When I first tried making a One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet, I was juggling the typical chaos of dinner prep after a long day with energetic kids and an endless to-do list. I wanted something nutritious that wouldn’t add more stress or pile on a million dishes. This skillet recipe caught my eye because it promised wholesome family-friendly flavors with low carb benefits—all in one pot. I was hopeful but cautious, wanting it to please everyone, including my picky eaters.
That first time I made the One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet, the kitchen hummed with the warm scent of spices and melted cheese. My husband and kids kept sneaking tastes before dinner was even plated, which felt like a huge win for this busy mom used to mealtime battles. What truly surprised me was how this dish supported our family’s nutrition goals without complicated ingredients or long prep. The combination of lean chicken, fiber-rich veggies, and flavorful seasonings hit the mark for easy nourishment.
Since then, the One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet has become my go-to for those hectic nights when my family needs a nutritious meal fast. It’s proof that good nutrition doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or ingredients you can’t pronounce. As a fellow busy mom managing school runs, soccer practices, and the daily swirl, I invite you to lean on this recipe for a real dinnertime nutrition win that’s simple and satisfying.
If you want more easy meal ideas with a nutrition twist, you might love other one pot chicken meals like this flavorful chili’s chicken enchilada soup or the well-loved Texas Roadhouse butter chicken skillet from my recipe stash. These recipes make feeding your family wholesome and uncomplicated—a busy mom’s nutrition dream come true!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the easy ingredient list for your One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Trust me, this simple lineup makes nourishing your family doable on those crazy days:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (heart-healthy fat to keep energy steady)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (lean protein supports growing kids and keeps hunger in check)
- 1 small onion, diced (adds flavor and fiber)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (immune-boosting and full of antioxidants)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (vitamin C powerhouse for family wellness)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini or yellow squash (low in carbs, high in nutrients)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies (adds that enchilada flavor without extra carbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (calcium and protein boost)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium) (keeps things moist and adds extra flavor without carbs)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (for that signature spicy taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (gives depth and warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro and lime wedges for topping

No worries if you don’t have zucchini—my family often swaps it out with steamed spinach or kale to sneak in more greens. Shopping tip: You’ll find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store in the fresh or canned aisles.
If budget’s on your mind, this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. Swap out fresh peppers with frozen ones when on sale, and shredded cheese often comes cheaper in larger bags you can freeze in portions.
For busy nights, pre-chop your veggies or grab a pre-minced garlic jar to shave off prep time. The beauty here is you can customize the level of veggie variety based on what your kiddos like, so no family nutrition feels forced!
My family gets extra nutrition when I add a handful of baby spinach towards the end—it wilts quickly but packs an awesome vitamin K and iron punch. Remember, this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet ingredient list stays simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, grab your skillet—here’s how to bring your One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet to life without losing your cool.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken lightly browned but not fully cooked through yet. This locks in flavor. (In my busy kitchen, this nutritious One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet usually takes about 25-30 minutes total.)
- Add diced onion and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts smelling like a wholesome family dinner in the works—such a comforting cue!
- Stir in bell peppers and zucchini (or your chosen veggies). Cook for 4-5 minutes. Your One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet should start looking colorful and inviting now.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced green chilies. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine. This mix of spices gives your skillet the classic enchilada kick, minus the carbs from tortillas.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Remove the lid and sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 1-2 minutes so the cheese melts nicely.
- Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if you want. The bright citrus adds a fresh punch to your One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet.
Don’t worry if your One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet looks like a colorful, messy melt—it tastes better than it looks sometimes, I promise! My family tested this meal a bunch before I was confident sharing it. One thing I learned: letting the cheese melt under the lid makes all the difference for kid-approved goodness.
While your skillet simmers, that’s perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a few minutes to breathe—because nourishing your family means nourishing yourself too.
If you like more recipes in the one-pot chicken dinner style, you might really enjoy checking out this Texan Roadhouse butter chicken skillet or the wholesome chicken orzo skillet for variety.
How We Love to Eat This!
