Picture this: juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, smothered in melty cheese and packed with bold Mexican flavors—all in one pan! This Cheesy Keto Mexican Chicken Skillet is the ultimate comfort food without the carbs. It’s rich, hearty, and ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, you’re going to want to put this one on repeat!
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, whipping up a quick family dinner, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. One skillet, a handful of simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes later—you’ve got a dinner that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile – Perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the pan!
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with just one skillet.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- Keto & Low-Carb – A delicious, satisfying meal that fits your macros.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Chicken Breasts – The star of the show! Tender and juicy, they soak up all the bold Mexican spices.
Cheese – Melty, gooey cheese is what takes this dish to the next level. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the perfect balance of flavor.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – Adds a pop of freshness and a little heat.
Bell Peppers – A colorful, crunchy contrast that complements the cheesy goodness.
Onion & Garlic – These aromatics build a deep, savory flavor base.
Taco Seasoning – A mix of smoky, spicy, and herby goodness that gives the chicken its bold Mexican kick.
Heavy Cream – Adds a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the dish.
Olive Oil – Helps everything cook up perfectly while adding a hint of richness.
Fresh Cilantro – A bright, herby finish that brings everything together.
Optional Toppings – Avocado slices, sour cream, or extra cheese for an indulgent touch.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts, seasoning with taco seasoning. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through.
Add the Tomatoes & Cream: Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies and heavy cream, letting the flavors meld together.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken, cover the skillet, and let it melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings you love. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Keto Mexican Chicken Skillet
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
- Over Cauliflower Rice – Keeps it keto-friendly while soaking up all that creamy sauce.
- In Lettuce Wraps – A fresh, crunchy alternative to tortillas.
- With Roasted Veggies – A colorful, nutrient-packed side.
- Topped with Guacamole or Avocado – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- With a Side of Sour Cream or Salsa – A tangy contrast to the rich flavors.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
- Swap the Cheese: Try pepper jack or a smoky gouda for a fun twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: How can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Cook it fully, let it cool, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: What’s the best cheese to use?
A4: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is great, but you can mix in pepper jack for extra heat!
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Q6: How do I lower the sodium content?
A6: Use a homemade taco seasoning and low-sodium canned tomatoes.
Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all work well.
Q8: Can I serve this with regular rice or tortillas?
A8: Yes! If you’re not strictly keto, serve it with warm tortillas or fluffy rice.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A9: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts.
Q10: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cheese before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Keto Mexican Chicken Skillet is a game-changer—big on flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a cozy, comforting meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it out, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Keto Mexican Chicken Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Keto Mexican Cheesy Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, low-carb dinner loaded with cheesy goodness and bold spices. Made in just one pan, this easy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with high-protein chicken, melted cheese, and zesty Mexican flavors, it’s ideal for those looking for Healthy Homemade Recipes, Healthy Dinner Recipes, and Quick Dinner Ideas.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or Rotel)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced avocado, if using.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas for a complete keto-friendly meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg