together. Honestly, it’s a weeknight lifesaver.

Top Reasons To Make It

This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, and I think you’ll love it for a few big reasons. First, it comes together in one skillet, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. Second, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, but it doesn’t skimp on that rich, creamy flavor we all crave. Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use fresh chicken breasts or grab a rotisserie chicken to make it even faster. And finally, it’s a hit with both adults and kids. My middle one is usually suspicious of ‘green things,’ but she’ll happily clean her plate when this is on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (for quick, even cooking)
• 1 tsp paprika (adds a warm color and subtle smokiness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste (the essential flavor foundation)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing our chicken to golden perfection)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (because you can never have too much garlic)
• 1 cup chicken broth (forms the savory base of our creamy sauce)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds a little tang and helps emulsify the sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free (creates that luscious, velvety texture)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (for a salty, umami kick)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (wilts down beautifully for a pop of color and nutrients)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (a bright, fresh garnish to finish)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Dijon mustard. Use a whisk to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor! Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
6. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it’s just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Heat for another minute until everything is warmed through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Need a dairy-free version? Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. It’s just as creamy and delicious. For a different veggie, try chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sliced mushrooms sautéed with the garlic. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can shred it and add it directly to the sauce to heat through, skipping the initial cooking step entirely. And for a richer sauce, a tablespoon of cream cheese stirred in at the end is a fantastic trick.

Healthy Dinner Ideas

If you’re building a week of healthy dinner recipes, this creamy garlic chicken is a perfect centerpiece. I love to serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb. It also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted green beans. It’s a meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland; it can be soulful and deeply satisfying.

Quick Dinner Ideas

When you need quick dinner ideas, this is the recipe to remember. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes. Using pre-minced garlic and pre-shredded cheese can shave off a few more minutes. And if you really want to speed things up, using pre-cooked shredded chicken is the ultimate shortcut. Just warm the chicken in the sauce at the end. It’s one of those quick and easy dinner recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken up a bit as it chills, which is totally normal. The best way to reheat it is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back up. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Pro Tips For Success

• Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This is the #1 secret to preventing dry, overcooked edges and an underdone center.
• Don’t rush the sear. Getting a good golden-brown color on the chicken adds tons of flavor to the entire dish.
• Make sure to scrape up all those browned bits from the pan when you add the broth. That’s where the deep, savory flavor is hiding!
• Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than the pre-shredded stuff, which can sometimes be coated in anti-caking agents.
• Add the spinach at the very end and just wilt it. This keeps its vibrant color and nutrients intact.
• And my favorite tip? Taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in. Adjust the seasoning until it’s perfect for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great here. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
• What’s the best way to get a really creamy sauce? The key is to let the sauce simmer gently after adding the cream and cheese. A rolling boil can sometimes cause it to break or become oily.
• I don’t have Dijon mustard. Can I skip it? You can, but it really adds a lovely depth of flavor. In a pinch, a teaspoon of yellow mustard will work, or you can just leave it out.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as written with the ingredients listed, this Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just always double-check your broth labels to be safe.