Description

If you love bold, spicy flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist, this Jalapeño Chicken is a must-try! Featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts, fiery jalapeños, and a velvety cheddar-infused sauce, this dish is the perfect balance of heat and richness. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or an impressive dish for guests. Adjust the spice level to your preference and serve it with rice, tortillas, or roasted veggies for a mouthwatering meal that will become a new favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
2–3 fresh jalapeños, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Jalapeños and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add sliced jalapeños and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
Add lime juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.

4. Simmer & Serve

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
Let the chicken simmer for 5 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

Adjust the Heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder dish, or add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
Thicker Sauce? Let it simmer longer or add more cheese. Too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth.
Perfect Pairings: Serve with rice, roasted veggies, tortillas, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired