One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso Recipe
Introduction
This One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso is a creamy, cheesy chicken dish bursting with Southwest flavors. It’s simple to make and perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Ready in just one skillet, it’s a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.

Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chiles
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for thinning if needed
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup white American cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine all the spices (chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add the cubed chicken to the hot skillet and sprinkle with the prepared spices. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add the green chiles, cream cheese, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Gradually add the shredded pepper jack and white American cheeses in small increments (about 1/2 cup at a time), stirring continuously as the cheese melts. Add additional heavy cream as needed to reach your preferred queso consistency.
- Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy queso sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of American for a milder flavor.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete keto meal.
- If cream cheese is not softened, microwave it briefly to make mixing easier.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of heavy cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and can add extra moisture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy products, so it’s not suitable for dairy-free diets unless you substitute with dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives.
PrintOne Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso Recipe
This One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish made with a blend of spices and melted cheeses, perfect for a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic meal. Tender chicken breast cubes are cooked in a skillet and combined with a rich, cheesy queso sauce featuring green chiles, cream cheese, and pepper jack. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that requires just one pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Keto
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
Queso Sauce
- 1 4-ounce can mild green chiles
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for thinning if needed
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup white American cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside this spice blend for seasoning the chicken.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allowing it to warm up before cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the hot skillet. Sprinkle the prepared spice mix evenly over the chicken and toss to coat all pieces thoroughly. Brown the chicken by cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the queso sauce: Reduce the stove heat to low. Add the canned mild green chiles, softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup heavy cream into the skillet. Gradually add shredded pepper jack and white American cheese in small increments (about 1/2 cup at a time), stirring continuously as the cheese melts to form a creamy sauce. If needed, add additional heavy cream to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Combine chicken and queso: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it well in the creamy queso sauce to coat each piece evenly. Heat through for a minute or two if needed.
- Serve: Serve the One Pan Keto Pollo Con Queso immediately, enjoying the rich and cheesy flavors.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or using hot green chiles for extra heat.
- If the queso sauce is too thick, add more heavy cream gradually until desired consistency.
- This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or steamed low-carb vegetables for a complete keto meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: keto chicken, pollo con queso, low carb chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Mexican chicken dish, one pan meals, keto dinner recipes

