Tender Keto Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Golden Tender Keto Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken thighs simmering in a rich, keto-friendly mushroom sauce bring comfort to every low-carb meal.

The bold flavors of this hearty dish dance across your palate with surprising elegance.

Earthy mushrooms create a luxurious backdrop for perfectly seasoned chicken that practically melts in your mouth.

Each bite delivers a creamy, indulgent experience without compromising your nutritional goals.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy entrée that feels both sophisticated and effortless.

Every forkful promises a delightful balance of protein and savory depth that will leave you completely satisfied.

Prepare to savor a meal that proves healthy eating never means sacrificing taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Thighs With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

For Poultry:
  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy protein base that delivers rich flavor and tender texture; choose bone-in, skin-on for maximum taste and crispy exterior.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the dish's taste profile.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky dimension and beautiful reddish color.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated, aromatic garlic essence without fresh garlic's sharp bite.
For Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment for golden-brown chicken exterior.
  • Butter: Introduces rich, velvety undertones and helps develop deep sauce flavor.
  • Garlic: Brings robust, pungent aroma and depth to mushroom sauce.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy, umami-packed ingredient that adds textural complexity.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal notes for sophisticated sauce profile.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation with savory undertones.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture and keto-friendly fat content.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces salty, nutty notes and helps thicken sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Contributes tangy, sharp accent that brightens overall flavor.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish and vibrant green color.

Equipment to Cook Chicken Thighs and Sauce Together

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and making the creamy sauce.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken thighs safely.
  • Paper towels: Helps dry chicken for crispy skin and better seasoning.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping pan bits.
  • Meat thermometer: Confirms chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping garlic and garnishing with parsley.

Cooking Steps for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs

  • Dry and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs and give them a good pat down with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with seasonings to make them super flavorful.

  • Create Golden Crispy Edges

Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet until it shimmers. Lay chicken thighs skin-side down and let them sizzle until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until perfectly done.

  • Craft Luxurious Mushroom Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter in the same pan. Toss in garlic and mushrooms, letting them dance and soften. Sprinkle herbs and seasonings to amp up the flavor profile.

  • Build Creamy Sauce Base

Pour chicken broth into the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Swirl in heavy cream, Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Let everything bubble and thicken into a silky sauce.

  • Combine and Finish Cooking

Nestle chicken thighs back into the creamy sauce. Let them simmer and soak up all those incredible flavors until they reach perfect doneness.

  • Plate and Devour

Top with fresh herbs and serve alongside low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Enjoy your keto-friendly masterpiece!

Seasoning Tips for a Savory Keto Chicken Meal

  • Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the mushroom sauce for an extra depth of rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prepare the chicken and sauce up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency and chicken's juiciness.
  • Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that keeps the sauce creamy and keto-friendly. Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the savory umami profile.
  • Experiment with boneless chicken breasts or turkey thighs as alternative protein sources. Adjust cooking times to ensure meat reaches proper internal temperature without drying out.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon instead of Italian seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy mushroom sauce.

Serving This Creamy Chicken Dish Comfortably

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the creamy chicken thighs with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a vibrant low-carb veggie complement that adds texture and nutrients.
  • Green Bed Delight: Serve the tender chicken over cauliflower rice, allowing the rich mushroom sauce to soak into the mild, fluffy cauliflower base for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.
  • Herb Sprinkle Magic: Enhance the dish's visual appeal and flavor by generously scattering fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme on top, which will brighten the creamy sauce and add a fresh herbal note.
  • Side Salad Companion: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, radishes, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing to balance the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Keto Chicken Thighs After Cooking

  • Marinate chicken thighs overnight in a sealed container to intensify flavor and reduce morning cooking time.
  • Prepare multiple chicken thigh portions during weekend meal prep, storing in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches and dinners.
  • Store leftover chicken and mushroom sauce separately in sealed containers, keeping sauce and meat fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to maintain optimal texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat in a skillet to maintain sauce consistency and chicken's tender texture.
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Tender Keto Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Tender Keto Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent keto chicken thighs with creamy mushroom sauce deliver rich, satisfying flavors from low-carb paradise. Indulgent protein meets silky sauce, creating a perfect meal that delights health-conscious palates and keto enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prep & Season Chicken: Thoroughly dry chicken thighs and generously coat with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder across both surfaces.
  2. Sear & Crisp: Ignite olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, positioning chicken skin-side down. Develop a golden-brown crust for 6-7 minutes, then reverse and cook additional 6 minutes until thoroughly heated. Transfer chicken to a holding plate.
  3. Craft Mushroom Base: Reduce flame to medium, melt butter in identical pan. Introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms transform into tender, caramelized morsels. Incorporate Italian seasoning, complementing with salt and pepper for enhanced depth.
  4. Build Creamy Sauce: Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, delicately lifting caramelized remnants. Integrate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Allow mixture to gently simmer, gradually thickening and developing rich, complex flavors.
  5. Unify Dish: Reintroduce seared chicken thighs into sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Permit gentle simmering until chicken reaches precise internal temperature of 165F (75C), allowing sauce to embrace protein completely.
  6. Plate & Embellish: Strategically position chicken, lavishly drizzling remaining sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as final flourish. Accompany with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or verdant steamed vegetables for comprehensive keto-friendly meal.

Notes

  • Choose organic, free-range chicken thighs with skin intact for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Use medium-high heat for initial searing to create a crisp exterior without burning the chicken’s surface.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without curdling the cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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