Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Avocado Cream
A protein-packed keto meal featuring golden-brown chicken breasts coated in aromatic herbs, served with a luscious avocado-based sauce for creamy satisfaction without the carbs. This american-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 28 minutes pairs medium avocado, heavy cream, chopped fresh basil 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 weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
- Step 3: Flip chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is fully cooked through.
- Step 4: While chicken bakes, scoop flesh from 1 medium avocado into a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mash with a fork until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water if needed to reach a spoonable consistency.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Drizzle with avocado cream sauce, then garnish with extra fresh herbs. Serve immediately while warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Avocado Cream take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Avocado Cream?
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 medium avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Avocado Cream?
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 Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Avocado Cream 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 Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Avocado Cream high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, low carb, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.