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Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken Recipe 🍗

Natasha Ekic
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Take a flavorful journey to Italy with our Keto Tuscan Chicken recipe! This simple one-pan dish is delicious and low-carb, making it perfect for the keto diet. It features flavorful sauce, juicy chicken, and Italian seasoning. With all the tastes of Tuscany in each bite, let's make the dinner table fancy!

Low-carb keto Tuscan chicken in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spatula ready to be served.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Begin by searing the chicken thighs in a skillet. Next, create a rich sauce with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs. Place the browned chicken into this sauce and bake. In just 50 minutes, keto creamy Tuscan chicken will be ready to cherish!

Chef's note

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce for a spicy kick, or toss in some diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color. You can even swap the Parmesan with mozzarella cheese. The options are as endless as your imagination!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🍗 Ingredients for this keto Tuscan chicken recipe

To prepare this low-carb Tuscan chicken at home, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup olive
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Ingredients including boneless, skinless chicken thighs, unsalted butter, chicken broth, onion, olive, dry white wine (optional), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, unsweetened almond milk, fresh baby spinach and cherry tomatoes arranged and displayed on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

If you're not a fan of some of the ingredients, consider these keto alternatives:

  • Unsalted butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free choice.
  • Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or water can work too.
  • Parmesan cheese: Try Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for Parmesan substitutes.
  • Cream cheese: For a dairy-free twist, go with coconut cream.
  • Unsweetened almond milk: Opt for unsweetened coconut milk for a creamy alternative.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavor profile of your low-carb creamy Tuscan chicken with these optional ingredients:

  • Fresh herbs: Sprinkle herbs like fresh parsley or basil over the dish for a fresh herbal touch.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Add some sun-dried tomatoes along with the olives for an extra Mediterranean flair.
  • Mushrooms: Sauté chopped mushrooms with the onions to add an earthy note.
A focused shot of Tuscan chicken, garnished with cherry tomatoes and fresh green herbs texture.

Cooking tools required

To make this creamy keto Tuscan chicken, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spatula
  • Grater

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a regular pan to sear the meat and prepare the sauce. Transfer everything to a baking dish before baking.
Keto Tuscan chicken garnished with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs in a cast iron skillet, paired with a wooden spatula.

How to make Keto Tuscan Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-searing
  • Simmering
  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients and measure them.
  2. Thinly slice the onion and grate the Parmesan cheese.
  3. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  4. Wash the fresh spinach under cold tap water.

Cooking steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the chicken thighs with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt.
  3. Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in an oven-safe skillet.
  4. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining one tablespoon of butter in the same skillet.
  6. Toss the sliced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the olive, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  8. If adding white wine, pour it in and let it simmer for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
  9. Pour in the chicken broth, then blend in the grated Parmesan until fully melted.
  10. Mix in the cream cheese on low heat until it's smoothly integrated.
  11. Incorporate the almond milk, simmering for another 2 minutes.
  12. Toss in the spinach and stir until it's just wilted.
  13. Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, immersing them in the sauce.
  14. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  15. Once done, remove it and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Chef's pro tip

To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure its internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). If undercooked, cover with foil and bake a bit longer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal juiciness.

What do you serve with keto Tuscan chicken?

Enjoy this dish on its own for a creamy comfort food dinner, or enhance it with a side dish to make a complete keto dinner. Try these combinations!

  • Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for traditional rice; it absorbs the creamy sauce, making the meal delicious.
  • Mediterranean Asparagus: This nutritious side complements the creamy chicken, adding a light freshness.
  • Keto Cornbread: Enjoy the feel of bread without the carbs. It's ideal for soaking up any extra Tuscan cream sauce.
  • Avocado Egg Salad: The soft texture of avocado contrasts beautifully with the chicken and provides a refreshing touch.
  • Charred Broccoli: The charred flavor of the broccoli contrasts nicely with the Tuscan chicken thighs.
A cast iron skillet with Keto Tuscan chicken.

How to make it healthier?

