If you’re on a low-carb kick and looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes—quick, creamy, a little spicy, and barely dirties a dish—One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken is the weeknight dinner you’ve been dreaming about. This dish wraps up everything you love about comfort food into a keto-friendly skillet meal that’s done in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re juggling after-school chaos, back-to-back meetings, or just don’t feel like turning on the oven, this one’s for you. Plus, with only 3.6 net carbs per serving, this One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken doesn’t just keep things simple—it keeps things seriously low-carb and delicious.
Table of Contents
What is One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken?
Let’s break it down. One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken is a creamy, cheesy chicken skillet dish that blends spicy green chilis, cream cheese, and shredded chicken into a low-carb casserole-like meal. It’s got all the goodness of a Tex-Mex comfort dish but skips the tortillas, rice, and heavy carbs.
The best part? It all comes together in one skillet—no oven, no multiple pots, no 45-minute bake time. It’s the kind of meal that makes keto feel anything but restrictive. If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken (or meal-prepped shredded chicken), this dish practically makes itself. Think creamy queso vibes with a touch of spice and loads of flavor—minus the guilt.
Reasons to Try One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
Alright, let’s be real. Keto meals can sometimes feel like they’re missing something—usually carbs. But this One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken? It’s satisfying in that cozy, “I just ate something really good” kind of way. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you just want dinner to be effortless and still have everyone at the table say “Mmm, what is this?” It’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy fats and protein without anyone feeling like they’re on a diet.
Oh, and did I mention it’s less than 4 net carbs per serving? You can also use it as a filling for wraps, over cauliflower rice, or even tucked into a low-carb tortilla. Whether you’re keto-curious or a seasoned low-carb pro, this one’s a win.
Ingredients Needed to Make One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and chopped)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilis (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions to Make One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
Ready to whip up a delicious, low-carb dinner that comes together fast and with minimal cleanup? Follow this step by step guide to make One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken from scratch, even on your busiest weeknight. Each step is detailed, approachable, and packed with tips to help you feel confident in the kitchen. Let’s do this!
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Jalapeño in Butter
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted and begins to sizzle, toss in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 chopped, seeded jalapeño. Stir frequently and let them cook for about 30 seconds. This brief sauté releases the aromatic oils from the garlic and softens the jalapeño, setting the flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
Pro Tip: Not a fan of spice? You can reduce the heat by using just half a jalapeño or substituting it with a small amount of green bell pepper. If you love spice, leave the seeds in! For more tips on adjusting heat levels, check out our guide on spicy ingredient swaps.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Green Chili Sauce
Once your aromatics are fragrant, slowly pour in 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine. Next, add 3 ounces of cream cheese, one 4-ounce can of undrained green chilis, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
Whisk continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes velvety smooth. This is where all the flavor comes together in a rich, slightly spicy queso-like base that clings perfectly to the chicken.
If you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives, head to our ingredient substitution guide to find suitable swaps for cream cheese and heavy cream that still keep things keto.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
When the sauce is smooth and bubbling slightly, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce reaches an ultra-creamy consistency.
At this stage, the sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more almond milk to loosen it up without affecting the flavor or carb count.
For more ooey-gooey ideas, check out our reader-favorite Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos—another keto-friendly recipe that celebrates cheese in all its melty glory.
Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken
Now it’s time to bring in the protein! Stir in 5 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken, making sure each piece is well coated in the luscious sauce. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, this step is basically a dinner-saving hack.
Distribute the chicken evenly through the skillet, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Not sure how to shred chicken quickly? Learn our easy shredding hacks using a stand mixer or two forks for perfectly pulled chicken every time.
Step 5: Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld
Turn the heat down to low, cover your skillet, and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. This step is crucial—it gives the flavors a chance to marry, the chicken to soak up that creamy goodness, and the cheese topping to melt into a bubbly, golden layer of bliss.
You can check occasionally to stir or adjust heat if needed, but resist the urge to rush this part. Trust us, it’s worth it.
If you love letting flavors develop low and slow, you might also enjoy our Butternut White Chicken Chili—a cozy bowl with equally rich textures.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After 10 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with your favorite toppings—chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices add extra freshness and texture.
Scoop generous portions into bowls, serve over cauliflower rice, tuck it into low-carb tortillas, or enjoy it as-is for a satisfying meal with just 3.6 net carbs per serving.
Looking for creative ways to use leftovers? This dish is perfect for keto wraps or salad bowls. Pair it with our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (just skip the noodles if you’re low carb) for a double batch of flavor.
What to Serve with One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
This recipe is so flavorful and filling that you can eat it all by its lonesome and be perfectly happy. But if you’re looking to round out your plate, try pairing it with a side of sautéed zucchini, cauliflower rice, or roasted broccoli. It also works beautifully as a filling in low-carb tortillas for quick tacos. Need soup on the side? A bowl of our Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup would hit the spot. Want to keep it light? A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Key Tips for Making One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time—seriously, it’s a game-changer.
- Don’t skip the green chilis—they’re mild but pack in loads of flavor.
- Add extra jalapeño if you like it spicy—or skip it altogether if you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks.
- If your sauce looks too thick, a splash more almond milk will loosen it up nicely.
- Want a crispy top? Pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips for One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave—just cover it to avoid splatters. If you’re more of a stovetop reheater, just toss it back in the skillet over low heat with a splash of almond milk or cream to loosen it up. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove. It makes a great meal-prep option for busy weeks!
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. This is a judgment-free kitchen. Use what you’ve got—just make sure it’s shredded and not overly salty.
Is this dish spicy?
Mild to medium, thanks to the green chilis and jalapeño. You can dial the heat up or down depending on your preference.
Can I swap out almond milk?
Yes, coconut milk or regular milk (if you’re not strictly keto) works too—just be mindful of carb counts.
Can I make this dairy-free?
It’s tricky, but possible with dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be comforting.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Totally. Great for using up holiday leftovers.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken is that dreamy mix of bold flavor and minimal effort. It’s quick, low-carb, and ridiculously creamy—all while being made in just one skillet. Whether you’re deep in your keto journey or just looking for an easy dinner that pleases a crowd, this dish is here to rescue your weeknight routine. Looking for more cozy low-carb ideas? You’ll love our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken too. Your skillet’s calling—don’t leave it hanging.
Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.
Print
One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken – Fast, Cheesy & Low Carb
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken is the ultimate cheesy low carb casserole! At under 4 net carbs per serving this will be a weekly staple on your keto diet!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1 (4 ounce) can green chilis
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add the garlic and jalapeno, and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add almond milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, undrained green chilis, spices, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Whisk mixture until it is smooth and the cheese has melted.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and top with the remaining cheddar. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions, additional jalapeno slices, or avocado.
Notes
Use leftovers for wraps, salads, and easy recipes like this.
This is an easy one-pan recipe that contains just 2 net carbs per serving!
Net carbs are 3.6 g per serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Sodium: 346mg
- Fat: 22.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4.1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28.4g
