Crisp-Crust Chicken with Herb-Infused Cauliflower Mash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken breasts with a golden herb crust, served atop creamy cauliflower mash seasoned with fresh dill and garlic. This italian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 1 tsp chopped thyme to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups riced cauliflower to the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook for 3 minutes until edges begin to crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp unsalted butter, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until cauliflower is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with cauliflower mash spooned underneath.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Crust Chicken with Herb-Infused Cauliflower Mash take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp-Crust Chicken with Herb-Infused Cauliflower Mash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp-Crust Chicken with Herb-Infused Cauliflower Mash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp-Crust Chicken with Herb-Infused Cauliflower Mash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crisp-Crust Chicken with Herb-Infused Cauliflower Mash low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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