Warm Hearth Low Carb Chicken (Printable)
A hearty low carb chicken skillet with vibrant vegetables and herbs for a cozy meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
06 - 1 small zucchini, chopped
07 - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
08 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Liquids & Dairy
09 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 5 tablespoons heavy cream
→ Herbs & Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Steps:
01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear each side until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until softened.
05 - Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Cover with lid and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
07 - Remove lid and stir in baby spinach until just wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
08 - Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like comfort food but won't leave you feeling stuffed or foggy.
- Everything happens in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor layering.
- Chicken thighs are forgiving—they stay tender even if you're not watching the clock obsessively.
02 -
- Dry your chicken thoroughly before searing—even a little moisture will steam instead of brown, and browning is where the flavor lives.
- Don't rush the simmer after adding the cream and broth; a gentle bubble keeps everything silky instead of curdled or broken.
03 -
- Let your skillet preheat fully before adding oil and chicken—a properly heated pan gives you that golden crust that makes everything taste better.
- Keep the cream separate until the very end; adding it too early can cause it to break when things are too hot, so patience with the simmer temperature pays off.