If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for a low-carb lifestyle, you have to try this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together quickly, bringing that classic spicy buffalo flavor mixed with creamy, cheesy goodness in one easy skillet. Whether you need a satisfying dinner or a game-day crowd pleaser, this recipe hits all the right notes without any complicated steps. Stick around—I’m excited to share all my tips to help you nail this dish every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Prepare: Most of the magic happens in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Spicy buffalo sauce combined with creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering combo.
- Great for Keto Diets: Low in carbs but high in taste, it’s ideal for your keto meal rotation.
- Family Friendly: My whole crew goes crazy for this dish—even the picky eaters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that gooey, spicy, satisfying skillet dinner you’ll want on repeat. I always grab quality bacon and buffalo sauce because they really make the flavor pop.
- Chicken breast: Diced chicken cooks quickly and soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Ranch seasoning: This is my little secret for adding extra savory notes without extra work.
- Butter: Helps create a rich base for our creamy cheese sauce.
- Cream cheese: Gives that luscious texture that makes this skillet feel indulgent but keto-friendly.
- Almond milk (or dairy of choice): Keeps the sauce smooth without adding carbs.
- Cheddar cheese: Using shredded cheese melts evenly and adds that perfect sharpness.
- Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, bringing heat and tang. Choose a low-sugar brand for best keto results.
Variations
I love playing around with this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood we’re in. Feel free to customize—it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal twist.
- Swap out the chicken: I sometimes use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save even more time—it tastes just as delicious.
- Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for cream cheese and unsweetened almond milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Add veggies: Toss in some chopped celery or spinach for extra crunch and color—my favorite way to sneak in some greens.
- Milder version: Use less buffalo sauce or mix with ranch dressing if you prefer a gentler heat.
How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Chicken, Bacon, and Seasoning
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat for about a minute—this helps everything cook evenly. Toss in the diced chicken, diced bacon, and ranch seasoning. Keep an eye on the chicken; you want it golden and crispy on the outside but cooked all the way through (165°F internal temperature). I like to stir often so nothing sticks, and crispiness is just right. Once done, drain the excess grease to keep this meal keto-friendly and pop the chicken and bacon aside for now.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Drop the heat to low and return the empty skillet to the burner. Add butter, cream cheese, and almond milk. Whisk continuously until everything melts and combines into a smooth sauce. Then stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until melted and silky. You can bump up the heat just enough so the sauce bubbles gently—no boiling needed. This step creates the luscious, velvety base that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 3: Combine Everything and Simmer
Drop your chicken and bacon mixture back into the skillet. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is coated in that cheesy sauce. Now drizzle your buffalo wing sauce all over—don’t be shy! Top with the remaining cheese or parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Cover and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all those flavors together. If you want an extra bubbly top, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—my family loves that touch of melty crispiness!
Pro Tips for Making Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way to check that chicken hits 165°F to avoid serving undercooked meat.
- Drain Grease Thoroughly: Removing excess bacon grease keeps the dish from getting too oily and maintains keto integrity.
- Low and Slow for Sauce: Melting cheeses on low heat helps keep the sauce smooth without graininess.
- Broil Just Before Serving: This quick step gives you melty, lightly golden top cheese without drying out the dish.
How to Serve Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this skillet with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions. It adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the creamy richness so nicely. Some crumbled blue cheese on top also gives it an extra bold flavor punch if you’re a fan.
Side Dishes
This keto-friendly meal pairs beautifully with roasted cauliflower or a crisp side salad. For extra crunch, I sometimes serve celery sticks alongside—it’s classic with buffalo and keeps the carb count low.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this recipe into a loaded stuffed bell pepper or use it as a filling in low-carb wraps for an easy handheld option. I once served this dish at a game night in mini skillet skillets, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about the personal portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion out servings so reheating is simple and prevents overcooking the chicken. Plus, it tastes just as good the next day once the flavors have mingled overnight.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for a busy week, this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in a skillet over low heat with a splash of almond milk to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. The microwave works in a pinch, but watch the time carefully to avoid drying out the chicken or making the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of cheese in this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, you can swap it for mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for an extra kick. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well to keep the sauce creamy.
-
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free keto diets?
Yes! Simply replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use unsweetened coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free milk instead of almond milk. Adjust seasoning to taste, as some alternatives may be milder.
-
How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?
It depends on your buffalo sauce choice. I generally use a medium heat sauce that balances heat and tang perfectly. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or mix with ranch dressing to mellow it out.
-
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breast?
Definitely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender and add a bit more flavor. Just keep the cooking time similar, making sure the chicken is cooked through before moving on to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without wrecking your macros, which is a win-win in my book. Give it a try next time you want something cozy, spicy, and cheesy—all in one skillet. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as my family does!
Print
Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy low-carb dish perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Featuring tender diced chicken breast cooked with crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and a rich buffalo cheese sauce, this skillet meal is packed with bold flavors and keto-friendly ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Ingredients
Protein
- 12 oz chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices bacon, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
- ⅓ cup Buffalo Sauce
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ cup almond milk (or dairy of choice)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided in halves)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Chicken and Bacon: Add diced chicken, diced bacon, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, and the bacon is crispy. Drain excess grease using a colander and set the chicken and bacon mixture aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and return the skillet to the burner. Add butter, cream cheese, and almond milk to the skillet. Whisk continuously until everything is melted and fully combined into a smooth sauce.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to bubble. Gradually increase the heat until the sauce bubbles, then reduce to a simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Buffalo Sauce and Final Cheese: Drizzle the buffalo wing sauce evenly over the skillet mixture. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese or optionally parmesan cheese.
- Simmer and Finish: Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Optional: For a golden cheesy crust, broil the skillet for 1-2 minutes just before serving.
Notes
- Carb Note: This recipe contains approximately 3 grams of carbs per serving, primarily from the buffalo sauce and bacon. To reduce carbs, choose buffalo sauce and bacon brands with less sugar or use sugar-free alternatives for a potential ZERO carb meal.
- You can substitute almond milk with any dairy milk of choice for a creamier sauce.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice golden finish to the cheese topping.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *