Some evenings, you don’t want to think too hard about dinner. You want something warm, satisfying, and reliable — without a sink full of dishes waiting afterward. If you’re following a keto lifestyle, that need becomes even more important because convenience meals often don’t align with your goals.
That’s exactly why one pan keto green chili chicken deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation. It’s creamy, comforting, rich in protein, and packed with bold flavor — all while staying low carb. Whether you’re cooking for your family or simply trying to stay consistent with your nutrition plan, this recipe makes healthy eating feel effortless. For another easy dinner with minimal cleanup, these sheet pan chicken fajitas are a great option to keep in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
This dish combines simplicity with strong flavor, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Only one pan required, which means easy cleanup
- Naturally low in carbohydrates and keto-friendly
- High in protein and healthy fats for satiety
- Creamy texture with bold green chili flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
If you enjoy meals that taste indulgent while still supporting your health goals, this recipe checks every box. If you’re looking for more low-carb dinner ideas, these keto meatballs are another delicious option that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.
What Makes This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
One pan keto green chili chicken fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle because the ingredients focus on protein and fat rather than carbohydrates.
Low-Carb Ingredients
- Chicken contains virtually zero carbs and provides high-quality protein
- Green chilies add flavor without increasing carb count significantly
- Cream cheese and heavy cream contribute healthy fats
- Cheese enhances both flavor and satiety
Most keto plans recommend keeping daily carbohydrate intake between 20 and 50 grams of net carbs. This dish easily stays within that range, making it a reliable option when you want something comforting without compromising ketosis.
Ingredients
Using simple ingredients keeps preparation easy while still delivering rich flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can green chilies (or roasted fresh chilies)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Optional Add-Ins
- Jalapeños for extra heat
- Fresh spinach
- Bell peppers
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh lime juice
Chicken thighs provide more fat and flavor, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option. Both work well depending on your preference.
How to Make One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
Follow these steps for a smooth cooking process and consistent results.
- Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- Sear the chicken until golden on both sides, then remove temporarily.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add green chilies, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the pan and drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the dish.
- Cover and simmer until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with cilantro or lime juice before serving.
Searing the chicken first adds depth of flavor through caramelization, which makes the finished dish taste richer.
Pro Tips for the Best Keto Green Chili Chicken
Small techniques can dramatically improve your results.
- Allow cream cheese to soften before adding for a smoother sauce
- Sear chicken properly to lock in juices
- Simmer gently rather than boiling to prevent sauce separation
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving
When proteins brown in a hot pan, the Maillard reaction creates deeper flavor. That’s why skipping the searing step often leads to a less satisfying result.
Variations You Can Try
You can easily adapt one pan keto green chili chicken based on your taste preferences.
Spicy Keto Green Chili Chicken
Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.
Dairy-Free Version
Use full-fat coconut cream instead of dairy products.
Keto Green Chili Chicken Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, add extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Slow Cooker Option
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until tender.
If you enjoy bold chili flavors, you might also love this Mexican street corn white chicken chili for another comforting chicken dinner.
What to Serve with One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
Pairing this dish with low-carb sides makes it even more satisfying.
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Roasted broccoli
- Keto tortillas
- Fresh avocado slices
- Crisp green salad
These sides help balance the creamy richness while keeping your meal keto-friendly.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Green Chili Chicken
Proper storage keeps leftovers tasting just as good the next day.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
Reheating Tips
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat
- Add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much
- Avoid high heat to prevent separation
Cream-based sauces maintain their texture best when warmed slowly.
Can You Meal Prep One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe works well for meal planning because it reheats beautifully and stays flavorful.
Benefits for meal prep:
- High protein helps keep you full longer
- Easy portion control for keto macros
- Freezer-friendly for future meals
- Saves time during busy weeks
Dividing portions into containers immediately after cooking makes weekday meals effortless. You can also rotate this dish with other meal-prep favorites like keto meatloaf, which reheats beautifully throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even straightforward recipes can fail if small details are overlooked.
- Overcooking the chicken
- Boiling the sauce too aggressively
- Using low-fat dairy products
- Under-seasoning
- Skipping the searing step
Each of these mistakes affects texture or flavor, so small adjustments make a big difference.
FAQs
Is one pan keto green chili chicken really low carb?
Yes. The ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates, especially when using full-fat dairy and avoiding high-carb vegetables.
Can you use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs contain more fat, which many keto followers prefer, and they stay juicy during cooking.
How spicy is one pan keto green chili chicken?
It’s usually mild to moderate depending on the chilies used. You can easily increase or reduce heat by adjusting ingredients.
Can you make one pan keto green chili chicken ahead of time?
Yes. It stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
What type of green chilies work best?
Canned green chilies are convenient, but roasted fresh chilies provide deeper flavor if available.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Net Carbs: 4–6g
Exact values depend on ingredients used.
A Simple Keto Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
One pan keto green chili chicken proves that healthy eating doesn’t need to feel restrictive or complicated. With bold flavor, creamy texture, and minimal cleanup, this recipe fits seamlessly into real life. It supports your goals while still delivering comfort — something many low-carb meals struggle to achieve.
Now it’s time for you to serve it and enjoy. Try this recipe, make it your own with variations, and share your experience. If you enjoyed it, save it for later or send it to someone who could use an easy keto dinner idea. Your future self will thank you.
One Pan Keto Green Chili Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 oz diced green chilies drained
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 jalapeño diced (for extra heat)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup bell peppers
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat the pan:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
Sear the chicken:
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce:
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add green chilies, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine:
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top.
Add cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the chicken.
Simmer:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve:
- Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and fat, which works well for keto diets.
- Allow cream cheese to soften before cooking for smoother sauce texture.
- Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent separation.
