Name: Jalapeno Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Chicken breasts (4); Jalapenos (4-5, sliced); Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced); Olive oil (2 tbsp); Chicken broth (1 cup); Heavy cream (1 cup); Shredded cheese (1 cup, preferably cheddar); Butter (2 tbsp); Salt and pepper (to taste)

If you’re looking for something flavorful, spicy, and absolutely satisfying, this jalapeno chicken recipe might just become your new favorite dinner idea. After testing it out, I was amazed by how simple yet delicious it turned out.

The juicy chicken paired with the fiery kick of jalapenos creates a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re already a fan of spicy dishes or just looking to try something new, this recipe has you covered just like this sticky chicken tenders recipe for another bold and delightful chicken dish that’s a hit at my home!

Credit: sailorbailey.com

Ingredients

Here’s a list of everything you need to make this flavorful, spicy dish. Each ingredient plays a key role in enhancing the taste, so make sure to use the best quality ingredients you can find.

Chicken breasts (4): Juicy and lean, they’re perfect for soaking in all the flavors.
Jalapenos (4-5, sliced): The star of the dish. Use fresh ones for the best flavor.
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds an earthy, aromatic layer to the recipe.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps in the sautéing process while adding slight richness.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Helps create the delicious sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings a creamy texture and balances the heat.
Shredded cheese (1 cup, preferably cheddar): Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully and adds gooey goodness.
Butter (2 tbsp): For that extra touch of indulgence and to enrich the sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Season as you go for a perfectly balanced dish.

Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Variations

Want to tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or add an extra twist? Here are some options to try out.

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.
Extra Spicy: For spice lovers, throw in some red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta.
More Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for additional nutrients.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this jalapeno chicken recipe with ease.

Large skillet: For cooking and making the sauce.
Knife: For slicing the chicken and jalapenos.
Cutting board: To prep all your ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: To get the perfect measurements.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and chicken.

How to Make Jalapeno Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is straightforward and packed with flavor. From prepping your ingredients to serving the dish, you’ll love the process as much as the end result.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and seasoning them with salt and pepper on both sides. This step infuses basic flavor into the chicken from the beginning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them until golden brown on both sides. This takes about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Toss in the sliced jalapenos and cook them for another 2-3 minutes. This step helps release their natural flavors and aroma.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, ensuring you scrape up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, letting it melt slowly while stirring. This forms the base of your creamy, spicy sauce.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Lower the heat and allow the chicken to cook through, absorbing the creamy, zesty sauce. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is ready, serve it hot along with the rich sauce poured over it. You can pair this dish with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Credit: lordbyronskitchen.com

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips to ensure you get the best version of this recipe every time!

Always use fresh jalapenos for maximum flavor and heat.
Don’t skip searing the chicken first; it locks in juices and adds richness to the dish.
Melt the shredded cheese gradually rather than all at once to get a smooth, creamy sauce.
For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it down an extra minute or two before adding the chicken back in.

How to Serve Jalapeno Chicken?

This dish is as versatile in presentation as it is in flavor. Serve it over a bed of steaming white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even alongside roasted veggies for a lighter twist. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. You can also enjoy similar flavorful creations like this creamy spinach chicken recipe for more decadent chicken-based meals.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of this dish based on the ingredients.

Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 35 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fat: 30 grams

Make Ahead and Storage

This jalapeno chicken recipe is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers.

Storing: Refrigerate the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are countless reasons you might fall head-over-heels for this jalapeno chicken recipe. Here are just a few.

Quick and easy to prepare with minimal effort.
Offers customizable spice levels to suit every palate.
Combines versatility and flavor in one dish.
Ideal for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner party entrée.
Perfect as a low-carb or keto-friendly option.

With its tantalizing combination of creamy and spicy, this jalapeno chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests, it’s always a winner! Enjoy! And if you’re looking for more, make sure to explore these creative and flavorful chicken recipes for even more inspiration!