Creamy Keto Pollo Con Queso is a rich, satisfying low-carb skillet meal that brings together tender chunks of seasoned chicken breast and a velvety cheese sauce. Bursting with bold flavors and made with wholesome, keto-approved ingredients, this dish offers a hearty, comforting option for busy weeknights or satisfying low-carb lunches. It’s everything you love about Tex-Mex-inspired comfort food—without the carbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Keto Pollo Con Queso is not only delicious but also practical for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Low in carbs, high in healthy fats and protein
- Creamy and cheesy with just the right kick of spice
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
- Requires only one skillet, minimizing cleanup
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green chiles
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Season the chicken cubes with chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green chiles, and cumin. Stir frequently until everything is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to fully coat it in the queso sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Different Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or ground turkey for a variation on the classic.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and volume.
- Queso Blanco Style: Use Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese instead of traditional cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon Boost: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for added texture and smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Is this recipe suitable for a strict keto diet?
Yes, the ingredients are all low in carbohydrates and high in fats, making it ideal for a strict ketogenic diet.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken. Simply dice and add it to the sauce after it has been prepared.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is preferred for its bold flavor, but mild cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheeses can also be used.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs add more fat and flavor and are equally suitable for this recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild to moderate. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or green chiles.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives and cheese substitutes, though the texture and flavor will differ.
Can I serve this with a side dish?
Yes, serve it with cauliflower rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete low-carb meal.
How do I keep the cheese sauce from separating?
Use gentle heat and stir frequently. Avoid high heat which can cause the cheese to break and become oily.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, this recipe stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prepping lunches or dinners in advance.
What do I do if the sauce is too thick?
Thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or extra heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.
Conclusion
Creamy Keto Pollo Con Queso offers everything you want in a low-carb comfort food: bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying protein. This one-skillet dish is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet rich enough to satisfy cravings. Whether you’re fully committed to keto or simply looking for a delicious gluten-free chicken recipe, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
PrintCreamy Keto Pollo Con Queso
A low-carb, high-flavor skillet dish loaded with tender seasoned chicken breast chunks smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This keto-friendly comfort meal is both satisfying and quick to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green chiles
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green chiles, and cumin. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to skillet and stir to coat in sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg