Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Buffalo chicken is a classic favorite known for its spicy, tangy flavor and crispy texture, often served as wings or in sandwiches. However, with the keto diet gaining popularity as a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle, many traditional comfort foods have been adapted to fit the keto way of eating. The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet combines the spicy goodness of buffalo sauce with the tenderness of chicken, all cooked in a one-pan skillet, making it an easy and satisfying meal for those following a keto-friendly diet.

This recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken breasts or thighs, a tangy buffalo sauce, creamy cream cheese, and shredded cheese, which work together to deliver that rich, flavorful experience without the carbs. This meal can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Start by seasoning your chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These seasonings will help bring out the flavor of the chicken and enhance the buffalo sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the chicken), or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Shred the Chicken (Optional):
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. If you prefer shredded chicken for your skillet, you can use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Otherwise, leave the chicken whole and cut it into slices when ready to serve.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and garlic powder. Whisk well until everything is fully combined. This will create a creamy, tangy buffalo sauce to coat the chicken.
2. Toss the Chicken:
   • If you shredded the chicken, return it to the skillet and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly with the sauce. If you left the chicken whole, simply drizzle the buffalo sauce over the top of the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Skillet Sauce

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously to melt the cream cheese and combine it with the heavy cream until you have a smooth and creamy base.
2. Add the Cheese:
   • Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more heavy cream or a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
3. Season the Sauce:
   • Sprinkle in some smoked paprika for extra flavor (optional) and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Once the creamy sauce is ready, add the buffalo-coated chicken back into the skillet (if not already done). Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the creamy, cheesy buffalo sauce.
2. Simmer:
   • Let everything simmer together on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve the Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet immediately. You can serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic look or plate it onto individual dishes.
2. Optional Garnishes:
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness. If you love the creaminess, drizzle some blue cheese or ranch dressing over the top. Add sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips and Variations

1. Chicken Options:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook, but they add great flavor and moisture. For boneless thighs, cooking time is similar to chicken breasts.
• Shredded Chicken: For a more pulled, shredded-style dish, cook the chicken, shred it, and combine it with the buffalo sauce. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors more deeply.
• Grilled Chicken: You can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.

2. Adjusting Heat Levels:

• If you like your buffalo chicken skillet extra spicy, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce mixture.
• For a milder version, you can use a less spicy hot sauce or even mix in some ranch dressing to tone down the heat.

3. Cheese Variations:

• While mozzarella works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp contrast to the buffalo sauce. Cream cheese or cream cheese with herbs can also be added to the sauce for a richer texture.
• Blue cheese can be crumbled over the top of the finished skillet for an added burst of flavor and an extra keto-friendly treat.

4. Make it a Complete Meal:

• Add Veggies: If you’d like to add some low-carb veggies, sauté some spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower rice along with the chicken for a fuller, well-rounded meal.
• Serve with a Side: Pair the skillet with a simple keto salad or even roasted broccoli for a satisfying low-carb, high-fat meal.

5. Dairy-Free Version:

• To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese like Violife or Daiya for the cheese sauce. Instead of butter, use coconut oil or avocado oil.

Why This Dish Works for Keto Dieters

The ketogenic diet focuses on consuming low-carb, high-fat foods. This Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet fits perfectly within those guidelines because:

• Low-Carb: The only carbs in this dish come from the chicken and a small amount of heavy cream and cream cheese, which are both keto-friendly.
• High in Fat: The use of butter, cream cheese, mozzarella, and heavy cream ensures the dish is high in healthy fats, helping to keep you in ketosis.
• Protein-Packed: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making this a filling and satisfying meal that aligns with the keto diet’s focus on protein and fat.

History and Fun Facts About Buffalo Chicken

The origin of buffalo chicken can be traced back to Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of the Anchor Bar, is credited with inventing the buffalo wing by deep-frying leftover chicken wings and tossing them in a tangy, spicy sauce. Today, buffalo sauce is a staple in many American dishes, and it’s no surprise that buffalo chicken is a favorite for those looking to add flavor and heat to any meal.

Conclusion

The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a fantastic recipe for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to satisfy any cravings for spicy, cheesy comfort food. By using simple keto-friendly ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella, you can enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken in a way that’s perfectly suited for your dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your keto meal rotation.

Enjoy this delicious, spicy, and creamy skillet dish, and feel free to adapt it to your preferences with the suggested variations and toppings!

Yield: 4

Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

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Buffalo chicken is a classic favorite known for its spicy, tangy flavor and crispy texture, often served as wings or in sandwiches. However, with the keto diet gaining popularity as a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle, many traditional comfort foods have been adapted to fit the keto way of eating. The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet combines the spicy goodness of buffalo sauce with the tenderness of chicken, all cooked in a one-pan skillet, making it an easy and satisfying meal for those following a keto-friendly diet.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (check that it's low-carb)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken:Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides.
2. Make the buffalo sauce mixture:While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
3. Combine and simmer:Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the buffalo sauce mixture to the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add the cream cheese and cheese:Add the cream cheese to the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Once the cream cheese is melted, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:Garnish with fresh parsley (optional), and serve immediately. You can pair it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Notes

• Buffalo sauce: Make sure to choose a low-carb buffalo sauce to keep the dish keto-friendly.
• Cream cheese alternatives: If you prefer, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free cream cheese to suit your needs.
• Adding veggies: You can mix in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower rice to make it a heartier meal while keeping it keto-friendly.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness. If you prefer a milder version, use less buffalo sauce or mix in a little ranch dressing.