Herb-Crusted Keto Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan Cream
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with herbed cream cheese and baked until golden, finished with a rich garlic-parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. This american-inspired keto (high-protein, keto) ready in about 45 minutes pairs softened full-fat cream cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 325 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
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz, softened full-fat cream cheese
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 oz softened full-fat cream cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Step 3: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and make a horizontal pocket in the thickest part without cutting through the bottom. Spoon 1 oz of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket and press edges together to seal.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 5: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and drizzle with any pan juices for maximum flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Keto Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan Cream 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 Herb-Crusted Keto Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan 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 minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Keto Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan 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 Herb-Crusted Keto Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan Cream 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 Herb-Crusted Keto Chicken with Garlic-Parmesan Cream high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.