Here's how you can make this cast iron Tuscan chicken even healthier:

  • Fat reduction: Opt for cooking spray or a dash of olive oil instead of butter. This reduces the fat content of the dish.
  • Sodium control: Choose low-sodium chicken broth to manage the salt content.
  • Cutting calories: Skip or cut back on the white wine. This reduces alcohol and extra calories.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-prepared greens: Purchase pre-washed, pre-cut baby spinach to skip the washing and chopping.
  • Easy meat prep: Ask your butcher to provide skinless, boneless chicken thighs for convenience. Or, buy them pre-packaged this way.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Homemade broth: Prepare chicken broth in advance. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for future meals.
Ready-to-serve homemade Tuscan chicken in a cast iron skillet.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Room temperature: Allow the leftover Tuscan chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing.
  • Fridge: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

Best reheating practices

  • Stovetop: Warm the leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 325°F (165°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes or until warmed throughout.
  • Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to prevent splatters. Reheat in short intervals, stirring or flipping occasionally, until the desired temperature is achieved.

Note: When reheating the leftovers, add a little broth or water to prevent it from drying.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Dive into the heart of Italy with our Keto Tuscan Chicken recipe. Marrying classic Tuscan flavors in a wholesome, low-carb dish, it's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a stylish lunch with friends. It's not just a meal; it's an experience!

After giving it a shot, capture your creation with a photo and share it with us on Instagram. We're eager to see your rendition of this Tuscan delight that will surely become one of your favorite keto chicken recipes!

Looking for more Keto Italian recipes? You'll love these Italian favorites:

Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet in cast iron skillet
Hot Italian Chicken Skillet
Close up: Keto Italian Chicken Skillet (cubed chicken, broccoli, baby tomatoe and sauce) in a finex cast iron skillet.
Italian Chicken Skillet 
Low carb meatballs on a plate.
Keto Italian Meatball
Keto Garlic Bread Italian Meatball Sliders on parchment (zoomed-in).
Italian Meatball Sliders
Keto Italian Sub Sandwich Casserole on a grey plate with a fork in front
Italian Sub Sandwich Casserole
Keto Lasagna in a cast iron skillet with a pesto swirl on top, there is a striped tea towel to the left and basil leaves in the top left corner
Pesto Lasagna

Frequently asked questions

Traditional Tuscan chicken recipes may not necessarily be keto-friendly. They often include high-carb ingredients. But our recipe fits a low-carb diet as it has keto-friendly ingredients.

Carb content in Tuscan chicken can differ depending on specific ingredients. However, given that the primary components are chicken, cheese, and low-carb veggies, a serving typically contains less than 10 grams of net carbs.

Absolutely. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just remember to modify cooking times accordingly.

If your sauce thickens too quickly while simmering, add a chicken broth or almond milk splash to adjust the consistency. It will keep the dish moist and the flavors vibrant.

The darker, fattier cuts like chicken thighs and drumsticks are best for a keto diet. These cuts are higher in fat compared to leaner options like chicken breast.

📖 Recipe

Creamy keto Tuscan chicken garnished with cherry tomatoes and fresh green herbs in a cast iron skillet.

Keto Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with our Keto Tuscan Chicken recipe, a low-carb delight featuring creamy sauce, tender chicken, and Italian seasoning in one pan.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: keto chicken recipes, Keto tuscan chicken, tuscan chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 311kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup olive
  • ¼ cup dry white wine optional
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Season the chicken thighs with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt.
  • Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in an oven-safe skillet.
  • Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Add the remaining one tablespoon of butter in the same skillet.
  • Toss the sliced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the olive, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • If adding white wine, pour it in and let it simmer for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, then blend in the grated Parmesan until fully melted.
  • Mix in the cream cheese on low heat until it's smoothly integrated.
  • Incorporate the almond milk, simmering for another 2 minutes.
  • Toss in the spinach and stir until it's just wilted.
  • Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, immersing them in the sauce.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Once done, remove it and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Tuscan Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 311 Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 100mg33%
Sodium 1153mg50%
Potassium 388mg11%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 2051IU41%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 282mg28%
Iron 2mg11%
*

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

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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