There are few things more comforting after a long day than a warm, cheesy, flavorful dish that comes together in a single skillet — especially when it’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and totally kid-approved.
That’s exactly what this One-Pan Keto Pollo con Queso is. In our home, it checks every box: it’s fast, it’s simple, and it brings people to the table with big smiles and happy hearts.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Dish
We’re a Mexican food-loving family. From fajitas to enchiladas, there’s something about the bold spices and rich flavors that just feel like home.
But let’s be honest — not every member of the family is an adventurous eater. Some prefer things a little more subtle, a little less fiery. That’s where this Pollo con Queso comes in.
It’s creamy. It’s cheesy. It’s perfectly seasoned. And the best part? It’s all made in just one pan in 20 minutes flat.
When you’ve had a long day, and dinner needs to be more of a solution than a stress, this recipe saves the evening.
What Is Pollo Con Queso?
If you’re new to the term, “Pollo con Queso” literally means “chicken with cheese” in Spanish — and that’s exactly what this dish delivers.
Traditionally, you might find it served with rice or tortillas, but we’re keeping things low carb and keto-compliant by skipping the grains and focusing on the good stuff: tender bites of chicken in a velvety, cheesy sauce.
If you’re craving a rice-like side, a quick cilantro lime cauliflower rice would pair beautifully. But honestly, this dish is so rich and satisfying, you may not even miss the extras.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients — nothing fancy or complicated here. Just real food, real flavor, and pantry staples that come together like magic.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are what I used, but thighs or tenders would work just as well. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces is the key here — not only does it help the chicken cook faster, but it ensures that every forkful gets coated in that glorious cheese sauce.
Spices
This is where the flavor begins. A mix of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper brings depth without overpowering heat. You can always adjust quantities to your family’s spice tolerance, but I find this combo is just right — warm and aromatic, with a gentle kick.
Green Chiles
I typically go for the mild variety because they add flavor without too much heat, but if your crowd likes it spicy, feel free to turn up the heat with hot green chiles.
The Creamy Base
Here’s where the magic happens. A combination of cream cheese and heavy cream gives the sauce its signature luscious texture. It’s rich without being heavy, and it clings beautifully to the chicken.
Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese
We’re going all in with three kinds of cheese:
- Cream Cheese – for creaminess and body
- Pepper Jack Cheese – for a little zing
- White American Cheese – for that classic queso melt
Add them gradually, and stir as you go to keep the sauce smooth and dreamy.
Olive Oil
Just a splash to sear the chicken. You can substitute with butter or another fat of your choice, but I love the neutral, slightly fruity note that olive oil brings to the pan.
How to Make Keto Pollo Con Queso
This is the part where everything comes together quickly, so I like to have everything prepped before I even turn on the stove. Once the heat’s on, it’s only a few minutes from start to finish.
Step 1: Spice It Up
In a small bowl, mix together your spice blend. I find that having this ready to go makes seasoning the chicken much easier and ensures every piece gets evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Toss to coat. Let the chicken brown for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside — it’s about to make a grand return.
Step 3: Make the Queso Sauce
Turn the heat down to low. Add the green chiles, cream cheese, and heavy cream directly into the same pan. Stir gently, letting everything melt and combine into a smooth, luxurious sauce.
Once that’s ready, slowly stir in your shredded cheeses — about ½ cup at a time — until they melt into the sauce. Be patient here. The result is worth it. If the sauce feels too thick for your liking, you can loosen it up with a splash of extra cream or even a little milk.
Step 4: Reunite the Chicken and the Sauce
Now it’s time for the final touch. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently stirring to coat each piece in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Let everything warm through for a minute or two, and then… dinner is served!
What to Serve with Chicken con Queso
If you’re anything like us, once you’ve got a bubbling pan of creamy, cheesy Chicken con Queso on the stove, the next question is always: what should I serve with it? The great news is that this dish is versatile and plays well with a number of keto-friendly sides. Whether you’re hosting guests or just keeping dinner simple for your family, there’s something comforting about a complete plate that feels balanced and satisfying.
