Keto Chicken in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce: A Low-Carb Delight for Your Keto Journey

by Sithya Phon, founder of keto.com.au

Thanks to recipes like Keto Chicken in Mushroom Sauce, indulging in a delicious and satisfying meal while following a keto diet is entirely possible. This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, all while keeping the carbohydrate content low. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of this recipe, the ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions, and the keto health benefits associated with the ingredients used.

History of the Recipe

The origins of chicken in mushroom sauce can be traced back to classic French cuisine, where mushrooms were widely used in various preparations. The combination of tender chicken and a creamy mushroom sauce has been a culinary favourite for years. The keto version of this dish focuses on reducing carbohydrates by using keto-friendly ingredients and eliminating flour-based thickeners.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mushroom Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Total Macronutrient Breakdown

This is approximate for the entire recipe (serving 4):

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20 grams

• Protein: Approximately 145 grams

• Fat: Approximately 148 grams

Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. It's always recommended to check the nutritional information on the product labels or use a reliable nutritional database for precise calculations.

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, and sauté until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the mushroom sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken.

7. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and mushroom sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

8. Serve the creamy keto chicken in mushroom sauce hot, and enjoy!

Keto Health Benefits of the Ingredients

1. Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and contains essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair. It is low in carbs and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in carbs and calories, making them an excellent addition to a keto diet. They are rich in nutrients, including B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. Mushrooms also provide antioxidants that support overall health.

3. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. It helps to increase feelings of fullness, supports heart health, and provides a delicious flavour to the dish.

4. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce without adding significant carbs. It is high in fat, which helps keep you satiated and supports a ketogenic lifestyle.

5. Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a flavorful addition to the dish and provides a good source of protein and calcium. It is low in lactose and contains minimal carbs, making it suitable for keto.

Indulging in a creamy, flavourful chicken in mushroom sauce doesn't have to derail your keto diet. This recipe allows you to enjoy a satisfying meal while keeping your carbohydrate intake low. By using keto-friendly ingredients, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also aligns with your health and wellness goals. Try this keto chicken in mushroom sauce recipe and savour the flavours while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle. Enjoy!

Fun Variations to Make this Keto Meal Unique!

You can try several variations when cooking the keto chicken in a mushroom sauce recipe. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add herbs and spices: Enhance the dish's flavour by adding various herbs and spices. You can try incorporating dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to give the sauce a different aromatic profile.

2. Use different mushrooms: While the recipe calls for cremini mushrooms, you can also experiment with other types of mushrooms. Portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms can provide a unique flavour and texture to the dish.

3. Incorporate vegetables: To add more nutrition and variety to the recipe, consider adding some vegetables. Sautéed spinach, kale, or asparagus can complement the chicken and mushroom flavours well.

4. Include additional protein: If you prefer a heartier dish, you can add other sources of protein along with the chicken. Cooked bacon or sliced grilled steak can be added to the sauce to create a more substantial meal.

5. Make it spicy: For those who enjoy some heat, you can incorporate chilli flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a spicy kick to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

6. Substitute the heavy cream: If you're looking for a lighter option, you can replace the heavy cream with alternatives like coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. This modification will reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

7. Experiment with cheeses: While the recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese, you can explore other cheese options. Try using shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, or grated cheddar to vary the flavour and texture of the sauce.

8. Grill or bake the chicken: Instead of pan-frying the chicken breasts, you can grill or bake them for a different cooking method. This will add a smoky or roasted flavour to the chicken, enhancing the dish's overall taste.

Remember, these variations are meant to inspire your creativity and cater to your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make the recipe truly your own.

Don't Have the Time, Slow Cook Instead!

If you prefer using a slow cooker for the keto chicken in mushroom sauce recipe, here are the instructions to adapt the recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened.

4. Transfer the mushrooms and garlic to the slow cooker.

5. Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker on top of the mushrooms.

6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Pour the mixture over the chicken and mushrooms in the slow cooker.

7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

8. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.

9. To thicken the sauce, you can transfer it to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. Alternatively, you can leave the sauce as is for a thinner consistency.

10. Serve the chicken breasts with a generous amount of the mushroom sauce on top. You can go ahead and garnish with additional chopped parsley if you'd like.

By using a slow cooker, the chicken will become tender and infused with the flavours of the mushroom sauce. It's a convenient method that allows for hands-off cooking and yields delicious results. Enjoy your keto chicken in mushroom sauce meal!

If you liked this recipe, check out our keto recipe for Creamy Keto Mushroom Risotto.