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Low Carb Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken - A Comforting, Weeknight-Friendly Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds) or thighs
  • Salt and black pepper: To season generously
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: 1 teaspoon each for quick flavor
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for searing
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon for richness and browning
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 cup (preferably no-sugar-added)
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low sodium)
  • Heavy cream: 3/4 cup
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, freshly grated
  • Fresh basil: 1/2 cup loosely packed, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon for gentle heat (optional)
  • Italian seasoning or dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Lemon juice: 1–2 teaspoons to brighten the sauce (optional but recommended)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Sear to build flavor: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate; it will finish in the sauce.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
  4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes to slightly reduce.
  5. Add the cream and cheese: Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. Keep it at a gentle simmer; don’t boil.
  6. Return the chicken: Nestle the chicken pieces back into the pan with their juices. Simmer 5–8 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens.
  7. Finish with basil and lemon: Turn off heat. Stir in fresh basil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Serve: Spoon sauce over the chicken. Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.