Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet (Printable)
One-pan keto skillet: spicy Buffalo-coated chicken, sautéed veggies, creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 stalks celery, sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauces & Condiments
06 - 1/3 cup Buffalo hot sauce, keto-friendly
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Dairy
08 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, for garnish (optional)
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add unsalted butter and allow it to fully melt across the pan surface.
02 - Add diced onion, sliced celery, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and aroma develops.
03 - Introduce minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
04 - Move vegetables to the edge of the pan and add chicken pieces to the center. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear chicken until golden on all sides, turning as needed, for 5 to 6 minutes.
05 - Lower heat to medium. Redistribute vegetables evenly around the skillet and pour in Buffalo hot sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat chicken and vegetables.
06 - Add heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce. Let simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce begins to thicken.
07 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with lid and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with optional crumbled blue cheese and fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It’s a one-pan wonder with all the addictive flavor of Buffalo wings, minus the mess.
- The creamy, cheesy finish turns every forkful into comfort food without the guilt.
02 -
- I once tried to rush the chicken and ended up with dry, tough bites—let it brown in peace for the best texture.
- Swapping in pre-shredded cheese made the sauce grainy; grating fresh yields silkier results.
03 -
- Dry your chicken pieces before cooking to ensure a deep golden sear and juicy center.
- A little smoked paprika goes a long way—taste the sauce before adding more to keep things balanced.