This smothered chicken is so good, I can’t believe it’s part of my new keto eating plan! Juicy chicken thighs are seared, then smothered in rich, creamy mushroom gravy. Each piece is topped with a slice of cheese, then baked in the oven until everything is melted and gooey. This cheesy, mouthwatering chicken is delicious over cauliflower rice for a keto dinner, or white rice for an equally yummy traditional meal.
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What is Keto Friendly Smothered Chicken?
Smothered Chicken is chicken that’s been seared then low braised in some type of liquid. It’s usually served with gravy over white rice. But since flour or cornstarch is the primary thickener, it’s a dish that isn’t good for people following a keto diet.
To alter this smothered chicken recipe for keto, I added cream cheese to chicken stock instead of flour, and I used cream in the gravy. That cream cheese pulled double-duty by thickening the gravy and adding a heavenly, creamy touch that made me want to lick the plate!
Do I Need Special Equipment to Create This Dish?
You’ll need a pan that can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven. It’s easiest if you can also serve portions from the same pan, too. I personally love recipes like this because one skillet means less clean-up afterwards.
In my opinion, a cast iron skillet is one of the best pans you can have in your cabinet. Cast iron is so versatile! You can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over a campfire. In this recipe, I prepped my ingredients on the stove, then slipped the whole skillet right into the oven. I take ‘easy’ a step further by serving from my cast iron, too. It brings a homey, cozy aesthetic to the table that I love!
The skillet pictured above is the 12 inch cast iron skillet that I inherited from my great grandmother. It’s about 100 years old, but you’d never be able to tell by looking at it. Cast iron gets better with age, so once you’ve got one, you’ll keep it forever. And the funny thing about that is cast iron is usually less expensive than most other skillets.
How Did You Get Started with Keto?
When I started keto, I didn’t know what I was doing and needed resources. I looked online and found the 28 Day Challenge by Keto Resource. I liked the program because it gave me tons of information about the keto diet, including what ketosis is and how it works, a list of foods that are keto friendly and those that are not, what to expect on keto, and best of all, a meal plan.
I didn’t use the meal plan as it was intended to be used. Some days included “leftover days” but to me, the portions didn’t seem to be enough for two meals. And I didn’t use all the recipes, either. But I did pick and choose what I liked from those recipes and a little keto recipe booklet I found in the supermarket checkout line, and I was able to make my own meal plan.
And once I had internalized all the information that Keto Resource had provided, I was able to start creating my own keto recipes. Once I got used to it, eating keto was easy. But I fully credit Keto Resource with giving me everything I needed to be successful!
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Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Rinse chicken thighs in cool water and remove excess fat. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning. I like using Urban Accents Cajun Street.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken thighs, about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from pan. Melt 3 remaining tablespoons butter, then add onion and mushrooms. Saute until soft.
- Add chicken stock, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir and cook 5 minutes, until gravy is warm and cream cheese is melted.
- Return chicken to pan. Turn each piece to coat it in gravy.
- Top each piece of chicken with a slice of colby jack cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
Looking for More Keto Recipes?
- Lemony Baked Salmon is a family favorite that’s really tasty on the grill
- Serve your Smothered Chicken over Cauliflower Rice
- Enjoy Overnight Layered Salad as a main dish or a side
Smothered Chicken – Keto Friendly
Course: Chicken, Keto FriendlyDifficulty: Easy6
servings5
minutes30
minutes35
minutesJuicy chicken thighs are seared, smothered in rich, creamy gravy, topped with cheese, then baked for a delicious keto friendly dinner.
Ingredients
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
6 tablespoons butter, divided
Cajun seasoning (such as Urban Accents Cajun Street)
1/2 cup chopped onion
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
6 slices colby jack cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Rinse chicken in cool water and remove excess fat. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken thighs, about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from pan. Melt 3 remaining tablespoons butter, then add onion and mushrooms. Saute until soft.
- Add chicken stock, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir and cook 5 minutes, until gravy is warm and cream cheese is melted.
- Return chicken to pan. Turn each piece to coat it in gravy.
- Top each piece of chicken with a slice of colby jack cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
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