This Pollo con Queso is a keto-friendly masterpiece with tender chicken breasts smothered in a velvety, creamy mozzarella sauce. The flavors are rich, indulgent, and comforting, making it the perfect low-carb meal for any night of the week.
Not only is this dish super easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside some sautéed vegetables, it’s sure to impress. Plus, you can enjoy the cheesy goodness without worrying about the carbs, which makes it ideal for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Full Recipe:
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2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
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Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a simmer.
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Add the mozzarella cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken.
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Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to fully coat the chicken in the sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Pollo con Queso: A Keto-Friendly Delight
If you are looking for a delicious, satisfying meal that aligns with your keto lifestyle, look no further than Pollo con Queso. This rich and creamy dish combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat diet. Pollo con Queso is not just a tasty option; it’s also a great way to incorporate more healthy fats and protein into your meals without compromising flavor.
What Makes Pollo con Queso Keto-Friendly?
The keto diet focuses on low-carbohydrate and high-fat meals, with a moderate amount of protein. Pollo con Queso fits perfectly into this framework. The key components of the dish are chicken, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese—ingredients that are naturally low in carbs while being high in healthy fats and protein. This makes the recipe ideal for those following the ketogenic diet, which emphasizes ketosis—a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
By eliminating high-carb ingredients like breading or flour, Pollo con Queso maintains a low carbohydrate content, making it an excellent choice for keto followers. Additionally, the heavy cream and cheese in the dish provide essential fats that support satiety and energy levels, making it not only delicious but filling as well.
The Flavor Profile of Pollo con Queso
One of the highlights of Pollo con Queso is its irresistible flavor. The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, with a slight crisp on the outside, while the interior remains tender and juicy. The creamy mozzarella cheese sauce adds a rich, indulgent element that coats the chicken beautifully.
The garlic and paprika infuse the dish with aromatic flavors that complement the creaminess of the sauce. The slight smokiness from the paprika gives the dish an added depth of flavor, while the garlic brings a savory punch. The addition of fresh parsley as a garnish brightens up the dish and adds a touch of color, making it not only tasty but visually appealing as well.
Health Benefits of Pollo con Queso
Pollo con Queso is more than just a flavorful dish—it also provides several health benefits, especially for those on a keto diet. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Supports Ketosis: Since the dish is low in carbs and high in fats, it helps keep your body in ketosis. Ketosis is the metabolic state where your body burns fat for fuel, helping you achieve weight loss or maintain a healthy weight.
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Rich in Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall body functions.
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Good Source of Healthy Fats: The heavy cream and mozzarella cheese in Pollo con Queso provide healthy fats, which are a key component of the keto diet. These fats help keep you full for longer and provide a steady source of energy throughout the day.
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Low-Carb, Low-Sugar: As a keto-friendly meal, Pollo con Queso is low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a great option for anyone looking to stabilize their blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
Tips for Serving Pollo con Queso
Pollo con Queso can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile option for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this dish:
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Over Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, serve Pollo con Queso over cauliflower rice. This adds a satisfying texture and makes the meal even more filling.
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With Sautéed Vegetables: Pair the dish with a side of sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. This will add more nutrients and fiber to your meal while keeping it keto-friendly.
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On a Bed of Greens: You can also serve Pollo con Queso over a bed of mixed greens or lettuce for a fresh and light accompaniment. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
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As a Keto-Friendly Wrap: If you’re craving something more portable, wrap the Pollo con Queso in a low-carb tortilla. This is a great way to enjoy the dish on the go or pack it for lunch.
How to Customize Pollo con Queso
While the traditional version of Pollo con Queso is already keto-friendly, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your personal tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to make the dish even more tailored to your liking:
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Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick while still keeping it within keto-friendly guidelines.
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Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is the traditional cheese used in Pollo con Queso, you can experiment with other cheeses to change the flavor profile. Consider using cheddar, Parmesan, or gouda for a richer, bolder flavor.
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Add Some Veggies: To make the dish even more nutritious, you can add sautéed spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the sauce. This will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the fiber content of the dish.
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Make It Dairy-Free: If you are dairy intolerant or prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative. This will still give you the creamy texture and satisfying richness of the original recipe.
Pollo con Queso and Its Role in a Balanced Keto Diet
When following a keto diet, it’s important to focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Pollo con Queso fits well into this approach because it contains high-quality protein from chicken and healthy fats from the cheese and cream. The dish also contains minimal carbohydrates, helping to maintain your body’s state of ketosis and keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.
While Pollo con Queso is certainly a delicious and filling meal, it’s important to remember that a well-balanced keto diet should include a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients. Be sure to complement dishes like Pollo con Queso with plenty of leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, and nuts. This will help you create a keto meal plan that supports your overall health and wellness goals.
Conclusion
Pollo con Queso is a perfect example of how the keto diet can be both healthy and delicious. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors, it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy—even those not following a keto lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Pollo con Queso checks all the boxes. Easy to make, satisfying, and full of flavor, it’s a dish that will soon become a staple in your low-carb repertoire. Enjoy it on its own or paired with your favorite keto-friendly sides for a meal that’s sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body.