Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese : This low carb chicken cream cheese is a creamy, savory dish that ticks all the boxes for a satisfying, low-carb meal.
Why Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese is the Perfect Low-Carb Meal
Chicken is a keto staple due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content, while cream cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture without adding too many carbs.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese
Use full-fat cream cheese: For the best texture and to stay keto-friendly, always opt for full-fat cream cheese.
Sear the chicken: Getting a good sear on the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Keep an eye on the internal temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Customize the sauce: Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Add veggies: Wilted spinach, zucchini noodles, or even sautéed mushrooms make great additions to this dish, boosting both nutrition and flavor.
Variations on Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations to try:
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Cream Cheese: Wrap each chicken breast in bacon before searing for a smoky, crispy finish.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken: Mix spinach and chopped artichoke hearts into the cream cheese sauce for a keto-friendly take on spinach artichoke dip.
Buffalo Chicken Cream Cheese: Stir in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
Italian-Inspired: Add a touch of marinara sauce and some Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a keto-friendly chicken parm alternative.
How to Serve Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb sides. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:
Cauliflower rice: A great rice substitute that absorbs the creamy sauce.
Zucchini noodles (zoodles): Keep things low-carb and add some texture with spiralized zucchini.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
Keto bread: A slice of keto-friendly garlic bread can help you mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to transfer the chicken and sauce into an airtight container.
Freezing:
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy after thawing.
Reheating:
For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. If using the microwave, cover the dish and reheat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
Recipe FAQs
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can easily double the recipe and store it in individual containers for a quick grab-and-go meal during the week.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor to this dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like almond cream cheese, and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese
If you're following a keto diet, you're no stranger to the challenge of finding meals that are both low in carbs and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 oz. plain cream cheese (regular or reduced-fat)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Steamed brown or white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Slice the chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper. Turn up the heat to medium-high, add the seasoned chicken to the pan, and sear for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown.
- Stir in the cream cheese and chicken broth, letting the cream cheese melt into a smooth sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, cover the pan, and reduce the heat.
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F if you’re using a meat thermometer).
- Spoon the creamy chicken and mushrooms over steamed rice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 488Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 478mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 58g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Keto Chicken and Cream Cheese is a simple yet decadent dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to indulge without breaking their low-carb goals. It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences, whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, cheesy, or even a little smoky. Plus, it’s a great recipe for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy keto dieters.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try: