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Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet 🥘

Published: · Updated: by · 5 Comments

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The Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet is a delicious low-carb skillet dinner made with just 5 simple ingredients + a few pantry staples! This easy recipe brings together the robust flavors of Italian cuisine and a touch of Mediterranean flair to your dining table, all while ensuring you are strong in your keto game. Yes, it has high protein, healthy fats, and low carbs, and it is perfect for your keto diet!

Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet in cast iron skillet
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making a keto Italian chicken skillet takes only 20 minutes. Saute your marinaded chicken cubes and broil them with the remaining ingredients and pantry staples for 5 minutes. The result will take you on a mindblowing journey you never knew was possible when on keto restrictions.

Chef's note

This quick Italian Chicken Skillet recipe is a cheap and quick solution for busy weeknights. You can make it more budget-friendly using chicken thighs instead of expensive meat options. Yeah, the bone-in or skin-on thighs would work great. But if you don't like bones, you can debone it yourself.

chicken, olives, tomatoes, and peppers in a cast iron skillet on top of a gas stove
topped with cheese
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🥘 Ingredients for this keto hot Italian chicken skillet recipe

  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lb skinless chicken breast cubed
  • ½ cup banana pepper rings
  • ¼ cup whole pitted black olives
  • 1 large tomato quartered
  • 1 cup shredded or mozzarella

Ingredient substitutions

  • Avocado oil: Substitute with olive oil or coconut oil. Both options provide a similar healthy fat content.
  • Italian seasoning: If you don't have it on hand, you can make homemade Italian seasoning by combining equal parts of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
  • Onion powder: Substitute with garlic powder for a savory and aromatic flavor.
  • Banana pepper rings: If you don't want to add banana pepper carbs to your recipe, substitute them with sliced jalapeños or pepperoncini peppers. These should add a touch of heat and tanginess.
  • Mozzarella cheese: You can use provolone, either sliced or shredded. Also, you can add a blend of Italian cheeses like Romano, Asiago, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Chicken breast: You can use boneless skinless turkey breast since it is also tender and flavorful.
  • Large tomatoes: Use cherry tomatoes as a substitute but keep the quantity under 4 ounces.

Additional ingredients

Our Chicken Italiano Skillet is a simple 5-ingredient dish, and while it's great as-is, if you're craving a little extra, here are some keto-friendly additions:

  • Fresh Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a burst of aromatic flavor. Sprinkle the basil on top of the dish just before serving to enhance the overall taste and provide a touch of freshness.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet before baking. This will add a pleasant heat to the dish, complementing the other flavors while keeping it keto-friendly.
  • Sliced Mushrooms: For an earthy and savory twist, sauté sliced mushrooms in a separate pan until tender and slightly golden. Add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of baking to incorporate their delicious umami taste into the dish.
  • Fresh Spinach: Enhance the recipe's nutritional value by adding a handful of fresh spinach leaves. Toss the spinach in the skillet during the last few minutes of baking, allowing it to wilt and infuse the dish with vitamins and minerals.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Oven broiler
  • Mixing bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet
  • Oven mitts
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Tools substitute options

  • Mixing bowl: Use a regular bowl or sturdy plastic container (food grade).
  • Mixing spoon: Swap with a regular fork or spatula.
  • Oven mitts: Use heat-resistant gloves or towels while handling hot cookware.
  • Cast-iron skillet: You can also use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet suitable for stovetop and oven use.

How to make Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Broiling

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients: Ready the ingredients in the required amount so you don't run for last-minute grocery shopping.
  2. Prepare the ingredients: Cut the meat into cubes and slice the tomato and black olives.
  3. Preheat your oven broiler to high.

Cooking instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, avocado oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt. Toss well to ensure that the fillets are evenly coated with the seasoning.
  2. Marinate for 10 minutes for the juiciest chicken. If you have time, let it sit for more time. The more, the better!
  3. Heat a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop until it becomes hot.
  4. Once the skillet is hot, carefully pour the marinated fillets and oil mixture into the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping it occasionally, until it is golden brown and fully cooked through.
  5. Next, add the banana pepper rings, black olives, and quartered tomatoes to the skillet, distributing them evenly among the cooked chicken.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the skillet, ensuring it covers the ingredients evenly.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Broil for approximately 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, as it will be hot.
  9. Serve the low-carb Italian chicken meal immediately, either directly from the skillet or by transferring it to serving plates.

Chef's pro tip

When preparing skillet meals, tender chicken breasts are the best option. They provide ample meat and are easier to cook. However, be mindful of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Overcooked fillets can be dry and tough, compromising the tender and juicy texture of the meal. That's why we have to watch over the meat to avoid overcooking. Just cook the fillet until it is golden brown and feels firm yet moist.

