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Keto Italian Chicken Skillet 🥘

Published: · Updated: by · 3 Comments

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Our Keto Italian Chicken Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that marries tender chicken with nutrient-rich spinach and broccoli. Perfect for hectic weeknights or bulk-prep Sundays, this recipe is a haven for chicken enthusiasts looking for a protein-packed meal with the bonus of added fiber! Savor each bite of juicy chicken, crispy broccoli, leafy spinach, and dripping cherry tomatoes, all coated with a mouthwatering Italian dressing. This dish is a fantastic blend of convenience, taste, and nutrition.

Close up: Keto Italian Chicken Skillet (cubed chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and sauce) in a finex cast iron skillet.
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Preparation and cooking overview

This keto chicken skillet recipe is delightfully simple, something anyone can master. All you need to do is heat some oil, cook the chicken, broccoli, and spinach, then add the Italian dressing and let it simmer. In just about 25 minutes, you'll have a hearty, tasty dish on your table.

Chef's note

Feel free to personalize this speedy Italian chicken skillet to your liking. Fancy some heat? Toss in a dash of cayenne or paprika. Want to add a little bulk? Include vibrant vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, or zucchini. Whether you're looking to spice things up, boost your fiber intake, or prepare meals for the week, the options with this recipe are practically limitless!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🥘 Ingredients for this keto Italian chicken skillet recipe

  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups baby spinach, fresh
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (we used Primal Kitchen)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes

Ingredient substitutions

Not a fan of something on the ingredients list? No worries! Here are some alternative ingredients you can use instead:

  • Chicken breasts: Skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative for this recipe. Just remember, thighs are typically larger pieces, not bite-sized.
  • Avocado oil: Feel free to swap in olive oil or melted ghee.
  • Broccoli florets: Not a broccoli fan? No problem, you can switch it out for cauliflower florets.
  • Baby spinach: If spinach isn't your thing, consider using arugula or Swiss chard instead.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers make a great substitute. If you go with sun-dried tomatoes, remember to use a smaller quantity.

Additional ingredients

Add these optional ingredients to your dish for an enhanced flavor:

  • Minced garlic: Adding minced garlic brings a wonderful savory taste to the dish.
  • Dried oregano: Sprinkle some dried oregano for an added herbal note.
  • Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a touch of heat, red pepper flakes bring that extra kick.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Italian Chicken Skillet, you'll need the following tools:

  • Large 10.5" Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Spatula

Tools substitute options

  • Large 10.5" skillet: We're cooking this up in a fantastic 10.5" skillet courtesy of Finex– it's a game-changer in the kitchen. If you don't have one on hand, don't worry! A large frying pan or a Dutch oven will do the job just fine.
  • Tongs: Use forks or wooden chopsticks if you don't have tongs available at hand.

How to make Keto Italian Chicken Skillet: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
  2. Measure the ingredients in the suggested quantity.
  3. Set up your cooking area.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large 10.5″ skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Brown 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
  4. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the dressing along with the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes burst.
  6. Serve it immediately.

Chef's pro tip

The key to achieving a juicy and tender chicken lies in preventing overcooking. Keep your eye on the clock and use an instant-read thermometer to double-check if you're in doubt. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for that perfectly cooked chicken. After cooking, let it rest for a bit. This little break lets the juices settle back in, giving you a dish that's bursting with moisture and flavor.

Keto Italian Chicken Skillet (cubed chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and sauce) in a finex cast iron skillet.

What to serve with keto Italian chicken skillet?

Here are some keto-friendly dishes that pair well with this complete keto dinner dish:

  • Zucchini noodles: Serve the Italian skillet over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative. Toss the noodles in light olive oil and garlic sauce for added flavor.
  • Cauliflower rice: Enjoy this dish alongside a bed of cauliflower rice. Season the cauliflower rice with Italian herbs and sauté it for a few minutes until tender.
  • Roasted vegetables: Roast a medley of keto-friendly vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. The roasted veggies will complement the flavors of this dish and add vibrant colors to your plate.
  • Veggie salad: Create a fresh and crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and sliced black olives. Drizzle it with a homemade keto-friendly dressing like hot bacon dressing or chimichurri. You can also pair your meal with keto-friendly Caesar salad.
  • Garlic parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. These crispy and flavorful sprouts make a delicious side dish.

