This One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It combines tender chicken with zesty green chilies and cheese, all cooked together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. This dish is designed for ease and exceptional taste, fitting perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 | Easy | American |
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients
- Great flavor
- Easy method
- Family-friendly

Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious one-pan meal.
- Unsalted butter
- Minced garlic
- Jalapeno
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Canned diced green chilies
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Onion powder
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Optional garnishes
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing. |
| Minced garlic | 1 tablespoon | Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor. |
| Jalapeno | 1 | Seeded and chopped. Adjust amount for spice preference. |
| Unsweetened almond milk | 1 cup | Ensure it’s unsweetened for keto. |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup | Adds richness and creamy texture. |
| Cream cheese | 3 ounces | Softened for easy blending. |
| Canned diced green chilies | 4 ounces | Use the liquid from the can. |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon | For a hint of warm spice. |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | Adds earthy depth. |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances savory notes. |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | For melting into the sauce. |
| Shredded cooked chicken | 5 cups | Rotisserie chicken works well. |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup | For topping before simmering. |
| Green onions | For garnish | Optional, chopped. |
| Jalapeno slices | For garnish | Optional, for extra heat. |
| Avocado | For garnish | Optional, sliced or diced. |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Make this recipe your own with these simple ingredient swaps.
- Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even diced chicken breast cooked separately.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsweetened coconut milk for almond milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese blend for the best results.
- Spice Level: For more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeno.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can be used instead of cheddar.
How to Make One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeno to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the almond milk, heavy cream, and add the cream cheese.
- Stir in the undrained canned green chilies, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Whisk the mixture constantly until it becomes smooth and the cream cheese and cheddar cheese have completely melted.
- Add the 5 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, additional jalapeno slices, or avocado if desired before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Control cooking time carefully to prevent overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before simmering; add more spices or salt if needed.
- Use fresh ingredients when possible, especially for garlic and jalapenos, for the best flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using sweetened almond milk: This will add unwanted sugar and disrupt the keto balance of the dish. Always choose unsweetened varieties.
- Overcooking the sauce: Simmering the sauce on too high a heat can cause it to break or become greasy. Keep the heat low and covered to gently meld flavors.
- Not seeding the jalapeno: Leaving seeds and membranes in the jalapeno will make the dish significantly spicier. Seed and de-membrane carefully if you prefer milder heat.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in some wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrients and texture.
- Spice it up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot as is for a low-carb meal.
- Enjoy with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.
- Top with extra cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of guacamole for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. |
| Reheating | Microwave or Stovetop | Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Add a splash of almond milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 450-550 per serving (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size) |
| Net Carbs | Approx. 5-8g per serving |
| Protein | Approx. 35-45g per serving |
| Fat | Approx. 30-40g per serving |
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. The flavors often meld even better overnight.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken is a winner for busy days. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and fits perfectly into a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal fuss!
PrintOne Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
A creamy, zesty, and easy-to-make one-pan meal combining tender chicken, green chilies, and melted cheese for a family-friendly keto recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dish with minimal cleanup and bold American flavors.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 seeded and chopped jalapeno
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 ounces softened cream cheese
4 ounces canned diced green chilies (with liquid)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat
Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeno, sauté 2-3 minutes
Mix in green chilies (with liquid), chili powder, cumin, and onion powder
Whisk in unsweetened almond milk and heavy cream
Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and combined
Blend in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 5 cups shredded chicken
Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened
Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top, then bake 8-10 minutes until golden
Garnish with green onions before serving
Notes
Use low-sodium canned chilies if available
Rotisserie chicken works well for shredded chicken
Adjust jalapeno amount for desired spice level
Baking can be skipped for stove-top cooking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken mixture
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg