If you’re craving a flavorful, low-carb dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, look no further than this Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. With its rich, creamy tomato basil sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a delicious meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into this keto-friendly, mouthwatering recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
This Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet recipe is the ideal combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It’s quick, healthy, and the creamy sauce adds just the right amount of indulgence without any carbs. Each serving contains only 3 net carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty family dinner or an elegant dish for guests.
Ingredients for Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
To make this keto chicken skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients. These pantry staples come together to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
• Chicken Tenderloins: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, umami flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: The key herb in this dish, delivering a fresh, aromatic punch.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken and enhance the dish’s richness.
• Butter: Creates a silky, creamy texture in the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Brings out the savory flavor profile of the dish.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides the creamy base for the tomato basil sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce without adding carbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, thickening it and adding a savory, cheesy flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Bacon Pieces (optional garnish): Adds a crunchy, salty element to the dish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing some of the ingredients or need to make substitutions for dietary preferences, here are a few swaps you can make:
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to slice them thin to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream. This will add a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Zucchini Noodles: If you want to add a low-carb “pasta” option, use zucchini noodles as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
Making this Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create a satisfying, keto-friendly dinner.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet on both sides until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add great flavor to the sauce.
- Add the Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the creamy tomato basil sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with optional bacon pieces for an added crunch and a burst of salty flavor.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet
• Check Chicken Doneness: Always ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Allow the tomato basil sauce to simmer slowly to enhance the flavors. Don’t rush this step!
• Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh basil over dried basil. It really makes a difference in the sauce.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, and the flavors become even more pronounced the next day.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with keto-friendly sides like:
• Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato basil sauce.
• Keto Antipasto Skewers: These make a great side dish or appetizer to serve alongside the chicken skillet.
• Zucchini Noodles: Serve this dish over zucchini noodles for a low-carb “pasta” alternative.
For variations, try making the sauce with different herbs like oregano or thyme, or add a little heat by sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. If you’re craving a more decadent version, you can add a handful of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken before serving.
Why This Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet Works for You
Not only does this Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet provide a delicious and filling meal with minimal carbs, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a main dish or pair it with keto-friendly sides, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The rich and creamy sauce brings everything together, making each bite more irresistible than the last.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, keto-friendly meal. With its rich, creamy tomato basil sauce and tender chicken, it’s a delicious and low-carb option that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply want a flavorful dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and nutrition. Give it a try tonight and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create an unforgettable meal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins in this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken breasts for chicken tenderloins. Just make sure to slice the chicken breasts thinly to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy cream substitute. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the sauce. Stir them in while the sauce is simmering to infuse the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
More Relevant Recipes
- Greek Pasta Salad: This Greek-inspired pasta salad is light yet packed with flavors. Featuring a tangy lemon dressing, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese, it makes a great companion to any Mediterranean-inspired dish like the Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet.
- Mediterranean Chicken Wraps: These Mediterranean chicken wraps are full of fresh, crisp veggies and a creamy tzatziki sauce, making them a perfect healthy lunch or dinner option, especially when paired with the same Mediterranean flavors found in the Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet.
- Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Tots: These low-carb, cheesy cauliflower tots are a fantastic side dish to accompany your Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet. They’re crispy, flavorful, and provide the perfect texture contrast to the creamy tomato basil sauce.
Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian, Keto
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Keto Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet features tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce, offering a low-carb yet flavorful meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a quick and easy dinner option that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Chicken Tenderloins
- 1/4 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Bacon Pieces (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it on both sides until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add butter to the skillet, then reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, basil, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat well with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish with bacon pieces if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm it’s fully cooked.
- For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low in a skillet.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
