This Jalapeño Chicken is a bold, spicy, and creamy dish packed with flavor! Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy jalapeño sauce that has just the right kick. This dish is easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half to make cutlets
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Jalapeño Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Jalapeño Sauce

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced jalapeños for 2 minutes until softened.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
8. Add the lime juice and stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

9. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy jalapeño sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
• With roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad
• With warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping

Notes

• Less heat? Remove the jalapeño seeds or use mild green chilies instead.
• Dairy-free version: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

The creamy, cheesy sauce balances out the heat from the jalapeños, creating a spicy yet smooth flavor. The seared chicken stays juicy, soaking up the bold, tangy sauce, making this dish irresistibly delicious!

Conclusion

If you love spicy, creamy, and flavorful dishes, this Jalapeño Chicken is a must-try! It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Make it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home! 🌶️🍗🔥✨