Looking for a one-skillet dinner that’s packed with creamy, cheesy goodness? This queso chicken is the perfect low-carb meal that delivers BIG on yummy flavor!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclaimer.
Queso Chicken
Chicken breast is such a lean, healthy protein. But it can also be very hit or miss (at least with my family).
I’ve found that the perfect chicken breast recipe means three things. One, no dry chicken. It needs to be juicy. Two, there has to be an awesome kick of flavor. And three, there should be some kind of added fat to round it out. Preferably cheese.
Friend, let me tell you, this skillet queso chicken checks ALL the boxes! The wonderful cheese sauce with the little kick from the chili powder and the Rotel adds tons of flavor and creaminess.
Plus, this smothered queso chicken is so easy to make. You’ll cook the whole dish right in one skillet! And you only need 5 main ingredients plus spices. It’s SO simple.
So if you’ve been looking for a good low-carb chicken breast recipe that’s sure to win over the whole family, this queso chicken is one you just have to try.
Is Skillet Queso Chicken Spicy?
If you follow the recipe as-is, the chicken should have a very mild kick to it. The only spice comes from the teaspoon of chili powder and the ½ cup of Rotel, which isn’t enough to be overpowering by any means.
Plus, the dairy from the cheese and the heavy whipping cream balances the heat very nicely. So no, I wouldn’t say this dish is spicy.
But if you prefer a little heat, feel free to dial it up!
You can use more chili powder, add in some diced hot peppers like habaneros or jalapeños, or top it off with your favorite hot sauce before diving in.
Is Queso Keto Friendly?
Queso can be made a lot of different ways.
If the queso in question is just melted cheese, then it’s probably going to be pretty low in carbs. I love making easy queso with shredded cheese and a little heavy whipping cream!
The problem with ordering queso at a restaurant is that you don’t know what ingredients they’re using. For example, many recipes use evaporated milk, which has 13 grams of carbs in a ½ cup serving. That can add up fast!
But homemade queso, like we use in this recipe, is very low in carbs. In fact, one serving of smothered queso chicken will only be 5 net carbs total.
If you find yourself craving queso, I always recommend making it at home so you can control the ingredients.
What To Serve With Keto Queso Chicken
With the rich, creamy flavor you get from this dish, you can keep the sides pretty simple. Some fresh greens tossed in a bright vinaigrette are perfect!
But if you’re looking for something a little more fun, try these Keto “doritos”! The chips add great crunch, plus you can use them to scoop up any extra queso.
Some Keto seasoned cauliflower tater tots would be another great option. Or, you could always serve up your queso chicken with some yummy cauliflower rice!
Can You Store Leftover Queso Chicken?
Absolutely! You can keep any extra queso chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Once you’re ready to enjoy, I recommend reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave. The queso will help warm up the chicken without drying it out.
How To Make Queso Chicken
Season the four pieces of chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
In a large high sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook evenly on both sides. Once completely cooked through, remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the Rotel to the skillet.
Add the heavy whipping cream, then reduce the heat to medium.
Cook the mixture, being careful not to let it boil, until it thickens.
Whisk in the cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
Return the chicken to the pan, coat with the queso sauce, and serve garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Other Dinner Options From The Keto Option That You Might Like
Queso Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
- ½ cup Rotel
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Freshly chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Season the four pieces of chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large high sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook evenly on both sides. Once completely cooked through, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the Rotel to the skillet.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook the mixture, being careful not to let it boil, until it thickens.
- Whisk in the cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coat with the queso sauce, and serve garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.