Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce

Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. The combination of jalapenos, spices, and creamy ingredients create a flavor-packed experience. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Set them aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapenos to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the jalapenos are softened.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Stir in the lime juice just before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

How to Serve Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce

This dish is best served hot over rice, pasta, or with warm tortillas. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For those who love extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.

How to Store Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce

• Adjust the number of jalapenos based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds can also reduce the spiciness.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for better flavor.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Variation

You can switch up the type of cheese in the sauce. Pepper jack cheese adds extra heat and flavor, while a blend of cheeses can enhance the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and are more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a little longer to cook through.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it great for meal prep.

What can I serve this dish with?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or tortillas. You can also serve it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables.

Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce

A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty, creamy sauce, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Cooking Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 pieces jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish
• Red pepper flakes Optional: for extra heat

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Set them aside.

Cooking Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapenos to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the jalapenos are softened.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Stir in the lime juice just before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Notes

This dish is best served hot over rice, pasta, or with warm tortillas. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. It stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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