Jalapeno Chicken

Bring some heat to your weeknight dinners with this Jalapeño Chicken! Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked with fresh jalapeños and a creamy sauce make this dish an irresistible combination of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors. Perfect for spice lovers and a great way to elevate simple chicken into something extraordinary!

One evening, my family was craving something with a kick, and that’s when I decided to experiment with this Jalapeño Chicken recipe. My husband, a fan of all things spicy, couldn’t wait to dig in. The moment the aroma filled the kitchen, I knew I had created something special. After just one bite, it quickly became a regular request at our dinner table. The balance of heat from the jalapeños and the creaminess of the sauce had everyone hooked, even my spice-averse kids gave it a thumbs up! Now, it’s a go-to when we want a dinner with a little extra zing.

Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Chicken

• Spicy and Flavorful: The jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat, balanced by the creamy sauce.
• Quick and Easy: This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
• Customizable Heat: You can control the spice level by adjusting the number of jalapeños or removing the seeds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less clean-up with everything cooked in one pan!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients Notes for Jalapeño Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give this dish its kick. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its rich, savory taste.
• Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a rich and cheesy finish.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime brightens up the dish and complements the spicy jalapeños.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika give the chicken a flavorful base.

Recipe Steps for Jalapeño Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Jalapeños and Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add 2-3 sliced fresh jalapeños and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the jalapeños are softened and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Add a squeeze of lime juice (about 1 tablespoon) to brighten the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Jalapeño Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Variations & Substitutions

• Less Spicy: For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños and remove the seeds. You can also substitute jalapeños with mild green chilies.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free, creamy sauce.
• Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
• Cheese Substitute: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add even more spice.

Jalapeno Chicken

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: American, Tex-Mex

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 1 cup jalapeño peppers diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• ▢ 1 cup cream cheese softened
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• ▢ Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Stuff the Chicken: Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff each pocket generously with the jalapeño cheese mixture.
• Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
• Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
• Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve warm.