Keto Garlic Butter Chicken

 

📋 Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided: 2 tbsp for cooking, 2 tbsp for the sauce)

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

• Garlic: 5–6 cloves, finely minced

• Chicken Broth: ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• Heavy Cream: ¼ cup (optional, for a creamier sauce)

• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)

• Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels (this helps get a nice brown sear).

2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken cubes and toss until all pieces are well coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.

2. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. (Cook in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding).

3. Sear for 3–4 minutes on one side without moving them, then turn and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches $165^\circ\text{F}$ / $74^\circ\text{C}$).

4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Turn the heat down to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—that's pure flavor!

4. (Optional for a creamy sauce) Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish

1. Return the seared chicken back to the skillet, along with any juices collected on the plate.

2. Stir well to coat every piece of chicken in the garlic butter sauce and warm it through for 1 minute.

3. Season with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.

4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

💡 Keto Serving Suggestions

• Cauliflower Rice: Spoon the chicken and extra garlic sauce over a bowl of hot cauliflower rice.

• Low-Carb Veggies: Pair with sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli.

• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Toss the sauce with freshly spiraled zucchini noodles.

Would you like any side dish ideas or nutrition/macro estimates for this recipe?