One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken

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 TimeCook TimeTotal TimeServingsDifficultyCuisine
10 minutes20 minutes30 minutes4EasyAmerican

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple ingredients
  • Great flavor
  • Easy method
  • Family-friendly
One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken

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
IngredientQuantityNotes
Unsalted butter1 tablespoonFor sautéing.
Minced garlic1 tablespoonFresh minced garlic adds the best flavor.
Jalapeno1Seeded and chopped. Adjust amount for spice preference.
Unsweetened almond milk1 cupEnsure it’s unsweetened for keto.
Heavy cream1/4 cupAdds richness and creamy texture.
Cream cheese3 ouncesSoftened for easy blending.
Canned diced green chilies4 ouncesUse the liquid from the can.
Chili powder1 teaspoonFor a hint of warm spice.
Ground cumin1 teaspoonAdds earthy depth.
Onion powder1/2 teaspoonEnhances savory notes.
Shredded cheddar cheese1 cupFor melting into the sauce.
Shredded cooked chicken5 cupsRotisserie chicken works well.
Shredded cheddar cheese1/2 cupFor topping before simmering.
Green onionsFor garnishOptional, chopped.
Jalapeno slicesFor garnishOptional, for extra heat.
AvocadoFor garnishOptional, 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

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeno to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the almond milk, heavy cream, and add the cream cheese.
  4. Stir in the undrained canned green chilies, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Whisk the mixture constantly until it becomes smooth and the cream cheese and cheddar cheese have completely melted.
  6. Add the 5 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken

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

MethodDurationInstructions
Refrigerator3-4 daysStore cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FreezerUp to 1 monthFreeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
ReheatingMicrowave or StovetopGently 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

NutrientAmount
CaloriesApprox. 450-550 per serving (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
Net CarbsApprox. 5-8g per serving
ProteinApprox. 35-45g per serving
FatApprox. 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!

Print

One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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.

  • Author: basma
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Keto, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Scale

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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star