Looking for an easy, delicious low carb chicken recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor? This quick pan-seared chicken with garlic butter sauce is absolutely divine and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality but requires minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can dress it up for company or keep it casual for a busy Tuesday night. The chicken stays incredibly juicy because of the simple technique of not moving it around too much in the pan—let it develop that gorgeous golden crust and the magic happens. I love serving this alongside green beans with bacon for the ultimate low carb meal.
When I’m meal prepping for the week, I’ll often make a double batch of this chicken because it reheats beautifully and works wonderfully in salads, over cauliflower rice, or as part of a protein-forward lunch bowl. The garlic butter sauce is where all the magic lives—it’s silky, aromatic, and absolutely craveable.
For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, this recipe is a game-changer. It delivers on taste without any of the guilt, and honestly, once you master this technique, you’ll be making it constantly. I’ve had friends who swore they didn’t like chicken come back for seconds of this version because the execution is just that good.
If you’re looking for more protein-packed recipes to round out your low carb repertoire, check out my crispy chicken tenders recipe or my perfect 1 lb meatloaf. Both are family favorites and work beautifully within a low carb framework.
The beauty of cooking low carb is that you’re not sacrificing anything flavor-wise—you’re simply being more intentional about your ingredients. This chicken recipe proves that point perfectly. Fresh herbs, good butter, quality chicken, and proper technique are all you need to create something truly spectacular.
One tip I always share: don’t skip the resting period after cooking. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. This is a professional technique that makes a real difference in the final result.
Whether you’re new to low carb cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe belongs in your rotation. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for entertaining, and absolutely delicious every single time. Serve it with your favorite low carb sides and enjoy a meal that tastes indulgent but aligns perfectly with your health goals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or bone broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. This step is crucial for developing a nice golden crust.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is foaming.
- Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Do not move them around—let them sit undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden brown crust.
- Flip the chicken breasts carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These flavorful bits add incredible depth to your sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- If using heavy cream, stir it in now and let it warm through for about 1 minute. This creates a luxurious, silky sauce.
- Add the red pepper flakes if desired and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest just before serving.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 2-3 minutes before plating to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pro Tips
Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent drying out the chicken.
Substitutions: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can omit it—the sauce will still be delicious and slightly lighter. Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried in equal amounts (use one-third the amount of dried herbs to fresh).
Protein Variations: This sauce works wonderfully with other proteins like pork chops, salmon, or shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly—salmon needs about 4-5 minutes per side and shrimp only 2-3 minutes total.
Side Dish Pairings: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. For a more indulgent option, try mashed cauliflower or creamed spinach.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this dish and can also be used in place of some of the broth for added depth.
Cooking Tips: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time—it removes all the guesswork. Don’t skip patting the chicken dry; moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
Butter Quality: Using good quality, unsalted butter makes a noticeable difference in flavor. The butter should be golden and fragrant, never brown.
Garlic Intensity: For a milder garlic flavor, use fewer cloves or mince them finely so they cook faster. For garlic lovers, add an extra clove or two.
Low Carb Count: Each serving contains approximately 2-3 grams of net carbs, making it perfect for keto and low carb diets. The heavy cream adds minimal carbs when divided among servings.