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Keto Chicken Mozzarella Skillet - Fast, Cheesy, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into cutlets
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for richness)
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14–15 ounces), no added sugar
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low sodium)
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon (no sugar added)
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
  • Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Fresh mozzarella: 8 ounces, sliced (or shredded low-moisture mozzarella)
  • Parmesan: 1/4 cup grated
  • Fresh basil: Handful, torn or chopped
  • Spinach (optional): 2 cups fresh, for extra greens

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. If the breasts are thick, slice them into thinner cutlets for faster, more even cooking.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
  3. Build the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add butter (if using), then garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, remaining Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 4–5 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  4. Add greens (optional): Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Return chicken to the pan: Nestle the seared chicken into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top. Simmer gently 4–6 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
  6. Add the cheese: Scatter Parmesan over the skillet, then lay mozzarella slices on top of the chicken. Cover and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes, or transfer to the broiler for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Watch closely.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and top with fresh basil. Let rest 3 minutes to settle. Serve straight from the skillet with extra sauce spooned over each piece.