Keto Chicken Lombardy (Creamy, Low-Carb & Family-Friendly Dinner)

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On nights when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy for anything complicated, this Chicken Lombardy recipe is a good one to have in your back pocket. It’s creamy, low-carb, and made to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Keto Chicken Lombardy on a white plate with melted cheese and mushrooms

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Update Note:

I’ve made a small update to the cooking method to help ensure extra tender chicken, especially with today’s leaner cuts. The ingredients and flavor you love are unchanged.

I saw a recipe video online for Chicken Lombardy that looked amazing. Although it wasn’t keto-friendly, I knew it could be a fabulous keto dish with a couple of tweaks. Even though I’m not too fond of actual mushrooms, I do like mushroom-flavored gravy and mushroom-flavored sauces. However, you can bet your bottom dollar I will pick out every stinking mushroom before taking one bite. (I might be a tad bit picky.)

Chicken Lombardy is sometimes called creamy chicken Lombardy or baked chicken Lombardy and is known for its rich mushroom-cream sauce and melted cheese topping. However you name it, this version is a low-carb, keto-friendly chicken dinner that feels comforting and doable for busy weeknights.

For more easy low-carb chicken dinners, browse my full collection of chicken recipes.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts – Use thinly cut, boneless, skinless chicken breasts so they cook quickly and don’t dry out.
  • Heavy whipping cream – This is what makes the sauce creamy and comforting without adding carbs.
  • Chicken broth – Chicken broth gives the sauce that savory, cozy flavor and keeps everything from feeling heavy.
  • Xanthan gum – This is just to help the sauce thicken; you can leave it out if you want it a little thinner.
  • Grated Cheeses –I always grate my own cheese because it melts better and makes the sauce smoother.
  • Mushrooms – The mushrooms add a lot of flavor to the sauce, even if you’re the type who picks them out like I am.
  • Butter Butter adds richness and helps everything cook up just right.
  • Seasonings, Onion, & Garlic –These are simple, but they’re what make this dish actually taste good.

mushrooms and onions in a cast iron skillet sautéing for keto chicken lombardy recipe

How to make this KETO CHICKEN LOMBARDY RECIPE

Step 1: Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet. Sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and onions over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. The onions should be translucent, and the mushrooms tender. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.

chicken cutlets being seared in a cast iron skillet in preparation for low carb meal

Step 2: Melt butter in the same cast-iron skillet. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. Do not cook the chicken through. It will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: After removing the chicken, return the mushroom mixture to the cast-iron skillet. Add the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously. 

Step 4: Turn the burner off and sprinkle the xanthan gum on top (optional). Allow the sauce to thicken. This should only take five to 10 minutes. It will still be a little bit broth-y. 

Chicken in a casserole dish with creamy mushroom sauce being poured over, ready to bake for a Keto Chicken Lombardy recipe

Step 5: Once it has reached the desired thickness, spoon the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish. 

parmesan and mozzarella sprinkled over the chicken lombardy mixture

Step 6: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the chicken, then the mozzarella. Top with Italian seasoning.

Cover loosely with foil and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F. For a more golden top, move the dish to the top rack and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

Close-up of fresh out of the oven Keto Chicken Lombardy being scooped by a spatula, showing melted cheese and mushrooms

 Tip: For tender chicken, avoid over-searing it in the skillet. It should be lightly browned but not cooked through before baking.

FAQ’S

How do I know which chicken to buy?

When making this keto Chicken Lombardy recipe, you will want thinly sliced chicken breasts. They will need to be lightly browned in the skillet and then finished gently in the oven. Thicker pieces will take longer to bake. If you can find thin chicken cutlets, that is ideal. However, if you cannot, here are three other options.

  1. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into two pieces. 
  2. Use a meat mallet to pound and thin them out. You want them to be about ¼-inch thick. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent chicken juice from splattering everywhere. 
  3. If you don’t mind the thicker cuts, you can use thighs, breast tenderloins, or any other cut of chicken. You will need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness. Thicker cuts may benefit from a longer bake at a lower temperature to stay tender.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent option for this recipe and tend to stay extra tender. If using thighs, sear them just until lightly browned, then bake uncovered at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, and broil briefly at the end if needed for color.

Can I use olive oil in place of butter?

