Keto Smoked Paprika Chicken Skillet is a bold, creamy low-carb dinner made with tender chicken pieces, smoked paprika, garlic, and a rich cream sauce. This easy keto skillet is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for quick weeknight meals, meal prep, and comforting high-protein low-carb eating.

About This Recipe

Keto Smoked Paprika Chicken Skillet is a fast, flavor-packed low-carb dinner that delivers bold smoky depth with minimal effort. Smoked paprika is the star of this dish, providing warmth and richness without heat, while a creamy sauce ties everything together into a comforting, satisfying skillet meal. By using chicken cut into bite-size pieces instead of whole fillets, the sauce coats every bite evenly and creates a cohesive, rustic skillet texture.

The recipe starts by seasoning chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then lightly browning it to build flavor. Garlic and a touch of onion powder deepen the savory base before heavy cream and cream cheese are added to form a thick, velvety sauce. As the sauce simmers, it absorbs the smoky paprika flavor and clings to the chicken, creating a dish that feels indulgent while staying firmly keto-friendly.

This skillet is ideal for busy weeknights because it comes together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s also excellent for meal prep — the sauce stays creamy after reheating, and the smoky flavors become even more pronounced the next day. You can customize the dish easily by adding spinach, mushrooms, or chili flakes, or by adjusting the paprika level to your preference.

Whether served on its own, over cauliflower rice, or paired with roasted vegetables, this smoked paprika chicken skillet is a dependable low-carb dinner that delivers comfort, speed, and bold flavor in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold smoked paprika flavor
Creamy and comforting
Ready in under 30 minutes
One-pan skillet meal
Naturally keto and low-carb
High-protein dinner option
Great for meal prep
Easy to customize

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Creamy Paprika Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (additional)

Optional Garnish

Chopped parsley
Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Add garlic and onion powder; stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and cream cheese.
Stir until the sauce is smooth and thick.
Add additional smoked paprika and simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce coats the chicken.
Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired and serve hot.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 420
Fat: 30g
Protein: 32g
Net Carbs: 3g

FAQ

Q: Is smoked paprika spicy?
A: No. It adds smoky depth, not heat.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes — thighs add extra juiciness.
Q: Does this reheat well?
A: Yes. The sauce stays creamy.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Spinach or mushrooms work very well.
Q: Is this meal-prep friendly?
A: Absolutely.

Variations & Substitutions

Add spinach at the end
Use hot smoked paprika for heat
Add mushrooms for extra volume
Swap cream cheese for mascarpone
Add chili flakes for spice

Serving Suggestions

Serve over cauliflower rice
Pair with roasted broccoli
Add a crisp green salad
Enjoy as a stand-alone skillet

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