Jalapeno Chicken
Share The Yum On Facebook
Pin this recipe for later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Pin this recipe for later!
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.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
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
- Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice (about 1 tablespoon) to brighten the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- 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
Ingredients
- 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.
