Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that combines the warmth of spices with the richness of cream. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering both flavor and comfort. The creamy sauce, packed with the heat from jalapeños and the goodness of cheddar, will make your family come back for seconds. Plus, it’s a one-skillet meal, making cleanup a breeze!

How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
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 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

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.
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.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the creamy jalapeño sauce. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top.

How to Serve Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet

Serve Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet over a bed of rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the flavors.

How to Store Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Skillet

Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference. For a milder dish, remove the seeds before slicing.
For extra flavor, consider adding other spices or herbs like cumin or oregano in the sauce.
If you like more sauce, increase the amount of chicken broth and heavy cream.

Variation:

You can easily make this recipe with shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to heat and serve.

2. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish goes great with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just make sure to consume them within 2-3 months for the best flavor. Reheat on the stove when ready to serve.