Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Chicken Lombardy recipe is an absolute game-changer, proving that incredible flavor and simple preparation can go hand-in-hand. Imagine tender chicken breasts, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, adorned with savory mushrooms and crispy bacon, all brought together with a medley of cheeses. The best part? It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s incredibly easy to make, even on your busiest evenings, and it’s completely low-carb and keto-friendly. Even the pickiest eaters, including kids, will be asking for seconds!
Unveiling Chicken Lombardy: A Restaurant Classic Made Healthy
For many, Chicken Lombardy is a beloved dish often enjoyed at popular Italian-American restaurants like Olive Garden. Traditionally, it features pan-seared chicken breasts draped in a luxurious, creamy marsala wine sauce, topped generously with melted cheeses. It’s known for its comforting richness and complex flavors, making it a go-to choice for a satisfying dinner. However, the restaurant version often comes with a significant carb count, primarily from the marsala wine and sometimes from flour-based thickeners.
Our mission was to capture that irresistible restaurant quality and bring it straight to your kitchen, but with a conscious twist. This homemade version of Chicken Lombardy not only replicates the incredible taste but also significantly cuts down on carbs, making it suitable for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to ensure you don’t have to compromise on flavor, richness, or satisfaction while maintaining your health goals. It’s a culinary hack that transforms a classic indulgence into a guilt-free pleasure, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and accessible.
The Secret to a Low-Carb Sauce: Ditching the Marsala
The biggest challenge in making a keto-friendly Chicken Lombardy lies in the sauce. Traditional recipes rely heavily on Marsala cooking wine, which, while delicious, packs about 4g net carbs per serving. To create a truly low-carb rendition without sacrificing the depth of flavor, we’ve opted for a strategic substitution: a dry white cooking wine. This allows us to maintain that essential wine character and acidity without the carb load. If you’re looking to reduce carbs even further, you can adjust the ratio, using more chicken broth and less white cooking wine, creating a versatile base that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese.
Beyond the wine, the key to a truly luscious and thick sauce without the carbs often found in flour is xanthan gum. This powerful low-carb thickener creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and mushrooms, mimicking the consistency of traditional gravy without any added starches. It’s a game-changer for keto cooking, ensuring your sauce is perfectly rich and satisfying. Simply sprinkle it in gradually while whisking to achieve your desired thickness, avoiding clumps and ensuring a smooth finish.
A Keto Chicken Dinner That Delights the Whole Family
This recipe isn’t just low-carb; it’s a family-friendly powerhouse. Its one-skillet preparation makes cleanup a breeze, a major win on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese is inherently appealing to all ages. Plus, it offers a fantastic opportunity to sneak in extra vegetables, effortlessly boosting the nutritional profile of your meal.
Fresh spinach, for example, is an ideal addition. It wilts down beautifully into the creamy sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors, and its mild taste is often undetectable to even the most discerning palates. But don’t stop there! Consider adding other low-carb vegetables like asparagus spears, broccoli florets, or even thinly sliced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking for added color, texture, and nutrients.
And let’s not forget the bacon! While completely optional, incorporating crispy bacon bits is highly recommended. Not only does it add an incredible smoky depth to the sauce, enhancing its richness, but it also provides a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire dish. Plus, who can resist the allure of bacon? It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, transforming a simple chicken dish into a truly gourmet experience.
For those who enjoy a little kick, feel free to personalize your Lombardy. A pinch of Cajun seasoning or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth and a touch of heat, adding another layer of complexity to this already fantastic dish. Experiment with your favorite spices to tailor the flavor profile to your preference.
Effortless & Nutritious: The Beauty of Low-Carb Chicken Lombardy
This Simple Chicken Lombardy (Low-Carb/Keto) stands out as an incredibly easy and efficient recipe, making it a perfect solution for those hectic weekday evenings when time is a precious commodity. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes of cook time in the oven, plus a short prep time, allowing you to get a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table without stress. Its straightforward nature means you don’t need to be an experienced chef to achieve remarkable results.
One of the most appealing aspects of this Chicken Lombardy recipe, especially for those mindful of their carb intake, is its impressive nutritional profile. Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the butter and cheeses, each serving remarkably contains only 2g net carbs. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, allowing you to indulge in a rich, flavorful meal without derailing your dietary progress. It’s a testament to how satisfying and delicious healthy eating can be.
Mastering the Sauce: The Xanthan Gum Advantage
As mentioned, the secret to achieving that perfect, luscious sauce without the carb load of traditional thickeners like flour or cornstarch is xanthan gum. This incredible ingredient is a staple in low-carb cooking for a reason. Unlike flour, which is primarily carbohydrates, xanthan gum is a powerful thickener that provides a smooth, glossy consistency with only a minuscule amount needed and virtually zero net carbs. When incorporating it, remember to sprinkle it in gradually while continuously whisking. This technique prevents clumping and ensures your sauce achieves a beautifully even, velvety texture that coats the chicken and mushrooms flawlessly. It truly gives the sauce a gourmet feel, making your homemade Lombardy taste as though it came from a fine dining restaurant.