Yes. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil you would like. However, I like the rich, silky quality butter adds to this dish.

Can I make Chicken Lombardy ahead of time?

This is great right out of the oven, but it also makes good leftovers. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently in the microwave or oven so the chicken stays tender and the sauce doesn’t separate.

Why did my chicken turn out tough?

Chicken usually turns out tough when it’s overcooked, which can happen if it’s seared too long in the skillet or baked at too high a temperature for too long. That’s why this recipe lightly browns the chicken first, then finishes it gently in the oven so it stays tender and juicy. Using thinner cutlets or chicken thighs also makes a big difference.

This dish is comforting, filling, and simple enough for busy nights. I never imagined I would love this Keto Chicken Lombardy as much as I do, but it tastes restaurant-quality without all the effort.

easy keto chicken lombardy on a silver fork with a plate full of the recipe in the background

What do I serve with it?

We usually serve this with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts, and a simple salad on the side. Nothing fancy, just enough to round out the meal.

Other Easy Keto Chicken Recipes

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4.46 from 24 votes

Chicken Lombardy {Keto / Low Carb}

This Chicken Lombardy is creamy, comforting, and family-friendly while still being keto and low-carb. The chicken is lightly seared, finished gently in the oven, and covered in a rich mushroom cream sauce with melted cheese for a restaurant-style dinner that works on busy nights.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Keto Chicken Lombardy, Low Carb Chicken Lombardy
Servings: 6
Calories: 375kcal
Author: Kasey Trenum

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
  • Sauté for 8–10 minutes, until mushrooms are very tender and onions are translucent.
  • Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
  • Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden.
  • Do not cook through.
  • Transfer chicken to the prepared casserole dish.
  • Return the mushroom mixture to the skillet.
  • Add chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet while as you stir
  • Turn off the heat. Sprinkle xanthan gum evenly over the sauce, if using.
  • Let the sauce thicken for 5–10 minutes.
  • Spoon sauce evenly over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chicken, then top with mozzarella.
  • Finish with Italian seasoning.
  • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove foil and continue baking for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F.
  • For a golden top, move the dish to the top rack and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  • Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Video

Notes

Chicken Thigh Variation
You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
  • Use 2½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Sear 2 minutes per side (they brown quickly)
  • Bake uncovered at 400°F for 20–22 minutes
  • Broil only if additional browning is desired
Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.
Additional Tips:
  • Avoid over-searing the chicken. It will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Xanthan gum is optional and does not affect flavor.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g
Tried this recipe?Mention @kaseytrenumblogger or tag #kaseytrenumblogger!

Collage of Keto Chicken Lombardy: top image close-up in a pan with a spatula, bottom image close-up on a plate, separated by a yellow banner with blue letters

48 Comments

  1. This sounds so yummy! Could I make it without the xanthan gum? I’m new to the keto lifestyle. Are there any other keto friendly substitutes I could use to thicken the sauce?

    1. Glucommanin will thicken the same way. Also cream cheese if you’re looking to use simple ingredients

  2. Made this for supper tonight and it was delicious! Happy to have some leftovers for the next couple of days since I’m the only mushroom eater in my family. Thanks for a great recipe!

  3. I made this tonight and the entire family loved it!! I am the only one in family who likes mushrooms so I used large portabella slices. It allowed family to pick it out. Wonderful recipe that I’m sharing with several friends. Thank you.

  4. I don’t have a cast iron skillet – just a big ol’ non-stick kind! I’m assuming that’s ok?? Because I would really like to make this! Thanks! Signed, Not Very Savvy In The Kitchen ?

  5. My sauce did not thicken at all. Is the measurement correct for the xanthan gum? Doesn’t seem like an eighth of teaspoon for that much liquid could be accurate.

    1. It isn’t supposed to get super thick. It should still be broth like. You don’t want to use a lot of Xanthan Gum or it would thicken up too much.

  6. Will give this a try, love your recipes. I just made the Keto Fried Cabbage with Bacon…Smells so good.

  7. We made this tonight. So good. Before I started this WOE I had this dish. I ate it tonight. Thanks because it was good.

  8. I made this last night. It was fantastic. Thank you so much for your recipes. Everything has been fabulous.

4.46 from 24 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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