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Keto Chicken Southwest Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, extra lime wedges, sliced green onions

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps browning and keeps the meat juicy.
  2. Heat the pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
  3. Sear the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and mostly cooked. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté the veggies: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Toss in onion and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly charred at the edges.
  5. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and jalapeño. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.
  6. Spice it up: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the veggies so the spices bloom and become fragrant.
  7. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they add flavor.
  8. Creamy finish: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  9. Combine: Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  10. Cheese and lime: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt. Stir in lime juice and adjust salt to taste.
  11. Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro. Add avocado slices, sour cream, or extra lime if you like. Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice.