High Protein Low Carb Meals: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Finding genuinely satisfying high protein low carb meals can be a challenge. You want something that’s not only healthy and aligns with your goals but also packed with flavor—a meal the whole family will actually get excited about. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a rich, restaurant-quality taste without the carbs, making your weeknight dinners both easy and delicious.

This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a decadent, creamy garlic parmesan sauce with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli. It’s designed to be incredibly simple to prepare, proving that you don’t need complex ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create amazing high protein low carb meals. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Low Carb Meal

This recipe isn’t just another boring diet meal. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and a creamy sauce creates a luxurious flavor profile that feels indulgent, yet it’s completely low-carb friendly.
• Quick & Easy: Made in one skillet in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Cleanup is a breeze!
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with 45g of protein and loaded with nutrients from broccoli, it keeps you full and energized without the carb crash.
• Versatile: It’s naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins. For another fantastic one-pan option, check out this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here are the key ingredients for these high protein low carb meals:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Two large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 lbs total, sliced in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for the perfect sear and rich flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a simple but flavorful crust.

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The base of our rich, low-carb sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts best and provides that signature nutty, salty flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh, vibrant broccoli adds texture, nutrients, and color to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this delicious meal. It’s easier than you think!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese and Veggies: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the chicken is heated through. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce

A flawless cream sauce is the heart of this dish. Here are a few tips to ensure it comes out perfectly every time:

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a silky-smooth texture.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: After adding the heavy cream and Parmesan, keep the heat on a low simmer. Boiling can cause the sauce to separate or curdle.
• Scrape the Pan: Those little browned bits left after searing the chicken are packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape them up when you add the chicken broth.

What to Serve with Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken

To keep this meal low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh garden salad. For those not following a low-carb diet, it’s also fantastic over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you love casserole-style dishes, you might also enjoy this Easy Low Carb Chicken Bake.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about high protein low carb meals is their flexibility. Try these variations:

• Different Vegetables: Swap the broccoli for asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms. If using spinach, add it at the very end as it cooks quickly.
• Add a Little Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the sauce.
• Change the Protein: This sauce works beautifully with shrimp, salmon, or pork chops. Adjust cooking times accordingly. For a similar dish with broccoli, try this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Low Carb Meals

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

FL Recipes

High Protein Low Carb Meals: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Discover the ultimate high protein low carb meal! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with broccoli is a one-pan wonder, ready in 30 minutes. It's keto-friendly, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced horizontally into 4 thin cutlets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet.
6. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and broccoli. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the chicken is heated through. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 45gFat: 38gFiber: 2g

Notes

Tip 1: For the best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel to get a great sear on the chicken.
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in two batches if necessary to ensure it gets golden brown.

Keyword high protein low carb,keto chicken,one pan dinner

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