Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cauliflower Mash
A low-carb, high-protein meal featuring golden chicken cutlets coated in a nutty almond crust, served with creamy garlic-infused cauliflower mash and a rich pan sauce. Perfect for keto dieters craving a satisfying dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb, high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (50g) almond flour, (25g) grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 546 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 450g cauliflower
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour, 1/4 cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix until evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Pat 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then coat each cutlet thoroughly in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add the chicken cutlets and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping once. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 4: Steam 450g cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over simmering water for 12-15 minutes until very tender; drain thoroughly.
- Step 5: Return the steamed cauliflower to the pot, add 2 tbsp butter and 1 minced garlic clove, and cook over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, adding a splash more cream if needed.
- Step 6: Return the skillet used for chicken to medium heat, add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 minced garlic clove, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cauliflower Mash take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Garlic 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 (50g) almond flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Garlic 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 Crispy Herb-Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cauliflower Mash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Garlic Cauliflower Mash low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, high protein, 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Perfect keto recipe for a weeknight dinner.