Tender Chicken Delight with Creamy Cheesy Sauce

By deiv3 on September 12, 2024

Introduction:

When you think of comfort food, nothing beats the creamy goodness of a cheese-laden dish. This Tender Chicken Delight with Creamy Cheesy Sauce brings together the best of both worlds: a protein-packed chicken base that is low-carb and keto-friendly, with a luscious cheese sauce that adds depth and flavor to every bite. The secret to this dish lies in its simplicity – using common keto-friendly ingredients like heavy cream, butter, and cheese, you can create a gourmet-style meal in under an hour.

Chicken breasts are known for their lean nature, but they can sometimes become dry if not cooked properly. In this recipe, the chicken is seared to perfection and then baked, ensuring it's tender and juicy. The creamy cheesy sauce, made with sharp cheddar and parmesan, complements the chicken by providing a rich and indulgent coating. Whether you're preparing this dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's bound to become a family favorite.

Plus, this dish is versatile! You can pair it with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad to keep the meal low-carb. With each bite, you'll get the satisfaction of comfort food without the carb overload, making it a perfect fit for keto and low-carb diets.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheesy Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Cheesy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Bake the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
Serve and Garnish:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon more of the creamy cheesy sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

Tips:

You can use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a variation in flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This Tender Chicken Delight with Creamy Cheesy Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser, while still being low in carbs and keto-friendly.