One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso Recipe

Introduction

This One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso is a creamy, cheesy chicken dish bursting with bold southwestern flavors. It’s quick to make and perfect for a low-carb dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort. With tender chicken coated in a rich queso sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1 4-ounce can mild green chiles
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for thinning if needed
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup white American cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set the spice mix aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add cubed chicken to the skillet and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over it. Toss to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Lower heat to low. Add the green chiles, cream cheese, and heavy cream to the skillet. Gradually add shredded pepper jack and white American cheeses in small increments, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Add more heavy cream if needed to reach your desired queso consistency.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat it fully with the queso sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, use diced jalapeños instead of mild green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• Swap out pepper jack for a sharper cheddar if you prefer a stronger cheese flavor.
• If the queso is too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or additional heavy cream.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or with low-carb tortillas for a complete keto-friendly meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much when cold, add a little extra heavy cream or water when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and will add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free keto diet?

This recipe relies heavily on cheese and cream, so it is not dairy-free. For a dairy-free version, you would need to substitute with appropriate dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives, which may change the flavor and texture.

One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

This flavorful One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso is a creamy, cheesy chicken dish perfect for those following a low-carb, keto lifestyle. Tender chicken breast is seasoned with a vibrant blend of chili powder, paprika, and cumin, then cooked in a skillet and combined with a rich queso sauce made from cream cheese, pepper jack, and American cheese, along with mild green chiles for a subtle kick. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste or simplicity.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

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Spices and Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper

Main Ingredients

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 4-ounce can mild green chiles
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more for thinning if needed)
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup white American cheese

Instructions

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside to create a flavorful seasoning blend for the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle evenly with the spice blend. Toss the chicken to coat thoroughly and brown it for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden.
3. Prepare the Queso Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the mild green chiles, softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Gradually add the shredded pepper jack and white American cheese in small increments (about 1/2 cup at a time), stirring continuously as the cheese melts. Add extra heavy cream if needed until the queso reaches your desired creamy consistency.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it evenly in the creamy queso sauce. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors at their best.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, substitute mild green chiles for roasted jalapeños or add extra chili powder.
• Use full-fat cheeses and cream for best keto-friendly results and creamy texture.
• If queso sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more heavy cream to reach your preferred consistency.
• Save time by using pre-cubed chicken breasts or leftover cooked chicken.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables to keep it keto-friendly and balanced.

Keywords: keto chicken recipe, pollo con queso, keto dinner, low carb chicken, creamy chicken queso, skillet dinner