Imagine this: tender chicken breasts seared until golden, swimming in a garlicky butter sauce and smothered with gooey, melty cheese. Yep, it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds—and 100% low carb. This one-pan wonder is rich, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re living the keto life or just cutting back on carbs, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-satisfying without the carbs
- Done in one pan (hello, easy cleanup!)
- Buttery, garlicky, cheesy… what’s not to love?
- Family-approved—even by carb lovers!
- Reheats like a dream
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American |
| Diet Type | Keto, Low Carb |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts – the juicy canvas for all that cheesy garlic goodness
- Garlic cloves – for a bold, aromatic kick
- Butter – adds richness and makes that sauce extra silky
- Heavy cream – creates a creamy, dreamy texture
- Shredded mozzarella – gets beautifully melty on top
- Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty, salty depth
- Italian seasoning – for herby, savory flavor
- Salt & pepper – basic, but essential
- Fresh parsley – optional, for a burst of color and freshness
📌 Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and nutrition info!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, toss in a bit more butter and your minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—this is where the magic starts!
3. Create the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened, then stir in the Parmesan for a nutty, salty layer.
4. Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the pan, spoon some of that creamy sauce over the top, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is gloriously melted.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if you like, and serve hot. This dish is perfect with steamed broccoli, zucchini noodles, or even on its own!
Pro Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Don’t skip searing—it locks in flavor!
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltiness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
Flavor Variations
- Swap the chicken for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Try a different cheese blend—think provolone or gouda.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more texture and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- Over cauliflower mash
- With roasted Brussels sprouts
- Alongside a crisp green salad with keto dressing
Make-Ahead & Storage
This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store in an airtight container. You can even prep the sauce ahead of time!
Leftovers
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat. The sauce may thicken a bit, so feel free to splash in a little cream or broth to loosen it up.
Freezing
Freeze in single portions with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm over low heat in a skillet or microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Is this cheesy chicken skillet really keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein—ideal for keto and low carb diets.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are even juicier and add more flavor.
What cheese works best for melting?
Mozzarella is a winner for meltiness, but feel free to play around with provolone, gouda, or a cheddar blend.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can sub the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives, but the taste and texture will change a bit.
Final Thoughts
This keto & low carb recipe is the kind of weeknight dinner that hits all the right notes—rich, garlicky, cheesy, and so satisfying. Whether you’re deep into keto or just craving something decadent without the carb crash, this dish will not disappoint. It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and honestly? It might become your new go-to. Give it a whirl, and let me know what you think—trust me, you’re going to love this one.
If you’re loving this keto and low carb recipe, don’t miss our Savory Egg White Breakfast Muffins—they’re the perfect protein-packed start to your day and just as easy to whip up!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add more butter to the skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer until slightly thickened. Add grated Parmesan and mix until melted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and top with shredded mozzarella. Cover and cook until chicken is done and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.