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The Best Keto Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Jane Summerfield 3 min read
Keto Chicken Alfredo

In recent years, the ketogenic (keto) diet has gained popularity for its effectiveness in weight loss and health benefits.

One of the challenges, however, is finding delicious and satisfying meals that fit within the low-carb, high-fat guidelines.

Enter the Keto Chicken Alfredo, a creamy, rich dish that’s not only keto-friendly but also incredibly easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Keto Chicken Alfredo, complete with tips, variations, and nutritional information.

Introduction to Keto Chicken Alfredo

Keto Chicken Alfredo is a low-carb version of the classic Italian dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. Traditional Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, which fits perfectly into the keto diet. By replacing the pasta with a keto-friendly alternative, we maintain the creamy, indulgent nature of the dish while keeping it low in carbohydrates.

Ingredients

 

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe serves four people.

Chicken Alfredo:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta Alternatives:

  • Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
  • Shirataki noodles
  • Spaghetti squash

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Ensure both sides are evenly coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Making the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add Butter and Cream: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the cream is heated through.
  3. Incorporate Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This will help to thin out the sauce slightly and add more flavor.
  4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take about 5 minutes.
  5. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the Parmesan cheese is already quite salty.

Step 3: Combining Chicken and Sauce

  1. Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Combine with Sauce: Add the chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the sauce and everything is heated through.

Step 4: Preparing the Pasta Alternative

  1. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): If using zoodles, you can either sauté them in a separate skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes until tender, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Shirataki Noodles: Rinse the shirataki noodles thoroughly under cold water. Boil them for 2-3 minutes and then drain well. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Spaghetti Squash: Roast the spaghetti squash at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the strands.

Step 5: Serving the Dish

  1. Combine and Serve: Place the prepared pasta alternative on plates and top with the creamy chicken Alfredo. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
  2. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious, keto-friendly Chicken Alfredo.

Tips and Variations

  1. Protein Variations: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or salmon for a different twist. Both seafood options pair wonderfully with Alfredo sauce.
  2. Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to increase the nutritional content and add more texture to the dish.
  3. Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.
  4. Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to make the dish dairy-free.

Nutritional Information

 

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of Keto Chicken Alfredo (with zucchini noodles):

  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 35g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 3g

This makes Keto Chicken Alfredo a perfect choice for those following a keto diet, as it is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.

Conclusion

Keto Chicken Alfredo is a delectable, creamy dish that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. With its rich flavor and low-carb profile, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious way to enjoy a classic comfort food without compromising on your dietary goals. Enjoy the creamy goodness and feel good about indulging in this keto-friendly treat!