There’s something magical about a dish that perfectly balances spice, creaminess, and heartiness, and this Creamy Jalapeño Chicken does just that. If you love bold flavors but don’t want something overwhelmingly spicy, this dish is a must-try.
This recipe brings together tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and the gentle heat of jalapeños for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce, it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table.
So, if you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress, let’s dive into this delicious Creamy Jalapeño Chicken recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Spicy – The jalapeños give just the right amount of heat without overpowering the rich, velvety sauce.
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making this a great option for busy evenings.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or removing the seeds for a milder taste.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Pairs Well with Everything – Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This helps infuse the meat with flavor from the very beginning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and jalapeños. Sauté them for 3–4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds so much extra flavor to the sauce! Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cumin, and additional paprika.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and let the chicken simmer for another 5–7 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Control the Spice Level – If you want a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping them. For extra heat, leave some seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Don’t Skip the Searing – Getting a good sear on the chicken locks in moisture and adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
- Use Fresh Jalapeños – Fresh jalapeños give the best flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with canned or pickled jalapeños (just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly).
- Cheese Options – While cheddar and mozzarella create a great balance, you can also try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra spice.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Adjust Spice – Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat; add extra for more.
- Check Temp – Cook chicken to 165°F (75°C) for best results.
- Sauce Fix – Thin with broth or thicken with cornstarch.
- Serving Ideas – Great with rice, pasta, or veggies.
- Dairy-Free? – Use coconut milk and skip cheese.
- Reheat Right – Warm on low with a splash of broth.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The creamy sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, but you can still freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly over low heat while stirring.
- Reheating: Warm up leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to help maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and remain extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with creamy jalapeño chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, cilantro lime rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even some warm tortillas for a Tex-Mex-style meal.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and combine when reheating for the best texture.
Related Recipes
If you loved this creamy jalapeño chicken, here are some more comforting, flavor-packed recipes to try:
Conclusion
This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors—all in one pan! Whether you’re cooking for family or just want a comforting meal with a bit of heat, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Give it a try, and let me know how you liked it! Happy cooking!
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Creamy Jalapeño Chicken – A Spicy, Comforting Delight
Description
There’s something magical about a dish that perfectly balances spice, creaminess, and heartiness, and this Creamy Jalapeño Chicken does just that. If you love bold flavors but don’t want something overwhelmingly spicy, this dish is a must-try.
This recipe brings together tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and the gentle heat of jalapeños for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce, it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table.
So, if you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress, let’s dive into this delicious Creamy Jalapeño Chicken recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This helps infuse the meat with flavor from the very beginning.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and jalapeños. Sauté them for 3–4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds so much extra flavor to the sauce! Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cumin, and additional paprika.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the sauce.
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and let the chicken simmer for another 5–7 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Spice – Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat; add extra for more.
- Check Temp – Cook chicken to 165°F (75°C) for best results.
- Sauce Fix – Thin with broth or thicken with cornstarch.
- Serving Ideas – Great with rice, pasta, or veggies.
- Dairy-Free? – Use coconut milk and skip cheese.
- Reheat Right – Warm on low with a splash of broth.