Welcome to the fabulous world of keto-friendly meals! Today, we dive into a luscious recipe that combines the tender delight of chicken with the vibrant freshness of an asparagus sauce. Not only is this dish richly satisfying, but it’s also designed to keep you within your keto goals. Perfect for dinner parties or a savory weeknight meal, this keto chicken with asparagus sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Keto Chicken with Asparagus Sauce – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Asparagus
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Chop your asparagus into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and bright green. Be careful not to overcook, as you want that crisp freshness to shine.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
Transfer approximately half of the cooked asparagus and all the garlic into a blender. Add in the heavy cream and blend until smooth. Pour the blended mix back into the skillet.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet with the asparagus sauce. Stir everything together to combine the flavors beautifully. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for a few minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens into a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the asparagus sauce over the chicken to coat it entirely. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors.
How to Serve Keto Chicken with Asparagus Sauce
To serve, plate each chicken breast and generously cover it with the asparagus sauce. Scatter the remaining sautéed asparagus over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy a delightful burst of flavors that encapsulates the essence of keto dining.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a truly outstanding keto chicken with asparagus sauce, ensure your sauce achieves the perfect creaminess. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding more heavy cream or letting it simmer longer. Don’t leave out the lemon juice—it adds an alluring brightness that makes the dish special. Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for additional aromatic notes.
High-Protein Flavors: Chicken with Extra Goodness
To make this recipe a high-protein wonder, consider swapping regular chicken breasts with tenderloin for an even leaner cut. You can also introduce slivers of almonds to boost protein levels and introduce a delightful crunch.
Adding a side of roasted almonds or a sprinkle of chiffonade-friendly leafy greens ensures that your meal not only focuses on protein but also retains that essential keto flair.
Low Carb Alternative: Keep It Simple Yet Delicious
This keto chicken with asparagus sauce already caters to low-carb enthusiasts, but perfection knows no limits. For an even lower carb option, swap the chicken broth with a water infusion of herbs like thyme or rosemary, adding flavor without additional carbs.
Consider serving this savory dish on a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash for a classic low-carb pairing that is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to return it to the desired consistency. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen asparagus? Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely! Cook and store the components separately; combine and heat when ready to serve.
- What can I use if I don’t have cream? A mixture of Greek yogurt and a dash of olive oil makes a suitable substitution.
- How do I ensure my chicken is moist? Avoid overcooking and consider marinating the chicken briefly before cooking.
Taste and Share Your Experience
This delightful keto chicken with asparagus sauce is more than a meal; it’s an experience. The perfect balance of rich, creamy sauce enveloping succulent chicken is sure to make your taste buds dance. After trying this recipe, don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs and tweaks in the comments section below. If you’ve enjoyed this journey through keto cooking, spread the word on social media and let others join the delicious revolution!
Keto Chicken with Asparagus Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup asparagus trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and asparagus. Cook for 3–4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and heat for 1–2 minutes before serving.