Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet

This Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a creamy and cheesy low-carb meal that packs a punch of flavor without complicating your cooking routine. Tender diced chicken breast and crispy bacon are seasoned with ranch and coated in a rich buffalo cheese sauce made with cream cheese, almond milk, and cheddar. Perfect for a quick dinner or prepping ahead for the week, this dish combines comfort and spice effortlessly.

I first tried this recipe when I was craving something spicy but low-carb and it quickly became a family favorite. Now it’s a go-to when I want a dish that feels indulgent without the carbs.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces chicken breast: diced for quick cooking and easy bite-sized pieces
• Four slices of bacon: diced to add smoky crispness and texture contrast
• One tablespoon ranch seasoning: for a savory herb flavor that complements the buffalo sauce pick a quality blend without added sugar
• One third cup buffalo sauce: brings the spicy tang that makes this dish truly special choose your preferred heat level
• Two tablespoons butter: to enrich the sauce and help melt the cheese smoothly
• Four tablespoons cream cheese: to create a creamy luscious base full fat works best for richness
• Half a cup almond milk: or your favorite dairy milk for thinning the sauce without adding carbs unsweetened almond milk is ideal
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: split in half for melting into the sauce and topping choose sharp cheddar for more flavor depth

Instructions

Preheat Skillet:

Preheat your skillet over medium heat for at least one minute until hot. This is key to getting a good sauté and browing your chicken evenly

Sauté Chicken and Bacon:

Add the diced chicken breast, diced bacon, and ranch seasoning to the hot skillet. Cook them together until the chicken is cooked through with no pink in the center and the bacon is crispy. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to brown the chicken nicely.

Drain Grease:

Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet by tilting it or using a colander. Removing some fat prevents the sauce from becoming too oily and keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Set the cooked chicken and bacon aside on a plate.

Prepare Cheese Sauce:

Lower the heat to low and return the skillet to the burner. Add butter, cream cheese, and almond milk to the pan. Stir and whisk continuously until all the butter and cream cheese have melted and formed a smooth creamy sauce. This step creates the luscious base that carries the buffalo flavor beautifully.

Add Cheese:

Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and keep whisking until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is silky. Then increase the heat just enough for the sauce to bubble gently and immediately reduce the heat so it simmers. This coaxing of the sauce helps it thicken slightly without breaking.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat every piece with the buffalo cheese sauce. Make sure everything is mixed well and heated through.

Add Buffalo Sauce and Cheese Topping:

Drizzle buffalo wing sauce evenly over the skillet mixture to add that classic tangy heat. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. You can also swap in Parmesan cheese if you want a sharper finish.

Simmer and Finish:

Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about five minutes. This melding step brings all the flavors together and melts the topping cheese perfectly. For a golden bubbly cheese top, you can place the skillet under the broiler in your oven for one to two minutes. Just watch carefully to prevent burning.

Buffalo sauce is my secret star in this dish. It adds a vibrant spicy kick that wakes up the richness of cheese and creamy sauce. I remember making this for my close friends once and everyone was surprised that something keto could taste this indulgent. It’s a great shortcut to turn simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring occasionally until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when cooled add a splash of almond milk to loosen it if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier result. Use dairy milk instead of almond milk if not concerned about carbs. Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor or pepper jack for extra heat. If ranch seasoning is unavailable use garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley as a homemade blend.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this buffalo chicken skillet with a side of crisp celery sticks or cucumber slices for that classic buffalo flavor combo. Cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli are great low-carb companions that soak up the sauce well. You can also spoon it over greens for a hearty keto salad.

Seasonal Adaptations

In colder months add a pinch of smoked paprika to add warmth and depth to the buffalo sauce. In summer lighten up by swapping cream cheese for crumbled fresh goat cheese for a tangy touch. Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner version in any season.

This Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a perfect blend of creamy and spicy that fits seamlessly into low-carb lifestyles without sacrificing flavor.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Diced chicken breast works best as it cooks quickly and absorbs the buffalo and ranch seasoning flavors well.

→ Can I substitute bacon with another protein?

Yes, you can use smoked sausage or turkey bacon to maintain a savory, smoky element while keeping it low-carb.

→ What’s a good alternative to almond milk in the sauce?

You can use any mild dairy or plant-based milk, like cashew or regular milk, to keep the sauce creamy without overpowering the flavors.

→ How do I prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?

Cook the sauce on low heat while whisking continuously to ensure smooth melting without curdling or separation.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creaminess.