One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a quick, flavorful dish that transforms the bold, spicy flavors of enchiladas into a low-carb, one-pan meal. Tender, shredded chicken is cooked with a rich, zesty enchilada sauce, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheese, creating a satisfying and hearty skillet that’s ready in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the carbs.
The first time I made One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet, I was thrilled by how easily it came together and how flavorful it was. The enchilada sauce coated the chicken beautifully, while the cheese melted into gooey perfection, giving the dish a creamy, satisfying texture. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility—you can add toppings like avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, or even toss in some low-carb tortillas for extra texture. It’s a one-dish wonder that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup!
Perfect for:
- Low-carb diets
- Quick weeknight meals
- Mexican cuisine lovers
- Family dinners
- Meal prepping
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet will become your go-to dinner:
- Bold Flavor: The combination of enchilada sauce, spices, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering, flavorful dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients are cooked in a single skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
- Low Carb: With a focus on veggies and chicken, this recipe is perfect for low-carb or keto diets.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich veggies, this meal is a healthy option for any time of the week.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the heat by using mild or spicy enchilada sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This skillet meal is perfect for making ahead for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
- Full of Texture: The tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy cheese blend together for a satisfying bite every time.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is simple enough for picky eaters while still delivering on taste and nutrition.
- Packed with Veggies: With peppers, onions, and zucchini, this dish gives you a healthy serving of vegetables in every bite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (mild or spicy)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Enchilada Sauce: Adds rich flavor and a bit of heat to the dish.
- Lean Chicken: Provides a healthy source of protein while keeping the dish low-carb.
- Cheese: The melted cheese adds creaminess and a comforting texture.
- Zucchini: Adds bulk and nutrients while keeping the carb count low.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Enchilada Sauce:
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the enchilada sauce. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken and veggies are well-coated.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.
Top with Cheese:
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet and cover with a lid. Allow it to melt for 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and jalapeño slices (if using). Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet:
- As a Quick Dinner: Serve on its own for a low-carb meal.
- With Cauliflower Rice: Pair with cauliflower rice for a low-carb rice alternative.
- With Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad for a light and healthy meal.
- For Meal Prep: Portion the skillet into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- With Guacamole: Add a scoop of homemade guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess.
- On a Low-Carb Tortilla: Serve in a low-carb tortilla for a wrap-style meal.
- With Jalapeño Cornbread: Pair with a slice of jalapeño cornbread for a comforting combo.
- For Taco Night: Serve as a filling for low-carb taco shells or lettuce wraps.
- With Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a Party: Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with tortilla chips for dipping.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker, no-fuss meal.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional low-carb vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: To ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking, use a well-seasoned non-stick skillet.
- Cheese Varieties: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a deliciously creamy, cheesy topping.
- Low-Carb Tortillas: If you want to keep the dish truly low-carb, consider adding chopped low-carb tortillas for a traditional feel without the carbs.
- Top with Fresh Cilantro: Finish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to balance the spices.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare and store the skillet in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat and enjoy a quick meal later.
- Try Ground Chicken: For a leaner option, swap out shredded chicken for ground chicken or turkey for a slightly different texture.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken and Beef Skillet: Use a mix of ground chicken and ground beef for a heartier dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add extra beans, zucchini, and peppers for a satisfying veggie option.
- Cheesy Spinach Skillet: Add fresh spinach to the skillet along with the chicken for added greens.
- Spicy Chicken Skillet: Stir in a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Keto Version: Add more avocado or a dollop of guacamole to boost the healthy fats.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking everything in one pan.
- Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken and vegetables.
- Lid: To help melt the cheese quickly and retain heat.
- Tongs: For flipping and stirring the chicken without making a mess.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken before cooking for the best texture. - Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well in this recipe. - Can I add beans to the skillet?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans are great additions if you’re not following a strict low-carb diet. - How long will this skillet last in the fridge?
The skillet will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking. - What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice. - Can I skip the sour cream?
Yes, but it adds a nice creamy texture to balance the heat from the enchilada sauce. - Can I serve this dish with tortillas?
For a low-carb option, serve it with lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. - How do I make this dish ahead of time?
Cook everything in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop and top with cheese before serving.
Conclusion
One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the bold flavors of enchiladas into a healthier, low-carb version. Tender chicken, seasoned with traditional enchilada spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, is combined with a zesty enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying, savory meal. The beauty of this dish is that everything is cooked in one skillet, making it simple to prepare and easy to clean up.
This low-carb version uses cauliflower rice as a base, giving you all the flavor of a traditional enchilada skillet but without the carbs. You can top it with fresh cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor and freshness. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this skillet is both delicious and nutritious.
I can’t wait to see how your One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!