Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken with Creamy Cauliflower Mash

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

A succulent keto dinner featuring pan-seared chicken with a golden herb crust, served atop velvety cauliflower mash for a satisfying low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (high protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 365 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 365 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and pour off excess oil. Add 2 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet, stirring until butter melts and aromatics are fragrant for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top, and cook for 1 minute more to coat.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, steam riced cauliflower for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender. Transfer to a blender with 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding 1 tbsp cream if too thick, until creamy and velvety.
  6. Step 6: Serve chicken topped with sauce over cauliflower mash, garnishing with extra parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken with Creamy Cauliflower Mash take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken with Creamy 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken with Creamy 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 Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken with Creamy 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 Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken with Creamy Cauliflower Mash keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein, 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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