Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet: Low-Carb & Flavorful

Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet: A Flavorful, Low-Carb Mexican Delight

If you're craving something flavorful, filling, and keto-friendly, then you're going to love this Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet recipe. As someone who loves Mexican food but is mindful of carbs, I’ve found the perfect way to enjoy the classic enchilada flavors without the guilt. This recipe is quick to make, packed with flavor, and is one of those dishes that everyone can enjoy, whether they're on a keto diet or not!

This Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a one-pan wonder, which makes it incredibly easy to prepare. With tender chicken, spicy enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and all the vibrant Mexican seasonings, it's a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, you’ll love how simple it is to make in one skillet—less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.

Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet

To make this keto-friendly enchilada skillet, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Most of them are basic pantry staples, with a few key items to give the dish that signature Mexican flavor.

For the Skillet:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 lb (450g) boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized chunks.

• 1 small onion, diced (for flavor)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth to the sauce)

• 1 can (7 oz) diced green chilies (adds a mild heat)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (for a chunky texture)

• 1 cup sugar-free enchilada sauce (make sure to pick one that’s low in carbs)

• 1 tsp ground cumin (adds that warm, earthy flavor)

• 1 tsp chili powder (for a bit of heat)

• ½ tsp paprika (for a smoky flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste (to balance everything out)

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend, if you prefer)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet

With all your ingredients prepared, it's time to begin. This dish is pretty straightforward and comes together in no time. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. After cooking, take the chicken out of the skillet and place it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and then sauté the diced onion for about 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Spices

Now, it’s time to add the diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined, and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up slightly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir it into the sauce mixture. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the sauce and heated through.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking

Once the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is hot, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The cheese should be golden and slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After the cheese has melted, take the skillet off the heat

 Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh touch. Serve your Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet with a dollop of sour cream and a wedge of lime for a burst of citrus flavor.

Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet - Macro Breakdown

This Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet is packed with protein, healthy fats, and all the flavor of traditional enchiladas without the carbs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the macros per serving. The serving size is about 1/4 of the entire skillet.

Per Serving (1/4 of skillet):

• Calories: 350

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Protein: 32g

• Total Carbohydrates: 7g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Net Carbs: 5g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 600mg

This dish is a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet, providing a hearty serving of protein while keeping carbs low. It’s filling, satisfying, and won’t derail your diet!

Nutritional Benefits of Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet

1. High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It also helps keep you feeling full longer, which can be helpful when managing your weight.

2. Low in Carbs: With just 5g of net carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The use of sugar-free enchilada sauce and fresh ingredients keeps the carb count low.

3. Rich in Healthy Fats: The cheese and olive oil add healthy fats to the dish, which are a key component of a keto diet. These fats help provide sustained energy throughout the day.

4. Packed with Fiber: Thanks to the tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables, this skillet dish offers some fiber to help support digestion.

Keto Notes and Tips

1. Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken breasts or thighs, you can also use ground chicken or turkey. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the sauce and cheese.

2. Cheese Options: If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to use a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. You can even add a bit of pepper jack for some extra heat.

3. Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you add more veggies.

4. Make it Spicy: If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can make the Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the skillet or microwave before serving.

2. Can I freeze the skillet for later? Yes! You can freeze the dish after cooking (before adding the cheese) for up to 1-2 months. Just let it cool, cover tightly, and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the skillet with the cheese on top.

3. Can I make this without cheese? Yes, you can skip the cheese if you’re dairy-free or prefer not to use it. The dish will still have great flavor from the sauce and spices.

4. Can I use a different sauce? If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap the enchilada sauce with a low-carb salsa or a homemade keto-friendly taco sauce.

Conclusion: Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet

This Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. With all the classic flavors of enchiladas but without the carbs, it’s the best of both worlds. The crispy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant spices will make your taste buds sing, and the low-carb nature of this recipe means you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your keto recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite!

Happy cooking!