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Keto Dinner

Acapulco Chicken

Whenever I crave bold Mexican flavors without the carbs, this Acapulco chicken hits the spot. It’s a vibrant, no-fuss skillet meal with tender chicken bites, crisp bell peppers, and a gentle heat from fresh jalapeños. Ready in about half an hour, it’s become a weeknight staple.

15 min Prep time 15 min Cook time 30 min Total time 4 Servings 350 Calories
Acapulco Chicken

Ingredients

  • skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
  • tablespoon chili powder, divided
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • tablespoon olive oil
  • cup chopped green bell pepper
  • /2 cup chopped onion
  • jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
  • large tomato, cut into chunks
  • drops hot pepper sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season them with half of the chili powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped green bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry them for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Let the onion turn translucent and the bell pepper get a light char around the edges—it deepens the flavor. Next, add the minced jalapeños and tomato chunks, then sprinkle in the remaining chili powder and the hot pepper sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the tomatoes break down slightly but still hold their shape. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Let it all cook together for another 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs those spicy, smoky notes. Once everything is heated through, it’s ready to serve. A squeeze of fresh lime right at the end ties everything together.

Chef's Tip

A secret I swear by: pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a perfect sear, and finish with a squeeze of lime.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and the peppers slightly crisp.

Variation Tips

For a seafood twist, replace the chicken with large shrimp—cook them until just pink. You can also serve this over a generous portion of cilantro-lime cauliflower rice or with warm low-carb tortillas for a fajita-style meal. If you prefer less heat, use one jalapeño or remove the seeds completely.

Frequently Asked Questions