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Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Skillet - Fast, Flavor-Packed, and Satisfying

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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 breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, sliced (optional but adds color and texture)
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice or small cauliflower florets
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot or your favorite Buffalo-style hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh celery, for serving (optional)
  • Lemon or lime wedges (optional, for brightness)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This builds flavor right from the start.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan, then the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the cauliflower rice or florets. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until tender and most moisture has evaporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Pour in the Buffalo sauce and stir to coat.
  6. Lower the heat. Add the cream cheese and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until melted and creamy, 1–2 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt. If using, scatter crumbled blue cheese on top.
  8. Taste and adjust heat by adding more hot sauce or mellowing with a splash more dressing. Finish with green onions.
  9. Serve hot with crisp celery on the side and a squeeze of lemon or lime if you like a bright finish.