Nutritional facts

  • Calories: 342
  • Calories from fat: 279
  • Fat: 31g (48% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 5g (31% Daily Value)
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 41mg (14% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 240mg (10% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 372mg (11% Daily Value)
  • Carbohydrates: 4g (1% Daily Value)
  • Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
  • Sugar: 1g (1% Daily Value)
  • Protein: 12g (24% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin A: 1857IU (37% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 50mg (61% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 42mg (4% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)

How to make it healthier

You can make this Italian chicken skillet even healthier by following these tips:

  • Choose organic ingredients.
  • When using chicken, use skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Increase vegetable content by adding more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
  • Make your own dressing at home.
  • For the low-sodium option, use Italian dressing with zero added salt.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-chopped veggies from the supermarket to save on chopping time and effort. 
  • Freshen up your cherry tomatoes: Rinse and halve your cherry tomatoes ahead of time. This way, they're ready to be tossed into the skillet when needed.
  • Double up the recipe: Consider making a larger batch of this dish. That way, you've got a ready-to-eat, wholesome meal to savor throughout the week. 
  • Use pre-cooked chicken: To speed up your cooking process, use pre-cooked chicken. This could be leftovers from another meal or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. 
  • Opt for pre-packaged coleslaw mix: If the recipe calls for cabbage, consider using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix. This eliminates the need for chopping and prepping and can save you precious time.
  • Use your kitchen gadgets: Maximize the use of your kitchen tools. A food processor or a grater can be a real timesaver when it comes to prepping ingredients. 

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Enhance the flavor by marinating the chicken in Italian dressing overnight for an extra punch of taste.
  • Take the time to prepare the dressings in advance so they are ready to go when you start cooking.
  • If you're using frozen meat or vegetables, ensure you thaw them ahead of time for easy mixing into the recipe.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage

  • Refrigerator storage: Store cooked dish in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store it for up to 3 to 5 days.
  • Freezer storage: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

Reheating

  • Stove: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray. Add the thawed chicken and vegetable mixture, warming it until it reaches your preferred temperature. If the chicken appears too dry, sprinkle in some chicken broth while stirring. This quick stir-fry will reheat your dish efficiently.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, around 350°F. Place the chicken and vegetable mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until it's heated.
  • Microwave: Transfer a portion of the dish to a microwave-safe container and cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the dish on high power for 1-2 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

With straightforward ingredients and a swift cooking process, our Keto Italian Chicken Skillet makes for an ideal dinner option on busy days. In just a span of 25 minutes, you'll have this savory one-pan Italian chicken and veggie delight ready to serve.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this recipe, and let your home fill with wonderful Italian aromas! Share this culinary gem with your friends and loved ones as well. We have a hunch it'll soon become a go-to dinner option, especially on those days when you're craving some chicken goodness!

Frequently asked questions

To prevent it from sticking to the skillet, ensure it is well-greased with oil before adding the chicken.

If it's not browning evenly, ensure the skillet is heated to the correct temperature before adding the chicken.

Do not overcook the meat to prevent the chicken from drying during browning. Follow the recommended browning time mentioned in the recipe.

To ensure that the broccoli is cooked but still retains its crunchiness, cook it for approximately 5 minutes, as mentioned in the recipe.

If the tomatoes are not bursting as expected, you can increase the heat slightly and cook them longer. Or gently press the tomatoes with a spatula or the back of a spoon to encourage them to burst.

📖 Recipe

Close up: Keto Italian Chicken Skillet (cubed chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoe and sauce) in a finex cast iron skillet.

Keto Italian Chicken Skillet

This Keto Italian Chicken Skillet is super easy with minimal ingredients making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prep Sundays.
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 30-minute, 5-Ingredient, easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 342kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Italian dressing we use Primal Kitchen
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large 10.5″ skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Brown 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
  • Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the dressing along with the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes burst.
  • Serve it immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Italian Chicken Skillet
Amount Per Serving
Calories 342 Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 41mg14%
Sodium 240mg10%
Potassium 372mg11%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 1857IU37%
Vitamin C 50mg61%
Calcium 42mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tanish Gupta says

    This is great!

    Reply

  2. Peter Sokol says

    Love this, so fresh (and even paleo)! So many keto dishes are so heavy with cheese and cream. I am a new follower and looking forward to trying more of your recipes.

    Reply

  3. Mary says

    5 stars
    I cooked this meal as recipe required and BAM! It was the best ever tasting Italian chicken. I used Primal Kitchen Dreamy Italian Dressing made wit Avocado Oil. The recipe did not say which to use and the other choice was the Vinaigrette. This is a once a week meal to rotate.

    Reply

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