Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and ultra satisfying without breaking your keto goals, **Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe** is an absolute must-try. This dish is a one-skillet wonder that brings together tender chicken, smoky bacon, and zesty buffalo sauce all wrapped in a luscious cheese sauce. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your keto meal rotation—and I’m excited to share every detail to help you nail it perfectly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Skillet Magic: Cleanup is a breeze with everything cooked in one pan—your future self will thank you.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo, and savory bacon is downright addictive.
  • Keto-Friendly Comfort: Low carb but big on comfort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
  • Super Quick: From prep to plate in just about 20 minutes, perfect when you’re short on time but craving big flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick. When shopping, opting for quality bacon and real cheddar really makes a difference in flavor.

Flat lay of diced raw chicken breast, diced crispy bacon strips, a small white bowl of creamy ranch seasoning powder, a few tablespoons of solid butter, a small white bowl filled with soft cream cheese, a small white bowl of almond milk, a small pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of bright orange buffalo sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet, keto chicken recipes, low-carb buffalo chicken, keto dinner ideas, spicy chicken skillet
  • Chicken Breast: Diced chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the buffalo flavor beautifully.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch; make sure to dice it right so it crisps up evenly.
  • Ranch Seasoning: This seasoning blends perfectly with the buffalo sauce; fresh or store-bought works fine.
  • Butter: Helps make the sauce rich and velvety.
  • Cream Cheese: Key for that silky, creamy texture in the sauce.
  • Almond Milk: A low-carb choice that keeps the sauce smooth without overpowering flavors.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works here—the melty cheese is pure comfort.
  • Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show for that perfect spicy kick; try to pick a low-sugar brand to keep carbs down.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe to keep things interesting and fit different moods or dietary needs. Don’t be shy—this recipe is forgiving and flexible!

  • Spicy Level Variation: I sometimes add extra hot sauce or throw in a pinch of cayenne if I want more heat, and my friends who like it mild just skip it.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swapping cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar for a vegan alternative works surprisingly well, just watch for the textures.
  • Extra Veggies: For some crunch and color, I toss in diced celery or a handful of spinach near the end—it adds freshness without disrupting flavors.

How to Make Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Bacon

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat for about a minute—this helps with even cooking. Toss in your diced chicken, bacon, and sprinkle the ranch seasoning. Sauté everything until the chicken is golden and cooked through with no pink in the center (aim for an internal temp of 165°F). The bacon should be crispy. Once done, drain the grease well—using a colander works great—then set the chicken and bacon aside. This step sets the foundation for all that amazing flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesy Sauce

Turn the heat down to low and back on the skillet. Add butter, cream cheese, and almond milk, whisking constantly until everything melts and blends into a smooth sauce. Next, stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt in, gradually raising the heat just until the sauce bubbles gently. Then bring it back down to a simmer—you’ll want this sauce silky, not boiling aggressively.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce so every bite’s packed with flavor. Drizzle your buffalo wing sauce all over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese or a bit of parmesan for an extra cheesy crust. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you want a golden, bubbly finish, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

  • Use a Nonstick Skillet: It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a cinch, especially with all that cheesy sauce.
  • Don’t Rush the Sauté: Let the chicken and bacon get golden and crispy—that caramelization amps up flavor big time.
  • Watch the Cheese Sauce Temp: Heating cheese sauce too hot can make it grainy, so keep it low and slow for silky texture.
  • Choose Low-Sugar Buffalo Sauce: It helps keep the carbs down, which keeps this recipe truly keto.

How to Serve Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

The dish is served in a white round bowl on a white marbled surface, featuring a creamy orange and beige cheese sauce spread thickly in one layer. Within the sauce, small chunks of browned meat and bits of herbs are visible, giving a textured and slightly uneven look. The cheese topping has melted unevenly and formed a slightly browned, bubbly surface with small green herb flecks scattered throughout, creating a rich and hearty appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet, keto chicken recipes, low-carb buffalo chicken, keto dinner ideas, spicy chicken skillet

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a handful of chopped fresh green onions or parsley. It adds just the right pop of color and freshness to cut through the richness. Sometimes, crumbly blue cheese on top is a personal favorite—if you like that classic buffalo flavor combo, it’s a little slice of heaven.

Side Dishes

To keep it keto-friendly and balanced, I pair it with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon or steamed broccoli tossed with garlic butter. Roasted cauliflower rice is also amazing here—it soaks up the sauce like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe as a dip with celery sticks and low-carb crackers alongside. You can also turn it into stuffed peppers by scooping the mixture into halved bell peppers and broiling them for a few minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. I like to separate portions for easy grab-and-go meals later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with success. Just cool it completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture remains good, though the sauce might separate slightly, so just stir it back together gently when reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of almond milk or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps keep it creamy and prevents the cheese from tightening up. Microwave reheating works too but can dry it out if you’re not careful.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and a bit more fat, which some people prefer for this recipe. Just dice them similarly and cook until they reach an internal temp of 165°F to ensure they’re safe and tender.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

    Yes! The Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The steps are simple and clear, and the one-pan method makes it especially beginner-friendly with minimal cleanup.

  3. How low are the carbs in this recipe?

    The recipe as written has about 3 grams of carbs per serving, mostly from the buffalo sauce and bacon. You can reduce this further by choosing sugar-free or low-sugar buffalo sauces and bacon brands.

  4. Can I make this dairy-free?

    Yes, with some substitutions. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan cheese alternative that melts well. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe turns out every time—it’s comfort food that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how easy it is to get that creamy, spicy flavor in under 20 minutes. I’m confident you’ll enjoy this warm, cheesy skillet as much as my family and me do, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend treat. Give it a go and watch it become your new favorite keto dinner!

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Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This Keto Buffalo Chicken Skillet is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish perfect for low-carb and keto diets. It combines diced chicken breast, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch seasoning sautéed to perfection, then blended with a rich cheese sauce and tangy buffalo sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Bacon

  • 12 oz chicken breast, diced
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning

Sauce and Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese
  • ½ cup almond milk (or dairy of choice)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided into halves)
  • ⅓ cup Buffalo Sauce


Instructions

  1. Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Cook Chicken and Bacon: Add diced chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Sauté until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the grease using a colander and set the chicken and bacon aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and return the skillet to the burner. Add butter, cream cheese, and almond milk. Whisk continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce and whisk until melted. Gradually increase the heat just until the cheese sauce bubbles, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Add Buffalo Sauce and Cheese Topping: Drizzle the buffalo wing sauce evenly over the skillet contents, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese as desired.
  7. Simmer and Finish: Cover the skillet and let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors and melt the cheese topping. Optional step: For a bubbly and slightly crisp cheese finish, broil the skillet in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Carb Note: This recipe contains approximately 3 grams of carbs per serving due to buffalo sauce and bacon. For an even lower carb count, use sugar-free buffalo sauce and lower-sugar bacon brands.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Almond milk can be substituted with any dairy or non-dairy milk to taste and dietary preference.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice texture to the cheese topping.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

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