There’s something quietly comforting about cooking a simple chicken breast dinner that feels a bit fancy without the fuss. One evening last week, I found myself drawn to the kitchen with the faint scent of garlic in the air, the soft sizzle of butter melting in the pan pulling me in. The chicken browned just right, the edges crisping gently while the inside stayed tender. I wasn’t exactly timing everything perfectly—somewhere between the garlic’s aroma and the sight of spinach wilting down, I got a little distracted by a text, so the tomatoes softened just a bit more than I’d planned, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Sitting down with a plate of this garlicky, buttery goodness, I realized how a meal this straightforward can still feel like a treat.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce deliver flavor without complexity.
- The sautéed spinach and cherry tomatoes add freshness and color to your plate, making it feel balanced.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Great for when you want comfort food that doesn’t take hours.
- Perfect for a low-carb, keto-friendly lifestyle but still satisfying for anyone at the table.
If you’re ever worried about butter burning or the garlic getting bitter, just keep the heat moderate and stir often. It’s not a big deal if the tomatoes get a little softer than you expect; they just add a touch of natural sweetness.
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Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Breast Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A delicious and easy keto-friendly dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served with sautéed spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add the fresh spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are slightly softened.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld flavors.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually cook this in a sturdy skillet that holds heat well, but a non-stick pan works too if you want an easier cleanup. Serving it with a side of cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad feels like a complete dinner, but honestly, it’s good enough to stand on its own. As for variations, I’ve tried swapping spinach for kale, which takes a bit longer to soften but adds a nice texture. Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with sun-dried tomatoes if you want a more intense flavor, though they change the dish’s brightness a bit. Sometimes I add a splash of lemon juice at the end, but I haven’t tested that with all the other flavors—worth experimenting if you like a little zing.
FAQ:
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? You can, but they’ll take longer to cook through, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days, but I wouldn’t recommend freezing since the spinach and tomatoes might get mushy after thawing.
Can I make this dairy-free? You could try using olive oil instead of butter, but the rich garlic butter sauce is really what defines the dish’s character.
Ready to give this a try? Grab your skillet, don’t worry about perfection, and enjoy a dinner that feels like a little celebration on any weeknight.