Creamy BBQ Coconut Chicken Skillet (Unique, Flavorful & Low-Carb!)
Shake up your weeknight dinner routine with this Creamy BBQ Coconut Chicken Skillet! Tender chicken strips and cauliflower rice are simmered in a rich blend of coconut cream and sugar-free BBQ sauce, with hints of sautéed red onion. Finished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts, this dish offers a unique fusion of flavors. This quick, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free meal is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a tropical evening here in Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast or thigh strips (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
- 1 (10-12 ounce) package pre-cooked cauliflower rice (or 2-3 cups freshly riced cauliflower)
- 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut cream (or full-fat coconut milk, just use the thick cream from the top)
- ¼ – ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce of choice (KETO NOTE: Crucial to verify no added sugar or starches)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Roasted peanuts, chopped, for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. Gather all other ingredients to have them ready.
- Cook Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Onion & Cauliflower Rice: Add the sliced red onion to the same pan (add a little more avocado oil if needed). Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the pre-cooked cauliflower rice (or freshly riced cauliflower) to the pan. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring, until heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in the butter until melted and coating the rice and onion.
- Create Creamy BBQ Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the coconut cream and stir well to combine with the cauliflower rice mixture.
- Stir in the sugar-free BBQ sauce until everything is thoroughly mixed and simmering gently.
- Return the cooked chicken strips to the pan, tossing to coat them in the creamy BBQ sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, to allow flavors to meld and chicken to warm through.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the BBQ Coconut Cream Chicken onto plates.
- Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this unique and flavorful dish!
Tips for Success:
- Coconut Cream vs. Milk: Coconut cream is thicker and will give a richer sauce. If using full-fat coconut milk, spoon out just the thick cream from the top of the can.
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce is Essential: Many BBQ sauces are loaded with sugar. You absolutely must use a sugar-free, low-carb variety for this recipe to be keto-compliant. Brands like G Hughes or Primal Kitchen are good options.
- Don’t Overcook Cauliflower Rice: If using pre-cooked cauliflower rice, simply heat it through. Overcooking can make it mushy.
- Flavor Balance: Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference. Start with ¼ cup and add more if you want a stronger BBQ flavor.
- Garnish is Key: The cilantro and peanuts add crucial freshness and crunch that truly elevate this dish.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This BBQ Coconut Cream Chicken is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken.
- High Healthy Fats: Yes, from avocado oil, butter, coconut cream, and peanuts.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb, provided the sugar-free BBQ sauce is used and the cauliflower rice is the primary carb source.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, contingent on the use of a sugar-free, low-carb BBQ sauce. All other ingredients are naturally suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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