Name: Keto Pesto Chicken With Creamy Almond Garnish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (600g / 1.3lb): For rich flavor and moisture.; 2 Tbsp (30ml) olive oil: Divided for searing and sauce.; 1 tsp (5g) kosher salt: For seasoning.; 0.5 tsp (2.5g) black pepper: Adds spice.; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Creates a creamy sauce.; 0.5 cup (120ml) vegetable broth: Adds flavor without excess sodium.; 0.75 cup (75g) Parmesan cheese: Contributes umami flavor.; 0.5 cup (120g) basil leaves: The heart of the pesto.; 0.25 cup (30g) pine nuts: Adds nutty flavor and crunch.; 2 cloves garlic: Provides aromatic base.; 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice: Brightens the sauce.; 0.25 tsp (0.5g) red pepper flakes: Optional heat.; 1 Tbsp (15g) almond slivers: For garnish and crunch.; 1 tsp (5g) lemon zest: Adds citrus aroma.; 2 basil sprigs: For garnish and freshness.

Description

This Keto Pesto Chicken features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy pesto sauce, finished with a crunchy almond garnish. It’s a flavorful and satisfying keto-friendly meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken thighs (600g / 1.3lb): For rich flavor and moisture.
2 Tbsp (30ml) olive oil: Divided for searing and sauce.
1 tsp (5g) kosher salt: For seasoning.
0.5 tsp (2.5g) black pepper: Adds spice.
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: Creates a creamy sauce.
0.5 cup (120ml) vegetable broth: Adds flavor without excess sodium.
0.75 cup (75g) Parmesan cheese: Contributes umami flavor.
0.5 cup (120g) basil leaves: The heart of the pesto.
0.25 cup (30g) pine nuts: Adds nutty flavor and crunch.
2 cloves garlic: Provides aromatic base.
1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice: Brightens the sauce.
0.25 tsp (0.5g) red pepper flakes: Optional heat.
1 Tbsp (15g) almond slivers: For garnish and crunch.
1 tsp (5g) lemon zest: Adds citrus aroma.
2 basil sprigs: For garnish and freshness.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F, season chicken with salt and pepper.
Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Build Base: Sauté garlic and pine nuts in olive oil until fragrant.
Create Sauce: Simmer heavy cream, broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Incorporate Flavors: Stir in Parmesan and basil until wilted.
Bake to Perfection: Nestle chicken in sauce and bake for 15 minutes.
Rest and Finish: Let chicken rest in sauce for 5 minutes.
Plate and Garnish: Serve with sauce, almond slivers, lemon zest, and basil.

Notes

Using high-quality Parmesan and fresh basil is key for the best pesto flavor. Patting the chicken dry before searing ensures a good crust.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: keto, chicken, pesto, dinner, low carb, easy, healthy, italian