Here’s the real scoop on how my family enjoys our One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet. The kids gobble it up best when I serve it with a side of crunchy raw veggie sticks or a small salad with chopped avocado. Adding those sides not only boosts fiber, but the healthy fats help keep everyone satisfied longer.
We often use this skillet for rushed weeknight dinners when energy is low but nutrition needs are high. It’s one of those few recipes that feels like a real meal—not just “something quick.” For family gatherings or casual get-togethers, I’ll double the recipe because friends always want a taste of this low carb chicken skillet.
Leftovers? Yes, please. The One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet reheats perfectly for next-day lunches or quick dinners after school. I just add a fresh squeeze of lime and a little sprinkle of cheese to revive flavors. Sometimes I stir in extra diced tomatoes or spinach to keep the nutrients flowing.
If you want to switch things up by season, try swapping green chilies for mild canned tomatoes in cooler months or toss in fresh summer corn in warmer months—as long as you keep the carb count in check.
This wholesome One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet reminds me a bit of the cozy chili’s chicken enchilada soup I love making when we want a warm, comforting meal with similar flavors but different textures. If your kids love it, they might go crazy for that too!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! With lean protein from the chicken, colorful veggies, and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese, it’s balanced to help kids stay energized and full. Plus, the added fiber supports digestion. My own kids have thrived on this meal.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet?
A: I get it; picky eaters can be tricky! Try blending some of the veggies finely or swapping in favorites like mild bell peppers or even carrot shreds. The cheese helps mask some of the unfamiliar flavors too. I’ve found letting kids help with cooking increases their willingness to taste.
Q: Can I meal prep this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes, meal prepping is a lifesaver! Cook in batches and store portioned leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in single servings. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Q: Can I substitute chicken with another protein in this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet?
A: Chicken works great for quick cooking and mild flavor, but you can try turkey or lean pork. Just adjust cooking times. For a veggie twist, some moms in my community have added browned tofu or beans for extra fiber.
Q: Is this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet suitable for keto diets?
A: Yep! With low starch veggies and no tortillas, it fits nicely as a keto chicken enchiladas option. For more keto-friendly ideas, check this Keto Chicken Enchilada Skillet which shares similar flavors with specific keto tweaks.
Q: How spicy is this One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet?
A: It’s mild to medium, perfect for family palates. You can adjust chili powder and green chilies based on your family’s tolerance. No need to overwhelm the kids.
Q: Where can I find similar healthy chicken skillet meals for variety?
A: I love checking out One-Pan Chicken Enchilada Skillet recipes and Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Dinners for inspiration. They’re perfect for switching up your meal rotation while keeping nutrition simple.
Final Thoughts:
This One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet plays a starring role in supporting my family’s nutrition goals because it’s simple, nourishing, and adaptable. My quick sanity-saving nutrition hack is to keep pre-chopped veggies ready in the fridge—it turns cooking this skillet into an easy flow. Another hack? Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster one pot chicken dinner. And I always add an extra sprinkle of cheese on leftovers to keep my kids enthusiastic about eating well.
For variety, we have family-tested healthy One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet versions like:
- Spicy version with extra jalapeños for dad
- Mild cheese-heavy for picky youngest who loves gooey cheese
- Veggie-packed with spinach and extra peppers to sneak in the greens for mom
Everyone finds their favorite twist! I encourage you to make this recipe your own way—swap ingredients, adjust spices, and invite your kids into the process for real dinnertime nutrition wins.
I hope your family finds this easy, comforting One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet as helpful and nourishing as ours has been through countless busy nights. Remember, simple nutrition can feed your whole crew well without adding stress. You’ve got this!
And hey, if you want more ideas with the same love for simple family nutrition, try my chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe for a cozy alternative or circle back to those one pot chicken dinner options I mentioned.
Happy cooking, fellow nutrition-seekers!
One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet
This One Pot Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Skillet is a delicious, healthy twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender chicken and vegetables cooked in a flavorful enchilada sauce without the carbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce (low carb)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover skillet with a lid, and cook until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve topped with sliced avocado.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving or serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

