Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 560 per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
(Approximately 206 calories per thigh, 824 calories total) - 2 tablespoons olive oil
(238 calories) - 4 cloves garlic, minced
(16 calories) - 1 cup heavy cream
(821 calories) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(220 calories) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
(5 calories) - Salt and pepper to taste
(Negligible calories) - 2 cups fresh spinach
(14 calories) - 1 tablespoon butter
(102 calories) - Chopped parsley for garnish
(Negligible calories)
Total Calories: Approximately 2,240 calories for the entire recipe
Instructions:
- Warm the Olive Oil:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. - Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes aromatic. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer. - Add the Parmesan and Spinach:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. - Finish and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over them. Let the dish simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Why This Recipe Works for Keto:
- Healthy Fats, Low Carbs: This recipe is high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates, aligning perfectly with ketogenic dietary principles.
- Protein-Rich: Chicken thighs offer a significant source of protein, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass on a keto diet.
- Rich and Satisfying: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy sauce that is deeply satisfying.
- Quick and Convenient: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.