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Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet Recipe

4.9 from 145 reviews

This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, cheesy jalapeño cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines a spicy kick with creamy textures and fresh cilantro for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Veggies

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced jalapeños. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the creamy jalapeño sauce. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use full-fat heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
  • Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before slicing.

Keywords: creamy jalapeño chicken, one-pan chicken dinner, easy chicken skillet, spicy chicken with cheese sauce, comfort food chicken recipe