Keto Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb comfort food: Juicy chicken thighs and a creamy mushroom sauce offer hearty flavor without carbs.
• Easy ingredients: Uses simple staples—chicken, herbs, cream, mushrooms—no fancy shopping required.
• Elegant yet casual: Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving to guests.
• Keto-friendly: High in healthy fats and protein, low in carbs—ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken Thighs
  • 750 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 5–6 fillets)
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 250 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded

directions

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15–20 minutes (up to 1 hour).
2. Cook chicken
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Sear chicken thighs 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté mushrooms
   In the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté sliced mushrooms over medium heat until browned and tender (~5 minutes).
4. Garlic & herbs
   Add minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Make creamy sauce
   Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Finish with Parmesan
   Stir in shredded parmesan until melted and sauce is creamy.
7. Combine & serve
   Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 2 minutes to meld flavors.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 5–6 (1 thigh each)
• Prep time: ~10 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook time: ~20 minutes
• Total time: ~30–40 minutes (depending on marinating duration)

Variations

• Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach into the sauce until wilted.
• Use different mushrooms: Try cremini, button, or wild mushrooms for varied flavor.
• Swap herbs: Use fresh thyme and rosemary if available—adds brightness.
• Make dairy-free: Replace heavy cream and parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast (not keto‑strict).
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce.

storage/reheating

• To store: Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• To reheat:
  • Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat with a splash of cream to loosen sauce.
  • Microwave: Heat covered in 1‑minute bursts, stirring halfway.
• To freeze: Freeze with sauce in airtight container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat as above.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless thigh fillets are ideal—they stay moist and rich in this creamy sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes—reduce cooking time slightly and check that they reach 74 °C (165 °F) internally.

Is this recipe truly keto?

Yes. It’s low in carbs, rich in fats and protein—perfect for keto diets.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes—cook the sauce a bit longer to reduce it further, or whisk in a small pat of cold butter at the end.

Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or aged cheddar work well; opt for low-carb hard cheeses.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan-style alternative; note flavor will shift.

Can I prep ahead?

Cook chicken and sauce ahead, then gently reheat before serving. Flavor improves after resting.

What sides pair well?

Serve with cauliflower mash, steamed asparagus, zucchini noodles, or roasted veggies for a keto meal.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes—use ¼ tsp dried parsley, added with garlic and herbs in the sauce step.

How to reheat without drying chicken?

Warm gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth; avoid high heat.

Conclusion

Keto Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce provide a comforting, elegant meal that fits neatly into a low-carb lifestyle. With juicy, herb‑infused chicken and a velvety sauce, this dish elevates weeknight dinner or weekend gatherings. Prepare it ahead, reheat with ease, and enjoy a truly satisfying keto dinner.

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