Keto Rosemary Garlic Chicken with Holiday Pan Sauce features golden roasted chicken simmered in garlic, rosemary, and a rich low-carb pan sauce. This festive keto chicken dish is packed with warm winter flavor, perfect for holiday dinners while staying gluten-free, sugar-free, and keto-friendly.

About This Recipe

This Keto Rosemary Garlic Chicken with Holiday Pan Sauce is a warm, comforting winter meal that delivers classic holiday flavor with simple ingredients and minimal work. The chicken is seared until the skin becomes deeply golden and crispy, then simmered gently with fresh rosemary, garlic, and butter to infuse each bite with rich, aromatic flavor. The pan sauce combines chicken drippings with broth and cream, creating a velvety reduction that feels luxurious without being heavy or high-carb.

Rosemary brings a festive, woodsy aroma synonymous with winter cooking and holiday dinners, while garlic adds depth and homey warmth. Chicken thighs work especially well here thanks to their juiciness and ability to absorb flavor without drying out. As everything simmers together, the chicken becomes tender, and the sauce reduces into a glossy, richly flavored finish that coats each piece beautifully.

This dish is perfect for holiday meals, cozy winter nights, or meal prep when you want something satisfying and elegant but still quick and easy. It pairs wonderfully with cauliflower mash, roasted vegetables, or a simple winter salad. The sauce is designed to be spooned over the chicken just before serving, enhancing the richness and bringing all the flavors together.

Because the ingredients are straightforward and naturally keto-friendly, this recipe is both practical and impressive—ideal for holiday entertaining or weeknight comfort food. With bold rosemary aroma, buttery pan sauce, and golden, garlicky chicken, this recipe brings festive flavor to the table without any carbs or complications.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich rosemary and garlic holiday flavor
Golden, perfectly seared chicken
Luxurious keto-friendly pan sauce
Perfect for holiday dinners
Simple ingredients, big flavor
Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
Works for meal prep or special occasions
Pairs well with keto sides

Ingredients

Chicken

4 bone-in chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Holiday Pan Sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

Extra rosemary
Lemon zest
Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear 5–6 minutes until golden.
Flip chicken and add butter and garlic to the skillet.
Cook 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Add chicken broth, cream, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Spoon pan sauce over the chicken and add optional toppings before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 420
Fat: 31g
Protein: 28g
Net Carbs: 3g

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce simmer time to avoid dryness.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of cream.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes—use 1 teaspoon dried instead of fresh.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—just keep ratios the same.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, reheats very well.

Variations & Substitutions

Add mushrooms to the pan for extra depth
Use thyme instead of rosemary
Add lemon juice for brightness
Swap cream for mascarpone for richer sauce
Add smoked paprika for warmth

Serving Suggestions

Serve over cauliflower mash
Pair with roasted winter vegetables
Add a fresh holiday salad on the side

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