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Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet

Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet
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Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Skillet is a bold, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious jalapeno-infused creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe balances spicy heat with comforting creaminess, offering a quick, versatile, and family-friendly meal that pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2–3 fresh jalapenos, diced (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Dairy and Liquids

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

  • Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
  • Lime juice (for finishing)
  • Sour cream (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the jalapenos, mince the garlic, and chop the onion. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and cumin to build foundational flavors.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced jalapenos, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the jalapenos release their fragrant heat.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate extra flavor. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Cook until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh burst of flavor, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapenos for the best flavor and balanced heat.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; sear well then simmer gently to maintain juiciness.
  • Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and complements the jalapeno heat well.
  • Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce spice or leave them in for more kick.
  • If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a little longer to thicken.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
  • Add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or corn for texture and color.
  • To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to prevent sauce separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream jalapeno chicken, one pan chicken skillet, creamy spicy chicken, jalapeno chicken recipe, quick dinner recipe, easy weeknight meal, gluten free chicken dish

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/creamy-jalapeno-chicken-skillet/