Creamy Low Carb Lemon Chicken Skillet

You know that moment when you’re craving something creamy and comforting but don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals? This low carb lemon chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times, and honestly, it never gets old. The zingy lemon paired with that silky cream sauce just hits differently 😋

Why This One-Pan Chicken Recipe Works Every Time

Let me tell you why I’m obsessed with this low carb lemon chicken dish. First off, everything cooks in one pan chicken recipe, which means minimal cleanup—a huge win in my book. I actually made this last Tuesday after a crazy day at work, and dinner was on the table in under 30 minutes.

The chicken stays super tender and juicy because we’re not overcooking it. The secret is getting a nice golden sear first, then letting it finish in that creamy chicken skillet sauce. The lemon adds this bright, fresh flavor that keeps things from feeling too heavy.

This is comfort food without the guilt. Each serving comes in around 320 calories, making it a genuinely low calorie chicken meal that doesn’t taste like diet food at all. It’s truly a perfect healthy dinner recipe for busy nights.

What Makes This a Perfect Creamy Low Carb Dinner

Staying low carb doesn’t mean you have to skip the good stuff. This recipe uses heavy cream and parmesan to create that rich, velvety texture we all crave. The total carb count sits around 6 grams per serving, which fits beautifully into most low carb eating plans.

I love serving this over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Sometimes I’ll just eat it straight from the skillet with a side of roasted broccoli. No judgment here.

The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your fridge right now. No fancy shopping trip required. Just grab some chicken breasts, a fresh lemon, and you’re basically set.

The Magic Behind This Keto Chicken Skillet

If you’re following keto, this dish checks all the boxes. High fat, moderate protein, and super low carb. The combination of butter and cream creates those healthy fats your body needs while keeping you satisfied for hours.

I’ve noticed that when I eat this for dinner, I’m not raiding the pantry at 9 PM looking for snacks. The protein and fat combo keeps hunger at bay, which is exactly what we want.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice at the end. It brightens up the whole dish and balances out the richness of the cream. I learned this the hard way when I tried using bottled lemon juice once. Fresh is definitely worth it.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy here. Good seasoning makes all the difference.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of that creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the chicken soaks up all those amazing flavors.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling fancy 😊

Make It Your Own

This recipe is super versatile. Sometimes I’ll throw in some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. Cherry tomatoes also work beautifully if you want a pop of color and sweetness.

If you’re meal prepping, this reheats like a dream. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Looking for more quick dinner ideas? You might love my low carb berry yogurt bowl for breakfast or this green detox smoothie for energy to start your day right.

Why One Pan Cooking Changes Everything

Can we talk about how life-changing one pan meals are? I used to avoid cooking on busy nights because the thought of all those dirty dishes made me want to order takeout instead.

This keto chicken skillet approach means you’re literally using one pan from start to finish. That’s it. The chicken gets cooked, the sauce comes together in the same pan, and everything stays warm while you’re getting the table ready.

My sink stays empty, and I actually enjoy cooking again. Plus, you can find more easy dinner inspiration in this anti-inflammatory recipes collection that focuses on wholesome, nourishing meals.

Final Thoughts

This creamy low carb dinner has honestly saved me so many times when I needed something quick, delicious, and satisfying. It feels indulgent but keeps you on track with your health goals.

The creamy lemon sauce is restaurant-quality good, but you’re making it in your own kitchen in less time than it would take to get delivery. That’s a win in my book.

Give this recipe a try tonight and let me know how it turns out! I promise your family won’t believe this is actually a low calorie chicken meal. Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones 💛