Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

Our Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your diet on track. This easy one-pan dish brings together tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese for a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this cheesy delight in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those hectic nights when time is short.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of buffalo sauce and cream cheese creates a rich flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for added variety.
• Low-Carb Goodness: Perfectly suited for keto diets, this recipe has just 3 grams of carbs per serving.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Colander
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that nice golden crisp on your chicken.
• Colander: This tool is essential for draining excess grease quickly and efficiently before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine the creamy elements smoothly, ensuring a velvety cheese sauce without lumps.

Ingredients

To prepare the Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet, gather the following ingredients:

Protein and Meat

• 12oz chicken breast, diced
• 4 slices Turkey Bacon, diced

Dairy Products

• 2 tablespoon butter
• 4 tablespoon cream cheese
• ½ cup almond milk (or dairy of choice)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (separated in halves)

Seasoning and Sauces

• 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
• ⅓ cup Buffalo Sauce

How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Skillet

Start by preheating a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Turkey Bacon

Add the diced chicken, Turkey Bacon, and ranch seasoning to the skillet:
1. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
2. Ensure there is no pink in the middle of the chicken.

Step 3: Drain Grease

After cooking, use a colander to drain any excess grease from the skillet:
1. Set aside the cooked chicken and Turkey Bacon.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Sauce

Reduce heat to low and return the skillet to the burner:
1. Add butter, cream cheese, and almond milk.
2. Whisk until everything is melted and fully combined.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese:
1. Continue whisking until melted.
2. Gradually increase heat until the sauce just bubbles—then reduce to simmer.

Step 6: Combine Chicken Mixture

Return the cooked chicken and Turkey Bacon to the skillet:
1. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 7: Drizzle with Buffalo Sauce

Drizzle buffalo wing sauce all over the mixture:
1. Top with remaining cheese or parmesan if desired.

Step 8: Simmer

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes:
1. For an optional crispy topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes after simmering.

Enjoy your delicious Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet!

How to Serve Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

Serving your Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet can elevate your dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Consider these creative serving suggestions to enhance flavors and presentation.

On a Bed of Greens

• Use fresh spinach or mixed greens as a base for your skillet. The crispness of the greens adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

With Cauliflower Rice

• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. This pairing absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.

Topped with Avocado

• Add sliced avocado on top for a creamy texture. This not only enhances the taste but also adds healthy fats to your meal.

With Celery Sticks

• Offer crunchy celery sticks on the side. They provide a great texture contrast and are perfect for dipping into any extra buffalo sauce.

How to Perfect Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

To ensure your Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and cheese will enhance the flavor and overall quality of your dish.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Keep an eye on your skillet heat to avoid burning the cream cheese. Low and slow is best!
• Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less buffalo sauce according to your spice preference. This way, you can tailor the heat level to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

Pairing side dishes with your Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet can create a balanced meal. Here are some wonderful options that complement this dish well.

1. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed or raw, these noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative that soaks up sauces.
2. Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli in olive oil and roast until crispy for a nutritious side that adds crunch.
3. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake: A rich and creamy baked cauliflower dish that pairs beautifully with buffalo flavors.
4. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A smooth, creamy mash that provides comfort without excess carbs.
5. Keto Coleslaw: A tangy slaw made with cabbage and low-carb dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with cheese and spices, these peppers add color and nutrients while being keto-friendly.
7. Creamed Spinach: Rich and savory, this side dish complements the flavors of the skillet perfectly.
8. Avocado Salad: A simple salad with diced avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers brightness alongside your hearty main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet, there are a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese or butter can lead to lumps in your sauce. Always let these ingredients sit at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Skipping the Grease Drain: Not draining the grease from the Turkey Bacon can make your dish overly greasy. Use a colander to drain excess fat before combining with other ingredients.
• Overcooking Chicken: Cooking the chicken beyond 165°F makes it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure juicy chicken pieces.
• Not Whisking Enough: Failing to whisk the cheese sauce thoroughly can result in clumps and an uneven texture. Keep whisking until everything is smoothly combined.
• Ignoring Cheese Melting Tips: Adding all the cheese at once may cause it to seize up. Gradually add cheese while whisking over low heat for a creamy sauce.
• Forgetting the Simmer Step: Skipping the simmer after adding Buffalo sauce can mean missing out on flavor absorption. Allow it to simmer covered for full flavor development.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

• Place in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet:

What is a Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet?

The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a one-pan meal featuring diced chicken breast, Turkey Bacon, cream cheese, and flavorful buffalo sauce, perfect for a quick dinner.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves four people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.

Can I substitute other meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can use beef, lamb, or turkey instead of chicken if desired; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet stores well and can be reheated for easy meals throughout the week.

How spicy is the buffalo sauce?

The spiciness of buffalo sauce varies by brand. You can adjust the amount used based on your spice tolerance or opt for a milder version if needed.

Can I customize this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor variations!

Final Thoughts

The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. Customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try today!