What to Serve Alongside Your Chicken Lombardy
Pairing this delicious Low-Carb Chicken Lombardy with appropriate side dishes can elevate your meal into a truly complete and satisfying experience, all while keeping it keto-friendly. The versatility of this dish allows for numerous low-carb options, ensuring there’s always something to complement its rich flavors.
For the simplest and quickest solution, a side of steamed vegetables is always a winner. Options like vibrant green beans, tender broccoli, or crisp asparagus spears offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken and can be prepared in minutes. This is often my go-to choice when I’m pressed for time but still want a balanced meal.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier that still aligns with your low-carb goals, consider these fantastic alternatives:
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice: A flavorful and satisfying substitute for traditional rice, this dish is seasoned with aromatic garlic and rich butter, perfectly soaking up the creamy Lombardy sauce.
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: For those craving a comforting, creamy side, mashed cauliflower is an excellent choice. It offers a similar texture to mashed potatoes but without the carbs, and it pairs wonderfully with rich sauces.
For pasta lovers missing their favorite carb, palmini noodles are a revolutionary alternative. Made from heart of palm, these noodles are incredibly low in carbs and mimic the texture of traditional pasta, allowing you to enjoy a “pasta” dish alongside your Chicken Lombardy without any guilt. They are virtually carb-free and readily available in most grocery stores.
And to truly complete the Italian-inspired experience, you can never go wrong with some homemade keto garlic knots. These flavorful, buttery knots are always a huge hit, especially with my kids who request them with almost every meal! They’re perfect for sopping up every last drop of that delectable creamy sauce.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different side dishes to discover your perfect pairing. Whether it’s a simple green salad with a keto-friendly dressing, some sautéed green beans, or any of the above suggestions, you’re sure to create a balanced and memorable meal.
Easy Keto Chicken Lombardy Recipe
This recipe brings together simple ingredients for spectacular flavor with minimal effort. Here’s everything you need to recreate this low-carb restaurant favorite at home. The instructions are designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Simple Chicken Lombardy (Low-Carb/Keto)
This chicken lombardy recipe is as delicious as it is easy! It’s a one skillet recipe with bacon that kids love too!
Course
dinner
Keyword
chicken lombardy
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
35
minutes
Total Time
45
minutes
Servings
4
people
Calories
385
kcal
Ingredients
-
4
Chicken Breasts
boneless/skinless -
4
tbsp
Butter
unsalted -
8
ounces
Mushrooms
sliced -
2
tsp
Garlic
minced -
1/2
cup
White Cooking Wine -
1/3
cup
Chicken Broth -
1/2
tsp
Xanthan Gum -
1/2
cup
Mozzarella Cheese
shredded -
1/4
cup
Parmesan Cheese
grated -
3
strips
Bacon
cooked and crumbled -
Salt and Pepper
to taste -
Green Onion
for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is ready for the final baking step, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
-
In an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully), add 2 tablespoons of butter and place it over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt and slightly foam, indicating it’s ready for the chicken.
Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the heated skillet. Sauté the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
-
To the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and have released their moisture. Remove the sautéed mushrooms and set them aside with the chicken.
-
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
-
Pour in the white cooking wine and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor to your sauce). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
-
Gradually sprinkle the xanthan gum into the simmering sauce, a little at a time, while continuously whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This may take a minute or two.
-
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken breasts and sautéed mushrooms to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure all the chicken and mushrooms are well coated with the creamy sauce.
-
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and mushrooms in the skillet. Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
-
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled bacon before serving hot. Enjoy your homemade, low-carb Chicken Lombardy!
Recipe Notes
Calories: Approximately 385 Kcal Per Serving
Net Carbs: Approximately 2 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site, as variations in ingredients and preparation methods can affect totals.
Pin this delicious recipe for later so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes!
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More Keto Chicken Breast Recipe Ideas for Meal Prep
If you loved the ease and flavor of this Keto Chicken Lombardy, you’ll be thrilled to discover even more chicken recipes that are perfect for meal prepping. These dishes are not only simple to make but also packed with flavor, ensuring you stay on track with your low-carb lifestyle without getting bored. Here are some of my top recommendations to keep your meal rotation exciting and delicious:
- Keto Chicken And Dumplings: A comforting classic reimagined for a low-carb diet. This hearty dish offers all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional chicken and dumplings without the carb guilt. Perfect for a cozy evening.
- Keto Lasagna Stuffed Chicken: Indulge in the rich flavors of lasagna, ingeniously stuffed into tender chicken breasts. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors in a healthy, low-carb format that’s also great for making ahead.
- Easy Keto Chicken Piccata: A bright and zesty dish featuring tender chicken in a caper and lemon butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare, elegant enough for guests, and incredibly flavorful, making it a versatile addition to your keto meal plan.
These recipes demonstrate that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. Each dish is designed to be as enjoyable as it is nutritious, helping you effortlessly maintain a low-carb lifestyle. Explore these options and discover new favorites that will quickly become staples in your kitchen!