Also, be cautious when broiling. The cheese can melt faster and burn quickly under high heat.

How to make it healthier

  • Use Violife mozzarella: For a dairy-free option, violife mozzarella cheese is a great option. 
  • Adjust cheese portion: If you're watching your calorie intake, moderate the amount of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese used and lower the overall fat content.

Time-saving tips

If you are running late for your work, you can use these tips to save time.

  • Buy frozen meat: Head to a department store and get frozen chicken breast. But we recommend you visit a butcher and source fresh meat from there. (Frozen meats are notorious for being dry. Shush!)
  • Use pre-made Italian seasoning: Buy pre-made seasonings for the marinade.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Chicken marinade: Prep the chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, and onion powder, and refrigerate it in a sealed container. Marinate it overnight. Marinating overnight will give you the juiciest and most tender chicken fillets you ever had!
  • Italian seasoning: Prepare the seasoning in advance, and store them until needed.
  • Shredded cheese: Pre-shred provolone or mozzarella and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Sprinkle it over the skillet when it's time to broil.
Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet in cast iron skillet

Storage and reheating instructions

Storing

You can easily store these tantalizing delicacies once they have cooled down to room temperature. Here are the recommended storage methods:

  • Refrigerator: Place the leftover chicken skillet in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Freezing is a great option if you don't plan to consume the leftovers within a few days. Transfer the food to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Store them in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Divide the leftovers into individual portions (meat and vegetables) before storing them. This will ease the reheating process.

Reheating best practices

  • Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a skillet and heat over medium heat. Add chicken broth or a splash of water to add juiciness, and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 325°F or 165°C). Transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

By and large, the KetoHot Italian Chicken Skillet is a must-try recipe for a keto regimen. Whether you are an Italian food lover or a keto follower, this 5-ingredient dinner will satisfy your taste buds.

The combination of chicken, tomatoes, banana peppers, olives, and shredded mozzarella in this creamy chicken recipe brings out an exceptional taste you can enjoy while being on a budget. It is nutritious, delicious, and prepared very quickly, so add some fun to your dinner, lunch, and party meals. Try this out and tell us about your experience in the comments. We can't wait to hear from you!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra richness and flavor to the dish. But the cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly.

Absolutely! You can experiment with other keto-friendly cheese options like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. The choice of cheese will alter the flavor profile slightly, so go with your preference.

This recipe serves as a great base, so customize it by adding extra low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Yes, Add some hot pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture and adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.

Marinating the chicken with spices for an extended period is unnecessary. Even a 10-minute marination allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, if you have more time, marinating it overnight will intensify the taste. But you won't have to do more than that. Over-marinading can lead to a mushy texture.

Suppose you need to serve a larger crowd, double or triple the ingredients accordingly. Ensure you have a larger skillet or divide the mixture into multiple skillets to accommodate the increased portion size. You can find the serving size/yield at the top of the recipe card. Cooking times should be adjusted as well.

📖 Recipe

Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet in cast iron skillet

Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet

This Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet is a delicious low-carb skillet dinner filled with tomatoes, olives, hot peppers, and cheese! Just 5 ingredients + a few pantry staples!
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 30-minute, 5-Ingredient
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 329kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lb chicken breast cubed
  • ½ cup banana pepper rings
  • ¼ cup whole pitted black olives
  • 1 large tomato quartered
  • 1 cup shredded or mozzarella

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven broiler to high.
  • In a small bowl, toss the avocado oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt with the cubed chicken. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes (you can marinate up to overnight if desired).
  • Heat a 10” or larger cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the chicken and oil mixture to the skillet. Cook, 7-8 minutes flipping the chicken occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Add the banana pepper rings, black olives, and tomato to the skillet.
  • Top with the shredded provolone and transfer to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Hot Italian Chicken Skillet
Amount Per Serving
Calories 329 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 1040mg45%
Potassium 529mg15%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 534IU11%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 174mg17%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly Sawickey says

    OH thank you so much trying this one tomorrow night!! Love your recipes thank you so very much !!

    Reply

  2. Susan says

    How long do you recommend marinating the chicken? I didn't see that step in the recipe, but it's mentioned in the text. Maybe I overlooked it... 🙂

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Susan, thanks for pointing that out! We have updated the recipe with the marinating instructions.

      Reply

  3. KevinM says

    Made this tonight. My wife who is highly critical of new recipes gives it a thumbs up! I agree it was one that will go into my rotation. Did not change anything in the recipe!

    Reply

  4. Amanda says

    5 stars
    We had this for dinner. My fiancé liked it so much, he said he was cooking it for breakfast. Thank you!

    Reply

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