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Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet

Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet

Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, velvety sauce infused with fresh jalapenos for balanced heat. This one-pan dish combines bold, spicy flavors with creamy textures, perfect for pairing with rice, tortillas, or salads and customizable to suit all spice preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 fresh jalapenos, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced jalapenos. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened to release their spicy aroma.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the pan to add flavor. Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add Cheese and Return Chicken: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce and stir until melted and fully integrated. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and allow them to soak in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Final Taste and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. When everything is heated through and well combined, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Allow chicken to come to room temperature (about 15 minutes) before cooking for even cooking.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken as it adds deep caramelized flavor.
  • Remove jalapeno seeds if you prefer milder heat.
  • Choose a cheese that melts smoothly for the best creamy sauce texture.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid boiling and curdling the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken, Jalapeno, Creamy Sauce, Spicy, Skillet, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Gluten Free