Personally, I love to pair this rich, savory dish with something that adds a bit of freshness and texture. A bright, flavorful Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is one of my top picks. It comes together quickly and brings a refreshing citrusy contrast that balances out the creaminess of the queso sauce. Plus, with only about 4 net carbs per serving, it keeps things well within keto territory.
Another go-to of mine is low-carb tortillas — and when I say low-carb, I mean seriously low. These Zucchini Keto Tortillas are one of those life-saving recipes that I keep on hand in the freezer. Just 1.2 net carbs each, and you can wrap them around the cheesy chicken or tear them into pieces and scoop up every last drop of sauce. Honestly, I never get tired of them.
For toppings, I like to keep things festive! Avocado slices, diced fresh tomatoes, and a spoonful of Roasted Tomatillo & Jalapeño Salsa turn the plate into something that looks like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant. And yes, if it’s been a long week, a Keto Margarita with just 1.4 net carbs is the perfect finishing touch to a meal that feels indulgent without knocking you off track.
Now, if you’re feeding folks who aren’t keto (hey, it happens!), this dish works beautifully with classic Mexican rice, black beans, and regular tortillas too. It’s a crowd-pleaser no matter what.
Making Chicken con Queso Ahead of Time
One of the things that makes this recipe shine even more is how easy it is to prep ahead — and as someone who thrives on a good plan, I can’t recommend this enough.
Let’s say your week is packed or you’re planning a little gathering — simply make the full dish up to three days in advance. Store it in the fridge, tightly covered, and when it’s time to eat, you’ve got options. I usually reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring often to keep everything creamy and evenly warmed.
If the stove isn’t ideal, you can always go with the oven method — pop the skillet in at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and it’s good as new.
And here’s a fun little hosting trick I’ve picked up: transfer your cooked Chicken con Queso to a slow cooker, set it to “warm,” and let everyone serve themselves buffet-style. It works perfectly for casual parties, game days, or cozy family dinners. I’ve even shredded the chicken before and served it as a creamy dip — yes, you heard that right. It’s always a hit.
Carb Count in Chicken con Queso
Let’s talk numbers — because I know how important they are when you’re living the keto lifestyle. This entire dish comes in at just 2.7 net carbs per serving. That’s right. Two-point-seven.
That’s what makes this recipe such a staple in our home. I can add a keto tortilla, some cauliflower rice, maybe even some avocado, and I’m still well within my daily carb goals. It’s satisfying, rich, and totally guilt-free — which is not something you can say about most cheesy comfort foods.
And the best part? The whole family loves it. Even the picky eaters. Even the ones who usually turn up their noses at anything low carb. There’s just something magical about tender chicken coated in melty cheese that brings everyone together around the table.
So whether you’re prepping for a busy week, entertaining on a Saturday night, or just need a reliable dinner that doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing out — this One-Pan Keto Pollo con Queso checks every box. Quick, cozy, cheesy, and low-carb to boot. What more could we ask for?
RECIPE: One-Pan Keto Pollo con Queso (Low-Carb, 20-Minute Dinner!)
Looking for a quick and delicious keto dinner idea? This One-Pan Keto Pollo con Queso is a family-friendly, low-carb recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and easy to meal prep ahead of time.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Keto / Low Carb
- Course: Main Dish
- Calories per Serving: 438 kcal
Recommended Tool
- 12.5-Inch Cast Iron Skillet (Pre-seasoned – Utopia Kitchen or similar)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Keto Queso Sauce:
- 1 (4 oz) can mild green chiles
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus extra for thinning, if needed)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup white American cheese
Instructions
- Prep the spice blend: Mix all the spices (chili powder through salt and pepper) in a small bowl and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and sprinkle with the prepared spice mix. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the queso: Lower the heat to low. Add green chiles, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir gently as you gradually mix in the shredded cheeses (about ½ cup at a time), allowing each batch to melt before adding more. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in more cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine & serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the cheesy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Net carbs: Approximately 2.8g per serving
- You can substitute or mix cheeses based on your preferences, but avoid pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Serving size: ~1¼ cup chicken with queso
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Total Carbs: 3.2g
- Net Carbs: 2.8g
- Protein: 41g
- Fat: 13.1g
- Cholesterol: 147mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 2g