| Metric | Detail |
| Servings | 4 |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories per Serving | Approx. 550 (Focus on high fat/protein) |
| Macros (per serving) | Protein: 45g / Net Carbs: 4g / Fat: 38g |
Intro
When you’re eating low-carb or Keto, you need dinner recipes that are fast, deeply satisfying, and rich in the healthy fats that keep you energized and focused. Forget bland, dry chicken—this Creamy Keto Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes!
This dish takes lean chicken, smothers it in a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce, and loads it with nutrient-dense spinach and flavorful mushrooms. Since we use heavy cream and Parmesan instead of flour thickeners, this is the ultimate macro-friendly meal designed for satiety and flavor.
If you’re looking for a reliably easy, high-fat, and flavorful low-carb chicken recipe to anchor your busy weeknights, your search ends here. This is one of the best healthy recipes for keeping ketosis delicious!
Look at the Recipe
- Sensory Appeal: Tender, perfectly seared chicken breast is enveloped in a thick, velvety, garlicky cream sauce studded with savory mushrooms.
- Flavor Highlight: The sharp saltiness of Parmesan cheese and the pungency of fresh garlic contrast beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and creamy base.
- Key Keto Benefit: High fat and high protein content ensures maximum satiety and keeps the net carb count minimal, making it perfect for daily macro goals.
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp salt and $1/2$ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
For the Keto Cream Sauce
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- $1/2$ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- $1/2$ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 large handfuls)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Our Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of $165^\circ\text{F}$ or $74^\circ\text{C}$). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, reserving the pan drippings.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet along with the mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are deeply browned and have released their liquid. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds huge flavor!). Let the broth simmer for 1 minute, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken and Finish: Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time; it will wilt quickly. Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat the chicken through. Serve immediately. This is a perfect easy dinner idea that tastes gourmet!
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storing: Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken further upon cooling.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra heavy cream or water if the sauce is too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from splitting.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based cream sauces often separate when thawed. This is best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration.
- Serving Pairings (Diet-Appropriate): Serve this flavorful dish over zero-carb cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower, or alongside a simple, large green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Tips & FAQs
How do I ensure my sauce doesn’t split when using heavy cream?
To prevent the sauce from splitting, keep the heat at a gentle simmer (never a rolling boil) once the heavy cream and Parmesan have been added. Also, ensure you use full-fat heavy cream; low-fat alternatives are much more likely to curdle.
Can I substitute the chicken breast for another low-carb protein?
Yes! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and often preferred on Keto because they have a higher fat content, boosting your macros. Shrimp, pork chops, or firm white fish also work wonderfully with this garlic cream sauce.
What is the best way to thicken this sauce without using cornstarch or flour?
The sauce thickens naturally thanks to the heavy reduction of the broth and, most importantly, the presence of the Parmesan cheese. When melted, the cheese adds a desirable body and richness without adding any net carbs.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! This is one of the best easy meal prep ideas for lunch or dinner. Simply portion the chicken and sauce into containers with a side of cauliflower rice. Reheat gently and enjoy a satisfying, low-carb meal mid-week.